JP2018064764A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can reduce a processing load related to an imparted sound.SOLUTION: When a put-out of medals is resumed at a time t5 after a resolution of an error condition occurred at a time t4 prior to the completion of the put-out, an output of a put-out sound is not resumed. When imparting a game worthiness is resumed after the resolution of the error condition occurred before the completion of the imparting the game worthiness, an output of an imparted sound is not resumed. Therefore, a processing load related to the imparted sound after the resolution of the error condition is reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game.

  As a gaming machine, it is equipped with a variable display unit that can variably display multiple types of identification information that can each be identified, and after the variable display unit is variably displayed, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit There is a slot machine that can generate a prize according to the display result and gives a predetermined game value according to the prize. Furthermore, as a gaming machine, a game ball as a game medium is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the gaming area, a predetermined gaming value is given. There is a pachinko machine.

  As such a gaming machine, there has been a gaming machine that updates and displays the total number of acquisitions linked to the number of gaming media actually granted on the display screen with respect to the granting of gaming media as an example of gaming value (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 0593904

  The above-mentioned gaming machine is considered for the update display process of giving a game medium, but no consideration is given to how to process a given sound when a game medium is given. There was a risk of increasing the processing burden.

  The present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a processing burden relating to a given sound is reduced.

(1) A gaming machine capable of playing a game (for example, slot machine 1, pachinko gaming machine),
Granting means for giving game value (for example, a medal in the slot machine 1 or a pachinko ball in a pachinko gaming machine) (for example, a process in which a medal is awarded when a small winning combination is generated by the main control unit 41) ,
Sound output means (for example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 15, and 16), which is controlled by the sub-control unit 91 and outputs a payout sound. )
When the provision of the game value is interrupted due to the occurrence of the error state before the provision of the game value is completed, the provision means restarts the provision of the game value after the error state is resolved (for example, As shown in FIG. 16, the medal payout is resumed when the error is canceled at time t5 after the error has occurred at time t4).
When the error state does not occur, the sound output means completes the output of the added sound according to the timing related to the completion of the provision of the game value (for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the time when the payout is completed) On the other hand, the output of the payout sound is completed at time t4 according to the timing related to t3). On the other hand, the provision of the game value was resumed after the error state that occurred before the completion of the provision of the game value was completed Sometimes the output of the giving sound is not resumed (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the payout is resumed at the time t5 after the error state generated at the time t4 before the payout is completed, the payout sound is output. Do not resume).

  According to such a configuration, when the provision of the gaming value is resumed after the cancellation of the error state that occurred before the provision of the gaming value is completed, the output of the grant sound is not resumed. The processing burden related to the assigned sound is reduced.

  Examples of the awarding of gaming value include payout of medals in the slot machine 1 or pachinko ball prize balls in a pachinko gaming machine.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
Game control means for controlling the game (for example, main control unit 41);
Production control means (for example, sub-control unit 91) for controlling the production is further provided,
The game control means transmits a grant command (for example, a payout command) indicating grant of game value to the effect control means,
The effect control means performs control for generating the applied sound from the sound output means based on the applied command (for example, as shown at time t2 in FIG. 15 and time t2 in FIG. 16), the sub-control unit 91 Starts outputting the payout sound based on the payout command).

  According to such a configuration, the game control means transmits a grant command indicating the grant of game value to the effect control means, and a grant sound is generated from the sound output means based on the grant command. A grant sound can be output at a timing related to the grant.

(3) In the gaming machine of (2) above,
The game control means transmits a grant completion command (for example, a payout completion command) indicating completion of the grant of game value to the effect control means,
The effect control means ends the control for generating the applied sound from the sound output means based on the grant completion command (for example, as shown at time t4 in FIG. 15, the sub-control unit 91 completes payout. The output of the payout sound is terminated based on the command).

  According to such a configuration, a grant completion command indicating completion of the provision of the game value is transmitted to the effect control means, and the effect control means is a control for generating a grant sound from the sound output means based on the grant completion command. Therefore, the control of the assigned sound can be finished at the timing related to the completion of the provision of the game value, and the effect control means can grasp the completion timing of the addition of the game value by the assignment completion command.

(4) In the gaming machine of (3) above,
The game control means does not transmit the grant command when the game value is resumed after the error state is resolved, and transmits the grant completion command when the resumed game value has been imparted ( For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the main control unit 41 does not transmit a payout command when the medal payout resumes at time t5, but transmits a payout completion command when the medal payout is completed at time t7. .

  According to such a configuration, since the grant command is not transmitted when the grant of the gaming value is resumed after the error state is resolved, the grant completion command is transmitted when the restarted grant of the gaming value is completed. The effect control means can grasp the timing for completing the addition of the game value even after the error is canceled by the grant completion command.

(5) In the gaming machine of (4) above,
The effect control means notifies a specific effect based on the grant completion command (for example, a specific effect for notifying that the number of payouts exceeds 500 since being controlled by the AT, and that an additional number of AT games has occurred. (For example, as shown at time t4 in FIG. 15 and time t8 in FIG. 16), the sub-control unit 91 indicates that the total payout number has exceeded 500 based on the payout completion command. To perform a specific effect).

  According to such a configuration, the specific effect can be executed based on the grant completion command. The grant completion command is essentially an opportunity to complete the output of the grant sound, but by using the grant completion command as an opportunity to start execution of the specific effect, the specific effect can be executed even after the error state is resolved. Can do.

(6) In the gaming machine of (5) above,
Update means capable of updating the specific information displayed on the display unit when the game value is given (for example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the sub-control unit 91 supplies the number of payouts and the total amount to the liquid crystal display 51). A process for displaying the number of payouts),
The specific effect is a specific number notification effect informing that the specific information has reached a specific number (for example, a specific effect informing that the total payout number has exceeded 500),
The production control means includes
If the specific information has reached the specific number and is still in the process of giving the game value, the specific number notification effect is controlled after completion of the game value assignment (for example, as shown in FIG. 15). As described above, the specific effect is performed at time t4 when the payout is completed).
When the error state occurs while waiting for the completion of the provision of the game value after the specific information reaches the specific number, the completion of the provision of the game value resumed after the cancellation of the error state The specific number notification effect is controlled (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when an error state occurs at time t4 before the payout is completed, the payout is specified after the payout is resumed. Directing).

  According to such a configuration, when an error state occurs while waiting for the completion of the provision of the game value after the specific information reaches the specific number, the game value provision resumed after the error state is resolved Wait for completion to control the specific number notification effect. The grant completion command is originally an opportunity to complete the output of the grant sound, but by using the grant completion command as an opportunity to start execution of the specified number notification effect, the specified number notification effect even after the error state is resolved. Can be executed.

(7) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (6),
The sound output means is capable of outputting an error sound when the error state occurs, and continues outputting the error sound for a predetermined period even after the error state generated before the completion of the provision of the game value is completed. (For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the output of the error sound is started at time t4 when the error state occurs, and the output of the error sound is continued until time t6 after time t5 when the error state is resolved).

  According to such a configuration, the output of the grant sound is not resumed after the error state that occurred before the completion of the provision of the game value is resolved, but after the error state that occurred before the completion of the provision of the game value is resolved Continues to output error sound for a predetermined period. If the output of the applied sound is resumed, the applied sound and the error sound overlap each other, and the mutual sounds interfere with each other's notification. In this way, by outputting the error sound without resuming the output of the applied sound, notification by the error sound is not hindered.

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 timing chart explaining the payout sound etc. when an error does not occur. It is a timing chart explaining the payout sound etc. when an error occurs.

  A mode for carrying out a slot 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, the front door 1b is provided with a key hole 110 for inserting a door key. When the door key is inserted and rotated clockwise, the front door 1b is opened. When the door key is inserted and rotated counterclockwise, it functions as a reset switch for releasing the error state or the stop state.

  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 is a reset switch 23 for detecting a reset operation for releasing the error state and the stop state by a predetermined key operation, and the set value at the time when the set value is being changed or the set value is being confirmed. Is displayed on the set value display 24. When the bonus (BB1 or BB2) is ended, the stop function (control of progress until the reset operation is performed) is selected to enable / disable the stop function. A stop switch 36a for automatic adjustment at the end of the bonus, for selecting whether to enable / disable an automatic checkout function for controlling automatic checkout processing (processing for paying (returning) medals stored as credits regardless of player operations). The automatic settlement switch 36b and the flow path of medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are connected to the hopper tank 34a side or the medal payout opening 9 provided inside the housing 1a. A flow path switching solenoid 30 for selectively switching to any one of the above, a medal selector having a inserted medal sensor 31 for detecting a medal inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 and flowing down to the hopper tank 34a, and opening the front door 1b. A door opening detection switch 25 for detecting the state is provided.

  Inside the housing 1a, a reel unit 2 including reel sensors 2L, 2C, and 2R, reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, and reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R that can detect the reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, respectively. , 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 a hopper motor for paying out medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout opening 9 34b, a hopper unit 34 including a payout sensor 34c for detecting medals paid out by driving the hopper motor 34b, and a power supply box 100 are provided.

  On the side of the hopper unit 34, an overflow tank 35 is provided for storing medals overflowing from the hopper tank 34a. Inside the overflow tank 35, a full sensor 35 a made up of a pair of electrically conductive members spaced apart from each other and provided at a height capable of detecting a predetermined amount of stored medals is provided. It is possible to detect that the medal storage amount stored in the inside when it is conductive by contacting through the medal stored in the inside exceeds a predetermined amount, that is, that the overflow tank is full. It has become.

  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 that functions as a setting switch for changing a setting value of a winning probability (outtake rate) of internal lottery to be described later, and a power switch 39 that is operated when the power is turned on / off. .

  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.

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

  The game control board 40 includes a MAXBET switch 6, a start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, a settlement switch 10, a reset switch 23, a stop switch 36a, an automatic settlement switch 36b, an insertion medal sensor 31, and a door opening detection switch. 25, reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R are connected, and a door key is inserted into the above-described payout sensor 34c, full sensor 35a, setting key switch 37, reset / setting switch 38, and key hole 110 via the power supply board 101. A reset switch for performing the operation is connected, and detection signals of these connected switches are input.

  The game control board 40 includes a credit indicator 11, a game auxiliary indicator 12, a payout indicator 13, 1 to 3 BET LEDs 14 to 16, an insertion request LED 17, a start valid LED 18, a waiting LED 19, a replaying LED 20, a BET switch valid LED 21, The left, middle, and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, and 22R, the set value display 24, the flow path switching solenoid 30, the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R are connected, and the hopper motor 34b described above via the power supply board 101. Are connected, and these electric components are driven based on control of a main control unit 41 (described later) mounted on the game control board 40. The game auxiliary display 12 displays information such as the number of medals to be paid out, an error code at the time of error, and information for identifying the stop order of reels.

  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. For example, when the middle bell wins, 8 medals are paid out. 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 the symbol combination of the transition event and the 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 difference in setting for the lottery target combination that is the target of the advantageous zone transition 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 targeted for the advantageous section transition 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 shift 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 shift 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, and 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 is not carried over) Flags (deletion of a winning combination such as a small role / replaying role) 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 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.

  In the AT, the main control unit 41 performs an AT game when a special lottery role (in this embodiment, special replay, middle cherries, strong cherries, strong watermelons, weak cherries, weak watermelons, and bells) is won. An extra lottery to determine whether or not to add a number is performed. 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 the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 sends a sub-control unit 91 a payout command, a payout completion command, an error start command, an error release command, an internal winning command, a push order command, a stop switch or start switch operation command, A plurality of types of commands including a game state command, an AT lottery command, an in-AT command, and an AT game number command are transmitted.

  The payout command is a command capable of notifying the start of payout of medals and specifying the number of medals to be paid out. The payout command is transmitted when the medal payout by winning is started.

  The payout completion command is a command for notifying completion of medal payout. The payout completion command is transmitted when the payout of medals by winning is completed.

  The error start command is a command indicating the start of error processing and the type of error. The error start command is transmitted when error processing is started.

  The error release command is a command indicating the end of error processing. The error cancel command is transmitted when the reset operation is performed and the error state is cancelled.

  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 is transmitted, while during non-AT, a push order command 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.

  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, the flow of the game will be described collectively with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 again. 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 that interrupt withdrawal]
Here, with reference to FIG. 3 again, an error that interrupts the payout of medals will be described. Examples of such errors include “hopper empty error” and “medal selector error” described below.

  There is a hopper empty error as an error that interrupts the medal payout. Specifically, an error occurs when the medal stored in the hopper tank 34a becomes empty. There are the following two methods for determining that the medal in the hopper tank 34a is empty. One method is a method of determining that the medal is empty by detecting that the sensor that detects the payout of the medal does not detect the payout for a predetermined time. If the payout for a predetermined time is not detected even though the hopper motor 34b is driven, it can be determined that the medal in the hopper tank 34a is empty or a medal clogging has occurred in the hopper tank 34a. It is. Another method is to monitor the medal storage status in the hopper tank 34a by image recognition, or to monitor the medal storage status in the hopper tank 34a by weight detection, thereby confirming that the medal is empty. This is a determination method (a method for directly monitoring the storage status of medals in the hopper tank 34a).

  There are the following situations where a hopper empty error may occur. For example, when controlled by ART, medals are paid out more than medals. In such a case, medals stored in the hopper tank 34a become empty, and a hopper empty error may occur. Further, even if it is not ART, a hopper empty error also occurs when the medal in the hopper tank 34a is emptied due to an illegal act of an unauthorized person taking out the medal.

  There is a medal selector error as an error that interrupts the medal payout. Specifically, an error occurs when it is detected in the medal selector 29 that a medal is in a staying state, such as when a medal is jammed in the medal selector 29. For example, when a fraudulent person performs a fraudulent act of inserting a foreign object into the slot machine 1 and the foreign object is clogged in the medal selector 29, a medal selector error occurs.

  Unlike the above, an error that does not interrupt the payout of medals includes, for example, an error that occurs when a command abnormality is detected in the command received by the sub-control unit 91. Moreover, the error which generate | occur | produces by the malfunctioning operation | movement of accessories, such as a shutter as a movable body used for production, is mentioned. Even if such an error that does not directly affect the processing by the main control unit 41 occurs, the payout of medals currently being paid out does not stop temporarily.

[Error handling]
In the slot machine 1, when an error that interrupts the above-described payout (such as a “hopper empty error” or a “medal selector error”) 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 executes error processing that disables the progress of the game. 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 sound from the speakers 53 and 54. At this time, if a payout sound is being output from the speakers 53 and 54, the payout sound is stopped and then an error sound is output. 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. The progress of the game is disabled when an error occurs when paying out medals such as a hopper empty error, an error that occurs when inserting medals such as a medal selector error, or when data in the RAM 41c is not normal. A case where an error such as a RAM abnormality has occurred.

  Referring to FIG. 3 again, the reset operation for canceling the error state is performed by operating the reset switch 23 provided inside the front door 1b and the reset / setting switch 38 provided on the front surface of the power supply box 100. And the operation of inserting the door key into the key hole 110 provided in the front door 1b and rotating it counterclockwise. Although the reset operation by the reset switch 23 or the reset / setting switch 38 cannot be performed unless the front door 1b is opened, the reset operation by the door key can be performed without opening the front door 1b.

  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 to the sub control unit 91 an error cancellation command indicating that the error processing is to be ended. 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. The error sound stops outputting from the speakers 53 and 54 after a predetermined period has elapsed after receiving the error cancel command. When the error is released, 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.

[Displaying the number of payouts]
The number of medals paid out is displayed by the game auxiliary display 12 and the liquid crystal display 51.

  For example, when the middle bell wins, 8 medals are paid out. The hopper motor 34b is driven by the winning and the payout of medals stored in the hopper tank 34a is started from the medal payout opening 9. Each time a medal is paid out from the medal payout opening 9, the game auxiliary display 12 displays the number of medals currently paid out. In a state in which the payout has not started, “00” is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 to indicate that the current payout number is “0”. In a state where one is paid out, “01” is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 to indicate that the current payout number is “1”. Similarly, in a state where all medals (eight) are paid out, “08” is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12 to indicate that the current payout number is “8”. If a payout error occurs in the middle of payout and the payout of medals stops halfway, the game auxiliary display 12 stops updating the payout number when the number of medals actually paid out is displayed.

  When the medal payout starts, the main control unit transmits a payout command capable of specifying the medal payout number (eight). The sub control unit 91 updates the display of the number of payouts on the liquid crystal display 51 based on the received payout command. For example, if the current payout number is 8, “8” is displayed at the lower right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 51. Further, when controlled by the AT, the number of medals paid out after being controlled by the AT (hereinafter also referred to as “total paid-out number”) is updated. For example, when the number of medals paid out after being controlled by the AT is 500, “TOTAL 500” is displayed on the upper left of the screen of the liquid crystal display 51. Further, the sub-control unit 91 outputs a payout sound from the speakers 53 and 54 based on the received payout command.

  When the sub-control unit 91 receives a payout command indicating that the payout number is 8, it is instructed regardless of whether or not a situation occurs in which a medal is not paid out due to an effect of a payout error that occurred in the middle. The display of “payout number” and “total payout number” on the liquid crystal display 51 is updated one by one until the number of payouts (= 8) is reached. That is, the “payout number” is updated from “0” to “1” upon receipt of the payout command, and thereafter “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6” Sheets "," 7 sheets ", and" 8 sheets ". On the other hand, the “total payout number” is updated from “495” to “496” by receiving the payout command, for example, if the number before receiving the payout command is “495”, and thereafter “497”. , “498”, “499”, “500”, “501”, “502”, “503”. In this way, on the liquid crystal display 51, the display is updated regardless of the actual medal payout.

  When the medal payout is completed (eight payouts are completed), the main control unit transmits a payout completion command for notifying medal payout completion. When a payout completion command is received by the sub control unit 91 without occurrence of a payout error, the output of the payout sound is stopped.

[Paid sound when no error occurs]
FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining a payout sound or the like when no error occurs during the medal payout. The horizontal axis indicates time t, and from the top indicates whether “hopper operation”, “command”, “error”, “error sound”, “paid sound”, and “specific effect” are on or off. ing. In addition, the display states of the “game auxiliary display 12 (main display)” and the “liquid crystal display 51 (sub display)” are shown.

  Hereinafter, description will be made based on the timing chart of FIG. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the game state is controlled by RT2 and is controlled by the AT (ART). In RT2, since the replay winning probability is higher than in RT0 and RT1, the number of medals can be gradually increased by the winning of a bell, which is a combination of 8 cards. When the player increases the number of medals, the number of medals to be paid out from the medal payout opening 9 is larger than the number of medals inserted into the medal insertion unit 4, so that the number of medals in the hopper tank 34a gradually decreases. . When the medal in the hopper tank 34a becomes empty, a hopper empty error occurs. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, a case where a hopper empty error does not occur during the payout of medals will be described. A case where a hopper empty error occurs while paying out medals will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the timing chart of FIG. 15, the medal payout has not occurred before time t1. Further, it is assumed that the number of medals (total payout number) paid out after being controlled by the AT is “495”. The auxiliary display 12 for games displays “00” indicating that the current payout number is “0”. On the liquid crystal display 51, “0” indicating that the current payout number is “0” is displayed at the lower right of the screen, and “total payout number” is “495”. “TOTAL 495” is displayed at the upper left of the screen. Note that the display of the liquid crystal display 51 is as shown in FIG. 15A, but is simplified and displayed as shown in FIG. 15B on the time chart.

  Assume that the player wins the middle bell at time t1. Eight medals are paid out by winning the middle bell. At this time, the hopper motor 34b is driven to start paying out medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout opening 9 (the “hopper operation” state is changed from the off state to the on state). Further, the main control unit transmits a payout command indicating that payout of 8 medals is started. When the first medal is paid out from the medal payout opening 9, the display on the auxiliary display 12 for gaming is updated from “00” to “01” indicating that the current payout number is “1”. Is done.

  When a payout command is received by the sub-control unit 91 at time t2, output of a payout sound is started from the speakers 53 and 54 (“payout sound” is turned on from the off state). In addition, the display of the number of payouts on the liquid crystal display 51 is updated from “0” to “1”, and the display of the total payout number is updated from “495” to “496”.

  At times t2 to t3, the hopper motor 34b is driven, and the display on the game auxiliary display 12 is updated each time one medal is paid out from the medal payout opening 9. For example, when the actual payout number from the medal payout opening 9 is “2”, the display of the auxiliary game display 12 is updated from “01” to “02”. Similarly, the display on the game auxiliary display 12 is updated up to “8”, which is the number of payouts by winning the middle bell, and finally “08” is displayed.

  On the other hand, in the liquid crystal display 51 that starts updating the display upon receipt of the payout command, the display is updated at regular time intervals regardless of the actual payout from the medal payout opening 9. However, the display update is completed at a timing corresponding to the timing at which the payout from the medal payout exit 9 is normally completed (the payout completion timing when the payout is normally performed without stopping due to an error). The display is updated. For example, when the time until the payout of eight sheets is actually completed is T seconds, the update completion timing of the liquid crystal display 51 may be T seconds. However, it is not always necessary to match the update completion timing, and it may be shorter than T seconds.

  In the liquid crystal display 51, the display of the number of payouts is updated one by one from “0” to “8” of the middle bell payout number (a total of 8), and the display of the total payout number is “495”. To “503” one by one (total 8 added).

  When the payout of eight medals from the medal payout port 9 is completed at time t3, the hopper motor 34b stops driving (the “hopper operation” state is changed from the on state to the off state). Further, the main control unit transmits a payout completion command which is a command for notifying the completion of payout of medals.

  When the sub-control unit 91 receives the payout completion command at time t4, the speakers 53 and 54 stop outputting the payout sound (the “payout sound” changes from the on state to the off state). Furthermore, since the total payout number exceeds 500 when the payout completion command is received, a notification effect for notifying that the total payout number exceeds 500 is executed. As described above, in this embodiment, when the total payout number exceeds a certain number, a notification effect is provided to increase the player's satisfaction. However, as shown in FIG. 15, the time when the total payout number exceeds 500 is a time before time t4. In the present embodiment, even if the total number of payouts in the middle of payout reaches a certain number worth the notification effect, such notification effect is performed after all payouts have been completed. Specifically, after the total payout number exceeds a certain number, such notification effect is performed at the timing when the payout completion command is received. In this embodiment, the notification effect that is performed after receiving the payout completion command is referred to as a specific effect.

  As shown in FIG. 15, such a “specific effect” is executed at time t4 (the “specific effect” changes from the off state to the on state). Specifically, “500 sheets OVER!” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 to notify that the total payout number has exceeded 500 sheets. Not only when the total payout number is “500”, but may be executed whenever the total payout number defined in advance, such as “1000” or “2000”, is exceeded.

[Payout sound when an error occurs]
FIG. 16 is a timing chart for explaining a payout sound or the like when an error occurs during medal payout. The horizontal axis indicates time t. From the top, “hopper operation”, “command”, “error (hopper empty error)”, “error sound”, “payout sound”, and “specific effect” are either on or off. Is shown. In addition, the display states of the “game auxiliary display 12 (main display)” and the “liquid crystal display 51 (sub display)” are shown. Note that a description overlapping with the description of FIG. 15 is omitted.

  Hereinafter, description will be made based on the timing chart of FIG. In FIG. 16, it is assumed that the gaming state of RT2 is controlled as in FIG. 15 and that the state is controlled by the AT (ART). In FIG. 16, unlike FIG. 15, there are no medals in the hopper tank 34a during the payout, and a hopper empty error occurs.

  In the timing chart, no medal payout has occurred before time t1. Further, it is assumed that the number of medals (total payout number) paid out after being controlled by the AT is “495”. The auxiliary display 12 for games displays “00” indicating that the current payout number is “0”. On the liquid crystal display 51, “0” indicating that the current payout number is “0” is displayed at the lower right of the screen, and “total payout number” is “495”. “TOTAL 495” is displayed at the upper left of the screen.

  Assume that the player wins the middle bell at time t1. Eight medals are paid out by winning the middle bell. At this time, the hopper motor 34b is driven to start paying out medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout opening 9 (the “hopper operation” state is changed from the off state to the on state). Further, the main control unit notifies the start of paying out medals, and transmits a payout command that allows the medal payout number (eight) to be specified. When the first medal is paid out from the medal payout opening 9, the display on the auxiliary display 12 for gaming is updated from “00” to “01” indicating that the current payout number is “1”. Is done.

  When a payout command is received by the sub-control unit 91 at time t2, output of a payout sound is started from the speakers 53 and 54 (“payout sound” is turned on from the off state). In addition, the display of the number of payouts on the liquid crystal display 51 is updated from “0” to “1”, and the display of the total payout number is updated from “495” to “496”.

  Further, the second medal is paid out from the medal payout opening 9, and the display on the auxiliary display 12 for gaming is updated from “01” to “02” indicating that the current payout number is “2”. Is done. Here, it is assumed that when the second medal is paid out, the number of medals stored in 34a becomes zero. At this time, since there is a possibility that medals remain in the hopper tank 34a, the hopper motor 34b continues to drive (runs idle) for a specified number of seconds.

  During this time, since the actual payout number from the medal payout opening 9 remains “2”, the display on the auxiliary game display 12 remains “02” and stops. On the other hand, the liquid crystal display 51 that starts updating the display upon receipt of the payout command updates the display irrespective of the actual payout from the medal payout opening 9. The display on the liquid crystal display 51 is updated one by one from “0” to “8” as the middle bell payout number, and the total payout display is “495”. To “503” one by one (total 8 added). The payout number and the total payout number are updated so that the display is updated at a timing corresponding to the timing at which the actual payout from the medal payout exit 9 is completed.

  A hopper empty error occurs at a time t4 when the hopper motor 34b idles for a specified number of seconds ("hopper empty error" changes from the off state to the on state). When the sub control unit 91 receives an error start command due to the occurrence of an error, an error sound for notifying that an error has occurred is output from the speakers 53 and 54 (“error sound” is switched from the off state to the on state. Become). At this time, the output of the payout sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 stops (the “payout sound” changes from the on state to the off state), and the error sound output is prioritized.

  During the time t4 to t5 from when the error occurs until the error is cleared, the “payout number” and “total payout number” as shown in FIG. The display is switched to notifying that an error has occurred.

  The hopper empty error is canceled as follows. First, a store clerk or the like of the game store opens the front door 1b and replenishes medals into the empty hopper tank 34a. Then, the front door 1b is closed. At time t5, the error state is canceled by a reset operation in which the door key is inserted into the key hole 110 provided in the front door 1b and rotated counterclockwise (“error” is changed from the on state to the off state). However, the output of the error sound is not stopped, and the output of the error sound is continued for a predetermined period. Then, at time t6 after the predetermined period has elapsed, the output of the error sound is stopped (the “error sound” is changed from the on state to the off state).

  When the error state is released at time t5, the hopper motor 34b resumes driving (the “hopper operation” state changes from the off state to the on state), and the stopped payout of the medals is resumed. At time t5, the third medal is paid out from the medal payout exit 9. Accordingly, the display on the auxiliary display 12 for gaming is updated from “02” to “03” indicating that the current payout number is “3”. On the other hand, the display of “payout number” and “total payout number” on the liquid crystal display 51 is not updated. This is because the display update has already been completed before time t4. When the error is cleared at time t5, the error display on the liquid crystal display 51 disappears and the original screen is restored. “Payout number” displays “8 sheets” originally displayed, and “Total payout number” also displays “503 sheets” originally displayed.

  Even if the error state is canceled at time t5, the payout command is not transmitted again (the “payout command” does not change from the off state to the on state). Further, the payout sound is not output again (the “payout sound” does not change from the off state to the on state).

  Every time one medal is paid out from the medal payout opening 9 at time t5 to t7, the display on the auxiliary display 12 for gaming is updated. By time t7, the third medal to the eighth medal are paid out. The game auxiliary display 12 updates the display every time one is paid out, and finally “08” is displayed.

  When the payout of 8 medals from the medal payout opening 9 is completed at time t7, the hopper motor 34b stops driving (the “hopper operation” state is changed from the on state to the off state). Further, the main control unit transmits a payout completion command which is a command for notifying the completion of payout of medals.

  At time t8, the sub-control unit 91 has received a payout completion command. When the payout completion command is received, the total payout number exceeds 500 (the total payout number is “503”), so that “specific effect” is issued to notify that the total payout number exceeds 500 ("Specific effect" changes from the off state to the on state). At this time, “500 sheets OVER!” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 to notify that the total payout number has exceeded 500 sheets. Since the speakers 53 and 54 have already stopped outputting the payout sound, receiving the payout completion command does not affect the output of the payout sound.

  In the present embodiment, the reason for executing the specific effect after receiving the payout completion command is as follows. The reason for notifying that the total number of payouts exceeds a specified amount (for example, 500) during AT is to make the player aware that the number of medals has increased during AT (to give satisfaction). For example, a specific effect for 10 seconds is performed. If the specific effect is performed at the time when the total number of payouts exceeds the specified amount before the completion of payout, the display on the liquid crystal display 51 is switched from the specific effect screen to the error screen due to a subsequent payout error. May be interrupted. When the hopper runs idle due to a medallion outage and a hopper empty error occurs, the place where the specific effect for 10 seconds is originally changed to an error display in about 3 seconds, for example, and the player cannot be entertained. By executing the specific effect after receiving the payout completion command, the notification period (10 seconds) of the specific effect can be reliably ensured. Further, for example, it is conceivable to perform a specific effect at the same time as winning a prize, but in actuality, the payout has not been completed, and the total payout number does not exceed 500. For this reason, the specific effect is performed after receiving the payout completion command in which the total payout number actually exceeds 500.

[Main effects obtained by the embodiment]
Next, main configurations and effects obtained by the above-described embodiment will be described.

  A gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 1 or a pachinko gaming machine) capable of playing a game, a game control means (for example, a main control unit 41) for controlling the game, and an effect control means (for example, for controlling the effect) , The sub-control unit 91) and a granting unit (for example, a medal in the slot machine 1 or a pachinko ball in a pachinko gaming machine) for giving a game value (for example, when the main control unit 41 receives a small role winning) And a sound output means (for example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 15, and 16) that is capable of outputting a grant sound corresponding to the grant of the game value. Speakers 53 and 54 for outputting a payout sound, and means controlled by the game control means, the first display unit For example, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the main control unit 41 displays a game auxiliary display as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, for example. Processing for displaying the number of payouts on the display device 12), and means controlled by the effect control means, which are displayed on the second display unit (for example, the liquid crystal display 51) when the game value is given. 2nd update means (for example, as shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 16, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the sub-control unit can update the information (for example, the number of payouts, the number of medals paid out after being controlled by the AT). 91, a process of displaying the payout number and the total payout number on the liquid crystal display 51), and the giving means gives the game value when an error state occurs before the game value is given. When it is refused, the provision of gaming value is resumed after the error state is resolved (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when an error occurs at time t4 and the error is canceled at time t5, the medal is paid out) When the error state does not occur, the sound output means completes the output of the provided sound according to the timing related to the completion of the provision of the game value (for example, as shown in FIG. 15, On the other hand, the output of the payout sound is completed at time t4 according to the timing related to the time t3 when the payout is completed.) On the other hand, the game value When the granting is resumed, the output of the granting sound is not resumed (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, after the cancellation of the error state occurring at time t4 before the payout is completed). When the payout is resumed at time t5, the output of the payout sound is not resumed), and when the error state does not occur, the second update means performs the second information according to the timing related to the completion of the provision of the game value. (For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the updating of the display of the payout number and the total payout number of the liquid crystal display 51 is completed according to the timing related to the time t3 when the payout is completed). When the addition of the game value is resumed after the error state generated before the game value has been given, the second information is not updated again (for example, as shown in FIG. When the payout is resumed at the time t5 after the error state that occurred at the time t4 before the completion of the payout is completed, the display of the payout number and the total payout number on the liquid crystal display 51 is updated. When the error state does not occur, the first update means completes the update of the first information according to the timing related to the completion of the provision of the game value (for example, as shown in FIG. 15) The display of the number of payouts on the game auxiliary display 12 is updated according to the timing related to the time t3 when the payout is completed), and the error state that occurred before the game value has been added is resolved. When the provision of gaming value is resumed later, the updating of the first information is resumed (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, at the time t5 after the cancellation of the error state that occurred at the time t4 before the payout is completed). When the payout is resumed, the display of the payout number on the game auxiliary display 12 is resumed).

  According to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, when the payout is resumed at time t5 after the error state that occurred at time t4 before the payout is completed, the output of the payout sound is resumed. Therefore, since the display of the payout number and the total payout number on the liquid crystal display 51 is not restarted, the processing load after the error state is resolved is reduced.

  Further, according to such a configuration, as shown at time t2 in FIG. 15 and time t2 in FIG. 16, the sub-control unit 91 generates a payout sound based on the payout command. A payout sound can be output.

  Further, according to such a configuration, as shown at time t4 in FIG. 15, the sub-control unit 91 terminates the output of the payout sound based on the payout completion command, and therefore the payout sound at the timing related to the payout completion. The sub-control unit 91 can grasp the medal payout completion timing by the payout completion command.

  Further, according to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, when the payout of medals is resumed at time t5 after the error state is resolved, the payout command is not transmitted, while the medals resumed at time t7. Since the payout completion command is transmitted when the payout is completed, the sub-control unit 91 can grasp the payout completion timing of the medal even after the error is canceled by the payout completion command.

  Further, according to such a configuration, as shown at time t4 in FIG. 15 and time t8 in FIG. 16, a specific effect that the total payout number has exceeded 500 sheets can be executed based on the payout completion command. is there. The payout completion command is originally an opportunity to complete the output of the payout sound, but the specific effect is executed even after the error state is resolved by using the payout completion command as an opportunity to start execution of the specific effect. Can be made.

  Also, according to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, when an error state occurs at time t4 while waiting for completion of the medal payout after the total payout number reaches 500, an error state After completion of the payout of medals resumed after the cancellation, the specific effect that the total payout number has exceeded 500 at time t8 is performed. The payout completion command is originally an opportunity to complete the output of the payout sound, but the specific effect is executed even after the error state is resolved by using the payout completion command as an opportunity to start execution of the specific effect. Can be made.

  Further, according to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, the output of the payout sound is not resumed at time t5 after the cancellation of the error state that occurred before the completion of the medal payout, but the medal payout The output of the error sound is continued from time t5 to time t6 after the cancellation of the error state that occurred before the completion of. If the output of the payout sound is resumed, the payout sound and the error sound overlap with each other, and the mutual sounds interfere with each other's notification. In this way, by outputting the error sound without restarting the output of the payout sound, the notification by the error sound is not hindered.

[Modification]
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.

[Error cancellation and error sound]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, at time t5, the hopper empty error is canceled by a reset operation using a door key without opening the front door 1b. At this time, all errors have been canceled, but the output of the error sound is not stopped and is continued for a predetermined period (time t5 to t6). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be as follows. The release of the hopper empty error can be performed not only by the reset operation by the door key but also by the reset operation by the reset switch 23 or the reset / setting switch 38. The reset switch 23 and the reset / setting switch 38 cannot be operated unless the front door 1b is opened. Immediately after the error is released, the door remains open. Even if the hopper empty error is released, the door open error is still detected. The error sound after the hopper empty error is released may be continuously output until the front door 1b is closed and the door opening error is released. Further, the error sound after the hopper empty error is released may be continuously output for a predetermined period after the front door 1b is closed and the door opening error is released.

  When the hopper empty error is released with the front door 1b opened, the hopper motor 34b starts driving with the front door 1b opened, and the payout of medals is resumed. At this time, every time one medal is paid out, the display on the auxiliary display for gaming 12 is updated. However, since the door opening error still occurs, the liquid crystal display 51 displays that the error has occurred (displayed until the front door 1b is closed). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the front door 1b is opened (the door open signal is on) and the hopper empty error is canceled, the front door 1b is closed (the door open signal is off). Alternatively, the hopper motor 34b may be driven to resume the payout from the medal payout opening 9.

[About specific effects]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a description has been given of notifying that the total payout number has exceeded 500 as a specific effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a notification that the number of AT games has been added as a specific effect may be provided. For example, it is assumed that, during AT, when a strong watermelon is won, an extra lottery is won and the number of AT games of 50 games is added. At this time, as described with reference to FIG. 16, it is assumed that a hopper empty error occurs during the payout of the payout number (5) due to winning. Further, when the payout is completed by canceling the error, the main control unit 41 transmits a payout completion command. When the sub-control unit 91 receives the payout completion command, an extra suggestion effect that suggests whether or not the extra win has been won is performed. For example, on the liquid crystal display 51, “+ 50G” or the like indicating that the number of AT games of 50 games has been added is displayed.

[About payout command and payout completion command]
In the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 15, when a payout command is received at time t2, output of a payout sound is started, and when a payout completion command is received at time t4, an output of payout sound is output. I stopped it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output of the payout sound may be started by receiving the payout command, and the output of the payout sound may be stopped without receiving the payout completion command. For example, it is assumed that eight payouts have occurred due to the winning of a bell. The sub-control unit 91 sets the output period of the payout sound having a length corresponding to the payout number (8) specified by the payout command. The output of the payout sound may be stopped after the output period of the payout sound has elapsed.

  In the above-described embodiment, a single payout command is transmitted for eight payouts due to the Bell winning, and a payout sound (continuous sound) of a certain length corresponding to the eight payouts. Was output. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a payout command may be transmitted every time one payout is made. In this case, each time a payout command is received, a payout sound (short sound) of a certain length corresponding to one payout is output, and a total of 8 payout sounds are output.

[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 production and notification]
In the above-described example, an example is given in which production and notification are performed using the liquid crystal display 51 and the speakers 53 and 54. For example, 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 and the game 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 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.

[About pachinko machines]
Next, an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine will be described. Hereinafter, detailed description of the same parts as those in the above embodiment will be omitted. Note that “winning” in a pachinko gaming machine means that a pachinko ball passes through a winning opening.

  A pachinko gaming machine is played by driving a pachinko ball, which is a game medium, into a game area provided on the game board. In a pachinko gaming machine, a pachinko ball passes through a start area provided in a game area (a first start winning opening formed by a normal winning ball apparatus or a second starting winning opening formed by an ordinary variable winning ball apparatus). Thus, it is determined whether or not to generate a big hit based on the extracted random number. In the big hit gaming state after the big win, the special winning ball of the special variable winning ball device can be opened. If a pachinko ball wins the first start winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, 3 balls) of balls (prize balls) can be obtained, and if a pachinko ball wins the second start winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, 3 balls) can be obtained. A ball (prize ball) is obtained, and if a pachinko ball wins a big prize opening, a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) of ball (prize ball) is obtained.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, when eight medals are paid out due to a bell winning, a case is divided into a case where an error occurs and a case where no error occurs. The output of the payout sound and the payout display on the game auxiliary display 12 and the liquid crystal display 51 have been described.

  When applied to a pachinko machine, the following may be used. For example, in the case where a pachinko ball wins any of the first start winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the big winning opening, and a predetermined number of winning balls are obtained, the main board (game control) is set for each winning ball. The number of prize balls is displayed on a display device connected to the substrate. Similarly, for each prize ball, the number of prize balls is displayed on the display device connected to the effect control board, and the total number of prize balls in the jackpot is also displayed. For example, a case will be described in which a pachinko ball is won at the big winning opening and 15 prize balls are obtained in the big hit gaming state after the big hit. A payout command is transmitted from the game control board side when a winning at the big winning opening occurs. When the effect control board side receives the payout command, the output of the payout sound (prize ball sound) is started. On the side of the effect control board, the number of prize balls is updated and displayed for each prize ball, and the total number of prize balls is displayed. When 15 prize balls are completed, the game control board transmits a payout completion command. When the effect control board side receives the payout completion command, the output of the payout sound (prize ball sound) is stopped. Further, the specific effect is executed by receiving the payout completion command. When the payout completion command is received, if it has reached a predetermined total number of winning balls (for example, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400), the effect control board notifies that fact. For example, when the total number of winning balls has reached 2401, the sub-side displays “2400 OVER!”.

  When an error occurs in the middle of 15 prize balls, the payout sound (prize ball sound) is output and the number of prize balls is displayed by the method described with reference to FIG. The display of the number of prize balls on the game control board side is performed in conjunction with the actual number of prize balls. On the other hand, the display of the number of prize balls on the production control board side updates the display up to 15 prize balls even if an error occurs in the middle of the prize ball. When an error occurs, the payout sound (prize ball sound) stops outputting and outputs an error sound. When the error is released, the winning ball is restarted and the display of the number of winning balls on the game control board side is updated accordingly. At this time, the payout sound (prize ball sound) is not output. When the winning ball is completed, the game control board transmits a payout completion command. When receiving the payout completion command, the effect control board side executes the specific effect as described above.

  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)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A granting means for giving gaming value;
A sound output means capable of outputting a grant sound corresponding to the addition of game value,
When the provision of the game value is interrupted by the occurrence of an error state before the provision of the game value is completed, the provision means restarts the provision of the game value after the error state is resolved,
The sound output means, when the error state does not occur, completes the output of the grant sound according to the timing related to the completion of the provision of the game value, but occurred before the completion of the provision of the game value A gaming machine that does not resume the output of the added sound when the provision of gaming value is resumed after the error state is resolved.

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