JP2018051034A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that further improves indication for explaining a game play method.SOLUTION: A game machine executes explanation performance for explaining a game play method to a player using an image of part of housing during demonstration that is a non-game play period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a game.

  As a gaming machine, a predetermined number of bets are set, and a slot machine in which a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed based on a start operation, and a gaming medium such as a gaming ball is played by a launching device. And a pachinko gaming machine in which a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed when a game medium is won in a starting area such as a prize opening provided in the gaming area.

  Conventionally, as an example of this type of gaming machine, there has been a display for a player explaining a gaming method of the gaming machine (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-151079 A

  According to the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it is not sufficient to display the explanation of the gaming method, and there is room for further improvement.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can realize further improvement of display about explanation of a gaming method.

(1) In a gaming machine that performs a game (for example, slot machine 1),
An effect means (for example, a sub-effect such as an explanation effect during a demonstration as shown in FIG. 19, an explanation effect due to an operation of a non-game player as shown in FIG. 20) for explaining a game method can be executed. A control unit 91),
The presentation means can execute an explanation presentation for explaining the gaming method using an image representing at least a part of the gaming machine during a non-game (for example, as shown in FIG. The explanation method is executed using the image of the game during the demonstration. As shown in FIG. 20, the game method is explained by the operation of the non-game player using the image of a part of the housing. (Execution production is performed).

  According to such a configuration, the explanation effect is executed using an image representing at least a part of the gaming machine, so that the explanation of the gaming method can be easily communicated to the player.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
The effect means can execute the explanation effect using an image representing the entire gaming machine and an image representing a part of the gaming machine (the entire slot machine 1 as shown in FIG. 19A). The explanation effect is executed using the housing image 63 to be represented and an image representing a part of the slot machine 1 as shown in FIG. 19B).

  According to such a configuration, the explanation effect is executed using the image representing the entire gaming machine and the image representing a part of the gaming machine, so that the explanation of the gaming method can be easily communicated to the player.

It is a front view of the slot machine of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the technical matter relevant to the kind of small combination, the symbol combination of a small combination, and a small combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the technical matter relevant to the kind of re-game player, the symbol combination of a re-game player, and a re-game player. It is a figure for demonstrating the technical matter relevant to the symbol combination of a transfer event, and a transfer event. It is a figure for demonstrating the transition of a gaming state. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination of the lottery object combination read as a lottery object role for every game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination of the lottery object combination read as a lottery object role for every game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination of the combination which a prize is permitted by a lottery object combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the reel control at the time of several re-game player winning. It is a figure for demonstrating the reel control at the time of a some bell winning. It is a figure which shows the alerting | reporting aspect by error alerting | reporting. It is a figure for demonstrating an error display screen. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of an error display screen. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of an error display screen. It is a figure for demonstrating an explanation production | presentation screen. It is a figure for demonstrating an explanation production | presentation screen. It is a figure for demonstrating a promotion display screen. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the starting process (main) which a main control part performs at the time of starting. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the game process which a main control part performs after a setting change process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the error alerting | reporting process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interruption process (main) which a main control part performs for every fixed interval. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interruption process (main) which a main control part performs for every fixed interval. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the power interruption process which a main control part performs after a setting change process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interruption process (sub) which a sub control part performs for every fixed interval. It is a timing chart which shows the state of each display and each operation when a power interruption generate | occur | produces in an error state and a power failure resets. It is a figure for demonstrating the slot machine and promotion display screen of a modification.

  A mode for carrying out a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples. In the following embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The slot machine 1 includes a housing 1a having an open front surface and a front door 1b pivotally supported on a side end of the housing 1a. A liquid crystal display 51 is provided at the upper center of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a display area 51a, and the transmission area 51b corresponding to the see-through window 3 can be transmitted. Accordingly, a predetermined effect can be executed in the display area 51a, and the reels 2L and 2C arranged in parallel inside the housing 1a through the transparent window 3 through the transmission area 51b of the display area 51a. 2R (hereinafter also referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) becomes visible. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a symbol arrangement of each reel. On the reels 2L to 2R, a plurality of types of symbols that can be identified are arranged in a predetermined order. The number of reels is not limited to three, and may be one or two or more. Moreover, although the variable display part has shown the example comprised by the physical reel, you may be comprised by image display apparatuses, such as a liquid crystal display.

  At the lower right of the liquid crystal display 51, a medal insertion portion 4 into which medals can be inserted is provided, and at the lower part of the front door 1b, a medal payout opening 9 through which medals are paid out and speakers 53, 54 are provided.

  Further, as an example of the operation means, the front door 1b is set with a specified number of bets determined according to the gaming state within the credit range stored as the gaming value (the number of medals) owned by the player. The MAXBET switch 6 that is operated when the game is performed, the settlement switch 10 that is operated when the credit and the set bet number are settled and returned, the start switch 7 that is operated when the game is started, and the reels 2L to 2R Stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that are operated when the rotations are stopped are provided, an effect switch 56 for use in effects, and the like.

  The front door 1b is provided with a game display unit 13 for notifying information related to a game as an example of a notification unit. The game display unit 13 includes a credit display 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, a game auxiliary display 12 that displays a medal payout number and an error code when an error occurs, and a set bet. 1BETLED14 for informing the number, 2BETLED15, 3BETLED16, insertion request LED17 for informing that the medal can be inserted, start valid LED18 for informing that the game can be started by operating the start switch 7, start switch Waiting LED 19 for notifying that the weight is in a state of waiting for the start of rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R since a certain period of time has not elapsed since the start of the previous game, after the replay winning Replay to inform you that you are in a replay game LED20 is provided in.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the slot machine 1. Inside the front door 1b, there are a reset switch 23 for detecting a reset operation for releasing an error state and a stop state (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until the reset operation is performed), A set value display 24 for displaying the set value at that time during confirmation of the set value, a stop switch 36a for selecting whether the stop function to be controlled to the stop state is valid, and stored as credits. An automatic settlement switch 36b for selecting validity / invalidity of an automatic settlement function that automatically settles (returns) medals regardless of the player's operation, and a flow path of medals inserted from the medal insertion section 4 1a is provided from a flow path switching solenoid 30 for selectively switching to either the hopper tank 34a side or the medal payout exit 9 side provided in 1a, the medal insertion part 4, Medal selector 29 having inserted medal sensor 31 for detecting a medal which flows down Ppatanku 34a side, the door opening detection switch 25 for detecting the open state of the front door 1b (see FIG. 4) is provided.

  The inserted medal sensor 31 includes a plurality (for example, three) of sensors capable of detecting medals, and the medals inserted with the plurality of sensors can be detected in a predetermined order (in order from the upstream sensor). It is configured. The main control unit 41 detects a result of detection by the plurality of sensors as a detection result (also referred to as an appropriate detection result) when the medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are detected in a predetermined order. It is determined that the inserted medal sensor 31 detects the inserted medal or the passage of the inserted medal. Conversely, the main control unit 41 determines that an error has occurred when the medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are not detected in a predetermined order.

  Further, inside the housing 1a, the reel unit 2, an external output board 1000 for outputting an external output signal, a hopper tank 34a for storing medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4, and medals stored in the hopper tank 34a A hopper unit 34 including a hopper motor 34b for paying out the medals from the medal payout opening 9, a payout sensor 34c for detecting medals paid out by driving the hopper motor 34b, and a power supply box 100 are provided (see FIG. 4). .

  On the side of the hopper unit 34, an overflow tank 35 is provided for storing medals overflowing from the hopper tank 34a. Inside the overflow tank 35, there is provided a full sensor 35a (see FIG. 4) made up of a pair of electrically conductive members spaced from each other and provided at a height capable of detecting a predetermined amount of stored medals. When the conductive member conducts electricity through contact with a medal stored in the overflow tank 35, the amount of medal stored in the inside exceeds a predetermined amount, that is, the overflow tank becomes full. Is detected.

  The front side of the power supply box 100 functions as a setting key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, and functions as a reset switch for canceling an error state or a stop state in a normal state. There are provided a reset / setting switch 38 functioning as a setting switch for changing the set value of the winning probability (out-run rate) of the internal lottery, and a power switch 39 operated when turning on / off the power.

  The stop switch 36a, automatic settlement switch 36b, setting key switch 37, reset / setting switch 38, and power switch 39 in the housing 1a cannot be operated unless the front door 1b is opened by key operation. For this reason, those switches inside the housing 1a can be operated only by a game attendant, and cannot be operated by the player.

  When playing a game in the slot machine 1, first, a predetermined number of bets (for example, 3) are set by inserting medals into the medal insertion unit 4 or operating the MAXBET switch 6. As a result, the winning line LN becomes valid, the operation to the start switch 7 becomes valid, and the game can be started. If medals are inserted with the bet number set, the amount is added to the credit.

  The winning line is a line for determining whether a combination of symbols displayed on the see-through windows 3 of the reels 2L to 2R is a winning symbol combination. In the present embodiment, an example in which only one winning line LN is provided will be described. However, a plurality of winning lines may be provided. In addition, invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are provided to make it easy to recognize that the combination of symbols constituting the winning line is aligned with the winning line LN. The invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are not determined as winning lines, but when a combination of specific winning symbols (so-called disparity) is aligned on the winning line LN, any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 has a predetermined symbol. By aligning the combinations (for example, bell-bell-bell), it is easy to recognize that a combination of symbols constituting a specific prize is arranged on the winning line LN.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L to 2R are rotated to display the symbols variably, and when the stop switches 8L to 8R are operated, the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped. The three symbols are derived and displayed as display results on the upper, middle, and lower stages of the fluoroscopic window 3. When a combination of winning symbols stops on the winning line LN and a winning occurs, a predetermined number of medals are given to the player according to the winning and the credit is added or the credit reaches the upper limit (50). In this case, medals are paid out from the medal payout exit 9.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the slot machine 1. In the example of FIG. 4, a game control board 40 that controls the progress of the game and outputs various commands according to the progress of the game, an effect control board 90 that controls a predetermined effect according to the command, and a drive power source for the electrical components A power supply board 101 for generating a signal and an external output board 1000 for outputting a signal according to the progress of the game to the outside are provided.

  The game control board 40 advances the game based on detection signals from switches such as various operation means and detection means (illustrated on the left side of the game control board 40 in FIG. 4), and notifies means (game control in FIG. 4). Display devices such as the example on the left side of the substrate 40 are driven and controlled. Further, the game control board 40 drives and controls the reel motors 32L to 32R based on signals from the reel sensors 33L to 33R.

  A circuit configuration (illustrated in the game control board 40 in FIG. 4) such as the main control unit 41 is mounted on the game control board 40. The main control unit 41 performs processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls the configuration mounted on or connected to the game control board 40. The main control unit 41 is a one-chip microcomputer and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O port, and the like.

  The effect control board 90 is connected to an effect switch 56 and drives and controls an effect device such as the liquid crystal display 51 (illustrated on the left side of the effect control board 90 in FIG. 4). The effect control board 90 is mounted with a circuit configuration such as the sub-control unit 91 (illustrated in the effect control board 90 of FIG. 4). The sub-control unit 91 receives a command transmitted from the game control board 40, performs a process of performing an effect, and directly or indirectly controls a configuration mounted on or connected to the effect control board 90. The sub-control unit 91 is a one-chip microcomputer and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O port, and the like. The circuit configuration of the sub-control unit 91 includes, for example, a clock device 97 (hereinafter also referred to as RTC) for measuring at least one of date and time. The sub-control unit 91 can execute effect control according to, for example, at least one of the date and time counted by the RTC 97, a detection signal from the effect switch 56, and the like. A hopper motor 34b, various operation means and detection means (illustrated on the right side of the power supply board 101 in FIG. 4) and the like are connected to the power supply board 101.

  FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams for explaining the types of winning combinations, symbol combinations of winning combinations, and technical matters related to winning combinations. The name column indicates the name of the winning combination, and the symbol combination column indicates the combination of symbols in which the winning combination becomes a winning. In addition, in the symbol combination column that is aligned with the invalid line, a symbol combination that is easy to be recognized by the player and is a combination of symbols that stop on the invalid line when the winning symbol combination stops on the winning line. Yes. In the payout number column, values (medal payout, replay grant) given at the time of winning are shown. BB1 and BB2 are winning combinations with a transition to an advantageous state of bonus. In the BB1 and BB2 payout number columns, bonus termination conditions to be transferred by winning are shown. Each bonus is ended by paying out more than a predetermined number of medals. For example, a bonus controlled by winning / winning BB1 ends in a game in which the number of medals paid out during the bonus is 351 or more.

  In addition, the gaming state column in FIG. 6 shows the gaming state to be transferred when winning. “/” Indicates “or”. For example, in the fall replay of FIG. 6, the symbol combination is “Bell-Replay-Bell”, which is controlled by RT1 at the time of winning, and the value to be given is replay grant. In addition, when the symbol combination of the fall replay stops on the winning line, “Replay / Plum-Replay-Replay / Plum” stops on the invalid line. When the special replay symbol combination stops on the winning line, “black BAR / white BAR−black BAR / white BAR−black BAR / white BAR” stops on the invalid line. "Black BAR / White BAR-Black BAR / White BAR-Black BAR / White BAR" can be stopped on the invalid line only when the special replay is won, and when the special replay is not won It is a combination of symbols that is not stopped on the line.

  In addition, the re-playing role (replay) is a role for giving replaying. Here, the re-game means that the next game can be performed without using the game value (for example, credit) owned by the player. In other words, the re-game means that the variable display unit can be variably displayed without using the game value owned by the player. In the present embodiment, when a re-game player is won, a prize is won regardless of the operation procedure (at least one of the operation order and operation timing) of the derivation operation means. As a modified example, even if the re-game combination is won, depending on the operation procedure of the derivation operation means, it may be a combination that does not win (that is, a combination that has been missed).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a symbol combination of a transition event and technical matters related to the transition event. In the transition, the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4, and the right bells 1 to 4 shown in FIG. If you miss the winning top bell, it will be the same as the winning line LN. When the transition outcome stops on the winning line LN during RT0, 2, 3, the routine proceeds to RT1.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the gaming state controlled by the main control unit 41, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of the gaming state. In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, RT0 to RT4 in which replay is won with a predetermined winning probability (refer to the numerical value in the replaying role column in the upper diagram of FIG. 9), and the winning probability of the small role is between RT0 to RT4 Among a plurality of types of gaming states including a bonus that is improved over time, the game state is controlled to one of the corresponding gaming states from when the start condition is satisfied until the end condition is satisfied (shown along the arrows in FIG. 8). Refer to the winning combination or the outcome, refer to the start condition / end condition column in the upper diagram of FIG. 9).

  When either BB1 or BB2 is won, RT4 is controlled. The winning flag that is set when either BB1 or BB2 wins is carried over until winning of the winning BB occurs. Also, RT4 is controlled continuously from BB winning to BB winning. During RT4, it is lower than during RT0 and RT2, and wins the replay with the same probability as during RT1 and RT3 (refer to the numerical value in the replaying role column in the upper diagram of FIG. 9). Note that the replay probability in RT4 is set to a probability that the payout rate does not exceed 1 even if the winning combination can be won without being missed. In other words, the replay probability in RT4 is the total number of medals to be paid out when winning a winning combination without losing the winning combination during RT4. The total number of medals is not exceeded and the probability that the medals will not increase is set. When a BB winning occurs during RT4, the bonus is controlled, and the bonus is ended by paying out more than the number of medals described in FIG. 5, and the process is controlled to RT3. The types of replays to be internally drawn are determined for each RT type (circles in the lower diagram of FIG. 9 indicate replays to be drawn).

  FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are diagrams showing combinations of lottery object combinations that are read out as lottery object roles (hereinafter also referred to as winning combinations) for each gaming state. The lottery target role column indicates the name, and the game status column indicates that the lottery target role is subject to lottery for each RT type, and the winning probability is indicated by the numerical value under the circle. The number of judgment values involved is indicated. For example, the bell is a lottery target winning combination in 360/65536 in any state of RT0 to RT3. During RT4, bonus lottery is not performed, but the winning combination of the winning combination that can be won at the same time as the bonus (hereinafter also referred to as simultaneous winning combination) is the same probability as during other RTs. For weak watermelons, an internal lottery is performed with the number of judgment values shown in parentheses.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the special replay is determined to be a lottery target only when controlled by RT2. Further, in the bonus, for example, the middle bell is set as a lottery target and it is determined to win with an extremely high probability (64000/65536). The middle bell is a role that can generate a prize regardless of the operation timing. For this reason, during the bonus, regardless of the operation timing and operation procedure, the middle bell prize can be generated with a very high probability, and the number of medals can be increased efficiently. For this reason, the bonus is an advantageous state for the player.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining combinations of winning combinations that are allowed to win by the lottery target winning combinations. For example, the weak cherry is the lower cherry. The weak watermelon includes a right-down watermelon, an upper watermelon, and a middle watermelon. Therefore, when the weak watermelon is won in the internal lottery, it means that the right-down watermelon, the upper watermelon, and the middle watermelon are won.

  Among the lottery target combinations, bonus 1 to bonus 12 are combinations that can be won by simultaneously reading out a predetermined winning combination such as BB1 or BB2 and weak cherry or bell. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, different numbers of determination values are defined for bonus 1 to bonus 12. For this reason, the bonus 6 or 12 is the advantage for the player, that is, the ratio of BB1 or BB2 actually winning simultaneously when winning the simultaneous winning combination (hereinafter also referred to as reliability). The number of determination values is determined so that the middle cherries are the highest, followed by strong cherries, strong watermelons, weak cherries, and weak watermelons in this order, and the bell (hereinafter also referred to as the middle tier bell) is the lowest.

  13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining reel control when a plurality of winning combinations are simultaneously won. When a winning operation is performed in the pressing order shown in the pressing order column for each winning lottery object, the reel control is performed to stop the winning symbol combination shown in the symbol combination to be stopped on the winning line LN. For example, when the replay GR1 is won, the promotion replay 1 is derived when the pressing order is left middle right, and the normal replay is derived when the pressing order is other than left middle right. Also, for example, when the left bell is elected, if the pushing order is the first left stop, the lower right bell is derived, and if the pushing order is other than the first left stop, the upper bell or the transition start Is derived.

  Further, when winning the simultaneous winning combination, reel control different from that when not winning the simultaneous winning combination can be performed. For example, when a weak watermelon is won, reel control is performed so that a watermelon that falls to the right or an upper watermelon is prioritized over a middle watermelon, but is pulled to the winning line, while a right watermelon is lowered when a strong watermelon is won. Reel control is performed in which the middle-stage watermelon is given priority over both the watermelon and the upper-stage watermelon to be drawn onto the winning line. When a weak cherry or a strong cherry is won, reel control is performed to draw the lower cherries onto the winning line, and when a middle cherry is selected, reel control is performed to pull the middle cherries onto the winning line. . As a result, it is possible to estimate whether it is cherry or watermelon, weak or strong, or mid-stage cherry from the combination of symbols when the reels 2L to 2R are stopped, and the expectation for bonus winning or AT winning is different. Can be made.

  In the narrow sense, “game” in the slot machine 1 refers to a period from when the start switch 7 is operated to when the reels 2L to 2R are stopped. Since the medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the reels 2L to 2R are stopped, these incidental processes are also included in the “game” in a broad sense.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the medal payout rate changes according to the set value. Specifically, the medal payout rate is changed by determining a winning probability used in an internal lottery described later according to the set value. The fact that the winning probability changes according to the set value is referred to as a setting difference, and the fact that the winning probability does not change according to the set value is also referred to as no set difference. The set value is composed of 6 levels of 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate and the payout rate being lower as the value is decreased in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and as the value decreases in order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, the advantage decreases stepwise. However, out of a plurality of types of lottery target roles, a section having a high degree of advantage for the player (a high probability state of AT lottery called CZ and a state where a net increase in the number of ATs to be described later increases), etc. There is no setting difference in the lottery target combination that is the target of the advantageous section operation lottery that determines whether or not to shift. On the other hand, among a plurality of types of lottery object combinations, lottery object combinations that are not eligible for advantageous section operation lottery may have a setting difference. In order to change the setting value, an administrator may operate an operation unit (not shown) provided in the slot machine 1 to shift to a setting change state in which the setting value can be changed. In order to confirm the set value, the administrator may perform a predetermined operation to shift to a setting confirmation state in which the set value can be confirmed.

  In addition, the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed according to the setting value setting, the winning probability of the advantageous section operation lottery is changed according to the setting value setting, and the internal lottery winning is determined according to the setting value setting. Any one of changing the probability and changing the winning probability of the advantageous section operation lottery may be performed.

[Game processing]
The main control unit 41 performs a game control process to control one game. In the game control process, first, a BET process for setting a bet amount and performing a credit settlement / a bet settlement is performed.

  When the start switch 7 is operated after setting the betting amount, a random number value is extracted from a predetermined random number circuit, and it is determined (internal lottery) whether or not a winning is allowed based on the extracted random number value. The internal lottery process (see FIGS. 10 to 12 and the like) is performed. The random number circuit updates a numerical value within a predetermined numerical value range (0 to 65535) according to a predetermined update rule. The main control unit 41 extracts a numerical value updated by the random number circuit when the start switch 7 is operated as a random value. When a lottery target combination is won in the internal lottery, a winning combination winning flag included in the lottery target combination is set in a predetermined area of the RAM. For example, when BB1 is won, a BB1 winning flag is set, and when a strong cherry is won, a winning flag for the lower cherries and a winning flag for a single piece are set. The winning flags of BB1 and BB2 are carried over until the winning BB is won, while the winning flags corresponding to winning combinations other than BB1 and BB2 are determined when the winning game ends regardless of whether or not a winning has occurred. Will be erased.

  When the internal lottery process ends, a reel rotation process is performed. In the reel rotation process, the stop switches 8L to 8R are activated after the reels 2L to 2R start rotating on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has passed since the reel rotation start of the previous game. And the rotation of the reel is stopped according to the stop operation (see FIGS. 13 and 14). In the reel rotation process, in order to execute a freeze effect that delays the progress of the game for a predetermined period (delays the activation of the stop operation of each of the stop switches 8L to 8R) when a predetermined freeze condition is satisfied. After executing the freeze effect processing, the stop switches 8L to 8R are validated to shift to the normal game.

  When the reels 2L to 2R are stopped and the reel rotation process is completed, a winning determination process (see FIGS. 5 to 7 and the like) is performed for determining whether or not a winning has occurred based on the symbol combination on the winning line. . Further, the state shown in FIG. 8 is controlled according to the symbol combination on the winning line.

  When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed. In the payout process, medals are paid out or credits are added according to the occurrence of a prize, various processes not related to the prize (for example, the process related to the bonus end control by counting the number of medals paid out in the bonus, and the winning without carryover) Flags (deletion of a winning combination such as a small combination / re-playing combination) are performed). Further, when it is determined that either BB1 or BB2 has been won, the winning flag of the winning BB is erased. In the game end process, a process for setting a gaming state in preparation for the next game (see FIG. 8, FIG. 9, etc.) is executed. Thereby, the game control process for one game is completed, and the game control process for the next one game is started.

[About processing related to AT]
The main control unit 41 can be controlled to AT (assist time) in addition to advantageous states such as bonus and RT2. The main control unit 41 executes an AT lottery to determine whether or not to control by the AT. Further, the main control unit 41 can specify an operation procedure (push order) for stopping the symbol combination advantageous to the player on the winning line LN when it is determined that the AT is controlled by the AT lottery. A process for executing a navigating effect is executed.

  During the non-AT, the main control unit 41 wins a specific lottery object (in this embodiment, the bell, weak watermelon, strong watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, middle cherry, BB1, BB2 shown in FIG. 12). In such a case, an AT lottery process for determining whether or not to control the AT is performed. The AT lottery process may be executed after the internal lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, for example, as long as it is executed at a predetermined timing in the progress of one game. In addition, although the specific lottery target combination will be described as an example of BB1, BB2, and simultaneous winning combination in the internal lottery, it is not limited to this, and may include a part of the simultaneous winning combination. It may include a winning combination that cannot be won simultaneously with BB2.

  In the AT lottery process, it is determined whether to control to AT, and when it is determined to control to AT, the number of AT games is determined from a plurality of types of games (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300). . The number of AT games is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 41. Further, the main control unit 41 draws the timing for starting the AT. The main control unit 41 determines, for example, by random number lottery that an AT is started after 0 to 32 games have passed since the AT winning game (a timing to start the AT).

  The reliability that is determined to be controlled by the AT in the AT lottery and the expected value of the number of AT games determined when controlled by the AT (the average number of games to be acquired), which is the advantage for the player, is a specific lottery target Depending on the type of role, it is determined to be different, for example, the middle cherries are the highest, followed by strong cherries, strong watermelons, weak cherries, weak watermelons, and the AT lottery so that the bell is the lowest. Done. In addition, the reliability determined to be controlled by AT in the AT lottery and the expected value of the number of AT games determined when controlled by AT are the same when the same specific lottery target is won When the specific winning lottery is not simultaneously won with BB1 or BB2 (for example, when winning strong cherry), for example, when winning with BB1 or BB2 (for example, when winning BB1 + strong cherry) The AT lottery is performed so that becomes higher.

  When the internal lottery wins the simultaneous winning combination and the AT lottery is performed, the sub control unit 91 performs a process for executing the BB winning and the winning suggestion effect indicating whether or not the AT winning is performed at a predetermined timing. . As the winning suggestion effect, for example, an effect of displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display 51 is provided. The effects for displaying the predetermined image include, for example, a character A effect, a character B effect, a button effect, a continuous hit effect, and the like. Such an effect of displaying a predetermined image is performed together with a control for outputting a predetermined sound effect from the speakers 53 and 54 and a control for lighting the effect effect LED 52 and the reel LED 55. Note that any one of the controls may be performed alone, or may be performed in a combination of two or more (for example, a predetermined image and sound are performed, and LED lighting is not performed). .

  The character A effect is an effect of displaying the character A. The character B effect is an effect for displaying the character B. The button effect is an effect of displaying a button image to prompt an operation to the effect switch 56 and displaying a predetermined image that suggests the reliability of BB winning or AT winning according to the operation to the effect switch 56. . The struck-up effect is BB winning by urging repeated operation to the effect switch 56, increasing a predetermined meter image according to the repeated operation to the effect switch 56 within a predetermined operation period, and reaching MAX. Or it is an effect that suggests that you have won the AT. The button effect and the continuous hit effect may be executed by using other operation means such as the MAXBET switch 6 instead of the effect switch 56.

  The sub-control unit 91 has a winning suggestion effect at different ratios depending on whether BB winning and AT winning, only BB winning or AT winning, or whether BB winning or AT winning is done. The winning suggestion effect lottery process for determining whether or not to execute and the type of the winning suggestion effect to be executed is executed.

  In the winning suggestion effect lottery process, it is determined that at least BB winning or AT winning is determined to execute the winning suggesting effect, and even if BB winning or AT winning is not performed, the winning suggestion effect is executed at a predetermined rate. decide. The predetermined ratio is set to a higher ratio, for example, in the case of a small winning combination with high BB winning reliability. Thereby, the winning suggestion effect is executed not only when the BB winning or the AT winning is performed but also when the BB winning or the AT winning is not performed.

  Also, in the winning suggestion effect lottery process, when it is determined that the winning suggestion effect is to be executed, the type of the winning suggestion effect is determined at a different ratio depending on at least whether the BB winning or AT winning is won. Specifically, it is an advantage for the player, and when it is executed, the reliability of BB winning or AT winning is in the order of consecutive hit effect, button effect, and character B effect, and the character A effect is the lowest. Thus, the ratio is determined so that the type of winning suggestion effect is determined. The effect to be executed is not limited to one in which one winning suggestion effect is determined, and a plurality of winning suggestion effects may be determined.

  The sub-control unit 91 specifies that a particular winning combination is won, that an AT has been won, whether or not an AT has been won or not, the number of AT games, and AT start timing, using internal winning commands and AT lottery commands described later . The predetermined timing for executing the winning suggestion effect is a game before the AT start timing determined by a lottery of the timing for starting AT (a lottery for starting AT after 0 to 32 games have elapsed since the AT winning game). For example, if it is determined that the AT start timing is after 0 games, a winning suggestion effect is executed for the game (AT winning is notified in the AT winning game). Further, if it is determined that the AT start timing is after 32 games have elapsed, a sign effect (effect that wins AT win) is executed for 31 games, a win suggestion effect is executed on the 32nd game, and AT win is notified.

  Here, even when the sub-control unit 91 specifies that the AT has not been won by an AT lottery command, the sub-control unit 91 executes a winning suggestion effect (an effect for notifying that the AT is not winning) as a gaze effect. For example, the sub-control unit 91 can win a specific lottery role by an internal winning command and specify that the AT is not won by an AT lottery command, but the timing of starting the AT is controlled by the main control. It has not been determined in part 41. In such a case, the sub-control unit 91 performs a lottery of the number of games for executing the winning selection suggestion effect from 0 to 32 games, and determines the number of games for the winning selection suggestion effect.

  The main control unit 41 sets the AT flag to control AT when the AT start timing comes when the AT is won without winning the BB. On the other hand, when the AT is won together with the BB win, the main control unit 41 sets the AT flag when the bonus is completed after winning the BB, and controls the AT from the next game after the bonus ends. Here, for example, when the AT start timing is determined to be 10 games, the control to the AT may be controlled at the timing when the 10 games become 0 games, or becomes 0 games. It may be controlled at the timing of the next game.

  The AT flag is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 41, and is cleared when the number of AT games reaches zero. Based on the AT flag, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the AT is in progress. During the AT, the navigation effect is executed as will be described later, so that the RT 2 can be controlled. Subtraction of the number of AT games after starting AT starts, for example, from the next game in which special replay is won at RT0 (subtraction start trigger is established). The same applies to the AT started after the end of the BB. Thereby, the main control unit 41 can control to AT + RT2 over the determined number of AT games.

  During the AT, the main control unit 41 performs an extra lottery to determine whether or not to add the number of AT games when a special lottery role (in this embodiment, special replay) is won. The extra lottery may be executed after the internal lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, for example, as long as it is executed at a predetermined timing in the progress of one game.

  In the extra lottery, it is determined whether or not to add the number of AT games, and when it is decided to add, it is added to the number of AT games from a plurality of types of games (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300). Determine the number of games. The determined number of added games is added to the number of AT games stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 41. Thereby, the main control unit 41 adds the number of games to be controlled by the AT.

  When the extra lottery is performed, the sub-control unit 91 performs processing for executing an extra suggestion effect that suggests whether or not the extra lottery has been won at a predetermined timing. The addition suggestion effect may be any effect such as an effect of displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display 51.

[About various commands]
The main control unit 41 transmits to the sub-control unit 91 a command that can specify the progress of the game and the processing result according to the execution of the processing exemplified above. The sub control unit 91 performs various processes based on commands from the main control unit 41.

  In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 sends an internal winning command, a push order command, a stop switch or start switch operation command, a game state command, an AT lottery command, an AT command, an AT game to the sub control unit 91. Send multiple types of commands including number commands, demo commands, error start commands, error reset commands, etc.

  The internal winning command is a command that can specify the group to which the lottery object combination that has been won according to the result of the internal lottery belongs. The internal winning command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated and the game is started. By receiving the internal winning command, the sub-control unit 91 can specify the operation of the start switch 7 and the group to which the winning lottery combination belongs.

  The push order command is a command that can specify an operation procedure (also referred to as a correct answer procedure) for stopping a symbol combination that is advantageous to the player in accordance with the lottery object winning combination in the internal lottery. The push order command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated and the game is started. During AT, a push order command that can specify a correct procedure is transmitted, whereas during non-AT, a push order command that can specify a correct procedure is not transmitted. For this reason, the sub-control unit 91 can identify the correct procedure by receiving the push order command during AT, but cannot identify the correct procedure during non-AT.

  The operation command for the stop switch or start switch is a command indicating that the stop switch or start switch has been operated, and is transmitted at each operation. The gaming state command is transmitted when the gaming state transitions. Specifically, it is transmitted when RT shifts or is controlled by a bonus.

  The AT lottery command is transmitted when the AT lottery is performed, whether or not the AT lottery is won, how many AT games are won, and the AT start timing (AT win) It is a command that can specify the number of games).

  The AT command is a command that is transmitted when the game is started, and can specify whether or not the game is an AT game. For example, even if the number of AT games is given, if the AT flag is not set and AT is not started, a command capable of specifying a non-AT is transmitted, the number of AT games is given, and the AT flag is set. When set and AT is started, a command capable of specifying AT is transmitted.

  The AT game number command is a command that can specify the number of AT games managed by the main control unit 41, and is transmitted when the game is started. For example, when the number of AT games is 0, a command that can specify 0 is transmitted, and when the number of AT games is 100, a command that can specify 100 is transmitted.

  The demo command is a command that can specify that the control is in the demo state. When the sub-control unit 91 receives the demo command from the main control unit 41, the sub-control unit 91 executes the demonstration effect by controlling the demo state if the bet amount is not set.

  The error start command is a command that indicates the start of error processing and the type of error, and is sent when error processing is started.The error release command is a command that indicates the end of error processing. Sent when the state is released.

  When the sub-control unit 91 determines that the winning suggestion effect is to be executed and its type by the winning suggestion effect lottery, after executing the winning suggestion effect according to the result of the BB lottery / AT lottery at the start of the next game, The results of the BB lottery and AT lottery are notified.

  As a result of the BB lottery and AT lottery, when both are not won, an effect of displaying a message such as “Sorry!” On the liquid crystal display 51 is executed, and when BB is won, a message such as “BB confirmed!” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, and when the AT is won, a message that can specify the number of AT games acquired such as “100 games acquired!” Is displayed along with the message “AT confirmed!” The number of AT games acquired such as “AT over 100 games after the end of BB!” Can be specified together with the message “BB / AT confirmed!” An effect of displaying a message on the liquid crystal display 51 is executed. Note that, when a BB win is made in a game in which BB is won, the sub-control unit 91 does not execute a winning suggestion effect for informing the BB winning.

  Further, the sub-control unit 91 calculates the number of AT games acquired by AT winning or extra winning by calculating not only the number of AT games but also the number of AT games at the previous reception based on the AT game number command. Identifies and executes the suggestion effect.

  In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the sub-control unit 91 controls the predetermined notification means such as an effect based on a background image according to the state, a navigation effect, a winning suggestion effect, and an extra suggestion effect. However, in place of or in addition to the control of the sub-control unit 91, the background image according to the state, the navigation effect, the winning suggestion effect, the additional suggestion effect, and the like are notified to the main control unit 41. The means may be executed under the control of the main control unit 41. For example, the effect based on the background image according to the state may be executed by displaying information corresponding to the state using the game auxiliary display 12 shown in FIG. Further, the navigation effect may be executed by turning on only the LEDs corresponding to the stop switch to be stopped using the left / middle / right stop effective LEDs 22L to 22R shown in FIG. The left / middle / right stop valid LEDs 22L to 22R are provided inside the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is effective in normal times. It is LED which notifies that by lighting. Further, for the winning suggestion effect and the additional suggestion effect, information corresponding to the lottery result is displayed using the game auxiliary display 12 shown in FIG. 4, and the AT game acquired when the AT winning or the extra winning effect is achieved. The number may be displayed.

[Game flow]
Here, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 again, the flow of the game will be described together. First, the game flow in RT0 to RT3 other than RT4 and bonus will be described. In RT0-3, the flow of the game is as described below, depending on whether or not AT is in progress. First, the flow of a game during non-AT will be described.

  After the setting change state is finished, it is controlled by RT3. Since it becomes non-AT by being controlled to the setting change state, it is not controlled by AT in RT3, and the navigation effect is not executed. As described above, since the navigation effect is not executed in RT3, if one of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won in RT3, the transition start may occur depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop. Is derived (see FIG. 14). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience that the transition outcome is not derived and the transition to RT1 is not performed indefinitely.

  In RT1, the game proceeds to RT0 by winning the promotion replay. In order to win the promotion replay, as shown in FIG. 13, it is necessary to stop the operation procedure for winning one of the replays GR1 to GR6 and making the promotion lip winning.

  Even when controlled to RT0, it is set so that it is difficult to maintain control to RT0. That is, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, there is a possibility that the replays GR11 to 13 will be won at RT0. At this time, the fall replay wins with a probability of 2/3 and falls to RT1.

  Furthermore, when one of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won at RT0, all but the predetermined reel (the right-down bell shown in FIG. 14 or the reel for winning the middle bell) is stopped for the first time. Sometimes, depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop, a transition point is derived and falls to RT1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, in RT0, there is a possibility that the replays GR21 to 23 will be won. At this time, a predetermined reel (reel for winning the special replay shown in FIG. 13) is selected. When it stops for the first time, there is a possibility that the special replay wins and is controlled by RT2. However, even when controlled by RT2, when one of the bells such as the left bell 1 to 4 is won, the reels other than the predetermined reel (reel for lowering the right lowering bell or middle bell shown in FIG. 14) are selected. When the first stop is performed, the transition point is derived and falls to RT1 depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop. As a result, most of the games during non-AT are digested at RT1.

  Next, the flow of the game during the AT will be described. In RT1, when one of the replays GR1 to GR6 is won, a navigation effect for specifying an operation procedure for winning a promotion replay can be executed. Therefore, by performing a stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to shift to RT0 by winning the promotion replay. In RT0, when any one of the replays GR11 to 13 is won, a navigation effect for specifying an operation procedure for winning a normal replay can be executed. For this reason, RT0 can be maintained by normal replay winning by performing stop operation according to a navigation effect. In addition, in RT0, when one of the left bell 1 to 4, the middle bell 1 to 4, and the right bell 1 to 4 is won, the operation procedure for winning the right falling bell or the middle bell is specified. The navigation effect is executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to avoid derivation of the transition outcome and maintain RT0. Furthermore, in RT0, when any of the replays GR21 to GR23 is won, a navigation effect for specifying an operation procedure for winning a special replay can be executed. For this reason, by performing a stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to shift to RT2 by special replay winning.

  In RT2, when one of the left bell 1 to 4, the middle bell 1 to 4, and the right bell 1 to 4 is won, the navigation for specifying the operation procedure for winning the right falling bell or the middle bell Production is performed. For this reason, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to avoid the derivation of the transition outcome and maintain RT2.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the AT is in progress, the navigation effect is executed so that the RT2 is controlled and the RT2 is maintained. Most of the games will be digested at RT2. The AT ends when the number of AT games becomes zero. The number of AT games is controlled to be RT2 + AT (in this embodiment, the state controlled by AT in RT2 advantageous to the player is particularly referred to as assist replay time (hereinafter referred to as ART)). Counting is started from the next game after the game that has become possible, that is, the game after winning one of the replays GR21 to 23 at RT0 and winning special replay. As a result, when the game for the number of AT games is substantially digested by ART, AT ends. Then, ART ends when AT ends.

  After the ART is finished, the navigation effect is not executed, but the control to RT2 is maintained until the transition outcome is derived. However, during RT2 after the end of ART, since it is non-AT, the first reels other than the predetermined reel (reel for lowering the right bell or middle bell shown in FIG. 14) are first stopped as described above. The As a result, during RT2 after the ART is finished, the transition is stopped at an extremely early stage after the ART is finished, so that the transition is made to the RT1.

  Next, the flow of the game after winning BB1 or BB2 will be described. Regardless of which RT is controlled, when BB1 or BB2 is won, control is performed to RT4 as shown in FIG. Further, in the next game after the end of the BB winning game, a winning suggestion effect is executed to notify that BB has been won, and the player can grasp that BB1 or BB2 has been won. When a BB winning occurs, the process shifts to a corresponding bonus, ends when a predetermined end number is paid out, and shifts to RT3. Here, when the BB is simultaneously won with another lottery target combination, reel control is performed so that the lottery target combinations other than the BB win a prize. For this reason, when the probability of winning a small combination or re-playing combination in RT4 is high, it is difficult for a BB winning to occur and it is difficult to shift to a bonus. Therefore, in RT4, the probability of winning the re-gamer is set to be lower than RT0 or RT2 (see FIG. 9). Further, in RT0 to RT4, the probability of winning a small combination that is a lottery target combination other than the re-game combination is set so as not to change. Therefore, in RT4, it is set so that it is easy to win the BB alone and it is difficult for the player to shift to the bonus forever.

[About errors]
When the main control unit 41 detects an error during the game, an error code (E1 to E8, see FIG. 15) predetermined according to the type of the error is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 41. When a predetermined error display condition is satisfied (in this embodiment, when an error is detected during the rotation control of the reels, all reels are stopped and the rotation control of the reels is in progress) When an error is detected at any other time, the error is detected when the error is detected), and the error display data including the error code set in the RAM of the main control unit 41 is output to the output buffer of the game auxiliary display 12 Set to.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a notification mode using error notification. As shown in FIG. 15, when setting the error display data, the main control unit 41 turns on each segment of the game auxiliary display 12 so as to display the letters and numbers of the error code, and sets the other segments. By setting the error display data for turning off the LED in the output buffer, the game auxiliary display 12 is controlled to display an error code that can identify the type of error detected. Then, when a predetermined error cancellation condition (see FIG. 15) that is set in advance is satisfied, the output buffer is initialized and the display of the error code on the game auxiliary display 12 is ended. In the error display data, the segment corresponding to the character “E” on the left side of the game auxiliary display 12 is turned on to display the character “E” and the error in the segment on the right side of the game auxiliary display 12 While the segment corresponding to the code number is turned on, the other segments of the game auxiliary indicator 12 are turned off. As a result, when displaying the error code on the game auxiliary display 12, the lighting mode is set so that the game auxiliary display 12 displays the letter "E" that is not displayed in the navigation notification or the payout number display. Therefore, the lighting mode when the error code is notified is different from the lighting mode in the navigation notification and the lighting mode in the notification of the number of payout medals, and the error code is notified by the game auxiliary display 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent misconception that the navigation notification and the number of medals to be paid out are performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, eight types of errors may be detected. The eight types of errors are a payout error 1, a payout error 2, a payout error 3, a full tank error, a throw error 1, a throw error 2, a throw error 3, and a RAM abnormality error. The payout error 1 indicates that the medal in the hopper is empty (also referred to as a hopper error). The payout error 2 indicates that a medal is in a staying state at the medal payout exit. The payout error 3 indicates that a foreign object has been inserted into the medal payout exit. A full tank error indicates that the overflow tank is full. Insertion error 1 indicates that a medal is in a staying state in the medal selector. An insertion error 2 indicates that a foreign object is in a staying state in the medal selector (also referred to as a selector error). An insertion error 3 indicates that foreign matter is in a staying state between the medal insertion slot and the hopper. The RAM abnormality error indicates that a program error has occurred in the main control unit.

  Other errors may be detected. For example, an error may be detected when a medal is paid out at a timing different from the regular timing (a medal is paid out from the hopper tank 34a to the medal payout exit 9). Here, the regular timing is the timing when the payout process is executed. Such an error is an error that can occur when a fraudulent person tries to take out a medal illegally from the medal payout exit in some way, and occurs when there is a possibility that a fraudulent act is being performed. Further, an error may be detected when a medal passes through the medal selector 29 at a timing different from the regular timing (when a medal enters the hopper tank 34a from the medal insertion unit 4). Here, the regular timing is a state in which there is a vacant credit (for example, a state where the number of credited medals is less than 50) or a state where the number of bets has not reached the maximum value (for example, the number of bets is 3 Less than the number of sheets) and the reel is not rotating. Normally, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 at a timing different from the regular timing, the channel on the medal payout outlet 9 side is selected by the channel switching solenoid 30 as the medal channel. Therefore, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 9 without entering the hopper tank 34a. That is, when a medal flows down from the medal insertion unit 4 in the direction of the hopper tank 34a at a timing different from the regular timing and an insertion error has occurred, there is a possibility that some fraudulent act has been performed by an unauthorized person. is there.

  For each error type, error codes (“E1” to “E8”) displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 and error notification cancellation conditions (“door key operation”, “reset operation”, “setting change operation”) , And error priority (“high”, “medium”, “low”). The priority of the error differs depending on the content of the error. For example, an error that causes medal retention such as a clogged medals has a low priority, and an error that does not allow a game to progress such that a medal in the hopper is empty has a medium priority. Got action that is detected as a foreign object staying in (for example, letting a fraudulent device enter the medal selector and recognize that a coin was inserted when no coin was actually inserted) An error that has a high probability of being an act of priority) has a higher priority. It should be noted that the setting and changing of the error notification priority may be performed by the manufacturer of the gaming machine, or may be performed by an attendant or manager of the game hall. Further, the priority may be only one level, or may be set at a plurality of levels.

  For example, the payout error 1 is an error having a medium priority. When it is detected that the medals in the hopper are empty, an error code “E1” is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12. Further, information regarding the payout error 1 is transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub-control unit 91. When the sub-control unit 91 receives information on the payout error 1, the sub-control unit 91 performs control to display information on the payout error 1 on the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51. The error display indicating the information regarding the error displayed in the display area 51a of the game auxiliary display 12 and the liquid crystal display 51 is erased by operating the door key.

  Similar processing is performed for other errors. For example, the input error 2 is an error having a high priority. When it is detected in the medal selector that the foreign object is in a staying state, an error code “E6” is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12. Further, information regarding the input error 2 is transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub-control unit 91. When the sub-control unit 91 receives information related to the input error 2, the sub-control unit 91 performs control to display the information related to the input error 2 in the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51. The error display indicating the information regarding the error displayed in the display area 51a of the game auxiliary display 12 and the liquid crystal display 51 is erased by operating the reset / setting switch 38.

[Error handling]
In the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment, when an error as described above occurs, the main control unit 41 detects the occurrence of the error by a timer interrupt process. When the main control unit 41 detects an error, the main control unit 41 sets an error code in a register in the RAM 41c. When the error code is set, the main control unit 41 executes a start waiting error process. In the waiting-for-start error process, an error process that disables the progress of the game is executed.

  Specifically, the main control unit 41 displays an error code on the game auxiliary display 12 in error processing. Further, the main control unit 41 transmits an error start command to the sub control unit 91 in error processing. When receiving the error start command, the sub control unit 91 displays an image indicating that an error has occurred on the screen of the liquid crystal display 51 and outputs an error notification sound from the speakers 53 and 54. As described above, when the error process is executed, an error code is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, so that information that can identify the payout number and the stop order of the reels by the navigation notification is not displayed, and the game progresses. Is impossible. When the error process is executed, an image indicating that an error has occurred is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 51, and an error notification sound is output from the speakers 53 and 54. It is not displayed and the progress of the game becomes impossible. Further, when an error is detected, the flow path switching solenoid is turned off, so that even if a medal is inserted, the medal is guided to the medal payout exit 9 side, and the game cannot be progressed. Further, when an error is detected, even if the start switch 7 or stop switch is operated, the processing based on the operation is not performed until the error is canceled, so the reel rotates or the reel stops. The game will not be able to proceed.

  The error release condition is satisfied by operating the reset / setting switch 38 (also referred to as a reset operation) or by operating the reset switch 23. The error may be canceled by twisting the setting key switch 37 to turn it on. When the main control unit 41 receives the reset operation, the main control unit 41 clears the display of the error code on the game auxiliary display 12. Further, the main control unit 41 transmits an error cancellation command indicating that the error processing is ended to the sub control unit 91. When the sub control unit 91 receives the error cancel command, the sub control unit 91 clears the display of the error image on the liquid crystal display 51 and stops outputting the error notification sound from the speakers 53 and 54. Further, when the error cancellation condition is satisfied, the main control unit 41 guides the medal to the hopper tank 34a side by switching the flow path switching solenoid from off to on. When the error cancellation condition is satisfied, the main control unit 41 executes processing based on the operation of the start switch 7 and the stop switch. In this way, when the error is released, the game can proceed.

[Error display screen]
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an error display screen. As shown in FIG. 16, when an error occurs in the slot machine 1, an error is displayed on the display area 51 a of the liquid crystal display 51. FIG. 16 illustrates a case where the payout error 1 indicates that the medal in the hopper is empty.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when a middle bell win occurs and no medals are paid out during the payout of eight sheets (when payout error 1 occurs), the display area 51 a of the liquid crystal display 51 is displayed. The call image 61a is displayed above and below the characters “Please call a staff member”. Also, a hopper error image 62a indicating that a hopper error has occurred is displayed on the left and right sides of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 with the characters "E1 hopper error". An error display using characters appearing in the effect when the game is actually being executed is performed.

  When an error occurs, the player must call the game store staff to have the error cleared. When calling an attendant, a call button set on a data display capable of displaying data such as the number of bonuses and the number of games installed at the top of the slot machine may be pressed. When an error occurs, an error display that prompts the player to operate the call button is executed using the character appearing in the performance. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, a character image 60 using a character appearing in the effect of a call button installed in the data display image 64 displayed above the housing image 63 showing the slot machine 1. Displays the action of pressing.

  In this way, the error display that prompts the player to operate the call button is executed using the character image 60 appearing in the production, so that the player should perform the operation while improving the interest of the player. Can be shown. In particular, by using the character image 60 appearing in the production, it is possible to improve the fun compared to the monotonous error screen such as only characters.

  The character image 60 may be a maker-specific mascot character, not a character used for production. In addition, a player or a game clerk may be able to select a character when an error occurs from a plurality of characters. Further, if a function that allows the player to set a favorite character is provided, an error display may be performed using the set character.

  The case image 63 at the time of error display may be an image showing the actual case of the slot machine 1 (for example, a live-action picture of the case), or another case that imitates a slot machine that can be recognized as a slot machine. It may be an image. In addition, the image showing the data display, the slot machine, and the medal storage area displayed between the two can be changed in layout from a plurality of images so as to correspond to the arrangement in the actual game hall. Also good.

[Modification of error display screen]
17 and 18 are diagrams for explaining a modification of the error display screen. FIG. 17 shows a case where the payout error 1 indicates that the medal in the hopper is empty. FIG. 18 shows a case where the insertion error 2 indicates that a foreign object is in a staying state in the medal selector.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, when a payout error 1 occurs, the calling image 61a is displayed at the top and bottom of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 with the characters “Please call a clerk”. Further, a hopper error image 62a indicating that a hopper error has occurred is displayed on the left and right sides of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 with characters "E1 hopper error". In the center of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51, a case image 63 which is a real image of the case of the slot machine 1 with the front door opened is displayed. Further, a hopper image 63a indicating a hopper unit (hopper tank) that is an error occurrence location is displayed in a conspicuous color (for example, red) different from the color of other portions.

  After several seconds have elapsed from the state of FIG. 17A (for example, 3 seconds), the error display becomes the display shown in FIG. 17B, and thereafter, until the error is cleared, FIG. 17A and FIG. The display of (b) is repeated. When the error display is displayed as shown in FIG. 17B, the door key is operated with the characters “operate the door key and release the error” above and below the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51. The door key operation image 62b indicating that the error is released is displayed. Further, a hopper error image 62a indicating that a hopper error has occurred is continuously displayed on the left and right sides of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 with the characters "E1 hopper error". In addition, in the center of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51, there is an operation for canceling the error that has occurred in the case image 63 that is a real image of the case of the slot machine 1 with the front door open. The door key image 63b indicating the door key to be displayed is displayed in a conspicuous color (for example, red) that is different from the color of other portions. The door key image 63b is enlarged and displayed, so that the position to be released is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In this way, in the case image 63 that is a real image of the case of the slot machine 1 as a gaming machine that is actually used, the hopper image 63a showing the location where the hopper error occurs is different from the color of other parts. It is displayed in a conspicuous color (for example, red). Therefore, it is possible to accurately indicate the location where the hopper error occurs. In addition, in the case image 63 that is a live-action image of the case of the slot machine 1 as a gaming machine that is actually used, the door key image 63b that is operated to cancel the hopper error is different from the color of other parts. It is displayed in a conspicuous color (for example, red). Therefore, it is possible to accurately indicate the hopper error release location.

  Next, FIG. 18 will be described. As shown in FIG. 18A, when a throw-in error 2 occurs, the calling image 61a is displayed at the top and bottom of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 with the characters “Please call a clerk”. In addition, a selector error image 62c indicating that a selector error has occurred is displayed on the left and right of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 with the characters "E6 selector error". In the center of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51, a case image 63 which is a real image of the case of the slot machine 1 with the front door opened is displayed. In addition, a selector image 63c indicating a medal selector that is an error occurrence location is displayed in a conspicuous color (for example, red) different from the color of other portions.

  After several seconds have elapsed from the state of FIG. 18A (for example, 3 seconds), the error display becomes the display shown in FIG. 18B, and thereafter, FIG. 18A and FIG. The display of (b) is repeated. When the error display is displayed as shown in FIG. 18B, the reset switch is operated with the characters “Please operate the reset switch and release the error” above and below the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51. Thus, a reset switch operation image 62d indicating that the error is released is displayed. Further, the selector error image 62c indicating that a selector error has occurred is continuously displayed on the left and right of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 with the characters "E6 selector error". In addition, in the center of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51, there is an operation for canceling the error that has occurred in the case image 63 that is a real image of the case of the slot machine 1 with the front door open. The reset switch image 63d indicating the reset switch (reset / setting switch 38) to be displayed is displayed in a conspicuous color (for example, red) different from the color of other portions. The reset switch image 63d is enlarged and displayed, so that the position to be released is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. An image showing the reset switch 23 may be displayed.

  As described above, in the case image 63 that is a live-action image of the case of the slot machine 1 as a gaming machine that is actually used, the selector image 63c that indicates the location where the selector error occurs is different from the color of the other parts. It is displayed in a conspicuous color (for example, red). Therefore, it is possible to accurately indicate the location where the selector error occurs. In addition, in the case image 63 that is a live-action image of the case of the slot machine 1 as a game machine that is actually used, the reset switch image 63d that is operated to cancel the selector error is the color of the other part. It is displayed in a different conspicuous color (for example, red). Therefore, the location where the selector error is canceled can be accurately indicated.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the case image 63 is a real image of the slot machine 1, so that an error display for an error can be easily understood. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 17B and 18B, the case where only the error canceling part is enlarged is shown, but the error occurrence part shown in FIGS. 17A and 18A is shown. It may be displayed enlarged. In addition, both the error cancellation location and the error occurrence location may remain unexpanded.

  The housing image 63 is an image showing the entire slot machine 1, but may be an image showing a part of the slot machine 1. Further, the housing image 63 may change as a part from the whole. The housing image 63 may be an image with the front door closed, or may change from a closed state to an open state. It should be noted that by making a part of the housing image 63, which is a real image, transparent, it is possible to make it easier to see where the error has been canceled and where the error has occurred.

  Further, the error cancellation location and the error occurrence location may be displayed in a manner surrounded by a thick frame as highlighted display. An error canceling part and an error generating part may be zoomed up over time as highlighting.

[About multiple error indications]
Next, a case where a plurality of errors occur will be described. When a plurality of errors occur, error indications corresponding to the errors are displayed in order from the highest priority error based on a predetermined criterion among the plurality of errors. For example, it may occur during a period in which a plurality of errors such as a hopper error and a selector error overlap. In such a case, it is possible to display a plurality of errors in an easy-to-understand manner by executing error display in order from the error with the highest priority based on FIG. That is, based on FIG. 15, the priority is high and an error that needs to be notified early is displayed first. When errors with the same priority occur at the same time, it is only necessary to display a plurality of errors in order from the error that occurred first. In addition, the priority levels shown in FIG. 15 may be set in detail from 1 to 8 levels and displayed in order from the error with the highest priority.

  If errors with the same priority occur at the same time, multiple errors may be displayed in order starting from the error that occurred first, or multiple errors may be displayed starting from the error that occurred later. You may make it do, and you may display a some error collectively.

[Modification of multiple error indications]
Further, when a plurality of errors occur, error displays corresponding to the plurality of errors may be displayed collectively. For example, it may occur during a period in which a plurality of errors such as a hopper error and a selector error overlap. In such a case, it is possible to display a plurality of errors in an easy-to-understand manner by collectively displaying the error display. When a plurality of error displays are displayed in a lump, it is desirable to change the color for each error so that the location where the error is canceled and the location where the error occurs can be distinguished.

  In addition, when a plurality of errors occur, an error display corresponding to the error may be displayed in order from the error that occurred first among the plurality of errors. For example, it may occur during a period in which a plurality of errors such as a hopper error and a selector error overlap. In such a case, it is possible to display a plurality of errors in an easy-to-understand manner by executing error display in order from the error that has occurred first. That is, it is possible to notify in order from the old error.

  When a plurality of errors occur, an error display corresponding to the error may be displayed in order from the error that occurred after the plurality of errors. For example, it may occur during a period in which a plurality of errors such as a hopper error and a selector error overlap. In such a case, it is possible to display a plurality of errors in an easy-to-understand manner by executing error display in order from the error that occurred later. That is, notification can be made in order from the latest error.

[Explanation screen]
19 and 20 are diagrams for explaining the explanation effect screen. In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined time elapses in a non-game state, a transition is made to a demonstration state (hereinafter also simply referred to as a demo state). When controlled in the demo state, the sub-control unit 91 executes a demonstration effect (demonstration effect). In the demonstration effect, for example, an explanation effect indicating the game method of the slot machine 1 in the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51, the contents of characters and stories appearing in the effect of the slot machine 1, and BB and AT winning performed during the game A video explaining the high expectation performance of the movie. There is a period in the demo state, and as the demonstration effect, an effect is prepared in accordance with a period corresponding to one cycle of the demonstration state. The demonstration state in the present embodiment is about 1 minute in one cycle. For this reason, the break of the demonstration effect is about 1 minute.

  In the present embodiment, when a settlement operation is performed by the player, the demo state is controlled. In addition, the demo state is controlled when the elapsed time in the non-game state from the end of the previous game to the start of the next game reaches a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds). Furthermore, the demonstration state is controlled when the effect setting screen is finished. The demo state is canceled when any one of the operation of the single BET switch 5, the operation of the MAXBET switch 6, and the insertion of medals into the medal insertion unit 4 is performed by the player and the bet number is set again. In addition, when a replay winning is made, an automatic bet is made, so that even if a predetermined period elapses in a non-game state, the demo state is not entered.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, in the demonstration effect during the demonstration, a case image 63 that is a real image of the case of the slot machine 1 is displayed in the center of the display area 51 a of the liquid crystal display 51. In addition, a demo image 64c indicating that the demo is being performed is displayed over the housing image 63. Also, on the left side of the housing image 63, an explanation character image 64a using a character used for production is displayed. An explanation image 64b indicating that an explanation effect will be started is displayed above the explanation character image 64a.

  After FIG. 19A is displayed, a part of the housing image 63 is enlarged and displayed in the center of the display area 51 a of the liquid crystal display 51. In addition, a demo image 64c indicating that the demo is being performed is displayed over the housing image 63. Also, on the right side of the housing image 63, an explanatory character image 64a using a character used for production is displayed. Above the explanatory character image 64a, an explanatory image 64d indicating that the game is started by inserting three or more medals into the medal insertion unit 4 and operating the start switch 7 is displayed.

  FIG. 20 (a) shows a menu screen that is displayed when the effect switch 56 is operated during the demonstration, and is determined as an explanation effect item of the game method among a plurality of items (for example, with the MAXBET switch 6). The screen after being selected and determined by the effect switch is shown. In addition, operation means such as a cross key for selecting an item may be provided separately from the effect switch 56. As shown in FIG. 20A, a part of the housing image 63 is enlarged and displayed at the center of the display area 51 a of the liquid crystal display 51. In the upper right of the housing image 63, an explanation character image 64a using a character used for production is displayed. On the left side of the explanatory character image 64a, an explanatory image 64e indicating which symbol is normally aimed first when playing a game is displayed. In the present embodiment, by operating the stop switch 8L while aiming at the black BAR symbol on the left reel 2L, the symbol can be stopped at a timing that is not missed when winning a cherry or the like. From the explanation image 64e, the player can understand that the game is aimed at the black BAR symbol on the left reel 2L.

  After FIG. 20A is displayed, a part of the housing image 63 is continuously displayed in the center of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 as shown in FIG. 20B. . In the upper right of the housing image 63, an explanation character image 64a using a character used for production is displayed. On the left side of the explanatory character image 64a, there is displayed an explanatory image 64f indicating that the winning of the bonus or AT can be expected by stopping the cherry symbol. The player can understand from the explanation image 64f that there is a high possibility that the cherry symbol will be advantageous.

  As shown in FIG. 19, an explanatory effect for explaining the gaming method is executed during the demonstration using a partial image of the housing. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, an explanatory effect for explaining the game method is executed by an operation of a non-game player using a partial image of the housing. In this way, the explanation effect is executed using the case image 63 that is a real image of the case of the slot machine 1, so that the explanation of the game method can be easily communicated to the player.

  Further, an explanation effect is executed using a case image 63 representing the whole slot machine 1 as shown in FIG. 19A and an image representing a part of the slot machine 1 as shown in FIG. 19B. Therefore, the explanation of the game method can be easily communicated to the player. Note that a case image 63 representing the entire slot machine 1 may be displayed when an explanation effect is selected by an operation on the menu screen of FIG. Also, the same explanation effect may be provided during the demonstration and during the operation on the menu screen. In addition, as in this embodiment, during the demonstration, as an explanatory effect that is easy to understand for beginners, and during operation on the menu screen, as an explanatory effect that is easy to understand for those who have played the slot machine 1 for the first time while having gaming experience, Even in the same non-game, if the scene is different, a difference may be provided in the contents of the explanation effect.

[Promotion display screen]
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the promotion display screen. In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined time elapses from when the start switch 7 is operated, a stop promotion display screen that prompts an operation of the stop switches 8L to 8R to stop the rotating reels 2L to 2R. The stop promotion image 65a is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, in the stop promotion image 65a, a part of the case image 63 that is a real image of the case of the slot machine 1 is enlarged in the center of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51. Is displayed. In addition, on the stop promotion display screen, characters “Please press the stop button to stop the reel” prompting the operation of the stop switches 8L to 8R are displayed, and a part of the housing including the stop switch and its vicinity The stop promotion image 65a is displayed using the image.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the effect using the operation means such as the button effect is executed, the effect promotion image 65b is displayed as an effect promotion display screen that prompts the operation of the effect switch 56.

  As shown in FIG. 21B, when the character “Press!” Is displayed at the center of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 as the button effect, the explanation character image 64a is displayed at the lower left as the effect promotion image 65b. Is displayed. In addition, a part of the case image 63 that is a real image of the case of the slot machine 1 is enlarged and displayed on the right side of the explanatory character image 64a. As the effect promotion image 65b, the enlarged image is a partial image of the casing including the effect switch 56 and the vicinity thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the stop promotion image 65a and the effect promotion image 65b are executed using an image representing a part of the slot machine 1, and therefore, a promotion display can be suitably displayed. Here, the button effect can be executed also by the MAXBET switch 6 other than the effect switch 56. However, when the button effect is executed, an operation to the effect switch 56 is urged. For this reason, as the effect promotion image 65b, an enlarged image is a partial image of the casing including the effect switch and its vicinity. In this way, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), since the effect promoting image 65b that can specify which switch is operated is displayed, it is determined which operating means should be operated by the player. Can be easily communicated to.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 21A, since the stop promotion image 65a in the range including the stop switches 8L to 8R, the start switch 7, the MAXBET switch 6, and the effect switch 56 is displayed, any of the operation means is operated. It is possible to easily tell the player what to do, and it is possible to display a prompt display that prompts the user to operate the stop switch.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the stop promotion image 65a and the effect promotion image 65b do not use an image representing the entire slot machine 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the case image 63 of the slot machine 1 from becoming too large to make the promotion display difficult to see.

  The stop promotion image 65a and the effect promotion image 65b may be displayed on the entire display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51, or may be displayed on a part of the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51. It may be. Further, as an operation means, at least a part of the panel provided on the lower side of the casing 1a of the slot machine 1 may be operated to be pressed. In such a case, when the button effect is executed, an image indicating that all or a part of the lower panel can be operated may be displayed as the effect promotion image 65b. Further, the operation means is not limited to the lower panel, and the player can use the operation means (for example, an accessory) provided at any position (for example, the top or the left or right of the case 1a) of the slot machine 1. It may be operable. And in such a case, what is necessary is just to make it display the image containing the accessory and the housing | casing 1a as the effect promotion image 65b. Further, when a sensor such as a touch sensor is set as an operation unit in the casing, an image indicating the position of the touch sensor may be displayed.

Next, various control contents executed by the main control unit 41 in the present embodiment will be described.
[Startup processing (main)]
When the system reset signal is input from the reset circuit 49, the main control unit 41 performs the startup process (main) shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the main control unit 41 first initializes the built-in device, peripheral IC, interrupt mode, stack pointer, etc. (Sa2), and then initializes the values of the I register and IY register (Sa3). ). By initialization of the I register and the IY register, an interrupt table address to be referred to when an interrupt occurs is set in the I register, and a reference address for referring to the storage area of the RAM 41c is set in the IY register. . These values are fixed values and are always initialized at startup.

  Next, access to the RAM 41c is permitted (Sa4), and RAM parities of all storage areas (including unused areas and unused stack areas) of the RAM 41c are calculated (Sa5).

  In step Sa6, it is determined whether or not the RAM parity calculated in step Sa5 is zero. If the power interruption interrupt processing (main) is normally performed, the RAM parity should be 0. If the RAM parity is not 0 in the step of Sa6, the data stored in the RAM 41c is not normal. In this case, after executing the initialization 1 for initializing all the storage areas except the used stack area and the important work among the storage areas of the RAM 41c (Sa19), whether or not the setting key switch 37 is turned on. If the setting key switch 37 is on, a setting command indicating setting start is generated (Sa16), and the generated setting change command is stored in the command buffer (Sa17), which will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 41 that permits the timer interrupt processing (main) interrupt to be executed at regular intervals (0.56 ms interval) is permitted (Sa18). Setting change processing for such change of winning probability of winning, that is, the transition to the setting change state. Then, when the setting change process ends, the process proceeds to the game process shown in FIG.

  If the setting key switch 37 is OFF in the step of Sa20, an error code indicating RAM abnormality is set in the register (Sa21), an error command indicating RAM abnormality is generated (Sa22), and the generated error command is stored in the command buffer. 25 (Sa23), the main control unit 41 described in FIG. 25 permits the interruption of the timer interruption process (main) executed at a constant interval (interval of 0.56 ms) (Sa24), Transition to the RAM abnormal error state. Then, for example, when the RAM abnormal error state is canceled by operating the reset / setting switch 38 by a game store clerk, the process proceeds to the game process shown in FIG.

  If the RAM parity is 0 in step Sa6, it is further determined whether or not the destructive diagnosis data is normal (Sa7). If the power interruption process (main) is performed normally, the data for destruction diagnosis should be set, and if the data for destruction diagnosis is not normal in step Sa7 (the data for destruction diagnosis is stored when power is interrupted) In the case other than 5A (H), the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, so the process proceeds to step Sa19 to execute initialization 1, and then the setting key switch 37 is turned on in step Sa20. For example, the processing of Sa16 to Sa18 described above is performed, and the setting change processing, that is, the setting change state is entered. If the setting key switch 37 is off in the step of Sa20, the above-described processing of Sa21 to Sa24 is performed, and the process shifts to an error processing, that is, a RAM abnormal error state. Then, when the RAM abnormality error state is canceled, the process proceeds to the game process shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step Sa7 that the destructive diagnosis data is normal, the data in the RAM 41c is normal. Therefore, the destructive diagnosis data is cleared (Sa8), and the unsaved work, unused area, and unreserved area in the RAM 41c After performing initialization 3 to initialize the used stack area (Sa9), it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is on (Sa10). If the setting key switch 37 is on, initialization 1 is executed. (Sa15), the processes of Sa16 to Sa18 described above are performed, and the process shifts to the setting change process, that is, the setting change state. Then, when the setting change process ends, the process proceeds to the game process shown in FIG.

  If the setting key switch 37 is OFF in the step of Sa10, each register is restored to the state before power interruption, that is, the state saved in the stack (Sa11), a return command is generated (Sa12), and the command buffer (Sa13), a power failure recovery flag for identifying that a power interruption occurred during the setting change state and returned to the setting change state is set in the RAM 41c (Sa14a), and the main control unit described in FIG. 41 permits the interruption of the timer interruption process (main) executed at a constant interval (interval of 0.56 ms) (Sa14b), and returns to the process executed last before the power interruption. If any one of the game processes shown in FIG. 23 has been performed before the power interruption, the game process is executed based on the value of the program counter (PC) restored in Sa11 and the backup data of the backup RAM. Among the processes of Sd1 to Sd7, the process returns to the process performed before power interruption. Also, for example, if any of the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 25 has been performed before the power interruption, the value of the program counter (PC) restored in Sa11 and the backup data in the backup RAM are stored. Based on the processing from Sk1 to Sk26 of the timer interrupt processing, the processing that was performed before power interruption is returned to.

  When the setting change state is in progress before power interruption and any of the setting change processing is performed, if the setting key switch is turned on and the power interruption is restored, the setting key switch is set at Sa10. Is determined to be on, and in the setting change process, the process is executed from the first process of Sc1. However, when the setting key switch is turned off during the power interruption and the power interruption is restored, the installation change process is performed based on the value of the program counter (PC) restored at Sa11 in FIG. 22 and the backup data of the backup RAM. Among the processes of Sc1 to Sc28, the process returns to the process performed before power interruption. Whether or not the setting has been changed before power failure can be identified by determining the presence or absence of a power failure recovery flag set in Sa14a in FIG. Further, when returning to the setting change state by power failure recovery, the display state of the game auxiliary display 12 and the setting value display 24 also returns to the display state before power interruption based on the backup data of the backup RAM.

  If an error state is present before power interruption, an error detection flag set in Sk26 of FIG. 26 is stored in the backup RAM. Therefore, since it is determined that the error detection flag is set at the time of power recovery, the error notification process is restarted from the beginning (Sb1 in FIG. 24).

[Game processing]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the game process executed by the main control unit 41.

  As shown in FIG. 23, in the game process, a BET process (Sd1), an internal lottery process (Sd2), a reel rotation process (Sd3), a winning determination process (Sd4), a payout process (Sd5), and a game end process (Sd6). ), The error notification process (Sd7) is executed in order, and when the game end process ends, the process returns to the BET process again.

  In the BET process in the step of Sd1, the process waits in a state where a bet number can be set, and a process for starting a game when a specified number of bets is set according to the gaming state and the start switch 7 is operated is executed. .

  In the internal lottery process in the step of Sd2, whether or not winning is awarded to each of the above-described winning combinations based on the internal lottery random value latched simultaneously with the start of the game by the detection of the start switch 7 in the step of Sd1 (ie, display) A process for determining whether or not to permit the derivation of the result is performed. In this internal lottery process, a winning flag is set in the RAM 41c based on the respective lottery results. If the special combination (BB) is won by internal lottery, the special combination carry-over flag is set. Then, as described above, the presence / absence of the special role carry-over flag is determined to determine whether or not the special role is carried over. Determination processing is performed.

  In the reel rotation process in the step Sd3, the process of rotating the reels 2L, 2C, 2R in response to the operation of the start switch 7, the result of the internal lottery in the step Sd2, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R by the player Processing for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is executed in response to the detected operation.

  In the winning determination process in the step Sd4, when it is determined in the step Sd3 that the rotation of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, the winning is determined according to the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. A process of determining whether or not it has occurred is executed. If the special combination wins, the special combination carry-over flag is cleared in this process.

  In the payout process in step Sd5, when it is determined that a prize is generated in step Sd4, processing such as addition of credits and payout of medals is performed based on the number of payouts according to the win.

  In the game end process in the step of Sd6, a process of setting a gaming state in preparation for the next game is executed.

  In the error notification process in step Sd7, a process for notifying that an error has occurred and the type of error is executed. When the occurrence of an error is detected during the processing of Sd1 to Sd6, the main control unit 41 interrupts each processing and executes this processing. Then, when the error is released, the process before the interruption is restored.

  In the game process, a command is generated according to the progress control of the game, set in the command buffer, and transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

[Error notification processing]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the error notification process executed by the main control unit 41 in Sd7 of FIG. As described above, when an error is detected during the processing of Sd1 to Sd6 in FIG. 23, the processing being executed at that time is interrupted and this processing is executed. The error is detected by an error detection process (Sk26 in FIG. 26) of a timer interrupt process (main) executed by the main control unit 41 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 at regular intervals.

  In the error notification process, first, it is determined whether an error is detected in the error detection process (Sk26 in FIG. 26) of the timer interrupt process (main) shown in FIGS. Sb1). If the error detection flag is not set, the process ends.

  If the error detection flag is set, the current display state of the game auxiliary indicator 12 is saved in the stack (Sb2). Then, an error state display indicating that the error state is controlled and an error code display (error type display) indicating the error code stored in the register are displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 (Sb3). Specifically, the game auxiliary display 12 displays “E”, which is an error state display, and the second digit displays a number indicating an error code (for example, “E 1”).

  Next, a count value is set in an operation delay counter that counts the time until an error canceling operation by the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is started (Sb4). For example, a value corresponding to 3 seconds is set as the count value of the operation delay counter.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the error code is a RAM abnormal error (Sb5). If the error code is an error code indicating a RAM abnormal error, the process proceeds to a loop process in which no process is performed.

  When it is determined in step Sb5 that the error code does not indicate a RAM abnormality error, the count value of the operation delay counter set with the count value in Sb4 is decremented by "1" every time a clock is input to the CPU 41a. (Sb6). Then, it is determined whether or not the count value of the operation delay counter has become “0” (Sb7). When the count value is not “0”, the count value is repeatedly subtracted.

  When the count value becomes “0”, acceptance of an error release operation by the reset / setting switch 38 and the reset switch 23 is started. In other words, the reset / setting switch 38 and the reset switch 23 are turned off to wait for detection of a change of on. As described above, when the count value of the operation delay counter becomes “0” after displaying the error state display and the error code on the game auxiliary display 12 in Sb3, the error release operation is started to be accepted. The timing of the error state display and the error code display due to is earlier than the timing at which the error release operation is accepted.

  When the count value of the operation delay counter becomes “0”, an error command indicating the occurrence of the error state and its type is generated and stored in the command buffer (Sb8), and the command storage process is performed to store the command in the command buffer. Store (Sb9).

  Next, it is determined whether or not an on change is detected from the off of the reset / setting switch 38 (Sb10). If no on change is detected from the off of the reset / setting switch 38, the reset switch 23 is further turned off. It is determined whether or not a change of on is detected (Sb11). If no change of on is detected from the off of the reset switch 23, the process returns to the step of Sb10. That is, the game waits in a state where the progress of the game is impossible until a change of on from the off of the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is detected.

  If a change from on to off of the reset / setting switch 38 is detected in step Sb10 or a change from on to off from the reset switch 23 is detected in step Sb11, the detection state of the switch is changed. Edge data indicating that it has changed from off to on or that it has changed from on to off (referred to as a rising edge when it changes from off to on, and as a falling edge when it changes from on to off) Clear the error code stored in the register (Sb12), clear the error code stored in the register (Sb13), return the display state of the game auxiliary display 12 to the display state saved in the stack in step Sb1 (Sb14), An error command indicating the cancellation is generated (Sb15) Performing storage processing to store the error command in the command buffer (Sb16), to clear the error detection flag (Sb17), it returns to the original processing.

  As described above, in the error processing, if the error processing is not due to the RAM abnormality, the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is operated to return to the original processing even if the error state is canceled. In the case of error processing due to an abnormality, even if the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23 is operated, the error state is canceled and the original state is not restored.

  Whether or not the reset / setting switch 38 has changed from off to on in Sb10 is determined by the fact that the reset / setting switch 38 has changed from off to on continuously by a timer interruption process (main). It is determined by determining whether or not is detected. As a result, it is detected that the reset / setting switch 38 has not changed from off to on due to noise or the like, but that the reset / setting switch 38 has changed from off to on due to an operation. The number of detections is counted using a detection number counter. When power interruption occurs when each operation in Sb10 is detected but the number of detections has not reached the predetermined number, the count value of the detection number counter is initialized when power interruption is restored. This prevents an unintended operation from being detected. It is also possible to obtain the same effect by detecting that the time when the reset / setting switch 38 changes from off to on has reached a predetermined time. Note that the determination of whether or not the reset switch 23 in Sb11 has changed from off to on is performed in the same manner.

  Further, when power is interrupted and the power is restored during the error state, the process of Sb1 is resumed. Therefore, the error state display and the error code display by the process of Sb3 are resumed when the power is restored. Then, after the processing of Sb6 and Sb7 is performed again, acceptance of the error canceling operation is resumed. Therefore, when a power failure occurs during an error state and the error state is restored by power failure recovery, the error canceling operation is resumed at the timing when the display of the error state and the error code display by the game auxiliary display 12 is resumed. Earlier than the timing.

  It should be noted that when a power interruption occurs during an error state, it is possible to resume from the process interrupted by the power interruption when the power interruption recovers. In this case, add a process to determine whether the power failure recovery flag is set before and after the error canceling operation. If the power failure recovery flag is set, the initial value of the count value is displayed in the operation delay counter. What is necessary is just to reset a value and to return to the process of Sb6. The effect of the present invention can also be obtained with this configuration.

[Timer interrupt processing (main)]
FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are flowcharts showing the control contents of the timer interrupt process (main) executed by the main control unit 41 by interrupting and executing the activation process and the game process at regular intervals (0.56 ms interval). Note that other interrupts are automatically prohibited during the execution period of the timer interrupt process (main).

  As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, in the timer interrupt process (main), first, the register in use is saved in the stack area (Sk1).

  Next, a power failure determination process is performed (Sk2). In the power failure determination process, it is determined whether or not a voltage drop signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 48. If a voltage drop signal is input, whether or not the voltage drop signal is input in the previous power failure determination process as well. If a voltage drop signal has been input in the previous power failure determination process, it is determined that a power failure has occurred, and a power interruption flag indicating that is set.

  After the power failure determination process in the step of Sk2, it is determined whether or not the power interruption flag is set (Sk3). If the power interruption flag is not set, the process proceeds to Sk4 and the power interruption flag is set In this case, the process proceeds to a power interruption process (main).

  In step Sk4, port input processing for inputting detection data of various switches from the input port is performed.

  Next, the branch counter for identifying the timer interrupt to be executed in the timer interrupt process (main) is advanced by 1 from the four types of timer interrupts 1 to 4 (Sk5). In this embodiment, the timer interrupt 1 is a branch process during a timer interrupt that controls the motor to control the start of the reel. Specifically, the processes from Sk9 to Sk11, such as a reel start process described later. Is done. Timer interrupt 2 is branch processing during timer interrupt that performs LED display control, time counter update, door open / close status monitoring, control signal output control, command and external output signal update, etc. Specifically, the processes of Sk12 to Sk17 such as the LED dynamic display process described later are performed. The timer interrupt 3 is a branching process during timer interrupt that detects the origin passage of the reel, monitors the switch input, and reads out the random number value. Processing of Sk20 to Sk22 such as time processing is performed. The timer interrupt 4 is a branching process during a timer interrupt that detects the input of a stop switch and performs reel stop control. Specifically, the processes of Sk23 to Sk25, such as a stop switch process described later. Is done. In the step of Sk5, 1 is added when the branch counter value is 0 to 2, and is updated to 0 when the counter value is 3. That is, the branch counter value loops in the order of 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 0... Each time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed.

  Next, the branch counter value is referenced to determine whether it is 2 or 3, that is, timer interrupt 3 or timer interrupt 4 (Sk6). If it is not timer interrupt 3 or timer interrupt 4, that is, timer interrupt In the case of 1 or timer interrupt 2, it is checked whether the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are started or whether they are rotating at a constant speed, and whether the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are started or are rotating at a constant speed. For example, the motor phase signal output process for outputting the phase signal data changed in the motor step process of Sk10 described later and the phase signal data changed in the final stop process of Sk25 described later is executed (Sk7).

  Next, referring to the counter value for branching, it is determined whether or not it is 1, that is, timer interrupt 2 (Sk8). If it is not timer interrupt 2, that is, timer interrupt 1, the reel motor Reel starting process (Sk9) for controlling the step time interval when starting 32L, 32C, 32R, motor step process (Sk10) for changing phase signal data of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, reel motors 32L, 32C After the stop of 32R, motor phase signal standby processing (Sk11) for changing the phase signal to single-phase excitation after a certain period of time is sequentially executed, and then the process proceeds to step Sk26.

  In the case of timer interrupt 2 in the step of Sk8, LED dynamic display processing (Sk12) for dynamically lighting various indicators, and output processing of control signals and the like for outputting data such as lighting signals of various LEDs to the output port (Sk13), a time counter update process (Sk14) for updating various time counters, a door monitoring process (Sk15) for monitoring the detection state of the door open detection switch 25, a door command transmission request, etc., set in the command buffer After sequentially executing a command transmission process (Sk16) for transmitting various commands such as a setting change command, a return command, and an error command to the sub-control unit 91, and an external output signal update process (Sk17) for updating the external output signal, Sk26 Go to step.

  If it is timer interrupt 3 or timer interrupt 4 in the step of Sk6, it is further determined by referring to the counter value for branching whether it is 3, that is, timer interrupt 4 (Sk18). If it is not interrupt 4, that is, if it is timer interrupt 3, the passing of the origin of the rotating reels 2L, 2C, 2R (pass of the reel reference position) is checked, and the occurrence of a reel rotation error is detected and stopped. Check if the preparation is complete (whether the stop preparation completion code is set). If the stop preparation is complete and the motor is rotating at a constant speed, operate the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel. Whether or not there has been a change in the detection state of switches such as pass-through origin processing (Sk20) to be validated, MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R First, switch input determination processing (Sk21) for making a transmission request for an operation detection command, etc., and random number reading processing (Sk22) for reading numerical data from the random value register R1D and storing it in the random value storage work are sequentially executed. Go to the step.

  If the timer interrupt is 4 in the step of Sk18, the stop stored in the work on the stop reel is stored when the stop operation position is stored in the work on the stop reel in accordance with the detection of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R. The stop position is determined from the operation position, the stop switch process (Sk23) for calculating the number of steps after which the stop should be performed, and the number of steps until the stop calculated in the stop switch process is counted. A stop process (Sk24) for starting braking by two-phase excitation and a final stop process (Sk25) for three-phase excitation after a certain time from the start of braking in the stop process are sequentially executed, and then the process proceeds to step Sk26.

  In step Sk26, an error detection process for detecting the occurrence of an error is executed (Sk26). In the error detection process, when any of a plurality of types of errors occurs, an error detection flag indicating that an error has occurred and the type of error that has occurred is set in the RAM 41c. In this embodiment, in addition to a RAM abnormality error, an inserted medal clogged error, a medal expired error, a payout error, a payout medal clogged error, a full tank error, a reel rotation error, an abnormal winning error, and a door open error are set as errors. However, the type of error can be changed as appropriate.

  In the step of Sk27, the register saved in the stack area in Sk1 is restored, and the processing before the interruption is returned (Sk27).

[Power interruption (main)]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the control content of the power interruption process (main) executed when the main control unit 41 determines that the power interruption flag is set in the timer interrupt process (main) described above.

  In the power interruption process (main), first, all registers that may be in use are saved in the stack area (Sm1). Although the values of the I register and IY register described above are used, they are not saved here because the same fixed value is always set with the initialization at the time of startup.

  Next, destruction diagnosis data (5A (H) in this embodiment) is set (Sm2), and all output ports are initialized (Sm3). Next, RAM parity adjustment data is calculated and set so that the exclusive OR of all storage areas (including unused areas and unused stack areas) of the RAM 41c becomes 0 (Sm4), and access to the RAM 41c is performed. Prohibited (Sm5).

  After that, the state is shifted to a standby state in which the voltage decreases and the CPU 41a of the main control unit 41 stops. And if a voltage falls in this standby state, it will be in an operation stop state internally. Therefore, the main control unit 41 reliably stops operation when power is interrupted.

[Timer interrupt processing (sub)]
Next, timer interrupt processing (sub) executed by the sub control unit 91 (CPU 91a) at intervals of 1.12 seconds based on the count value of the internal clock will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 28, in the timer interrupt process (sub), the sub control unit 91 first saves the register in use to the stack area (Sp1). Next, a power failure determination process is performed (Sp2). In the power failure determination process, it is determined whether or not a voltage drop signal is input from the power failure detection circuit 48. If a voltage drop signal is input, whether or not the voltage drop signal is input in the previous power failure determination process as well. If a voltage drop signal has been input in the previous power failure determination process, it is determined that a power failure has occurred, and a power interruption flag indicating that is set.

  After the power failure determination process in the step of Sp2, it is determined whether or not the power interruption flag is set (Sp3). If the power interruption flag is set, the process proceeds to a power interruption process (sub). In the power interruption process (sub), the backup flag used in the determination of the start process (sub) is set after the backup data is created, or the checksum used in the determination of the start process (sub) is calculated as the exclusive OR of the backup data And execute processing such as calculation.

  If the power interruption flag is not set, command analysis processing is executed (Sp4). In the command analysis process, it is determined whether or not a command is stored in the command buffer. If the command is stored in the command buffer, the command is acquired from the command buffer. And the process according to the acquired command is performed.

  In the step of Sp5, the sub-control unit 91 executes a notification process during the setting change state (Sp5). In the notification process during the setting change state, the setting command indicating the setting start from the main control unit 41 is received, and an image indicating that the setting changing state is being displayed is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Then, in response to the setting command indicating the end of the setting, the display indicating that the setting is being changed by the liquid crystal display 51 is ended. The liquid crystal display 51 is also used to display an effect image when the effect is executed.

  In the step of Sp6, the sub-control unit 91 executes an error state notification process (Sp6). In the error state notification process, an error command (see Sb8 in FIG. 24) indicating that the error state is present from the main control unit 41 is received, and an image indicating that the error state is present is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. To do. Then, upon receiving an error command (Sb15 in FIG. 24) indicating the cancellation of the error state, the display to the effect that the liquid crystal display 51 is in an error state is terminated. The liquid crystal display 51 is also used to display an effect image when the effect is executed.

  Also, when the power interruption occurs before the process of Sb8 in FIG. 24, the processes of Sb6 and Sb7 are performed after the power interruption is restored, and after Sb7 is determined to be Y and the acceptance of the error release operation is resumed, Sb8 And an error command is transmitted by the process of Sb9. Then, when receiving the error command, the sub control unit 91 displays an image indicating that the error state is in effect after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception. Therefore, the timing at which acceptance of the error release operation is resumed at the time of power recovery is earlier than the timing at which an image indicating that an error state is being displayed.

[Specific Examples of the Present Invention]
Next, a specific example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is a specific example when a power interruption occurs during an error state.

  As shown in FIG. 29, when an error occurs and an error is detected (when Sb1 in FIG. 24 determines Y), an error code is displayed when the error state is entered ("Error code display" in the figure). ) And a display indicating that an error state is present (“error state display” in the figure) is displayed by the game auxiliary display 12 (see Sb3 in FIG. 24). Then, the acceptance of the error canceling operation is delayed (see Sb6 in FIG. 24), and the error canceling operation is accepted when a predetermined time has elapsed after each display is started (when it is determined as Y in Sb7 in FIG. 24). To Sb10 and Sb11). Further, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of acceptance of each operation, a display indicating that the setting is being changed is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 (“notification during setting change” in the figure) (Sp5 in FIG. 28). reference).

  When a power interruption occurs in the error state and the power interruption recovers, first, the display of the error code display and the error state display is resumed (see Sb3 in FIG. 24). The acceptance of the error canceling operation is resumed when a predetermined time has elapsed after each display is resumed (the portion that proceeds to Sb10 and Sb11 when the processing of Sb6 in FIG. 24 is performed and the determination of Sb7 is Y). In addition, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the acceptance of each operation was started, notification during the setting change state is given on the liquid crystal display 51 (see Sp5 in FIG. 28).

  As described above, the timing at which the error code display and the error state display are resumed after power failure recovery is earlier than the timing at which the acceptance of the error release operation is resumed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the error canceling operation from being erroneously performed without confirming each display.

[Summary of FIGS. 22 to 29]
An error state control means (for example, a part for performing the processing of Sk26 in FIG. 26) for controlling to an error state that stops the progress of the game when a predetermined event occurs as an error;
Error canceling operation means (for example, reset switch 23, reset / setting switch 38) operated to cancel the error state and resume the progress of the game;
When the error canceling operation means is operated, the error canceling means for canceling the error state and restarting the progress of the game from the state before the occurrence of the error state (for example, the part performing the processing of Sb17 in FIG. 24) )When,
In the error state, an error state related display means (for example, the game auxiliary display 12) for performing display related to the error state;
Backup storage means (for example, RAM 41c) capable of retaining backup data for a predetermined period even when power supply is stopped;
A return means (for example, a portion for performing the processing of FIG. 22) for returning to a state before the power supply is stopped based on the backup data held by the backup storage means when power supply is started;
When the power supply is stopped in the error state, and when the power supply is started and the return means returns to the error state based on the backup data, the operation of the error release operation means is accepted. The display by the error state related display means is resumed at a timing earlier than the timing at which the error can be made (for example, when the processing of Sb5 in FIG. 24 is performed and then the processing of Sb6 is performed and it is determined as Y in Sb7 The part that proceeds to Sb10 and Sb11). According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from being performed.

  The error state control unit controls the error state so that the operation of the error release operation unit is started after the display by the error state related display unit is started (in this example, in Sb5 of FIG. 24). After the process is performed, the process proceeds to Sb10 and Sb11 when the process of Sb6 is performed and it is determined as Y in Sb7. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from being performed.

The error state-related display means includes an error state display means (for example, the game auxiliary display 12) for performing an error state display indicating that the error state is controlled as a display relating to the error state, and the error state. Error type display means (for example, game auxiliary display 12) for displaying an error type indicating the type of error that has occurred as a display relating to
The return means accepts the operation of the error release operation means when the power supply is stopped in the error state and when the power supply is started to return to the error state based on the backup data. The error state display and the error type display are resumed at a timing earlier than the timing at which the process is resumed (for example, when the process of Sb5 in FIG. The part that proceeds to Sb10 and Sb11). According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from being performed.

Production execution means (for example, liquid crystal display 51) used for execution of the production is provided,
The production execution means also executes an error state notification indicating that the error state is controlled,
When the power supply is stopped in the error state and when the power supply is started and the error state is resumed based on the backup data, the return means restarts the notification during the error state. The acceptance of the operation of the error canceling operation means is resumed at an earlier timing (see, for example, Sb8 and Sb9 in FIG. 24 and Sp6 in FIG. 28). According to this configuration, the operation of the error canceling means can be validated when the necessary minimum display is restored.

Detecting means for detecting that an operation of the error canceling operation means is performed when a predetermined operation is performed for a predetermined period;
When the predetermined operation is performed, the power supply is stopped, and when the power supply is stopped, the predetermined operation is not performed for a predetermined period. Data initialization means for initializing data on,
The return means returns to the state before the power supply stop based on the initialized data (for example, when power is cut off during determination of Sb10 or Sb11 in FIG. 24, Sb10 or Sb11 (The part which initializes the counter used for judgment). According to this configuration, an unintended operation can be prevented.

  FIG. 30 is a view for explaining a modified slot machine and a promotion display screen. In the slot machine 1, a panel effect button 200 that can be operated by a player is provided on a lower panel provided on the lower side of the casing 1 a of the slot machine 1. When the button effect is executed, either the effect switch 56 or the panel effect button 200 can be operated. In such a case, it is desirable that when a button effect is executed, it is possible to easily recognize which one of the two buttons that are separated from each other should be operated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 30, when the character “Press!” Is displayed in the display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 as a button effect, an explanation character image 64a is displayed as the effect promoting image 65b, and the panel A live-action image of the housing of the slot machine 1 including the effect button 100 and the vicinity thereof is displayed. It should be noted that the effect switch 56 and the panel effect button 200 may both be operated when the button effect is executed. In such a case, the player who wants to operate the effect as the effect promotion image 65b. An image may be displayed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[Modification of slot machine]
In the above embodiment, the slot machine that pays out game media to the player's hand according to the occurrence of a win has been described. However, the game medium is enclosed, and the game media is paid out to the player's hand when a win occurs. An enclosing slot machine that adds game points (scores) without any change may be adopted. The base and the drum can be distributed, and the chassis is common and only the base or the base and the drum is called a gaming machine. In addition, the slot machine has a game area in which a game ball can be launched and a game can be played, and a betting amount can be set according to the game ball passing through a predetermined area provided in the game area. May be.

[About gaming machines]
In the above embodiment, an example in which various technical matters are applied to a slot machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, has been described. You may apply.

[Example of application to pachinko machines]
For example, when an error occurs in a pachinko gaming machine, an error display that prompts the player to operate a call button may be executed using a character image that appears in the production as in the first embodiment. . In addition, as in the second embodiment, when an error occurs in the pachinko gaming machine, the error release location and the error occurrence location may be highlighted on the screen. Further, as in the third embodiment, an explanation effect may be executed during non-game using an image representing a pachinko gaming machine. Further, as in the fourth embodiment, the promotion display screen may be displayed using an image representing a pachinko gaming machine.

[About non-game state]
In the embodiment described above, the state where the reel is not rotating is the non-game state. However, other states may be used. For example, the non-game state may be a state in which a BET operation is not performed, or the player is playing a game by detecting that the player is not in the seat (detecting the presence or absence of the player by a sensor or the like). There may be no state.

[About the winning suggestion]
In the above-described embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 may determine the winning suggestion effect instead of determining the winning suggestion effect. For example, the main control unit 41, when an internal lottery wins a simultaneous winning combination and an AT lottery is performed, a process for executing a winning suggestion effect that indicates whether or not a BB winning and an AT winning are performed at a predetermined timing. May be performed. As the winning suggestion effect, for example, a freeze effect that delays the progress of the game for a predetermined period when the start switch 7 is operated may be provided. During the freeze effect, a pseudo game is executed in which the reels 2L to 2R are rotated in a predetermined manner to temporarily stop a specific symbol combination. The simulated game can be executed a plurality of times during the freeze effect. The freeze effect is not limited to the one that is executed when the start switch 7 is operated. When the first stop operation is performed or when the third stop operation is performed, the display result is derived and one game is completed. It may be executed at times.

  In addition, the reliability of the BB winning or AT winning is the highest in the freeze effect, followed by the consecutive hit effect, the button effect, and the character B effect in order of the character A effect. The ratio may be determined so that the type is determined. The effect to be executed is not limited to one in which one winning suggestion effect is determined, and a plurality of winning suggestion effects may be determined. In addition, the predetermined timing for executing the winning suggestion effect is not limited to this, but is determined by the main control unit 41 from a plurality of timings (more specifically, the main control unit 41 notifies the result by the AT winning suggestion effect). The timing may be determined by a random number lottery or the like (for example, any game among 0 to 32 games) from a game won by a specific lottery target role. The main control unit 41 outputs a command for specifying the type of the winning suggestion effect to the sub-control unit 91 at a predetermined timing for executing the winning suggestion effect, and if the winning suggestion effect is a freeze effect, You may make it perform the process for freeze production. Note that the winning suggestion effect other than the freeze effect may be determined by the sub control unit 91 as described in the above-described embodiment.

[About benefits]
In the above-described example, the value directly affecting the payout rate of medals and pachinko balls, such as BB winning, AT winning, and the number of AT games that can be controlled by the AT, is exemplified as the privilege. However, the privilege may be a value that improves the degree of advantage for the player, and may be a value that does not directly affect the medal payout rate, for example. Specifically, when an AT lottery has a high probability state in which AT is won with a higher probability than usual, execution of a probability suggestion effect to suggest whether or not the current state is a high probability state , Execution of a premier effect together with sound on the liquid crystal display 51 (special character appearance, execution of special bonus effect in the next generated bonus, etc.), execution of a set value suggestion effect to suggest a set value, Collecting a certain number of liquid crystal displays a two-dimensional code that gives points that can be exchanged for services determined at the amusement store where the slot machine 1 is installed, and that can download bonus videos and bonus information on a predetermined website A display or the like may be displayed in the device 51.

  Moreover, although the number of AT games is illustrated as an example of the privilege, the privilege related to the AT is not limited to this. Good. In addition, when the number of times that the navigation effect can be executed is determined and the AT is controlled until the navigation effect is executed for the determined number of times that the navigation effect can be executed, Good. Further, for example, when the upper limit grant amount is determined and the AT is controlled until the assigned game value (medal payout number) reaches the determined upper limit grant amount, the upper limit grant amount may be a privilege. In addition, when the AT is controlled from when the predetermined AT start condition is satisfied until the predetermined AT end condition is satisfied, and if the AT is continued when the AT end condition is satisfied, the continuous lottery is performed. The continuation probability determined to continue in the lottery may be used as a privilege.

[Advantageous state]
In the above-described example, as an advantageous state, a big bonus (BB) or AT, which has a higher probability of winning the small role than the predetermined state, is exemplified as an advantageous state, but in an advantageous state for the player, The present invention is not limited to this, and an example of a slot machine will be described below.

  Advantageous states include, for example, a regular bonus (RB) and replay time (RT) in which a winning probability of a predetermined winning combination is high, a concentrated state of small roles, and a range in which at least one reel can be pulled in than normal. The operation procedure for winning the winning small role is not predetermined, but the challenge time (CT) and the winning probability of winning the winning role are not changed. It may be a pseudo bonus that is notified over a period (for example, until 50 games are consumed). In addition, the probability of being controlled to these advantageous states may be a high probability, the probability of being controlled to the freeze state is high, and the number of games such as the number of AT games is high. You may set the advantageous state of a different aspect from the said embodiment, such as the state added and the state where it is easy to increase the number of additional games of AT. In addition, it is indirectly advantageous for the player, such as the condition for obtaining a privilege on the communication line network and the probability of establishing a condition for executing a premium effect (freeze effect, premium effect, etc.). It may be a state where a special privilege or an interest of the game is improved. Further, the allowance determining means for determining whether or not to allow the transition to an advantageous state is not limited to the internal lottery process, and may be a means for determining regardless of the winning combination.

  Further, the advantageous state is given when, for example, in the privilege grant lottery that determines whether or not a privilege is granted, the “probability that a privilege is granted” and “the privilege is given” are determined. At least one of “the value of the privilege (or the expected value of the privilege)” may be higher than the normal state (a state different from the advantageous state). In addition, the advantageous state may be one in which the number of execution opportunities for the privilege grant lottery is larger than that in the normal state. In addition, the advantageous state may be a state where the number of digestion-required games that need to be digested in order to give a privilege is less than a normal state.

  For example, in the case where the privilege is the number of AT games, the advantageous state means that “AT winning probability in AT lottery” and “AT awarded when winning AT in AT lottery” than in the normal state At least one of “the value of the number of games” may be higher than the normal state. Further, the advantageous state may be that the number of AT lottery triggers is larger than that in the normal state. For example, when the AT lottery execution opportunity in the normal state is the first role winning and the second role winning, the AT lottery execution opportunity in the advantageous state is the first role winning and the second role winning. In addition to the above, it is possible to win the third role.

[About production and notification]
In the above-described example, an example in which the liquid crystal display 51 is used to produce effects and notifications is given. For example, speakers 53 and 54, a back lamp (reel LED 55 in the above embodiment) arranged on the back side (inside) of the reel. ), Transmissive liquid crystal display arranged on the front side of the reel (liquid crystal display configured so that the reel can be seen), lamps and LEDs mounted on the front door 1b, etc., vibration of the stop switch, around the stop switch The effect may be executed by means different from the above-described embodiment, such as air blowing from the air or a change in the temperature of the stop switch.

[About AT]
In the example of the slot machine, the example in which the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT has been described. However, the AT related control executed by the main control unit 41 includes execution of an AT lottery. The AT lottery may include winning or non-winning AT lottery, determining whether or not to stock the number of AT games, determining the number of AT games, adding the number of AT games, and the like. In addition, as a control related to the AT, a high probability state control of the AT lottery is exemplified. For the control of the high probability state of AT lottery, the control that increases the probability of winning the AT lottery, the control that shortens the period until the AT is controlled according to the result of the internal lottery, the winning probability of the extra lottery Includes controls that favor numbers. Further, as control related to AT, it is possible to control to AT when a prescribed number of games have been consumed. The case where the prescribed number of games have been consumed includes the case where the ceiling game number is reached and the case where the number of games determined by lottery is reached. Further, as control related to AT, control for setting a precursor period can be cited. The control for setting the precursor period includes, for example, control for producing effects of 0 to 32 games in the precursor period before the start of AT. Moreover, control which gives a penalty is mentioned as control which concerns on AT. The control for giving a penalty includes determination of penalty contents and determination or setting of a penalty period. In addition, as control related to AT, the main control unit 41 performs lighting control of a lamp and an LED indicating that AT is in progress.

  In addition, as the control related to AT, the main control unit 41 performs lighting control of lamps and LEDs for executing a navigation effect. Further, the sub control unit 91 may execute the navigation effect in conjunction with the main control unit 41 executing the navigation effect. Further, when the main control unit 41 improves the lottery probability, for example, when controlling to the high probability state of the AT lottery, for example, this is notified by lighting control of a lamp or LED (for example, the game auxiliary display 12). You may do it. More specifically, the main control unit 41 may notify that it is controlled to the high probability state of the AT lottery by executing the navigation effect a predetermined number of times by the game auxiliary display 12. Alternatively, the main control unit 41 may notify the sub-control unit 91 that the navigation effect is executed a predetermined number of times to control to the high probability state of the AT lottery.

  When the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT, it is preferable that the process of the main control unit 41 is executed by the control unit subordinate to the main control unit 41 and subordinate to the main control unit 41. . For example, the control unit provided on the board other than the game control board executes the reel stop control, and the main control unit 41 transfers the operation signal of the stop switch to the control unit. In this way, by causing the lower-level control unit to perform the control of the main control unit 41, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the ROM 41b and the RAM 41c from being insufficient and the processing capacity of the main CPU 41a from being insufficient when performing the control related to the AT.

  In the above-described embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT. However, the sub-control unit 91 may execute the control. The sub-control unit 91 performs, for example, an AT lottery process or an extra lottery process based on an internal winning command from the main control unit 41, and executes a process for controlling the AT or a navigation effect according to the result. Processing or the like may be performed.

[Setting change status and setting check status]
With regard to the setting change state, it is also possible to shift to the setting change state on condition that “power ON” + “setting key switch ON” + “front door opening detection”. Thereby, an unauthorized setting change in a state where the front door is not opened can be prevented. Once the setting change state is entered, the setting change state is maintained regardless of the open / closed state of the front door until the end condition (setting key switch is turned OFF after setting value is established) is satisfied. You may make it do. As a result, even if the front door is closed during the setting change state, the setting change state is not terminated, so that it is possible to prevent the trouble of shifting to the setting change state again.

  In addition, regarding the setting confirmation state, “setting key switch ON” + “front door opening detection” may be used as a condition to shift to the setting confirmation state. Thereby, unauthorized setting confirmation in the state where the front door is not opened can be prevented. Once the setting confirmation state has been entered, the setting confirmation state is maintained regardless of whether the front door is open or closed until an end condition (setting key switch is turned OFF) for ending the setting confirmation state is satisfied. Also good. Thereby, even if the front door is closed during the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is not terminated, and therefore it is possible to prevent the trouble of shifting to the setting confirmation state again.

  In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of reels capable of variably displaying each of a plurality of types of identifiable symbols are provided, and after the reels are variably displayed, the display result is derived by stopping the variability display of the reels. A slot machine that can generate a winning according to the combination of reel display results has been described. In other words, a plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable are provided, and after the variable display unit is variably displayed, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit. The slot machine is described in which a winning can be generated according to a combination of display results of a plurality of variable display units. However, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is provided. After the variable display unit is variably displayed, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit. As long as the slot machine can generate a prize according to the display result, the slot machine is not limited to one having three reels, but one having only one reel or a slot machine having a plurality of reels other than three. Also good.

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

  1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reel, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 40 game control board, 41 main control unit, 41a main CPU, 41b ROM, 41c RAM, 42 random number circuit, 43 pulse oscillator, 51 liquid crystal display Device, 56 effect switch, 90 effect control board, 91 sub control unit, 91a sub CPU, 91b ROM, 91c RAM.

Claims (1)

In gaming machines that perform games,
Providing production means capable of performing explanation production to explain the game method,
The gaming machine is capable of executing an explanatory effect for explaining a gaming method using an image representing at least a part of the gaming machine during a non-game.

Images