JP2018192059A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suppressing execution of a game when the number of bets different from an optimal number of bets is set.SOLUTION: In a game state other than a bonus state, a slot machine defines "1" and "3" as prescribed numbers, and validates a start switch by updating the number of bets to "1" or "3". When a token updating the number of bets to "1" is detected, the start switch is validated however, when a token updating the number of bets to "2" is detected, the start switch is invalidated, and, until the number of bets is updated to "3", the invalidation of the start switch is retained.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and that can grant a privilege according to the symbols when variable display is stopped.

  As an example of a gaming machine, a plurality of reels on which a plurality of kinds of symbols are arranged are provided, and the start switch is operated to perform the lottery and start the rotation of the reels. There is a slot machine that can stop the rotation of the reels based on the pressing order, the operation timing, etc., and can give a privilege according to the combination of symbols on the winning line when all the reels stop. Further, as a state advantageous to the player, a bonus or RT (Replay Time) for improving a winning probability of a predetermined combination (for example, a small combination or replay) and a result of a combination lottery result in winning a plurality of combinations. There is also a slot machine provided with an AT (Assist Time) for notifying operation information that is advantageous to a player for winning a winning combination with a larger privilege.

  In such a gaming machine, in a predetermined state in which the bonus winning is carried over, a single betting game is produced by directing so that the game is played with an optimal single betting in order to aim for a bonus prize while suppressing consumption of medals. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-136580 A

  However, in a conventional gaming machine, even if an effect is executed during a predetermined state, a game can be played even with a bet number different from the optimal bet number (for example, two bets that are one more than the optimal bet number). I can do it. In particular, when a general player inserts medals, he or she tends to continuously insert a plurality of medals on the medal mounting table of the insertion slot. For this reason, even if the player recognizes that it is in a predetermined state by the effect, a plurality of medals are placed on the medal mounting table of the insertion slot with the usual trap, There is a possibility that the player may not be aware that he has bet one more, and the possibility that a game will be played with a bet number different from the optimum bet number may increase.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a game from being performed when a bet number different from the optimal bet number is set. To do.

  A gaming machine according to an aspect of the present invention includes a display unit that variably displays a plurality of types of symbols, and a gaming device that is provided from a loading unit in a gaming machine that can grant a privilege according to the symbol when variable display stops. A game medium detecting means for detecting a medium, and a first stage in which a first number is set as a bet number for one game when at least a game medium is inserted from the insertion unit, and the first number as a bet number Any one of a plurality of bet number stages including a second stage in which a second number greater than the number is set and a third stage in which a third number greater than the second number is set as the bet number Bet number stage updating means that can be updated, a start operation detecting means for detecting a start operation, an invalid period during which the start operation detected by the start operation detecting means is not effectively received, and a start detected by the start operation detecting means Enable operation Period control means for executing period control so as to be one of the valid periods to be accepted, and variable display start means for starting the variable display by effectively accepting the start operation detected by the start operation detection means in the valid period A predetermined gaming state control means for controlling the betting number stage to a predetermined gaming state in which a game can be executed according to any one of the first stage and the third stage, and the period control means in the predetermined gaming state By updating the betting number stage to the first stage, the period control can be executed so as to be the effective period, and at least in the predetermined gaming state, the betting number stage is changed from the first stage to the second stage. The invalid period is from when the game medium detecting means detects the game medium to be updated until the betting number stage is updated to the third stage. And the betting number stage is updated to the third stage in the predetermined gaming state, so that the period control is executed so as to be the effective period, and the betting number stage is changed from the first stage to the first stage. Even when the period control is executed by the period control unit so that the game medium to be updated in two stages is detected by the game medium detection unit and becomes the invalid period, the game inserted from the input unit It is possible to accept the medium and update the betting number step to the third step by the betting number step updating means.

  According to this configuration, in a predetermined gaming state in which a game can be executed according to either the first stage or the third stage, the betting number stage is updated to the first stage or the third stage, thereby starting operation. It becomes an effective period for receiving the game effectively, and the game can be executed. In contrast, at least in the predetermined gaming state, the start operation is not effectively accepted until a game medium that detects the game medium that updates the betting number stage from the first stage to the second stage is detected and updated to the third stage. It becomes a period. That is, even if a start operation is performed at the time when it is detected that the update is performed in the second stage, it is not effectively accepted. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a game from being executed in a state where the betting number stage is updated to the second stage.

  Preferably, the period control means is set to the invalid period until a predetermined period elapses after the game medium detection means detects a game medium whose betting number stage is updated to the first stage in the predetermined gaming state. When the game medium detecting means detects a game medium that updates the betting number stage from the first stage to the second stage until the predetermined period elapses, after the predetermined period has elapsed. The period control is executed so that the invalid period is updated until the betting number stage is updated to the third stage.

  According to this configuration, even when a gaming medium that updates the betting number stage to the first stage is detected, a gaming medium that updates the betting number stage to the second stage is detected before the predetermined period elapses. Sometimes it becomes an ineffective period without an effective period. For this reason, for example, even when game media are continuously inserted, it is possible to prevent the game from being executed with the betting number stage updated to the second stage.

  Preferably, the game medium detecting means detects first game medium detecting means for detecting the game medium input from the input section at a predetermined position, and detects the game medium input from the input section on the downstream side of the predetermined position. And a second gaming medium detection means, wherein the gaming machine detects the game medium after the first gaming medium detection means is detected by the first gaming medium detection means and the second gaming medium detection means. Progress determining means for determining whether or not the period has elapsed is provided.

  According to this configuration, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the game medium input from the input unit was detected by the upstream first game medium detection means. As a result, the predetermined period elapses at an early timing after the game medium is inserted, as compared with the case where it is determined whether or not the predetermined period has elapsed since the detection by the second game medium detection means. For this reason, the period control can be executed at an early timing after the game medium is inserted. It is also possible to determine, for example, fraudulent acts from the relationship between the time required for the game medium to be detected by the second game medium detection means after being detected by the first game medium detection means and the predetermined period. Become.

It is a front view of a slot machine. It is a perspective view of the state where the front door of the slot machine is opened. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of a medal selector. It is a figure which shows the example of a condition where the detection signal from a medal sensor is ON or OFF. It is a figure which shows the example of a condition where the detection signal from a medal sensor is ON or OFF. It is a development view of a reel. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is a figure for demonstrating game control processing. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a game start display lamp lighting determination process. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a timer interruption process. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a start switch determination process. It is a figure for demonstrating each relationship of the detection signal from a medal sensor, C sensor flag and AB sensor flag, and activation of a start switch. It is a figure for demonstrating each relationship of the detection signal from a medal sensor, C sensor flag and AB sensor flag, and activation of a start switch. It is a figure for demonstrating each relationship of the detection signal from a medal sensor, C sensor flag and AB sensor flag, and activation of a start switch. It is a figure for demonstrating a combination name, a symbol combination, etc. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a winning combination group, a combination, etc. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the lottery value for every winning combination group used as the object of part lottery. It is the figure which showed the height of the winning probability for every winning combination group by width. It is a figure for demonstrating the transition of a game state.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As a specific example of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a slot machine capable of executing a game using a medal as a game medium will be described. However, the gaming machine is not limited to such a slot machine, and may be another gaming machine such as a gaming machine capable of executing a game using a gaming ball as a gaming medium.

<Example of slot machine configuration>
The overall configuration of the slot machine will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door of the slot machine is opened.

  The slot machine 1 is composed of a member including a box-shaped housing 3 having an opening on the front surface and a front door 5 attached to one side of the housing 3 so as to be freely opened and closed. The front surface of the housing 3 is closed by closing the front door 5 with respect to the housing 3. The front door 5 can be locked / released with respect to the housing 3 by a door key managed by an administrator of the game hall.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a display window 7 is provided in the central portion of the front door 5. From the display window 7, reels 11L, 11M, and 11R (hereinafter collectively referred to as reels 11L to 11R) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged can be visually recognized. When the reels 11L to 11R are rotated, the display window 7 can visually recognize a state in which symbols arranged on the reels 11L to 11R are variably displayed. Thus, the variable display part 13 which variably displays a plurality of symbols is formed by the display window 7 and the reels 11L to 11R.

  The variable display unit 13 includes a plurality of variable display columns 10. Specifically, the variable display section 13 includes a left variable display row 10L composed of a portion corresponding to the front of the reel 11L and the reel 11L in the display window 7, and a portion corresponding to the front of the reel 11M in the display window 7. And a reel 11M, a middle variable display row 10M, and a right variable display row 10R comprising a portion of the display window 7 corresponding to the front of the reel 11R and the reel 11R. In the state where the reels 11L to 11R are stopped, the left variable display column 10L, the middle variable display column 10M, and the right variable display column 10R can stop and display symbols on the upper, middle, and lower stages, respectively. For this reason, nine symbols can be visually recognized from the display window 7.

  In the present embodiment, a so-called middle line composed of the middle stage of the left variable display row 10L, the middle stage of the middle variable display row 10M, and the middle stage of the right variable display row 10R is set as the winning line that is the target for determining the winning combination. Yes. In the display window 7, a winning line NL is drawn.

  A liquid crystal display 27 is provided above the display window 7 of the front door 5. The liquid crystal display 27 executes an effect by displaying a predetermined image as the game (game) progresses. In addition, an explanation panel 29 on which a predetermined combination of symbols, the number of payouts, etc. is printed is provided above the liquid crystal display 27 of the front door 5. Lamp portions 33L, 33M, and 33R are provided. The lamp units 33L, 33M, and 33R include light sources such as LEDs, and perform effects by emitting light according to the progress of the game.

  On the left side of the display window 7 of the front door 5, a credit display 45, a payout display 46, a notification display 60, an advantageous period notification lamp 80, a game start display lamp 81, and a re-game display lamp 82. Are arranged. The credit indicator 45 displays a credit that is the number of medals stored (stored) in the slot machine 1 among medals owned by the player. The upper limit number of credits is set to 50.

  The payout display 46 is a display that is used for displaying various information such as error information as well as displaying the number of medals (game media) to be paid out when a winning combination occurs. The notification display 60 is a display for notifying predetermined information for specifying an operation mode (for example, operation timing, pressing order, etc., hereinafter also referred to as an advantageous operation mode) advantageous for the player, a result of a role lottery, or the like. It is a vessel. The advantageous period notification lamp 80 is a display for notifying that an advantageous period in which an AT game that can notify the advantageous operation mode is acceptable (hereinafter referred to as an advantageous period). The game start display lamp 81 is a display for notifying that a predetermined number of medals necessary for starting one game have been set and that the rotation can be started. As the specified number in the present embodiment, “3” and “1” are set in the gaming state other than “bonus”, and “2” is set during “bonus”. The re-game display lamp 82 is an indicator for notifying that the game is due to a re-game player winning a prize, and is turned on when a combination of symbols corresponding to the re-game player is aligned on the winning line. Turns off at the end of the next game associated with the winning combination.

  Each of the credit display 45, the payout display 46, and the notification display 60 is configured by, for example, a 7-segment LED, and notifies information according to the lighting state of each segment. Further, the advantageous period notification lamp 80, the game start display lamp 81, and the replay display lamp 82 are each configured by, for example, an LED, and are lit to indicate an advantageous period, that the game can be started, Notify that the game is associated with winning a role.

  Various operation units are provided below the display window 7 of the front door 5. The operation unit includes a bet switch 15, a maximum bet switch 17, a start switch 19, a checkout switch 23, stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R (hereinafter also collectively referred to as stop switches 21L to 21R), and a medal insertion slot 25. Is provided.

  The bet switch 15 is a switch that detects an operation for setting a bet amount for one medal using credits. The maximum bet switch 17 is a switch that detects an operation for setting the bet number of medals for the maximum prescribed number using credits. The maximum specified number is the maximum number of bets that can be set for one game (hereinafter also referred to as one game) (“3” in game states other than “bonus”, “2” during “bonus”). The operation unit (operation button) of the maximum bet switch 17 has a built-in maximum bet display lamp for notifying that the bet number can be set, and the maximum bet display lamp is turned on in the bet number set state. .

  The start switch 19 is a switch that detects an operation for rotating each of the reels 11L to 11R to start variable display of symbols. When the slot machine 1 is not ready to start rotation, the slot machine 1 does not effectively accept the operation to the start switch 19, and when the game start display lamp 81 informs the start switch 19 that the rotation can be started, Accept operations effectively. The settlement switch 23 is a switch for detecting an operation for paying out medals corresponding to the number of credits or a set number of bets. The stop switches 21L to 21R are switches for detecting an operation for stopping rotation of the corresponding reel among the reels 11L to 11R to stop variable display of symbols. The medal slot 25 is an opening for a player to insert a medal.

  A lower panel 35 on which characters and the like are printed is provided below various operation units on the front door 5. Lower lamp portions 37L and 37R are provided on the left and right sides of the lower panel 35, respectively. The lower lamp portions 37L and 37R include light sources such as LEDs, for example, and perform effects by emitting light according to the progress of the game.

  Also, below the lower panel 35, a medal payout opening 39 for paying out medals in response to the occurrence of a winning combination, and a medal receiver 41 for receiving medals paid out from the medal payout opening 39 are provided. Speakers 31L and 31R are provided on the left and right sides of the medal payout opening 39 for performing effects by outputting sound effects and sounds according to the progress of the game.

  Next, the internal configuration of the housing 3 of the slot machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, a reel unit 9 for receiving the reels 11 </ b> L to 11 </ b> R side by side is provided at the center in the housing 3 of the slot machine 1. The reel unit 9 is fixed to the rear wall in the housing 3. The reel unit 9 includes reel motors 14L, 14M, and 14R (see FIG. 7; hereinafter also referred to as reel motors 14L to 14R) and position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R (see FIG. 7; hereinafter, both position sensors 55L to 55R). Say).

  Each of the reel motors 14L to 14R is fixed side by side with respect to the frame of the reel unit 9, and a corresponding reel among the reels 11L to 11R is fixed to a rotation shaft thereof. Accordingly, the reel motors 14L to 14R are driven and controlled to rotate and stop. The reel motors 14L to 14R are constituted by, for example, stepping motors.

  The position sensors 55L to 55R are sensors for detecting that the protrusions provided on the reels 11L to 11R have passed a predetermined position as the reel rotates. The position sensors 55L to 55R are configured by, for example, photo interrupters. When the position sensors 55L to 55R detect the protrusions of the corresponding reels, the symbol at the predetermined position of the reel (for example, the symbol of symbol number 20 in FIG. 6) is positioned in the middle of the display window 7. It is configured.

  Above the reel unit 9, the main control board 63 and the sub control board 73 are installed in a state of being housed in the board case. If a fraud is made to a control board or the like stored in the board case, in order to make it possible to easily identify the trace, for example, some members must be destroyed or the board cannot be contacted. It has a structure. The main control board 63 and the sub control board 73 are electrically connected by signal lines that connect the boards.

  A hopper unit 43 is provided below the reel unit 9. The hopper unit 43 includes a hopper container 42, a full sensor 58 (see FIG. 7), a hopper motor 57 (see FIG. 7), and a payout sensor 54 (see FIG. 7).

  The hopper container 42 is a container for storing medals received from the medal slot 25. The full tank sensor 58 is a sensor that is provided at a predetermined position of the hopper container 42 and detects that the medal stored in the hopper container 42 has reached a predetermined amount and is in a full state.

  The hopper motor 57 is a motor that is driven when a predetermined payout condition is satisfied, and is driven to discharge a predetermined number of medals stored in the hopper container 42. The hopper motor 57 is constituted by, for example, a DC motor (Direct Current Motor). The payout sensor 54 is a sensor that detects medals discharged from the hopper container 42 by the hopper motor 57 one by one. The medals detected by the payout sensor 54 are paid out from the medal payout opening 39 via the medal chute member 44 provided below the back side of the front door 5.

  On the left side of the hopper unit 43, a power supply unit 49 for supplying power to various devices included in the slot machine 1 is disposed. The power supply unit 49 is provided with a power switch 49a, a reset switch 52, and a change process start switch 56.

  The power switch 49 a is a switch for switching whether or not power is supplied to the slot machine 1. The reset switch 52 is a switch for detecting a setting value switching operation during a setting change process in which the setting value can be changed. The reset switch 52 is also used as a switch for canceling an error when an error occurs. The change process start switch 56 includes a key cylinder for setting change processing, and is a switch that detects an operation for shifting to setting change processing.

  The set value is a value that specifies the winning probability (and hence the payout rate, the degree of advantage) in the role lottery. As setting values, for example, there are six stages 1 to 6 with different winning probabilities. The setting value can be changed by switching to the setting change process by turning on the power with the change process start switch 56 turned ON by the setting change key managed by the game hall administrator. When shifting to the setting change process, the RAM of the slot machine 1 is initialized (cleared).

  The set values can be sequentially switched (for example,... 5 → 6 → 1 → 2...) By operating the reset switch 52 during the setting change process. During the setting change process, the set value is displayed on the payout display 46. In the setting change process, when the operation to the start switch 19 is detected, the setting value displayed at that time is stored, and the change process start switch 56 is turned off to end the setting change process. Thereby, the change of the set value is completed, and in the subsequent games, a role lottery or the like described later is performed based on the stored set value.

  On the back side of the front door 5, a medal selector 48 is disposed below the medal slot 25. The medal selector 48 selects whether or not the medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 25 is a genuine one, and guides the regular medal to the hopper container 42. On the other hand, the medal or medal cannot be inserted. It has a function of discharging medals inserted in the state from the medal payout opening 39. A regular medal is a medal that conforms to a predetermined standard, for example, a medal having a diameter of 25 mm and a thickness of 1.6 mm. Here, an outline of the medal selector 48 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows a view when the medal selector 48 is viewed from the front side (front door 5 side).

  The medal selector 48 accepts a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 25 from a medal receiving port 48a shown in FIG. The opening of the medal receiving port 48a has an inner dimension slightly larger than the diameter and thickness of a medal that conforms to a predetermined standard so that only one medal conforming to the predetermined standard can pass through the inside. Is formed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a medal larger than a medal conforming to a predetermined standard from being accepted.

  The medal selector 48 is provided with a medal passage 47 for guiding the medal received from the medal receiving port 48a to the medal discharging unit 40. The medal discharge unit 40 is a terminal part of the medal selector 48. The medals that have passed through the medal discharge unit 40 are discharged from the chute guide unit 38 (see FIG. 2) to the hopper container 42 side. Note that the chute guide portion 38 may be connected to the medal selector 48 or may be formed integrally with the medal selector 48. The medal passage 47 is formed in a substantially L shape, and includes a vertical passage 47a that extends substantially vertically downward from the medal receiving port 48a, and an inclined passage 47b that gently slopes down from the lower end of the vertical passage 47a to the medal discharge portion 40. Consists of.

  A movable guide member 51a is provided in the inclined passage 47b, and a cancel port 50 (see the dotted line in FIG. 3B) is formed at a position facing the movable guide member 51a. The movable guide member 51a has a first position that supports the upper side surface of the passing medal (the state shown in FIG. 3A) and a second position that does not support the upper side surface of the passing medal (FIG. 3B). The state can be displaced. The movable guide member 51a is driven and controlled by the switching solenoid 51 (see FIG. 7), and is displaced to the first position in a state where the medal can be inserted, so that the medal cannot be inserted (for example, when the credit upper limit is reached during reel rotation). ) To the second position.

  The cancel port 50 is an opening through which a passing medal can be discharged to the medal chute member 44. The movable guide member 51a is moved due to a medal passing through the inclined passage 47b when the movable guide member 51a is displaced to the second position, or because the diameter is smaller than a predetermined standard even when displaced to the first position. A medal whose top side is not supported by the member 51 a is discharged from the cancel port 50 to the medal chute member 44 and is paid out from the medal payout opening 39 as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the medal passage 47, the vertical passage 47a is provided with an acceptance detection piece 55 that protrudes or retreats toward the passage, and further, by detecting the swing of the acceptance detection piece 55, the medal acceptance entrance. A medal sensor 53c for detecting acceptance of a medal from 48a is provided. The medal sensor 53c is configured using an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit for receiving light emitted from the light emitting unit. In a normal state, the receiving detection piece 55 is retracted to a position where there is no predetermined portion between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. On the other hand, when the medal passes, the reception detection piece 55 rotates, so that a predetermined portion of the reception detection piece 55 moves between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. Thereby, the light emitted from the light emitting unit does not reach the light receiving unit. In this case, the medal sensor 53c detects that the medal has been received and passed from the medal receiving port 48a.

  In addition, the inclined passage 47b of the medal passage 47 is a sensor for detecting the passage of medals passing through the passage, and medal sensors 53a and 53b are provided upstream and downstream along the medal traveling direction. It is installed side by side. Each of the medal sensors 53a and 53b includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit for receiving light emitted from the light emitting unit, and an optical path from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit intersects the inclined passage 47b, and the light receiving state of the light receiving unit Is configured to detect the passage of medals.

  In both the medal sensors 53a and 53b, the light emitted from the light emitting part normally reaches the light receiving part, but the medal passing through the inclined passage 47b passes between the light emitting part and the light receiving part. Sometimes it does not reach the light receiving part. Thereby, the passage of medals is detected by each of the medal sensors 53a and 53b. Further, if the optical path of the medal sensor 53a is interrupted first, and then the optical path of the medal sensor 53b is interrupted, the advancing direction of the medal is normal, but the optical path of the medal sensor 53b is interrupted first, and then the medal sensor. When the optical path 53a is blocked, the direction of movement of the medal is abnormal. Thus, by providing the medal sensors 53a and 53b, it is possible to detect not only the fact that the medal has passed but also the traveling direction of the medal.

  The medal sensors 53a to 53c are game medium detecting means for detecting a game medium that is a medal. In each of the medal sensors 53a to 53c, the detection signal is turned on when the passage of the medal is detected, and the detection signal is turned off when the passage of the medal is not detected. For example, FIG. 4A shows an example of a situation where the detection signal from the medal sensor 53b is ON, and FIG. 4B shows an example of a situation where the detection signal from the medal sensor 53b is OFF. FIG. 5 shows an example of a situation when a plurality of medals are continuously inserted from the medal insertion slot 25. FIG. 5A shows an example of a situation in which the detection signal from the medal sensors 53a and 53b is turned on by the previously inserted medal A, and the detection signal from the medal sensor 53c is turned on by the subsequent medal B. . FIG. 5B shows an example in which each of the medals A and B flows down as time passes from the state of FIG. 5A and the detection signals from the medal sensors 53a to 53c are OFF. Show.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the structure of the symbol arrangement of each of the reels 11L to 11R will be described. On the reels 11L to 11R, a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, a plurality of types of symbols are indicated by character strings such as “7”, “BAR”, “CH1”, “CH2”, “BE”, and “RP”, but actually correspond to these character strings. The pattern is arranged. For example, a red “7” pattern as “7”, a “bell” pattern as “BE”, a “replay” pattern as “RP”, and the like are arranged. The plural kinds of symbols are not limited to the symbols as long as they can be distinguished from other symbols, and may be any pattern, symbol, numeral, or the like. Since “CH1” and “CH2” are configured by patterns having similar appearances, these are collectively referred to as “CH”. In FIG. 6, it is assumed that a predetermined blank symbol (for example, a star mark symbol) is arranged in a blank area.

  In FIG. 6, symbol numbers 0 to 20 are shown at the left end in correspondence with symbol arrangement areas where symbols are arranged on the reels 11 </ b> L to 11 </ b> R. The symbol numbers 0 to 20 are numbers for specifying which symbol arrangement region the symbol is in each of the reels 11L to 11R of the present embodiment.

  In the case of this embodiment, for example, a reel tape on which symbols of symbol numbers 0 to 20 are printed is attached to the peripheral surfaces of the reels 11L to 11R. For this reason, when the reels 11L to 11R rotate, a plurality of symbols are displayed in a predetermined order such as symbol numbers ... 20 → 19 → 18 → 17 →… 2 → 1 → 0 → 20 → 19 → 18 ... 7 can be variably displayed.

  The slot machine 1 having the above-described configuration starts in a state where rotation can be started by first inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 25 or operating the bet switch 15 to set a predetermined number of medals. The operation to the switch 19 becomes effective. When the operation of the start switch 19 is enabled, the start switch 19 is operated, whereby the reels 11L to 11R are rotated to variably display symbols and one game is started.

  After one game is started, the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped by operating the stop switches 21L to 21R while the reel is rotating, and one game is ended by stopping the rotation of all the reels 11L to 11R. To do. The slot machine 1 newly gives a predetermined privilege to the player in accordance with the symbol combination when the rotation of all the reels 11L to 11R is stopped. Examples of the predetermined privilege include, but are not limited to, transition of gaming state, automatic setting of the number of bets for the next game without newly using medals, etc., payout of a predetermined number of medals (or credit addition), etc. is not.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the slot machine 1 is provided with a main control board 63, a sub control board 73, a power supply unit 49, an external output board 90, and the like.

  The main control board 63 is a board on which a main CPU 61 that controls the progress of the game is mounted. The sub-control board 73 is a board on which a sub-CPU 71 that controls effects according to the progress of the game is mounted. The power supply unit 49 generates a power supply for driving various electrical components mounted on the slot machine 1. The external output board 90 is a board for outputting a signal according to the progress of the game to the outside of the slot machine 1 (for example, a hall computer, a data display for each unit, etc.).

  The main CPU 61 includes a ROM 67 that stores a game control program for controlling the progress of the game, and a RAM 65 that temporarily stores data related to the game, and is realized by executing the game control program stored in the ROM 67. And various functions realized by controlling the hardware.

  The main CPU 61 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, executes a game control program stored in the ROM 67, and receives signals from switches (operation means) and sensors (detection means) connected to the main control board 63. Based on this, processing related to the progress of the game is performed. Further, the main CPU 61 determines whether or not an error has occurred in the slot machine 1. Examples of the error include a selector error related to the medal selector 48, a full error in which the hopper container 42 is detected to be full by the full sensor 58, and the payout sensor 54 in spite of driving the hopper motor 57. This includes a token failure error that has not been detected for a predetermined time. For example, when the medal sensor 53c has detected the main CPU 61 for a time longer than the normal detection time (medal clogging), or after the medal sensor 53c detects it, the medal reaches the medal sensor 53a. When the medal sensor 53a does not detect until a predetermined time longer than the required time has passed (incorrect medal insertion), or when the medal sensor 53b is detected before the medal sensor 53a (injustice), the medal sensors 53a to 53c. When it is detected over a longer time than usual by at least one of the above (illegal act: specifically when a long goto jig or the like is inserted), it is determined that a selector error has occurred.

  The switches and sensors connected to the main control board 63 include the medal sensors 53a to 53c, the bet switch 15, the maximum bet switch 17, the start switch 19, the stop switches 21L to 21R, the settlement switch 23, and the reset shown in FIG. A switch 52, a change processing start switch 56, position sensors 55L to 55R, a payout sensor 54, a full tank sensor 58, and the like are included.

  Further, the main CPU 61 performs processing related to the progress of the game, and drives and controls the devices connected to the main control board 63. The devices connected to the main control board 63 include a switching solenoid 51, a credit display 45, a payout display 46, a notification display 60, an advantageous period notification lamp 80, and a game start display lamp 81 shown in FIG. The replay display lamp 82, the reel motors 14L to 14R, the hopper motor 57, and various LEDs are included. Further, the main control board 63 is mounted with a display unit composed of 7 segment LEDs. The display device mounted on the main control board 63 always displays the stay period of the advantageous period staying in the advantageous period with respect to all the game periods, the ratio of the number of payouts with a bonus with respect to the total payout number, and the like. . The advantageous period stay ratio and the accessory ratio are not limited to those displayed on the display mounted on the main control board 63, but are displayed on a separately provided display (for example, the payout display 46). You may do. In this case, for example, when the reset switch 52 is operated, the main CPU 61 may display the advantageous period stay ratio and the accessory ratio on a display provided separately from the main control board 63.

  The main control board 63 transmits various commands to the sub control board 73 as the game progresses. The sub control board 73 controls effects based on commands from the main control board 63. On the other hand, a command cannot be sent from the sub control board 73 to the main control board 63. The command is transmitted from the main control board 63 to the sub control board 73 only in one direction.

  The sub CPU 71 mounted on the sub control board 73 includes a ROM 77 for storing an effect control program for controlling the effect, and a RAM 75 for temporarily storing data related to the effect, and the effect control stored in the ROM 77. It has various functions realized by executing a program and various functions realized by controlling hardware.

  The sub CPU 71 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, executes an effect control program stored in the ROM 77 based on a command from the main control board 63, determines the effect contents according to the progress of the game, and the like. Based on the result, the devices connected to the sub-control board 73 are driven and controlled. The devices connected to the sub control board 73 include the speakers 31L and 31R, the liquid crystal display 27, various lamps / LEDs, and the like shown in FIG.

<Game control processing>
The main CPU 61 performs a game control process for controlling the progress of the game based on the game control program stored in the ROM 67. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the game control process.

(Game control processing)
In the game control process, first, a game start display lamp lighting determination process is performed in S100. In the game start display lamp lighting determination process, the game start display lamp 81 is turned on in response to the set number of bets being set so that the operation to the start switch 19 can be accepted (validated) effectively. Is performed. Note that the game start display lamp lighting determination process is not limited to the process executed in the game control process, and may be executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process performed by the main CPU 61. In S200, a start switch determination process is performed to determine whether or not an operation to the start switch 19 has been accepted effectively. In the game control process, the processes of S100 and S200 are repeated until an operation on the start switch 19 is effectively accepted.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the game start display lamp lighting determination process. First, in S101, the timer interrupt process by the main CPU 61 is permitted to be executed. In S102, the maximum bet display lamp is turned on except when a maximum prescribed number of medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 25 or the credit is 0. Even when the maximum specified number is reached by operating the betting switch 15 for one bet, the maximum bet display lamp remains lit. In S103, execution of the timer interrupt process is prohibited.

  When the execution of the timer interrupt process is permitted, the process illustrated in FIG. 10 is executed. The timer interrupt process includes a process of determining whether or not an operation is performed on the bet switch 15 or the maximum bet switch 17 in S01. When it is determined in S01 that the bet switch 15 or the maximum bet switch 17 has been operated, the number corresponding to the switch operated in the credit range stored in S02 is added and set as the bet number. The processes of S01 and S02 are not limited to those executed in the timer interrupt process, but are executed in a game control process (for example, when NO is determined in S202 described later with reference to FIG. 11). Also good.

  In the timer interrupt process, a process according to the detection signals from the medal sensors 53a to 53c is performed. For example, the C sensor flag is turned ON when the detection signal from the medal sensor 53c is turned ON, and the C sensor flag is turned OFF when a predetermined time has passed since the detection signal was turned OFF. Further, when the detection signal from the medal sensor 53a is turned ON, the AB sensor flag is turned ON. Subsequently, the detection signal from the medal sensor 53b is turned ON. Subsequently, the detection signal from the medal sensor 53a is turned OFF and the medal sensor. When the detection signal from 53b becomes OFF, the AB sensor flag is turned OFF.

  In S03 in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the detection signal of the medal sensor 53b provided on the most downstream side of the medal sensors 53a to 53c has changed from ON to OFF. That is, it is determined whether the inserted medal has passed the medal sensor 53b. When it is determined in S03 that the detection signal of the medal sensor 53b has changed from ON to OFF, if the bet number has not reached the maximum specified number in S04, “1” is added to the bet number, and the bet number is the maximum specified number. When “1” is reached, “1” is added to the credit. Thereby, the bet number is set by operating the bet switch 15 or the maximum bet switch 17 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 25.

When the re-game player is won in the previous game and the re-game flag is set, even if the bet number has not reached the maximum bet number, in S04, it is added to the credit, not the bet number. That is, if a medal is inserted and the detection signal of the medal sensor 53b changes from ON to OFF when the re-game flag is set, it is added to the credit.
In S03 and S04, “1” may be added to the bet amount or credit based on the change of the AB sensor flag from ON to OFF.
When the credit reaches the upper limit as a result of the addition, the switching solenoid 51 controls the movable guide member 51a to be in the second position, so that the medal cannot be inserted.

  Returning to FIG. 9, in S104, the game start display lamp 81 is set to be turned off. When the turn-off setting is performed, a process for turning off the game start display lamp 81 is performed in the timer interruption process. In S105, a process of calculating the maximum specified number corresponding to the gaming state is performed. During the bonus, “2” is calculated as the maximum specified number, and “3” is calculated as the maximum specified number other than during the bonus.

  In S106, it is determined whether or not the bet number set at the present time is the maximum specified number calculated in S105. In a gaming state other than during the bonus, it is determined whether or not “3” is set as the bet number based on, for example, operation of the bet switch, insertion of three or more medals, automatic setting of the bet number by the re-game flag, etc. Is done. When it is determined that the number is the maximum prescribed number, lighting setting is performed for the game start display lamp 81 in S111. When the lighting setting is performed, a process for lighting the game start display lamp 81 is performed in the timer interruption process, and the start switch 19 is informed.

  If it is not determined in S106 that the bet number set in S106 is the maximum specified number, the bet number set in S107 becomes the specified number in the gaming state other than the bonus state “1”. Is determined. If it is not determined in S107 that the number of bets is “1”, the game start display lamp lighting determination process ends.

  When it is determined in S107 that the number of bets is “1”, in S108, the re-game display lamp 82 is turned on, that is, in connection with the fact that the previous game was played with one bet and the re-game player was won. It is determined whether or not “1” is automatically set as the number of bets on the game this time. When it is determined in S108 that the re-game display lamp 82 is lit, lighting setting is performed for the game start display lamp 81 in S111.

  On the other hand, if it is not determined in S108 that the re-game display lamp 82 is lit, it is determined in S109 whether or not the current gaming state is an accessory operation (bonus). When it is determined in S109 that the bonus is being performed, the prescribed number is “2” and the game is not ready to start, so the game start display lamp lighting determination process is terminated.

  If it is not determined in S109 that the bonus is being set (when it is determined that the bonus is not set), it is determined in S110 whether one of the C sensor flag and the AB sensor flag is set to ON. The That is, in the state where the bet number is “1”, it is determined whether or not a medal for updating the bet number to “2” is newly detected. As described above, the C sensor flag and the AB sensor flag are set to ON based on the detection signals from the medal sensors 53a to 53c.

  When it is determined that one of the C sensor flag and the AB sensor flag is ON, a medal for updating the bet number to “2” is newly detected, and the regulation in the gaming state other than the bonus state This is the case when the number of bets is different from the number. For this reason, the game start display lamp lighting determination process ends. In this case, since the game start display lamp 81 is set to be turned off in S104, the game start display lamp 81 is not turned on.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S110 that neither the C sensor flag nor the AB sensor flag is ON, the passing of medals for updating the bet number to “2” is not detected, and the regulation in the gaming state other than during the bonus This is the case where the number “1” is maintained. For this reason, lighting setting is performed for the game start display lamp 81 in S111.

  If “3” is automatically set as the number of bets for the current game when the previous game was won with three bets and the game was won again, YES is determined in S106 and the process proceeds to S111. . Therefore, when a re-game is won by betting three, a game start display lamp is immediately displayed regardless of whether or not medals are inserted and the C sensor flag and AB sensor flag are set ON (S110). Lighting can be set. On the other hand, when “1” is automatically set as the number of bets for the current game when the previous game was played with one bet and the player has won the re-gamer, NO is determined in S106. In this case, if it is not determined that the re-game display lamp is turned on in S108, for example, it is determined whether or not a medal is inserted and the C sensor flag and the AB sensor flag are set to ON (S110). Then, although the re-game display lamp 82 is lit, the timing for shifting to S111 differs depending on whether or not a medal is inserted and the C sensor flag and the AB sensor flag are set to ON. Therefore, the timing at which the game start display lamp is lit and the timing at which the start switch 19 is activated are different. However, in the slot machine 1, when the bet number is “1”, it is determined whether or not the replay display lamp 82 is lit in S108, and when it is determined that the lit number is lit, the process proceeds to S111. It is configured. Therefore, if the previous game was played with one bet and a re-game player was won, and “1” is automatically set as the bet number for the current game, a medal is inserted and the C sensor flag and the AB sensor flag are set. Regardless of whether or not is set to ON (S110), the game start display lamp can be turned on immediately as in the case of winning the re-gamer by betting three pieces. That is, regardless of the number of bets, the game start display lamp can be turned on immediately at the same timing without being affected by whether or not medals have been inserted, regardless of the number of bets.

  As described above, when the bet amount is set to “1” in the gaming state other than the bonus state, the game start display lamp 81 can be turned on in S111 by the processing of S107 to S110, and the bet amount is “1”. Even so, when a new medal for updating the bet number to “2” is detected or when the bet number is already set to “2”, it is determined as YES in S110 or NO in S107. Thus, the game start display lamp 81 can be turned off, and when the bet number is set to “3”, it is determined YES in S106 and the game start display lamp 81 can be turned on. If the bet number is “2” during the bonus, it is determined YES in S106 and the game start display lamp 81 can be turned on. On the other hand, if the bet number is “1” during the bonus, the game start display lamp 81 is determined. After determining NO, it is determined YES in S109, and the game start display lamp 81 can be turned off.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the start switch determination process in S200 of FIG. In S201, based on the detection signal from the start switch 19, it is determined whether or not the start switch 19 has been operated. When it is determined that the start switch 19 has been operated, in S202, the game start display lamp 81 is set to be lit (S111 in FIG. 9), and the game start display lamp 81 is lit (a process for lighting in the timer interrupt process). It is determined whether or not. That is, in S202, it is determined whether or not the start switch 19 is enabled.

  Note that the lighting setting of the game start display lamp 81 is performed in S111 of FIG. 9, while the lighting of the game start display lamp 81 is performed in a timer interrupt process. For this reason, there is a time lag from when the lighting is set to when the lamp is actually turned on, or after the setting of turning off the lamp is actually turned off. As a result, if only one of them is determined in S202, for example, the rotation is started by operating the start switch 19 even when the game start display lamp 81 is turned off, or the game is started. Even though the display lamp 81 is lit, there is a problem that an operation to the start switch 19 is not accepted. However, in S202, since both the lighting setting of the game start display lamp 81 and the lighting of the game start display lamp 81 are determined, the above problems can be prevented.

  In S202, when it is determined that the game start display lamp 81 is set to be lit and the game start display lamp 81 is lit, the process proceeds to S300 in FIG. When the process proceeds to S300, the switching solenoid 51 controls the movable guide member 51a to be in the second position when the movable guide member 51a is in the first position, so that the medal cannot be inserted. In S201, it is determined that the start switch 19 is not operated, or in S202, it is not determined that the game start display lamp 81 is set to be lit and the game start display lamp 81 is lit. When it is determined that 19 is not activated, the process proceeds to S100 in FIG.

  Here, the detection signals from the respective medal sensors 53a to 53c, the C sensor flag / AB sensor flag, and the game start display lamp 81 are turned on, and the activation of the start switch 19 is described with reference to FIGS. To explain. 12 to 14, from the top of the vertical axis, the detection signal state of the medal sensor 53c, the C sensor flag setting state, the detection signal state of the medal sensor 53a, the detection signal state of the medal sensor 53b, and the AB sensor, respectively. The flag setting state and the valid / invalid state of the start switch 19 are shown, and the passage of time is shown on the horizontal axis.

  FIG. 12 shows a timing chart when only one medal is inserted in a gaming state other than the bonus and the bet number is not set. The inserted medal is first detected by the medal sensor 53c by swinging the receiving detection piece 55. As a result, the detection signal of the medal sensor 53c is turned ON, and the C sensor flag is set ON.

  T1 indicates the timing when the inserted medal passes through the acceptance detection piece 55 and the detection signal of the medal sensor 53c is turned off. The C sensor flag is turned off when a predetermined time has elapsed from T1 when the detection signal of the medal sensor 53c is turned off. The predetermined time is set to be longer than the average time required for the inserted medal to reach the detection position of the medal sensor 53a after passing through the acceptance detection piece 55. The predetermined time in this embodiment is longer than the average time required for the inserted medal to pass through the acceptance detection piece 55 and be detected by the medal sensor 53a until the detection signal is turned on (for example, , 500 msec) is set.

  T2 indicates the timing at which a medal that has passed through the acceptance detection piece 55 is detected by the medal sensor 53a. As a result, the detection signal of the medal sensor 53a is turned ON, and the AB sensor flag is set ON. Thereafter, the medal is detected by the medal sensor 53b, passes through the medal sensor 53a, and further passes through the medal sensor 53b. T3 indicates the timing when the medal passes the medal sensor 53b. Thereby, the detection signal of the medal sensor 53b is turned OFF, and the AB sensor flag is also turned OFF. As a result, as described in S04 in FIG. 10, the number of bets is increased by “1”.

  T4 is the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from T1. At T4, the C sensor flag is turned off. As described above, since the predetermined time is set to 500 msec, after the inserted medal passes the medal sensor 53b and the bet number is added, the C sensor flag set by the medal is turned OFF. It becomes. When the AB sensor flag is OFF and the C sensor flag is OFF, the game start display lamp 81 is set to be lit in S111 in FIG. As a result, when the start switch 19 is operated in S202 of FIG. As a result, in a gaming state other than the bonus state, the game can be started in a state where “1” is set as the bet number.

  T5 indicates the timing when the second medal is inserted, detected by the medal sensor 53c, and the C sensor flag is set ON. When a medal for updating the bet number to “2” is detected, it is determined as YES in S110 of FIG. For this reason, when the game start display lamp 81 is turned off, the operation on the start switch 19 is invalidated.

  T6 indicates the timing when the inserted medal passes through the acceptance detection piece 55 and the detection signal of the medal sensor 53c is turned off. The C sensor flag is turned off when a predetermined time has elapsed from T6 when the detection signal of the medal sensor 53c is turned off. The invalidation of the start switch 19 is maintained until the bet amount is set to “3” and it is determined as YES in S106 of FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows a timing chart when two medals are continuously inserted in a gaming state other than the bonus and the bet number is not set. When two medals are continuously inserted, as shown in the column of the medal sensor 53c, a predetermined time (500 msec) elapses after the first medal is detected by the medal sensor 53c and turned OFF. The second medal is detected by the medal sensor 53c. Therefore, the ON setting of the C sensor flag is maintained until the timing of T13 when a predetermined time elapses after detection of the second medal after the medal sensor 53c detects the first medal. The Note that the counting of a predetermined time after the first medal is detected by the medal sensor 53c and turned OFF ends (initial setting) when the second medal is detected by the medal sensor 53c. After the first medal is detected by the medal sensor 53c and turned off, a new predetermined time is started. Further, when the AB sensor flag or the like for each of the first medal and the second medal is changed from ON to OFF (T11, T12), the bet number is incremented by “1” as shown in S04 of FIG. Is done. As a result, the number of bets is set to “1” at T11. However, since the C sensor flag is set to ON, the start switch 19 is not activated even if the bet number is set to “1”.

  In T12, the bet amount is set to “2”. For this reason, when the C sensor flag is set to OFF, the bet amount is already set to “2”, and it is determined NO in S107 of FIG. As a result, the start switch 19 is maintained disabled. As a result, the start switch 19 is not activated even when the bet number is set to “1” (instant) by continuous insertion, and the start switch 19 is operated when the bet number is set to “2”. Even if it is done, the operation is not accepted effectively, so that the game can be prevented from starting.

  FIG. 14 shows a timing chart when four medals are continuously inserted in a game state other than the bonus and the bet number is not set. When four medals are continuously inserted, as shown in the column of the medal sensor 53c, the next medal is detected until the predetermined time (500 msec) elapses after being detected by the medal sensor 53c and turned OFF. It is detected by the medal sensor 53c. Therefore, the ON setting of the C sensor flag is maintained until the timing of T25 when a predetermined time elapses after the detection of the fourth medal after the medal sensor 53c detects the first medal. The

  Further, when the AB sensor flag or the like by each of the first to third medals is changed from ON to OFF (T21 to T23), the bet number is incremented by “1” as shown in S04 of FIG. . Thereby, the number of bets is set to “3”. However, since the C sensor flag is set to ON at the timing of T21 when the betting number is set to “1”, and the betting number is set to “2” at the timing of T22, the start switch 19 Will remain disabled.

  On the other hand, at the timing of T23, the bet amount is set to “3”. For this reason, it is determined YES in S106 of FIG. 9, and the game start display lamp 81 is set to be lit in S111 and is lit. As a result, even when the C sensor flag is set to ON, when the start switch 19 is operated in S202 of FIG. As a result, in a game state other than during the bonus, the game can be started with “3” being set as the bet amount. Further, when the AB sensor flag or the like by the fourth medal is changed from ON to OFF (T24), since the bet number has already reached the maximum specified number, the credit is added by “1” in S04 of FIG. .

  The processing for enabling the operation to the start switch 19 according to the number of bets and the like has been described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14. However, the start switch 19 is activated and the operation to the start switch 19 is actually performed. Various processes are carried out until is accepted. For example, a checkout process for outputting a drive signal for driving the hopper motor 57 based on an operation signal from the checkout switch 23 and paying out medals corresponding to the credit amount or the set bet amount. Done.

  When the start switch 19 is activated and an operation is actually accepted, a winning lottery process is performed in S300 of FIG. In the role lottery process, a random number value for role lottery is extracted from a random number circuit that updates a random number value within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535), and a plurality of numbers determined in advance based on the extracted value (hereinafter referred to as an extracted value). A role lottery for drawing whether or not to win any of the types of roles is performed. With reference to FIG. 15A, the type and name of the combination set in the slot machine 1 will be described.

  As types of combinations, a bonus combination, a replay combination, and a small combination are provided. The bonus combination is a transition combination accompanied by a transition to a bonus with a high probability of winning a small combination. A re-playing role (hereinafter also referred to as a replay) is a role for setting the above-mentioned re-playing flag, and the same bet as the game that won the winning role without newly using a medal (or credit) owned by the player. The number is automatically set as the number of bets for the next game. A small combination is a combination that involves paying out a predetermined number of medals (or adding credits).

  As bonus combinations, combination names “RBB” and “CBB” are provided. In the symbol combinations “RBB” and “CBB”, combinations of three “7” and three “BAR” are defined. “RBB” and “CBB” each set the game state after the next game won to be a bonus game state. In each bonus game state, the number of medals paid out is shown in the remarks in FIG. It ends with the game exceeding the number of sheets described in the column.

  As the re-playing role, the role name “NRP” is provided. In the “NRP” symbol combination, a combination of three “RP” is defined. As the small roles, the role names “BEL”, “CH1”, and “CH2” are provided. For the symbol combination “BEL”, a combination of three “BE” is defined. For “CH1” and “CH2”, symbol combinations as shown in FIG. 15A are defined. “ANY” indicates all symbols (any symbol may be used).

  In “BEL”, when the bet number is set to “1” or “3” (for example, a game state other than the bonus), seven medals are paid out, but the bet number is set to “2”. When a prize is awarded in a state (for example, a bonus), 13 medals are paid out. On the other hand, in “CH1” and “CH2”, one medal is paid out when winning in a state where the bet number is set to “3” (for example, a game state other than the bonus), but the bet number is set to “2”. When a winning is made in a set state (for example, a bonus), 13 medals are paid out.

  “CH1” and “CH2” are won simultaneously with “BEL” in the state where the number of bets is set to “1”, and become the “BEL” winning. For this reason, in the state where the number of bets is set to “1”, even if “CH1” and “CH2” are won, no prize is won. For this reason, in FIG. 15A, “-” is described as the number of payouts in the state where the bet amount is set to “1”. However, the payout number data for specifying the payout number when winning the “CH1” or “CH2” with the bet number set to “1” is stored in the ROM 67.

  FIGS. 15B and 15C are diagrams for explaining the payout number data. The payout number data is stored in the ROM 67 in association with the gaming state, the number of bets, and the small role. FIG. 15 (b) shows the number of payouts stored corresponding to each of when the bet number is set to “1” and when the bet number is set to “3” in the gaming state other than the bonus. Data are shown. When the number of bets is set to “1”, “a (data corresponding to 7 sheets)” is stored corresponding to “BEL”, and “x”, “CH2” is respectively corresponding to “CH1” and “CH2”. “y” is stored. As long as “x” and “y” are arbitrary data other than 0, for example, “a (data corresponding to 7 sheets)” same as “BEL” may be stored. When the bet number is set to “1”, “CH1” and “CH2” are not won as described above, but as shown in FIG. 15B, the payout number data is the same as “BEL”. Is remembered.

  When the bet number is set to “3”, “a (data corresponding to 7 cards)” is stored corresponding to “BEL”, and “b (1) corresponding to each of“ CH1 ”and“ CH2 ”. Data corresponding to the sheet) ”is stored. Note that “x” and “y” when the bet amount is set to “1” are “b” as the same data as “CH1” and “CH2” when the bet amount is set to “3”. It may be stored. Thereby, data can be simplified. FIG. 15C shows the payout number data when the bet amount is set to “2” in the bonus. “C (data corresponding to 13 sheets)” is stored corresponding to “BEL”, and “c” is stored corresponding to “CH1” and “CH2”.

  As shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, the payout number data is also stored for the winning combination (“CH1” “CH2”) depending on the number of bets. For this reason, in the medal payout process described later, even if there is a combination that does not win depending on the number of bets during the non-bonus, a common process (for example, it is determined whether the combination of the combination of the combination of the name of the combination and the symbol to be won is the same). , And the like, setting the payout number data corresponding to the case of coincidence as the payout number, etc.) makes it possible to execute accurate determination / processing, thereby reducing the processing load. In addition, in the area for storing the payout number data corresponding to “CH1” and “CH2” in the state where the bet number is set to “1”, invalid data such as unused data or an unused program is stored. For example, it is possible to prevent fraud using the area.

  In the role lottery process, a role lottery is performed for each of a plurality of types of winning combination groups including predetermined roles among the roles shown in FIG. With reference to FIG. 16, the winning combination group and the combination of roles in the present embodiment will be described.

  “RBB” and “CBB” are provided as the winning combination group including the bonus combination. “RBB” and “CBB” are winning combination groups each consisting of one bonus combination. A “normal replay” is provided as the winning combination group for the re-gamer. “Normal replay” is a winning group consisting of only “NRP”.

  As a winning group of small roles, “bell”, “cherry”, and “all small roles” are provided. “Bell” is a winning group consisting only of “BE”. “Cherry” is a winning group configured to include “CH1” and “CH2”. “All small roles” is a winning combination group configured to include “BE”, “CH1”, and “CH2”.

  Note that the types of winning combinations and winning combination groups are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 15A and 16, and may include other winning combinations and other winning combination groups. For example, the re-playing combination may include a combination with a transition to a gaming state with a different probability of winning the re-playing combination. Further, as a small combination, an advantageous combination (the number of payouts) for the player when the operation mode (push order) is an advantageous operation mode (predetermined push order) determined according to the type of the winning combination. It may also include a push order for winning a winning combination. The above-described advantageous period is a period during which an AT game capable of informing an advantageous operation mode when winning in pushing order is allowed. The advantageous period can be controlled by the establishment of a predetermined opportunity (for example, “Cherry” winning combination).

  Among these plural types of winning combination groups, the winning combination group to be the subject of the lottery is determined for each of the plurality of types of gaming states and the number of bets. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a winning combination group that is a target of lottery for a plurality of types of gaming states and the number of bets. In FIG. 16, a circle indicates that it is a subject for lottery drawing, and a cross indicates that it is not a subject for lottery drawing. The gaming states that can be controlled in the slot machine 1 include “normal RT”, “RBB internal winning state” in which “RBB” has been won, “CBB internal winning state” in which “CBB” has been won, and bonuses “RBB”, “CBB”, and the like corresponding to the type of the combination are provided.

  Among the winning combination groups including bonus combinations, “RBB” and “CBB” are subject to combination lottery when the number of bets is set to “3” in “Normal RT”, and “Normal RT” However, when the number of bets is set to “1”, it is not a target for lottery drawing. “Normal Replay” of the winning group including the re-gamer is “3” or “1” in the “normal RT”, “RBB internal winning state”, or “CBB internal winning state”. Even so, it will be subject to the role lottery.

  “Bell” and “Cherry” including a small role are subject to a role lottery when the number of bets is set to “3” in “normal RT”, “RBB internal winning state”, and “CBB internal winning state”, respectively. Become. On the other hand, “all small combinations” including small combinations are set when the number of bets is set to “1” in “normal RT”, “RBB internal winning state”, “CBB internal winning state”, and “RBB” “ “CBB” will be the subject of the lottery.

  Each of the winning combination groups to be subjected to the role lottery has a lottery value for each set value. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of a lottery value for each winning combination group to be a target of lottery. FIGS. 17A to 17E show the normal RT, the RBB internal winning state, the CBB internal winning state, and the lottery values in the RBB and CBB, respectively.

  For example, in FIG. 17A, for each of “RBB”, “CBB”, “normal replay”, “bell”, and “cherry” that are the target of lottery when the number of bets is “3”, the lottery value for each set value Is stipulated. For example, when the set value is “1”, “256”, “136”, “8978”, “8660”, “2560” are determined as the lottery values for “RBB”, “CBB”, “normal replay”, “bell”, and “cherry”. ing. The numerical range extracted from the random number circuit is 65536. For this reason, the winning probability of each of “RBB”, “CBB”, “normal replay”, “bell”, and “cherry”, which is the subject of the lottery when the set value is “1” when the bet number is “3”, As shown in FIG. 17A, “1/256”, “1/480”, “1 / 7.29”, “1 / 7.5”, and “1/25” are obtained.

  Also, when the bet amount is “3” and the set value is “6”, a different value of “218” is obtained as the lottery value of “CBB” compared to when the set value is “1”. It has been established. For this reason, the “CBB” winning probability when the set value is “6” is improved to “1/300”. Note that when the bet number in FIG. 17A is “1” and also in FIGS. 17B to 17E, the lottery value for each winning combination group that is the subject of the lottery is determined for each set value. It has been. For this reason, the winning probability in the role lottery is the probability shown in FIG.

  Here, regarding the winning probability of the small role, a comparison is made between when the bet amount is set to “3” and when the bet amount is set to “1”. First, the probability of winning “Bell” or “Cherry” when the number of bets is “3” is set to “11220” as the total of the lottery values, and is about 1 / 5.8. On the other hand, when the bet number is “1”, the probability of winning the “all small combination” is 1/15 because the lottery value is set to “4369”. Therefore, when comparing the winning probability of the small role when the bet number is “3” and “1”, the bet number is set to “3” than when the bet number is set to “1”. Higher when set.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the height of the winning probability for each winning combination group when the lottery value is determined as shown in FIG. FIG. 18 shows that the wider the width, the higher the winning probability. FIG. 18A shows the winning probability for each winning combination group when the bet amount is set to “3” in normal RT. As shown in FIG. 17 (a), it is shown that the winning probability is improved when the setting value is “6” and the width of “CBB” is wider than when the setting value is “1”. Yes.

  FIG. 18B shows the winning probability for each winning combination group when the bet amount is set to “1” in normal RT. Comparing FIG. 18 (a) and FIG. 18 (b), the winning probability when the winning number of the small role is set to “1” as described in FIG. 17 (a). 18 (b) shows that the winning probability of the small role is lower than FIG. 18 (a) showing the winning probability when the bet number is set to “3”. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C, when the betting amount is set to “1” in the RBB internal winning state and the CBB internal winning state, it is set to “3”. The probability of winning a small role is lower than when it is being played.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 18D and 18E, in “RBB” and “CBB”, a lottery value is determined so that “Bell” or “all small roles” will always be won. Make sure to win “BEL”. For this reason, “RBB” and “CBB” can be said to be advantageous to the player because the probability of winning a small role is significantly improved compared to other gaming states.

  In the role lottery process, the lottery value of the winning combination group that is the subject of the role lottery in the current gaming state is read, and the value subtracted from the extracted value (extracted value is updated) becomes smaller than a predetermined value (for example, 0). A determination process for determining whether or not the current winning combination group is not repeated (for example, when it is 0 or more) is repeated.

  When it is determined in the determination process for any winning combination group that the value is smaller than the predetermined value, it is determined that the winning combination group has been won, and the winning flag of the combination included in the winning combination group is determined. Is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 65, and the lottery is finished. For this reason, the probability of winning the winning combination group is “the winning combination group determination value / 65536”. It can be said that the winning combination group has a high winning probability because the larger the determination value read in the winning lottery, the smaller the predetermined value. On the other hand, when all the winning combination groups subject to the role lottery are determined, but it is determined that the value is not smaller than the predetermined value, it is determined that no winning group has been won. It is determined that

  The role lottery process terminates the role lottery when it is determined that one of the winning group is won, or when it is determined that the winning group has not won any of the winning group. The process proceeds to S400 in FIG.

  In the role lottery process, a process for outputting a winning type command that can specify the type of the winning combination group won in the role lottery to the sub-control board 73 is performed. For example, when “RBB” or “CBB” is won, a winning type command that can specify that any bonus combination is won is output, and when “normal replay” is selected, a re-playing combination is won. The winning type command that can specify the small role is output, and when any of the small roles is won, the winning type command that can specify the small role is output. Thereby, on the sub-control board 73 side, it is possible to execute an effect according to the type of the winning combination group.

  In S400 of FIG. 8, the reel motors 14L to 14R are driven and controlled to rotate the reels 11L to 11R. In S400, it is determined whether the wait time has elapsed. The wait time is set to 4.1 seconds, for example, and measurement is started after the rotation of each of the reels 11L to 11R is started in the reel control process of the previous game. In S400, when it is determined that the wait time has elapsed, a process of starting the rotation of the reels 11L to 11R is performed. Thereby, it is possible to delay the timing of starting the rotation of the reels 11L to 11R in the current game until at least 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the rotation of each of the reels 11L to 11R was started in the previous game. When rotation of the reels 11L to 11R starts, a reel rotation start command is output.

  When the reels 11L to 11R start to rotate, the reels 11L to 11R start rotating and reach a constant speed (for example, after the excitation patterns of the reel motors 14L to 14R become an excitation pattern having a constant speed). When the reference positions of the reels 11L to 11R are detected by the position sensors 55L to 55R, the stop operation is enabled, and the operation to the stop switches 21L to 21R is effectively received (validated). In S500, it is determined whether or not an operation to the stop switches 21L to 21R is detected in the activated state.

  When an operation to the stop switch is detected in S500, for example, stop control for stopping the reel corresponding to the stop switch is performed. In the stop control, for example, a reel that pulls one of symbols arranged within a predetermined retractable range from a symbol located on the winning line NL of the reel to be stopped into the winning line NL and stops the reel. Perform stop processing. The drawable range is the range up to 4 symbols ahead, and when the stop switch is operated, the symbols arranged from the symbols on the winning line NL to the 4 symbols ahead can be stopped on the winning line NL. Become.

  If you have won any of the roles in the draw, you can draw the symbols on the winning line when the symbols that make up the winning combination can be drawn on the winning line within the drawable range. Stop. On the other hand, if any winning combination is not won, the winning symbol combination that does not win any winning combination is drawn on the winning line and stopped. For this reason, when an operation to the stop switch is performed, if the symbol constituting the winning combination can be drawn on the winning line NL within the drawable range, the symbol is drawn on the winning line NL. While it can be stopped, the symbol combination of the winning combination is not stopped on the winning line NL.

  In the reel stop process, symbols within the drawable range can be stopped on the winning line NL, but symbols outside the drawable range cannot be stopped on the payline NL. For this reason, in the symbol arrangement of the reels 11L to 11R, if there is a place where the symbols constituting the role do not exist within the drawable range, even if the winning timing is selected in the winning lottery, the winning line is not met. There is a case where a symbol constituting the winning combination cannot be drawn on the NL and the winning combination is missed (non-winning).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the symbols constituting the “bonus combination” have a portion that does not exist within the retractable range in the reel symbol arrangement. For example, only one or two symbols “7” constituting “RBB” are arranged on the reels 11L to 11R. In addition, as for the symbols constituting the other “bonus combination”, there are places that are not within the retractable range in at least one reel. For this reason, the “bonus combination” may not be able to be drawn into the winning line depending on the operation timing of the stop switches 21L to 21R, and may be missed. Therefore, when one of the “bonus combination” is won, reel control for drawing the selected bonus combination within the drawable range is performed, but there is a case where no combination is won. If “RBB” and “CBB” cannot be won in the winning game, the winning flag of the bonus combination will be controlled until the bonus combination is won under the control of the RBB internal winning state or the CBB internal winning state. Is carried over.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the symbols constituting “NRP” and “BEL” are arranged within the retractable range in all of the reels 11L to 11R. As a result, when “NRP” or “BEL” is won, it is always possible to win regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 21L to 21R.

  As shown in FIG. 6, symbols (“CH1” and “CH2”) that constitute “CH1” and “CH2” of the small roles have a portion that does not exist within the retractable range in the reel symbol arrangement. For this reason, even if “CH1” and “CH2” are selected, the symbols constituting “CH” may not be drawn into the winning line depending on the operation timing of the stop switch 21L, and may be missed. .

  Further, in the reel stop process, when a plurality of types of winning combinations are won, depending on the type of winning combination (result of winning lottery), the operation timing of the stop switches 21L to 21R, and the pressing order (operation mode). A target to be preferentially drawn in is determined in advance. For example, in a reel stop process when a re-playing role or a small role is won in a state where the winning of a bonus role is carried over (such as the RBB internal winning state), the re-playing role or the small role is given priority over the bonus role. It is stipulated to pull in. However, as shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C, by setting the number of bets to “1”, the winning probability of at least a small combination is lowered. For this reason, in the state where the winning combination of the bonus combination is carried over, the possibility of winning the bonus combination without winning the small combination is increased by playing the game with the number of bets set to “1”. Can do. In addition, the number of bets can be reduced to win a bonus role. For this reason, in a state where the winning of the bonus combination is carried over, it is better for the player to set the bet number to “1” and play a game than to set the bet number to “3” and play a game. Is highly advantageous. As a result, it can be said that in a state where the winning of bonus combination is carried over, it is optimal to play a game with the bet number set to “1”.

  In the reel stop process, every time one of the reels 11L to 11R stops, a reel stop command capable of specifying the stopped reel and the stop position (for example, the symbol number of the symbol stopped in the middle stage) is issued. Output. Thereby, the sub-control board 73 can specify the stopped reel and the stop position, and can execute a corresponding effect.

  In S700 of FIG. 8, it is determined whether all the reels 11L to 11R are stopped. When it is determined that all the reels 11L to 11R are not stopped, the process proceeds to S500. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the reels 11L to 11R are stopped, the process proceeds to S800.

  In the symbol determination process in S800, it is determined whether or not any of the combinations shown in FIG. 15 has been won based on the symbol combination on the winning line NL. When the symbol determination process ends, the process proceeds to S900, and a medal payout process is executed. In the medal payout process, a process according to the result of the symbol determination process is executed. For example, when it is determined that the small role has won, a payout process for paying out a medal described in the payout number column of FIG. 15 or adding a credit is executed. When the payout process in the medal payout process is finished, the movable solenoid 51a is driven and controlled by the switching solenoid 51 so that the medal can be inserted.

  Also, when the re-game player wins, a process for setting a re-game flag is executed. In the medal payout process, a game result command that can specify the symbol combination on the winning line NL, the presence / absence of winning, the type of winning combination, etc. is output. Thereby, on the sub-control board 73 side, it is possible to execute an effect according to the symbol combination on the winning line NL. In the medal payout process, the advantageous period stay ratio and the accessory ratio are updated and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 65 according to the game result.

  Further, in the medal payout process, a game state setting process for setting a game state flag that can specify a game state after the next time is executed based on a result lottery or a game result. The game state flag is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 65. The main CPU 61 identifies the currently controlled gaming state based on the gaming state flag. FIG. 12A shows the transition of the gaming state.

  The game state setting process sets a game state flag that can identify the “RBB internal winning state” when a game that has won “RBB” in “normal RT” is not won. Thus, the “RBB internal winning state” is controlled. In the game state setting process, when “RBB” is won, a game state flag capable of specifying “RBB” is set. Thereby, it is controlled to “RBB”. The game state setting process counts the number of payouts in “RBB”, and sets a game state flag that can specify “normal RT” when the payout number exceeds a predetermined number. Thereby, it is controlled to “normal RT”. Even after winning “CBB” in “Normal RT”, the gaming state is controlled as shown in FIG. Further, the slot machine 1 sets a game state flag that can specify “normal RT” when initialized by a setting change or the like. In the medal payout process, the advantageous period stay ratio and the accessory ratio are updated and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 65 according to the game result. When the medal payout process ends, the process proceeds to S100 in FIG. 8 to prepare for the next game. The slot machine 1 repeatedly executes the processes of S100 to S900 for each game.

<Production control processing>
The sub CPU 71 executes an effect control program stored in the ROM 77 based on a command from the main control board 63, determines the contents of the effect according to the progress of the game, and the sub control board based on the result. An effect control process for driving and controlling effect means such as the liquid crystal display 27, speakers 31L and 31R, and various lamps / LEDs connected to 73 is performed. Examples of effects executed by the effect control process will be described below.

(Directions related to the winning group)
In the effect control process, when a winning type command that can identify the type of the winning combination group won in the winning lottery is received, an effect according to the type of the winning combination group can be executed. When the winning type command is received, for example, when the winning type command of “RBB” is received, based on the effect of displaying an image such as “Bonus confirmed!” On the liquid crystal display 27, or the winning type command that can specify “Bell”. Then, an effect of displaying an image of a “yellow balloon” similar in color to the bell on the liquid crystal display 27 is executed. Thereby, the player can advance the game while guessing the winning combination group, and the interest of the game can be improved.

<Example of effects produced by slot machine 1>
In the slot machine 1 in the above embodiment, “1” and “3” are determined as the specified numbers in the gaming state other than the bonus, and the start switch 19 is updated by updating the bet number to “1” or “3”. Is activated and the game can be started. In particular, when a medal for updating the bet number to “1” is detected, when a medal for updating the bet number to “2” is not detected until the C sensor flag based on the detection is turned off. The start switch 19 is activated. Even after the bet amount is “1” and the start switch 19 is activated, as shown in S107 and S110 in FIG. 9, T5 in FIG. 12, and the like, there is a medal for updating the bet number to “2”. When detected by the medal sensor 53a, the start switch 19 is invalidated, and the invalidation of the start switch 19 is maintained until the bet number is updated to “3”. That is, even when the start switch 19 is operated at the time when the medal sensor 53a detects a medal for updating the bet number to “2”, the bet number is not received effectively. For this reason, even if the start switch 19 is operated in a state where the betting number is updated to “2”, the game is not started. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game from being executed with the bet number updated to “2”.

  In particular, when the number of bets is set to “1” and the game is optimally “RBB internal winning state” or “CBB internal winning state”, the bet number is updated to “2”. Even if the start switch 19 is operated without noticing, the game is not started. Thereby, it is possible to make the player recognize that the bet amount has been updated to “2”. As a result, by operating the settlement switch 23 to once cancel the bet number setting and set “1” as the bet number again, it is possible to play the game with the optimal bet number.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, even if a medal for updating the bet number to “1” is detected by the medal sensor 53c, the bet number is not changed until a predetermined time until the C sensor flag is turned off. When the medal to be updated to “2” is detected by the medal sensor 53c, the invalidation is maintained without the start switch 19 being validated even when the bet number is set to “1”. . For this reason, even when medals are continuously inserted, it is possible to prevent the game from being executed with the bet number updated to “2”.

  In the slot machine 1, as shown in FIG. 12 and the like, it is necessary to set the C sensor flag to OFF based on detection (OFF) by the most upstream medal sensor 53c among the plurality of medal sensors. Measurement for a predetermined time has started. As a result, the predetermined time elapses at an earlier timing after the medal is inserted, as compared with the case where the measurement of the predetermined time is started based on the detection by the downstream medal sensor. For this reason, the start switch 19 can be activated as early as possible after the medal is inserted. Further, in the slot machine 1, since the C sensor flag is set to ON / OFF based on the detection by the medal sensor 53c on the most upstream side, the C sensor flag is ON using the C sensor flag. Sometimes it can also be used for determination of an illegal medal insertion error or the like in which a medal is not detected by the medal sensor 53a or the like.

  Further, in the slot machine 1, as indicated by T23 in FIG. 14, when the bet number is set to “3”, the start switch 19 is immediately activated even if the C sensor flag is ON. Further, in the slot machine 1, as shown in S108 of FIG. 9, “1” is automatically set as the bet number of the current game when the previous game was performed by betting one piece and winning the re-gamer. The start switch 19 is immediately activated regardless of the state of the C sensor flag or the like. For this reason, when the maximum number of bets is set or when the number of bets is automatically set by re-game winning, the game can be started immediately, so the game starts until the C sensor flag is turned OFF. It is possible to prevent the possible timing from being delayed.

  Further, in the slot machine 1, when the bet number is set to “1”, the start switch 19 is activated when a medal for updating the bet number to “2” is detected by the medal sensor 53c or the like. In this case, the start switch 19 is disabled even after the bet number is updated to “2” by the medal. In addition, after the bet number is updated to “3” and the start switch 19 is activated, the activation of the start switch 19 is maintained even when a new medal is detected by the medal sensor 53c or the like. The Further, even when the start switch 19 is invalidated because the betting number is updated to “2” or updated, the movable guide member 51a remains in the first position and a medal can be inserted. Is maintained. In this way, the slot machine 1 aims to prevent a game from being played in a state where the bet number is set to “2” in a game state other than the bonus, and the bet number is set to “2”. The start switch 19 is invalidated when a medal to be updated is detected. Therefore, the technical concept of the slot machine 1 is fundamentally different from that of a conventional slot machine for the purpose of preventing so-called swallowing of medals by disabling the start switch each time a medal is inserted.

<Modification>
The above embodiment 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, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. Below, the change with respect to embodiment is illustrated.

  In the slot machine 1 in the above embodiment, even when a medal for updating the bet number to “1” is inserted, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and the like, based on the detection of the medal sensor 53c. Depending on the set state of the C sensor flag to be set, there are cases where the start switch 19 is validated and where invalidation is maintained. However, even if the start switch 19 is activated when the bet number is updated to “1” or the invalidation is maintained, the slot machine 1 can at least update the bet number to “2”. Any operation may be used as long as the operation on the start switch 19 is invalidated until the bet number is set to “3” after the token sensor is detected by the medal sensor or the like. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the game from being started when the bet amount is set to “2”.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 in the above embodiment, the example in which the C sensor flag is set based on the detection of the medal sensor 53c provided on the most upstream side of the medal sensors has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the C sensor flag may be set based on the detection of the medal sensor 53a or 53b provided on the downstream side of the medal sensor 53c.

  The C sensor flag in the above embodiment is set to ON when a medal is detected by the predetermined medal sensor 53c, and is set to OFF when a predetermined time elapses after the detection signal of the medal sensor is turned from ON to OFF. An example to be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the C sensor flag may be set to OFF when a predetermined time elapses after being set ON when a medal is detected by the predetermined medal sensor 53c. Thereby, the timing at which the start switch 19 is activated can be advanced.

  Moreover, the C sensor flag in the above embodiment has been described as an example in which the ON setting is maintained until a predetermined time has elapsed since the medal detection of the predetermined medal sensor 53c. However, the C sensor flag is set to OFF when the medal is detected by the medal sensor 53b after the medal detection of the predetermined medal sensor 53c and the detection state is set to OFF. May be. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, when one medal is inserted, after the C sensor flag is set to ON, the C sensor flag is set to OFF at the timing of T3 which is detected by the medal sensor 53b and the detection state is set to OFF. Alternatively, it may be set to OFF when a predetermined time from T3 (a time shorter than the time from T3 to T4) has elapsed. As shown in FIG. 13, when medals are continuously inserted, the C sensor flag is set to ON by detecting the first medal, and then the second medal is detected by the medal sensor 53b. The detection state may be set to OFF at the timing of T12 when the detection state is set to OFF, or the OFF state is set when a predetermined time (time shorter than the time from T12 to T13) has elapsed from T12. It may be a thing. For example, the predetermined time is set to a time longer than the average time required for the inserted medal to be detected by the medal sensor 53c and detected by the medal sensor 53b and the detection state to be set to OFF. You may do. Thus, for example, when medals are continuously inserted, even if the previously inserted medals are detected by the medal sensor 53b and the detection state is set to OFF, the subsequent medals are detected by the medal sensor 53b. Until this is done, at least the ON setting of the C sensor flag can be maintained. In the above, by setting the C sensor flag OFF according to the detection state of the medal sensor 53b being changed from the ON setting to the OFF setting, the C sensor flag can be set OFF as early as possible to enable the start switch 19. An example was described. However, the method for enabling the start switch 19 by setting the C sensor flag OFF as early as possible is not limited to this, and for example, a predetermined time (500 msec in the embodiment) for maintaining the C sensor flag ON setting is used for the medal. An average time (for example, 350 msec) required from when the medal is detected by the sensor 53c until the medal is detected by the medal sensor 53b and the detection state is set to OFF is set. There may be.

  In the above embodiment, the medal sensor 53c is provided and the C sensor flag is set. However, the C sensor flag may not be set. For example, the start switch 19 may be activated immediately at T3 shown in FIG. Also in this case, when continuously inserted as shown in FIG. 13, the medal sensor 53c has already detected a medal for updating the bet number to “2” in T11, so the start switch 19 is not activated, Invalidation is maintained.

  In the above embodiment, the medal selector 48 is provided with the medal sensor 53c on the upstream side close to the medal slot 25 and the medal sensors 53a and 53b on the downstream side of the movable guide member 51a. However, the medal selector 48 may not include the medal sensor 53c but may include only medal sensors 53a and 53b on the downstream side of the movable guide member 51a. In this case, when one medal is inserted as shown in FIG. 12, the start switch 19 is activated at T3 in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, when medals are continuously inserted, from T11 in FIG. 13, a medal for updating the bet number to “2” is detected by the medal sensor 53a, and the AB sensor flag is set to ON. Until the start switch 19 is activated, the start switch 19 is invalidated until the bet amount is updated to “3” after the AB sensor flag is set to ON. As a result, the timing at which the start switch 19 is activated can be made the same when the bet number is updated to “1” and when it is updated to “3”, and the player is distrusted. It is possible to prevent problems that may occur.

  Even when the medal selector 48 does not include the medal sensor 53c but includes only the medal sensors 53a and 53b, a predetermined time elapses after the medal is detected by either the medal sensor 53a or the medal sensor 53b. Until the start switch 19 is not activated, the start switch 19 may be activated after a predetermined time has elapsed. It should be noted that the counting of the fixed time may be started based on detection of either the medal sensor 53a or the medal sensor 53b. Further, the timing for starting the timing of the fixed time may be the timing when the medal is detected by the medal sensor and the detection signal is turned from OFF to ON, or the detection signal is turned from ON to OFF when the medal is detected. It may be timing.

  When the medal sensor 53c is not provided and only the medal sensor 53a and the medal sensor 53b are provided on the downstream side of the movable guide member 51a, for example, when medals are continuously inserted, the previous medal is medal. When the sensor is detected, the next medal has already reached the movable guide member 51a. For example, the medal that should be discharged from the cancel port 50 by moving the movable guide member 51a to the second position. There is a possibility that it will be received into the hopper container 42 side. In order to prevent this, for example, the medal sensor 53a is disposed on the upstream side of the movable guide member 51a, the medal sensor 53b is disposed on the downstream side of the movable guide member 51a, and detection by the upstream medal sensor 53a is performed. You may make it drive-control the movable guide member 51a. Further, the medal selector 48 may be one in which only one medal sensor is mounted on the downstream side of the movable guide member 51a.

  In the above embodiment, the selector error has been described. An example of a selector error will be described in more detail below. First, as a first specification of the selector error, after the medal is detected by the medal sensor 53c as the “first game medium detecting unit”, any one of the medal sensors 53a and 53b as the “second game medium detecting unit”. If the time required until a medal is detected exceeds the “predetermined period”, a clogged medal or a fraudulent action due to a long goto jig is assumed. For this reason, it is necessary until a medal is detected by one of the medal sensors 53a and 53b as "second game medium detecting means" after the medal is detected by the medal sensor 53c as "first game medium detecting means". It may be determined whether or not the elapsed time has exceeded a “predetermined period”, and when it is determined that the time has been exceeded, error processing (for example, game progress, error notification, etc.) may be executed. This achieves the purpose of “inhibiting the game from being played when a bet number different from the optimal bet number is set”, and does not increase the number of parts so much, and the appropriate error handling. It can be performed.

  Also, when a small foreign object such as a circular medium (such as a 10-yen coin) having a smaller diameter than a regular medal is inserted between the “first game medium detection unit” and the “second game medium detection unit” In addition, a return path (return from the medal payout port 39 via the medal chute member 44 from the cancel port 50 of the medal selector 48) for returning a small foreign object to the player side is formed. With such a configuration, the second specification of the selector error is that the upstream “first game medium detecting means” is a long goto jig or the like into the medal passage 47. It is formed so as to be able to detect foreign objects, and it is determined whether or not the detection state (ON state) by the “first game medium detection means” continues for a certain time (for example, a certain time is longer than a certain time). . When it is determined that the operation has continued for a certain time or longer, error processing may be executed.

  Conventionally, there is an illegal act of changing the detection state of the medal sensor from OFF to ON and from ON to OFF using a long foreign object. When such an illegal act is performed, a long foreign object having a portion smaller than the width direction of the medal passage 47 is used. On the other hand, in order to detect a long foreign object smaller than the width direction of the medal passage 47, it is necessary to detect a foreign object smaller than the width direction of the medal passage 47. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the specific configuration of the first game medium detection means is a mechanical type having an acceptance detection piece 55 that protrudes or retreats across almost the entire width direction of the medal passage 47. Sensor. Therefore, inevitably, the first game medium detecting means can detect even a small foreign object that is returned through the return route. Thereby, first, the first game medium detection means can play a role of detecting both small foreign objects and long foreign objects in the medal passage 47. With such a configuration, whether or not the “predetermined period” has elapsed may be determined when the “second game medium detecting unit” detects a medal. Thus, in a configuration in which an error occurs when it is determined that the “predetermined period” has elapsed since the “first game medium detecting means” has detected, the “predetermined period” is set when a small foreign object is inserted. May occur and errors may occur frequently. In order to prevent this, the determination as to whether or not the “predetermined period” has elapsed may be made when the “second game medium detection means” downstream of the return path detects.

  Further, as described above, when the C sensor flag is set to OFF in response to the detection state of the medal sensor 53b being changed from ON setting to OFF setting, the predetermined time for maintaining the C sensor flag ON setting is set to the medal sensor 53c. In any of the cases where the average time (for example, 350 msec) required from when the medal is detected by the medal sensor 53b until the detection state is set to OFF is set, for example, the regular medal is normally inserted. In spite of this, it is possible to prevent inconvenience that the medal sensor 53b is detected and an error is determined when the C sensor flag is set to OFF.

  In the above embodiment, when the player is in the “RBB internal winning state” or “CBB internal winning state”, it may be notified that it is optimal to set the bet amount to “1” and play a game. . For example, on the liquid crystal display 27, a message such as “You can get one bet!” May be displayed. In addition, when the bet number is “2” or more, a notification that the bet number setting is to be released may be notified. For example, the liquid crystal display 27 may display a message such as “You can cancel your bet with the checkout button!”. Further, these notifications may be executed after at least notification that “RBB” or “CBB” is won.

  In the embodiment described above, the bonus game state can be controlled as an advantageous state, and the control can be performed during an advantageous period in which an AT game that can notify the advantageous operation mode when winning for pushing is allowed can be controlled. explained. However, an advantageous state is not limited to this, and may be a state that can be controlled to another state. For example, it is controllable to RT (replay time) that improves the winning probability of a re-gamer. Also good. Further, the advantageous period described above may include a chance zone (hereinafter referred to as CZ) in which a lottery relating to AT games can be executed and an assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT) in which AT games are executed. CZ may be a period in which AT lottery is performed when a predetermined AT transition lottery condition is satisfied, and a period until the result of the already determined AT transition lottery is notified (hereinafter also referred to as a precursor period). ).

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the variable display unit 13 includes three left variable display columns 10L to right variable display column 10R will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A gaming machine including four or more variable display rows may be used. The operation-corresponding end condition in the gaming machine having one variable display row is a condition that is satisfied by the operation timing. Moreover, although the variable display part 13 showed the example comprised by the reels 11L-11R, it is not restricted to this, You may comprise by display apparatuses, such as a liquid crystal display and 7 segment LED. Moreover, although the example in which only one pay line is set for the variable display unit 13 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of pay lines may be set.

  1 slot machine, 11L, 11M, 11R reel, 14L, 14M, 14R reel motor, 21L, 21M, 21R stop switch, 27 liquid crystal display, 63 main control board, 73 sub control board.

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine comprising a display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and capable of giving a privilege according to the symbols when variable display is stopped,
A game medium detecting means for detecting a game medium input from the input unit;
At least a game medium is inserted from the insertion unit, a first stage in which a first number is set as a bet number for one game, and a second number greater than the first number is set as a bet number. Bet number stage updating means capable of updating to any one of a plurality of bet number stages including a second stage and a third stage in which a third number greater than the second number is set as the bet number; ,
Start operation detecting means for detecting a start operation;
Period control means for performing period control so as to be one of an invalid period during which the start operation detected by the start operation detection means is not effectively received and an effective period during which the start operation detected by the start operation detection means is effectively received; ,
Variable display start means for starting the variable display by effectively receiving the start operation detected by the start operation detection means in the effective period;
A predetermined game state control means for controlling the bet number stage to a predetermined game state that allows a game to be executed by any one of the first stage and the third stage;
The period control means includes
In the predetermined gaming state, the betting number stage is updated to the first stage, so that the period control can be executed so as to become the valid period,
At least from the time when the game medium detecting means detects a game medium for updating the betting number stage from the first stage to the second stage in the predetermined gaming state until the betting number stage is updated to the third stage. Performs period control to be the invalid period,
In the predetermined gaming state, the betting number stage is updated to the third stage, thereby executing the period control so as to be the valid period,
This is when the period control is executed by the period control means so that the game medium for updating the betting number stage from the first stage to the second stage is detected by the game medium detection means and becomes the invalid period. However, the gaming machine can accept the game medium inserted from the insertion unit and can update the bet number stage to the third stage by the bet number stage update means.   The period control means controls the period so that the invalid period is maintained until a predetermined period elapses after the game medium detection means detects a game medium whose betting number stage is updated to the first stage in the predetermined gaming state. And when the game medium detecting means detects a game medium for updating the betting number stage from the first stage to the second stage until the predetermined period elapses, the bet number even after the predetermined period elapses. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the period control is executed so that the period becomes the invalid period until the stage is updated to the third stage. The game medium detection means includes
First game medium detecting means for detecting a game medium input from the input unit at a predetermined position;
A second game medium detecting means for detecting a game medium thrown from the throwing section downstream from the predetermined position;
The game machine determines whether or not the predetermined period has elapsed since the first game medium detection means of the first game medium detection means and the second game medium detection means has been detected by the first game medium detection means. The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising a determination unit.

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