JP2022058866A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of increasing interest of a game.

SOLUTION: When a performance switch is operated during a normal performance and then a specific performance is started with the performance switch signal turned ON, performance contents are changed according to an operation of the performance switch, in the specific performance being executed.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 47

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, as a game machine equipped with an image display device and a reel that scrolls and displays a plurality of symbol rows, there are a slot machine (also referred to as a “rotary body type game machine”) and a pachinko machine. Among this type of gaming machine, for example, there is a slot machine as shown in Patent Document 1.

JP-A-2017-144015

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of enhancing the interest of gaming.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention
With the given switch,
The production means to produce and
Equipped with
When the effect means starts a specific effect in a situation where the operation for the predetermined switch is continuously performed, the effect corresponding to the operation for the predetermined switch in the specific effect is achieved. It is characterized by being feasible.

As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to enhance the interest of the gaming.

It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the internal structure of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the medal selector provided inside the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the hopper provided inside the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol arrangement of each reel provided in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the kind of symbol combination which a privilege is given to a player in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the kind of symbol combination which a privilege is given to a player in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the kind of symbol combination which a privilege is given to a player in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the kind of symbol combination which a privilege is given to a player in the slot machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional configuration of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the contents of the condition apparatus in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the numerical table which shows the probability that a condition device operates in the slot machine. It is a lottery state transition diagram which shows the transition of the lottery state of the slot machine, and the transition condition. It is a game section transition diagram which shows the transition of the game section (game state number) in the slot machine, and the transition condition. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content of the instruction monitor in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content of the role ratio monitor for monitoring the movable performance of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a part of the content of the information stored in the storage device provided inside the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a part of the content of the information stored in the storage device provided inside the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the change of the drive state in one game in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the acceleration pattern referred to at the time of performing the acceleration process of a reel in the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game progress main process for controlling the progress of a game executed by the main control means of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the detection process of the medal passing in the medal selector of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the processing according to the detection timing of the medal passing in the medal selector of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the advantageous section transition lottery process executed in the game progress main process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the AT lottery process which is executed in the advantageous section transition lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the AT game number lottery processing executed in the AT lottery processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the reel rotation start processing executed in the game progress main processing of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation when a hopper pays out a medal by the game progress main process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the advantageous section clear counter management process executed in the game progress main process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the advantageous section clear counter management process different from the advantageous section clear counter management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the timer interrupt process executed by the main control means of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the behavior of a slot machine with voltage drop due to the power supply of the slot machine being cut off. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the reel drive management processing which is executed in the timer interrupt processing of the same slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the reel drive control process which is executed in the reel drive management process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the reel drive control processing. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the outline of the acceleration process of a reel in the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the correction process performed at the time of detecting the index provided in the reel in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the correction process performed at the time of detection of the index. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification of the correction process performed at the time of detecting the index. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification of the correction process performed at the time of detecting the index. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the receive interrupt process executed by the sub-control means of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the main loop processing executed by the sub-control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the timer interrupt process executed by the sub-control means of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the decision switch input determination process executed by the timer interrupt process of FIG. 43. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the effect switch input determination process executed by the timer interrupt process of FIG. 43. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the selection switch input determination process executed by the timer interrupt process of FIG. 43. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the image display control corresponding to the operation of various switches controlled by the auxiliary control means of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the pattern which invalidates or enables the operation of various switches controlled by the sub-control means. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the pattern which invalidates or enables a specific operation with respect to various switches controlled by the sub-control means.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, when "(H)" is attached after the written numerical value, it indicates a hexadecimal numerical value, and when "(D)" is attached, it indicates a decimal numerical value. When "(B)" is attached, it indicates a binary numerical value. In addition, when only numerical values are described without particular notice, they represent decimal numerical values.

[Explanation of external configuration of housing]
FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of a slot machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing of the slot machine 10 is composed of a main body 12 for accommodating various devices and a front door (game door) 14 provided on the front side (player side) of the main body 12 so as to be openable and closable. A front panel 20 is provided in a substantially central portion of the front door 14, and a display window 21 is formed substantially in the center thereof. Three reels 40L, 40C and 40R are rotatably provided inside the main body 12, so that the design of each reel can be visually recognized from the display window 21.

The reels 40L, 40C and 40R are installed so that their rotation axes are aligned on the same horizontal straight line. The shape of each reel is ring-shaped, and a strip-shaped reel tape on which one symbol is printed is attached to each of the 20 evenly divided symbol areas on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Then, when the reels 40L, 40C and 40R are stopped, three consecutive symbols out of the 20 symbols printed on each reel can be visually recognized from the display window 21 along the rotation direction of each reel. ing. As a result, 3 [designs] x 3 [reels] = a total of nine symbols are stopped and displayed on the display window 21. Here, among the three consecutive symbols that are stopped and displayed when the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped, the position where the uppermost symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as the stop display position) is the upper U and the center. The position where the symbol of 1 is stopped and displayed is called the middle row M, and the position where the lowermost symbol is stopped and displayed is called the lower row D.

Whether or not any winning combination is won when the three reels are stopped depends on the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed at the predetermined stop display position (hereinafter referred to as "symbol combination") among the above-mentioned nine symbols. The line that is judged and connects these stop display positions is called the winning line. In the present embodiment, the line connecting each middle stage M of the left reel 40L, the middle reel 40C, and the right reel 40R (middle stage horizontal line) is the winning line L. As a result, when the game is played with the number of medals (specified number) that can be bet in the current game bet, it is determined whether or not the prize is won by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the winning line L. Will be done.

Here, the stop display position that is the winning line is also referred to as a "winning stop position". In addition to the winning line L, the line connecting the upper U of the left reel 40L, the middle reel 40C and the right reel 40R is the upper line, and the line connecting the left reel 40L, the middle reel 40C and the lower D of the right reel 40R is the lower line. That is. Further, the line connecting the lower D of the left reel 40L, the middle M of the middle reel 40C and the upper U of the right reel 40R is an ascending line to the right, the upper U of the left reel 40L, the middle M of the middle reel 40C and the lower D of the right reel 40R. The line connecting the reels is called a downward-sloping line. In the following, when it is simply described that "the symbol combination is stopped and displayed" or "the symbol combination is complete", the symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the winning line (that is, it corresponds to the symbol combination). It means that the role to play has won a prize).

In addition to the display window 21, the front panel 20 is provided with various lamps and indicators for notifying the player of various information regarding the game. First, on the right side of the display window 21, an AT lamp ALP that lights up during AT, which will be described later, is provided. The light emitting sources of the AT lamp ALP are two LEDs provided on the back surface of the front panel 20, and the light of these LEDs emits light by passing through the translucent region shown by the broken line in FIG.

Below the display window 21, there is a credit number display 27 (hereinafter, also referred to as "credit number display 27" and "stored number display 27"), and an acquired number display 28 (hereinafter, "payout number display"). A display 28 ”) is provided. The credit number display 27 is composed of a 2-digit 8-segment display, and displays the number of medals credited (hereinafter, also referred to as “reservoir”) in the slot machine 10 (up to 50). The number of medals credited to the slot machine 10 is stored in a non-volatile memory (RWM: read / write memory) in which the stored data can be rewritten.

As shown in FIG. 15A (particularly, refer to the upper digit of the credit number display 27), the 8-segment display is a display composed of segments a to g and segment DP. The lower digit segment DP of the credit number indicator 27 is used as an advantageous section lamp (hereinafter, also referred to as “advantageous section LED”, “advantageous section indicator”, and “section indicator”) described later. Here, the segments a to g are also referred to as a 7-segment display unit, and the segment DP is also referred to as a dot segment display unit. In addition, instead of the segment DP of the credit number display 27, the segment DP of the lower digit of the acquired number display 28 may be used as the advantageous section lamp.

A medal bet to play a game on a slot machine 10 is a kind of game medium. The game medium is not limited to a medal, but may be a game ball (so-called pachinko ball), and indicates the value recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic card, a non-contact IC card, or an IC chip embedded in a coin. It may be information. These recording media may be able to be directly inserted into the slot machine 10, or may be inserted into an external device other than the slot machine 10, and information indicating the value recorded on the recording medium may be used to connect the external device. It may be possible to put it into the slot machine 10 via the slot machine 10. The slot machine 10 can play one game when a specified number of medals are bet.

As shown in FIG. 15B, the acquired number display 28 is composed of a 2-digit 8-segment display, and displays the number of medals paid out to the player (acquired by the player) according to the winning combination. do. The acquired number display 28 does not necessarily have to be composed of an 8-segment display, and when the segment DP is not used, a 7-segment display consisting of only segments a to g may be adopted. Hereinafter, the 8-segment display and the 7-segment display are also collectively referred to as a “segment display”.

An operation panel portion 30 formed substantially horizontally over the entire width of the slot machine 10 and projecting toward the player is provided on the lower side of the front panel 20. A medal insertion slot 32 for inserting medals into the slot machine 10 is provided on the upper right side of the operation panel unit 30. Further, inside the slot machine 10, a selector 80 (described later) for selecting inserted medals is provided, and the medal sensors (insertion sensors 811 and 812) in the selector 80 are inserted from the medal insertion slot 32. When the medal is detected, a medal detection signal is output to the main control means 100 described later. The main control means 100 counts the number of inserted medals and detects abnormalities such as fraudulent acts at the time of inserting medals (hereinafter, also referred to as "error detection") based on the input medal detection signal. ing.

Bet switches 34 and 35 for betting a credited medal on the slot machine 10 (in other words, setting the number of bets) are provided on the left side of the upper surface of the operation panel unit 30. The 1-bet switch 34 bets only one of the medals credited for each operation as a target for betting on the game. The maximum bet switch 35 bets a predetermined number of medals in the current game among the credited medals as the target of the game bet. Further, when the specified number of metals is inserted into the medal slot 32, the inserted medals are credited. Specifically, the number of medals inserted into the RWM of the main control means 100 is stored. If a specified number of medals have been bet and the number of credits (stored in the RWM) has reached the upper limit (50) and a medal is inserted into the medal slot 32, the medal will be described later. It is returned to the saucer 61 from the medal payout exit 60.

Between the medal slot 32 and the maximum bet switch 35, a selection switch (also referred to as a "direction switch") 38 and a decision switch (also referred to as a "menu switch") for the player to input information to the slot machine 10 are performed. .) 39 is provided. The selection switch 38 is composed of four switches, an upper switch, a lower switch, a left switch, and a right switch, which specify the up, down, left, and right directions. Then, either upward, downward, leftward, or rightward is specified according to the operated switch.

Here, the up switch, the down switch, the left switch, and the right switch may be individually provided with corresponding buttons so that they can be turned on / off individually, or a cross-shaped key top (cross key). May be provided so that the switch in the direction in which the cross key is tilted is turned on. When the up switch, down switch, left switch and right switch can be turned on / off with the cross key, two adjacent switches (up and right, right and down, down and left, left and up) are turned on at the same time. It is possible, but the opposite switches (up and down, right and left) may not be turned on at the same time. The determination switch 39 is formed of a member that transmits light, and a light source such as an LED is provided inside the determination switch 39. When the operation of the determination switch 39 is disabled, the light source inside the switch is turned off and is effective. When it is, it blinks (may be lit).

A start switch 36 for rotating the reel is provided on the left side of the front surface of the operation panel unit 30 so as to be tiltable. The operation of the start switch 36 becomes effective when the player bets a predetermined number of medals on the slot machine 10. However, when the symbol combinations corresponding to the re-games described later are aligned on the winning line (the re-game combination wins), the same number of medals as the medals bet at that time will be the next game (re-game). The bet is automatically placed at, and the operation of the start switch 36 becomes effective. If a medal is inserted into the medal slot 32 in this automatically bet state, the medal may be returned to the tray 61 or credited until the upper limit (50 medals) is reached. You may do it.

When the player tilts the start switch 36 while the operation of the start switch 36 is enabled, the three reels 40L, 40C and 40R start to rotate. As a result, the symbols printed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are, in principle, displayed by scrolling from top to bottom in the display window 21, but the symbols are displayed downward during the freeze effect. It may be displayed variable from to the top. The freeze effect is an effect executed in a state where the progress of the game is delayed. In particular, when the progress of the game is delayed immediately after the start switch is operated, the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are appropriately rotated. By doing so, it is possible to execute a freeze effect that enhances the interest of the game.

Here, the effect of rotating the reels 40L, 40C, 40R during freezing is also referred to as "reel effect". As a reel effect, for example, the reel is rotated in the direction opposite to the normal rotation direction (top to bottom) (bottom to top), or the reel is rotated from top to bottom or bottom to top by a predetermined number of symbols. You can stop and display a specific symbol combination, rotate another reel while stopping a predetermined reel among multiple reels, change the rotation speed of the reels, etc., depending on the operation of the player. The operation of the reel may be changed.

A stop switch for stopping the rotation of the reel is provided in the front center portion of the operation panel portion 30. Specifically, the stop switches 37L, 37C and 37R are provided corresponding to the reels 40L, 40C and 40R. The stop switches 37L, 37C and 37R are so-called self-illuminating push button switches, and have a structure in which the push button portion emits light and the emission color can change. For example, when the operation of the stop switch is disabled (unacceptable state), the push button part of the stop switch becomes red emission color, and when the operation is enabled (acceptable state), it is blue. It becomes the emission color. While the player's operation on the stop switch is disabled, the stop switch may be turned off instead of being emitted in red.

Here, for example, when the 1-bet switch 34, the maximum bet switch 35, or the start switch 36 is operated while the reels are rotating, the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reels is operated while those switches are operated. The operation cannot be accepted (invalid). Further, even when the stop switch corresponding to the reel that has already stopped is operated, the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the reel that is still rotating is not accepted. Similarly, if any of the stop switches or start switches 36 is operated when the game is over and medals can be inserted, the 1-bet switch 34 and the maximum bet switch 35 are operated during that time. It will be in an unacceptable state. If the 1-bet switch 34, the maximum bet switch 35, or any of the stop switches are operated while the specified number of medals have been inserted, the operation of the start switch 36 cannot be accepted during that period. Become.

However, even if the selection switch 38, the determination switch 39, or the effect switch 52, which will be described later, is operated during the rotation of the reel, the operation of the stop switch is not invalidated by the operation. Similarly, even if the selection switch 38, the determination switch 39, or the effect switch 52 is operated when the medal can be inserted, the operation of the 1-bet switch 34 and the maximum bet switch 35 is invalid. Not converted. Further, even if the selection switch 38, the determination switch 39, or the effect switch 52 is operated with the specified number of medals inserted, the operation of the start switch 36 is not invalidated by the operation.

The stop switches 37L, 37C and 37R are games on the condition that at least the rotation speed of the reels 40L, 40C and 40R reaches a predetermined steady rotation speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute, also simply referred to as "constant speed"). The operation of the person becomes effective. Here, the rotation speed of all reels reaches a constant speed, and the index of all reels (described later) is detected (in other words, the rising edge of the cylinder sensor signal described later is detected) of the stop switch. It may be a condition for enabling the operation. Further, if the left stop switch 37L is pushed while the game is started and the reel is rotating, the stop control of the left reel 40L is performed in the game to stop the rotation, and the middle stop switch 37C is set. When the push operation is performed, the stop control of the middle reel 40C is performed to stop the rotation, and when the right stop switch 37R is pushed, the stop control of the right reel 40R is performed to stop the rotation.

In the following, operating the stop switch is referred to as "stop operation", and the first stop operation after all reels start rotating is the first stop operation, the second stop operation is the second stop operation, and the third ( The last) stop operation is called a third stop operation or a final stop operation. In the case of a slot machine having four reels and four stop switches, the third stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation, and the fourth (last) stop operation is referred to as a fourth stop operation or a final stop operation. When the reels 40L, 40C and 40R are stopped, the center position of each of the three continuous symbol areas stopped and displayed on the display window 21 among the 20 symbol areas set on the outer peripheral surface of each reel is the upper U. , Stops so as to match the center positions of the middle stage M and the lower stage D. Here, the position where the center position of the symbol area and the center position of the stop display position coincide with each other is also referred to as a fixed position.

A clearing switch 33 is provided on the left side of the operation panel unit 30, and when operated within the reception period (that is, when the settlement conditions are met), medals that have already been bet and medals that have been credited Will be refunded (returned), and the display of the credit number display 27 will be "0". Here, the wording of "clearing" may be expressed as "settlement". During the above-mentioned reception period, for example, after all reels have stopped (in the case where medals are paid out, after the medals have been paid out), a specified number of medals have been bet and the start switch 36 has been operated. Until the time.

When the above-mentioned clearing switch 33 is operated once, the bet medal and all the credited medals are refunded at once. Not limited to this, for example, if the clearing switch 33 is operated when there are bet medals and credited medals, only the bet medals are refunded and this state (the medals are not bet). In the state), when the clearing switch 33 is operated again, all the credited medals may be paid out. In addition, if the clearing switch 33 is operated when the re-game combination wins a prize in a certain game and the re-game can be performed in the next game, only the credited medals are refunded. The replay should be in a state where it can be executed as it is.

Below the operation panel unit 30, a lower panel 50 on which a model name of the slot machine 10 and a character adopted as a motif are drawn is arranged. On the front right side of the lower panel 50, a push button type effect switch 52 that is effective during execution of the specific effect (described later) is provided.

A medal payout exit 60 for paying out medals to the player is provided in the lower center of the lower panel 50. For example, when the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped, if the symbol combination displayed as stopped on the winning line L corresponds to a small winning combination (also referred to as "winning combination"), the small winning combination is supported. The number of medals is credited (stored in the RWM), or the hopper motor 46 of the hopper 83 (described later) is activated, and the number of medals stored in the hopper 83 corresponding to the winning combination is the number of medals stored in the hopper 83. The medals are actually paid out. If the clearing switch 33 is operated while the medals are credited, the credited medals are actually paid out. Then, the medals paid out from the medal payout outlet 60 are stored in the saucer 61. Sound transmission holes 62R and 62L for passing the sound emitted from the speakers 64R and 64L (described later) housed inside the slot machine 10 to the outside are provided on the right side and the left side of the medal payout outlet 60, respectively. There is.

An image display device 70 composed of a liquid crystal display panel is provided on the upper part of the front panel 20. The image display device 70 mainly has an effect image (so-called effect screen) for notifying the result of the lottery and the operation mode (operation timing or operation order, etc.) of the stop switch, and the progress of the game of the slot machine (betting a medal →). It is possible to display an effect image (so-called effect screen) corresponding to the operation of the start switch 36 → the rotation of the reel → the operation of the stop switches 37L, 37C, 37R → the rotation stop of all reels). In addition to the production image, it is also possible to display a game history image (so-called game history screen) for displaying the total number of games (also referred to as the total number of games), the total number of winning bonuses, and the like. .. Further, a demo image (so-called demo screen, also referred to as a game standby screen) displayed during the game standby can be displayed.

In addition, for example, when the determination switch 39 is operated when the game is not being played, a menu screen including a plurality of items is displayed on the image display device 70, and the selection switch 38 is operated on the displayed menu screen. The information corresponding to the item selected accordingly may be displayed. This menu screen can also be said to be an information selection screen for allowing the player to select information to be provided. Here, the items included in the menu screen include those related to the above-mentioned various game histories, and passwords obtained by the player from a predetermined server (for example, a server connected to the Internet and providing various services related to the slot machine 10). There is an input screen, a 2D code image (so-called 2D code screen) for displaying a 2D code including the number of games played (also called the number of games) after entering the password and the number of winning bonuses. ..

The image display device 70 is not limited to the liquid crystal display panel, and any other display device can be used as long as the player can visually recognize the image information and the character information during the game or non-game. Further, as the items included in the above-mentioned menu screen, an item for adjusting the volume of the effect sound and an item for adjusting the brightness of the lamps lit during the effect may be included, and when these items are selected, for example. The volume and brightness may be increased or decreased by the player operating the upper switch and the lower switch of the selection switch 38.

Above the image display device 70, the reels 40L, 40C, 40R are stopped, and when some winning combination is won or a medal is easily paid out (for example, during a bonus game or AT, for the player). An effect lamp 72 that blinks (or lights up) in a predetermined pattern is provided depending on the case where the state is advantageous).

[Explanation of the internal configuration of the housing]
Next, the internal configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the front door 14 is opened, and shows the back side (inside the housing) of the front door 14 and the inside of the main body portion 12.

In FIG. 2, above the front door 14, and behind the image display device 70 shown in FIG. 1, an auxiliary control means 200 for controlling the execution of a game effect performed by the slot machine 10 is housed in a case. It is attached. The sub-control unit 200 is composed of a sub-control board 202 and an image control board 204, which will be described later (see FIG. 10). Each of these control boards comprises a circuit including a CPU mounted on the printed circuit board and other electronic components such as ICs. In FIG. 2, a plurality of LEDs are provided on the right side of the display window 21, of which the LEDs 29a and 29b are light emitting sources of the AT lamp ALP shown in FIG.

A selector 80 is provided on the lower side of the display window 21 to select regular medals from the medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 32 shown in FIG. For example, if the external dimensions and materials of the inserted medals do not meet the predetermined standards, the medals are guided to the return passage 81a connected to the medal payout outlet 60 of FIG. 1 and discharged to the saucer 61. On the other hand, if the external dimensions and materials of the inserted medals conform to the predetermined standards, the receiving passage 81b for sending the medals to the medal storage section 90 (container for storing medals) of the hopper 83, which will be described later. Lead to. Speakers 64R and 64L are attached to the lower side of the front door 14 at the positions of the sound transmission holes 62R and 62L shown in FIG. 1, respectively.

FIG. 3A is a front view showing an internal structure in a state where the front cover covering substantially the lower half of the selector 80 is removed. The selector 80 includes a rectangular case 801 integrally formed of a synthetic resin such as hard plastic. The selector 80 is assembled so that the case front surface 802 located in front of the case 801 and the front cover (not shown) face each other with a gap. Then, a medal guide passage 814 through which the medals inserted in the medal insertion slot 32 of FIG. 1 passes is formed in these gaps. That is, the medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 32 is accepted from the medal entrance 814a, and if it is a legitimate medal, it passes through the medal guide passage 814 and reaches the receiving passage 81b from the medal exit 814b.

In the vicinity of the medal entrance 814a of the selector 80, an adjusting screw 803 for excluding medals having a thickness equal to or larger than a specified value is provided so as to project from the case front surface 802 (medal guide passage 814) of the case 801. A first insertion sensor 811 and a second insertion sensor 812 for detecting medals that have passed through the blocker mechanism unit 820, which will be described later, are provided in the vicinity of the medal outlet 814b of the selector 80. The first throw-in sensor 811 and the second throw-in sensor 812 are each composed of a photo sensor that is turned on when the light reflected by the reflecting portions 810 facing each other is shielded by the medal. Hereinafter, when both the first input sensor 811 and the second input sensor 812 are collectively referred to, they are simply referred to as “input sensor”. Further, the on / off signal output from the first input sensor 811 and the second input sensor 812, and the passage sensor 813 described below is also referred to as a “medal detection signal”.

Further, at least on the upstream side (the medal entrance 814a side) of the blocker mechanism portion 820, a passage sensor 813 having a flap that can swing in the medal guide passage 814 is provided. The passage sensor 813 is configured as a photo sensor that detects the rotation of the flap due to the passage of the medal inserted from the medal entrance 814a. The blocker mechanism unit 820 is provided in the medal guide passage 814 on the upstream side of the insertion sensor, and includes at least a blocker 821 that moves between a position for accepting medals (a position for permitting medal acceptance) and a position for blocking medals (position for blocking medal acceptance). ing.

Here, FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (c) are simplified vertical sectional views for explaining the operation of the blocker mechanism unit 820 shown in FIG. 3 (a). FIG. 3 (b) shows the state of the medal acceptance permission position (blocker ON) of the blocker 821, and FIG. 3 (c) shows the state of the medal acceptance blocking position (blocker OFF) of the blocker 821. As shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (c), a rail portion 830 for mounting and rolling the outer peripheral surface of the medal is formed on the lower edge of the medal guide passage 814 so as to project from the front surface 802 of the case. .. Further, an inclined plate 831 for sliding down the medal toward the return passage 81a is attached to the case 801 along the leading edge of the rail portion 830.

The blocker mechanism 820 has a solenoid 45 fixed behind the case front surface 802, a blocker 821 rotatably supported with respect to the case front surface 802 via a shaft pin 822, and a lower end side is supported to turn on the solenoid 45. It mainly includes a metal actuating plate 823 that swings with / off (ON / OFF). The blocker 821 is constantly urged to the side where the blocker claw 821a enters the medal guide passage 814 (the side shown in FIG. 3B) via the torsion spring 824 shown in FIG. 3A. .. Further, the actuating plate 823 is constantly urged to the side away from the solenoid 45 (the side shown in FIG. 3C) via a spring (not shown).

The selector 80 having such a configuration operates as follows. Only medals having a certain outer diameter and thickness are selected from the medals inserted from the medal entrance 814a, and the medals are rolled on the rail portion 830 and moved to the blocker mechanism portion 820. As shown in FIG. 3B, the actuating plate 823 is attracted by the magnetic force of the solenoid 45 in the “blocker-on” state in which the blocker signal is output from the main control means 100 and the solenoid 45 is excited (ON). At this time, the actuating plate 823 swings toward the solenoid 45, and the pressing portion 823a on the upper portion abuts on the pressure receiving portion 821b on the upper portion of the blocker 821 to press the working plate 823. As a result, the blocker 821 is closed so that the front opening / closing plate 821c is parallel to the case front surface 802, and the blocker claw 821a retracts from the medal guide passage 814 and stands still.

When the blocker 821 is in the "medal acceptance permission position", the opening / closing plate 821c of the blocker 821 closes to form the medal guide passage 814 as shown in FIG. 3 (b), and the blocker claw 821a at the tip guides the medal. It means that it is in a position to evacuate from the passage 814. At this position, a medal guide passage 814, which is a space for passing the medal M, is secured between the case front surface 802 and the blocker 821, so that the medal M moving on the rail portion 830 passes through the blocker mechanism portion 820. can do.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the output of the blocker signal is stopped and the solenoid 45 is in the non-excited (OFF) “blocker off” state, the operating plate 823 stands still at a position away from the solenoid 45. In this state, the pressing portion 823a on the upper part of the actuating plate 823 is separated from the pressure receiving portion 821b on the upper part of the blocker 821, and the blocker 821 is tilted by the urging force of the torsion spring 824 (see FIG. 3A). As a result, the blocker 821 stands still at a position where the opening / closing plate 821c opens and the blocker claw 821a protrudes into the medal guide passage 814.

The blocker 821 is in the "medal acceptance blocking position" means that the opening / closing plate 821c is opened and the blocker claw 821a is in a position protruding into the medal guide passage 814 as shown in FIG. 3 (c). That is, at this blocker off position, the medal moving on the rail portion 830 collides with the blocker claw 821a, slides down on the inclined plate 831, and is removed toward the return passage 81a.

Returning to FIG. 2, a door switch 44 for detecting the opening / closing of the front door 14 is attached to the upper right of the front inside the main body 12. Here, although the door switch 44 is provided on the main body portion 12 side in FIG. 2, it may be provided on the front door 14 side. Inside the main body 12 and above the back plate, a main control board case 102 accommodating a main control board 101 constituting a hardware portion of the main control means 100 for controlling a game is attached. A role ratio monitor display window YM for visually recognizing the display of the role ratio monitor 103 (described later) composed of four 8-segment indicators is formed on the front surface of the main control board case 102. The role ratio monitor 103 is provided to make it easy to confirm that the slot machine 10 has not been tampered with after the slot machine 10 is installed in the playground. The combination monitor 103 displays a plurality of information regarding the number of medals paid out and the game state based on the operation record of the slot machine 10, and the display contents thereof will be described in detail later.

An external centralized terminal board 86 is installed under the door switch 44. The external centralized terminal board 86 outputs a signal including information about the game played in the slot machine 10 to various external devices (so-called hall computer, game history display device installed in the game hall, etc.). It is a relay board for doing. As the signal output from the external centralized terminal board 86, a medal insertion signal and a small winning combination, in which the same number of pulse signals as the number of bets bet (bet) on the game based on the operation of the start switch 36 are output, are won. There is a medal payout signal that outputs the same number of pulse signals as the number of medals paid out based on the above, a BB signal that is turned on during 1BB game, an AT signal that is turned on during AT, which will be described later, and the like. .. Instead of the AT signal, it may be an advantageous section signal that is turned on while staying in the advantageous section.

A reel unit containing the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is installed in the substantially center of the main body 12. Inside the reels 40L, 40C, 40R, stepping motors 42L, 42C, 42R for rotating the corresponding reels, and rotating cylinder sensors 43L, 43C, for detecting the index (described later) of the corresponding reels, respectively. 43R is provided. In the present embodiment, each cylinder sensor is provided at the center position in the middle stage M of the display window 21. Since the above-mentioned index is detected by the rotating cylinder sensor, it is also referred to as a "detected portion".

A power supply unit 82, a hopper 83, and a medal auxiliary storage 84 are arranged in order from the left side in FIG. 2 below the main body portion 12. The power supply unit 82 converts the input AC100V into a plurality of types of DC voltage and supplies the input to various devices included in the slot machine 10. Further, on the front panel surface of the power supply unit 82, a power switch 82a, which is a rocker switch for turning on / off the power of the slot machine 10, is provided on the upper left side. Further, on the right side of the power switch 82a, a key switch 82b for enabling the so-called setting value to be changed is provided. A push button type setting / reset switch 82c is provided below the power switch 82a. This setting / reset switch 82c is used again when the progress of the game (control process) is forcibly stopped due to the detection of various abnormalities (excluding some abnormalities) described later. ) Is operated when starting.

The medal auxiliary storage 84 is a box-shaped member having an opening on the upper surface, and stores medals overflowing from the medal storage unit 90 due to the excess of medals accumulated in the medal storage unit 90 of the hopper 83. do.

The hopper 83 is a medal payout device that operates when a small winning combination is won as a result of a game or when a credited medal is returned to a player. The hopper 83 includes a medal storage unit 90 capable of receiving and storing medals from the upper opening, and a payout mechanism unit 92 located at the bottom of the medal storage unit 90. The payout mechanism unit 92 drives the hopper motor 46 and rotates the rotation capturing plate 91 to discharge the medals stored in the medal storage unit 90 one by one from the medal discharge port 92a to the outside and pay out.

FIG. 4 is an external view of the payout mechanism portion 92 when the medal storage portion 90 of the hopper 83 shown in FIG. 2 is removed and viewed from the arrow A, and is shown by breaking a part of the rotation capturing plate 91. There is. As shown in FIG. 4, the payout mechanism unit 92 includes a rotary capture plate 91 in which a plurality of capture holes 91a for capturing medals stored in the above-mentioned medal storage unit 90 are formed, and a back surface of the rotary capture plate 91. The transport plate 93 that comes into contact with the medal is provided so as to be integrally rotated by the hopper motor 46 at the position of the bottom surface of the above-mentioned medal storage portion 90.

The rotary capture plate 91 has a substantially disk shape, and a plurality of capture holes 91a, which are circular holes having a diameter slightly larger than that of the medal and penetrating the medals, are equally distributed in the circumferential direction and are formed. The center position of the rotation capturing plate 91 is fixed to the drive shaft 46a of the built-in hopper motor 46. The transport plate 93 abuts on the back surface of the rotation capture plate 91 and is fixed to the rotation shaft 420a of the hopper motor 46 at the center position thereof. That is, the rotation capturing plate 91 and the transport plate 93 are attached so that the drive torque of the hopper motor 46 is directly transmitted via the common drive shaft 46a and the hopper motor 46 rotates integrally.

The transport plate 93 extends radially in the radial direction between the bay entry portion 93a, which is cut out slightly in the direction of the central axis from the position directly below the capture hole 91a, and each bay entry portion 93a adjacent to each other. A push protrusion 93b is formed in which the tip portion gently bends in the direction opposite to the rotation direction (see arrow A in FIG. 4). A substantially circular transport road surface 94 including a rotation region of the rotation capture plate 91 and the transport plate 93 is formed by being depressed in the inclined upper surface portion of the payout mechanism portion 92. With this configuration, one medal captured through the capture hole 91a of the rotation capture plate 91 is held in the gap space defined by the transfer road surface 94, the bay entry portion 93a of the transfer plate 93, and the rotation capture plate 91. To.

A part of the transport road surface 94 (upper left portion in FIG. 4) is connected to the discharge road surface 95 leading to the medal discharge port 92a, and is movable with the fixed pin roller 96 near the boundary between the transport road surface 94 and the discharge road surface 95. A pin roller 97 is provided. The shaft of the movable pin roller 97 is fixed to the light-shielding base 98, and the light-shielding base 98 is rotatably provided around the support shaft 98a. Further, the light-shielding base 98 is constantly urged by the tension coil spring 99 so as to return to the position (initial position) shown in FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the state of the fixed pin roller 96 and the movable pin roller 97 when the movable pin roller 97 is in the initial position is referred to as an “initial state”. Further, when the fixed pin roller 96 and the movable pin roller 97 are in the initial state, the light-shielding portion 98b of the light-shielding base 98 is in a position to light-shield the first payout sensor 47a.

When the medal is ejected from the hopper 83, the medal held in the above-mentioned gap space is pushed between the fixed pin roller 96 and the movable pin roller 97 by the push protrusion 93b as the transport plate 93 rotates, whereby the medal is movable. The pin roller 97 moves in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The light-shielding base 98 rotates about the support shaft 98a due to the movement of the movable pin roller 97, whereby the light-shielding portion 98b of the light-shielding base 98 shields the second payout sensor 47b from the position where the light-shielding portion 98b shields the first payout sensor 47a. Move to position. When the medal pushed between the fixed pin roller 96 and the movable pin roller 97 is further pushed by the push protrusion 93b, the light-shielding portion 98b eventually reaches the position where the second payout sensor 47b is light-shielded. Then, the medal passes through the discharge road surface 95 and pops out from the medal discharge port 92a due to the force that the light-shielding base 98 returns to the original position by the urging force of the tension coil spring 99.

[Explanation of symbols and symbol arrangement]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the arrangement of the symbols printed on the reel tapes attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C and 40R will be described. As shown in FIG. 5A, 20 symbols are printed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C and 40R. The arrow shown in FIG. 5A scrolls the symbol on each reel in the display window 21 when the reels 40L, 40C and 40R are rotating during the game (except during the freeze effect). It shows the direction.

For each symbol on the reel, one symbol is printed in each symbol area divided into 20 pieces in the longitudinal direction of the reel tape. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the types of symbols displayed in each symbol area include "white 7" symbols and "red 7" symbols in which the number 7 is represented in white and red, and "BAR". "Bar" design with the letters "", "Replay A" and "Replay B" with a blue plum motif, "Bell" with a yellow bell, and a green watermelon motif. There are "Watermelon A" and "Watermelon B" designs, "Cherry" designs with red cherries as motifs, and "Blank" designs with tree motifs.

As shown in FIG. 5A, symbol numbers 0 to 19 are predetermined in each symbol area of the reel tape attached to each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, and the symbol corresponding to each symbol number is defined. Type code is stored in the ROM of the main control means 100. The symbol number and the corresponding type code of each reel are used when the slot machine 10 recognizes the symbol displayed at each stop display position (upper U, middle M, lower D) of the display window 21 for each reel. Referenced. Each reel tape shown in FIG. 5A shows a state in which the symbol number 0 and the symbol number 1 are separated and unfolded, and when each reel tape is attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C and 40R. Is that the symbol of symbol number 0 and the symbol of symbol number 1 are continuous.

[Explanation of symbol combinations to which benefits are given]
Next, the symbol combination in which the privilege is given to the player will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. The symbol combinations shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate the symbol combinations displayed on the winning line L when all reels are stopped. There are three types of benefits given to the player: replay, winning (medal payout), and bonus game, and a predetermined combination of symbols is associated with these benefits. In the following, the symbol combination in which the re-game is to be performed is referred to as a re-game combination or a replay combination, the symbol combination to be a prize is referred to as a small combination or a winning combination, and the symbol combination in which the bonus game is to be performed is referred to as a bonus combination.

When the symbol combinations of the bonus combinations are aligned on the winning line L (the bonus combination wins), the bonus game corresponding to the symbol combination is started. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, there are two types of symbol combinations of bonus combinations: a symbol combination composed of "white 7" symbols and a symbol combination composed of "red 7" symbols. When the bonus game is started, the RB game that is advantageous to the player is repeatedly performed from the next game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. During the RB game, the small winning combination will be won with an extremely high probability (may be 100%) in the lottery, and either the predetermined number of games will be played or the predetermined number of small winning combination will be won, whichever is earlier. It ends when one is achieved. In the present embodiment, the end condition is when two games are played and when the small winning combination wins twice, and either end condition is satisfied first or both ends. If the conditions are met at the same time, the RB game ends.

The RB game is also called a first-class special character, and a bonus game in which the RB game is repeatedly performed (the first-class special character operates continuously) is a character related to the first-class special character. It is called a continuous operation device or a 1BB game. Further, in the above-mentioned 1BB game, the RB game is continuously performed at the start of the 1BB game, but the RB game is started after the start of the 1BB game (hereinafter, "RB symbol combination"). RB game may be started when (also referred to as) is displayed. That is, when the 1BB game is started, the general game during the 1BB game (hereinafter referred to as "BB medium general game") is started, and when the RB symbol combination is displayed during the BB general game, the RB game is started. Is started. Then, when the end condition of the RB game is satisfied, the general game during BB is started again, and thereafter, the general game during BB or the RB game is performed until the end condition of the 1BB game is satisfied.

Further, when the RB symbol combination is displayed and the RB game is started during the general game during BB, the lottery for determining whether or not to perform the RB game again (hereinafter referred to as "RB lottery") is the RB game. You may try to do it inside. In this case, when the end condition of the RB game is satisfied, the general game during BB is started again from the next game, but if the above-mentioned RB lottery is won during the RB game, during the BB game after the RB game. The RB symbol combination can be displayed during the general game.

During the 1BB game, when one RB game is completed, the next RB game is continuously started, and when the number of medals exceeding a predetermined number is paid out after the 1BB game is started, the 1BB game is ended. In this embodiment, when the "white 7" symbols are aligned on the winning line, the 1BB game ends when the number of medals paid out during the 1BB game exceeds 100, and the "red 7" symbol is on the winning line. If the number of medals paid out during the 1BB game exceeds 30, the 1BB game ends. In the following, the 1BB game played when the "white 7" symbols are aligned on the winning line is called the 1BB-A game, and the 1BB game played when the "red 7" symbols are aligned on the winning line is called 1BB-. It is called B game.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, there are 6 types of re-game combinations, re-game 01 to re-game 06, and one or a plurality of symbol combinations are associated with each re-game combination. .. In the following, when the symbol combination is represented, the name of the symbol in each reel is described in the order of the left reel, the middle reel, and the right reel, and the symbols are enclosed in brackets. For example, the first symbol combination of the replay 02 shown in FIG. 6 is described as "cherry-white 7-replay A".

When the symbol combinations of the small winning combinations are aligned on the winning line L, the number of medals corresponding to the symbol combinations is paid out to the player. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, there are 18 types of small winning combinations, winning 01 to winning 18, and one or a plurality of symbol combinations are associated with each small winning combination. The symbol combination of winning 01 to winning 18 is either when the bonus combination is not won (when the character is not activated), when the bonus combination is won (inside the BB), or during the bonus game (when the RB is activated). There is a possibility of winning a prize in. The number of medals to be paid out at the time of winning is 1 for winning 01 to 16 and 10 for winning 17 and winning 18.

[Explanation of control means]
Next, a control means for controlling the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram shown in FIG. The control means of the slot machine 10 is composed of a main control means 100 for controlling the progress of the game and a sub control means 200 for controlling the execution of the effect. The main control means 100 controls the progress of the game according to the operation of the player, and the sub control means 200 is an effect executed as the game progresses based on the information transmitted from the main control means 100. Controls the notification (display, etc.) of various information. The transmission of information exchanged between the main control means 100 and the sub control means 200 is limited to one direction from the main control means 100 to the sub control means 200, and the sub control means 200 to the main control means 200. No information is sent directly to 100.

≪Explanation of main control means≫
<Hardware configuration of main control means and its surroundings>
The main control means 100 includes a CPU, a ROM (read only memory), an RWM (read / write memory), a random number generation means (random circuit) and a timer counting means (timer circuit), and an input port and an output port (both). Collectively, it is also referred to as an "I / O port"), which is configured in one chip. The circuit for realizing the function of the main control means 100 including this chip is configured on one main control board.

The CPU described above includes an accumulator (A register) for performing an operation, a plurality of general-purpose registers (B register, C register, D register, E register, H register, L register and Q register), and a flag register. ing. Each of these registers is composed of 1 byte (8 bits). Further, among the general-purpose registers, the B and C registers, the D and E registers, and the H and L registers can be used as pairs and used as 16-bit (2-byte) registers. When two general-purpose registers are used as a pair, the two alphabets representing each register are collectively described. For example, when the H register and the L register are used as a pair, they are referred to as HL registers.

Further, the flag register is a flag in which each bit indicates a state related to the calculation result by the CPU, and the flag register of the present embodiment includes a carry flag, a zero flag, and a second zero flag. Here, the carry flag is a flag that becomes "1" when a carry occurs when an operation (addition) is performed and when a carry occurs when an operation (subtraction) is performed. The zero flag is a flag that becomes "1" when the operation result becomes "0". The second zero flag is a flag that becomes "1" when the zero flag becomes "1" and when "0" is set when the LD instruction is executed. The various registers in the CPU and the ROM and RWM described above can be said to be storage means, respectively.

The I / O port of the main control means 100 exchanges signals with various lamps and switches and indicators shown in FIG. 1 and various devices shown in FIG. The main signals sent and received via the I / O port are as follows. First, the clearing switch 33, the 1-bet switch 34, the maximum bet switch 35, the start switch 36, and the stop switches 37L, 37C, 37R shown in FIG. 1 are switches operated by the player, and these are collectively operated means. It is called 300. The main control means 100 takes in the on / off signal of each switch output from the operation means 300, and has a segment of each 8-segment display with respect to the credit number display 27 and the acquired number display 28 shown in FIG. The lighting / extinguishing signals related to a to g (see FIG. 15A) are output.

Next, in FIG. 2, for the selector 80, the medal detection signals output from the first input sensor 811, the second input sensor 812, and the passage sensor 813 are taken in, and the solenoid 45 (FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (c)). Outputs an on / off signal for (see). Further, the main control means 100 takes in the opening / closing signal of the game door 14 output from the door switch 44 provided in the main body 12, and has four eight segments constituting the role ratio monitor 103 provided on the main control board. Outputs a lighting / extinguishing signal for segments a to g of the display. Further, the above-mentioned medal insertion signal, medal payout signal, BB signal, AT signal and the like are output to the external centralized terminal board 86.

Excitation signals for each phase are output to the stepping motors 42L, 42C, 42R provided in the main body 12, and the cylinder sensor signals (described later) are output from the cylinder sensors 43L, 43C, 43R, respectively. To capture. The hopper 83 outputs a drive signal to the hopper motor 46, and takes in a medal payout signal (described later) output from the first payout sensor 47a and the second payout sensor 47b.

<Functional block of main control means>
The main control means 100 includes a lottery means 110, a reel control means 115, a lottery state control means 120, a game section control means 125, a freeze control means 130, a notification game control means 135, a winning determination means 140, and the like. It includes an abnormality detecting means 145, an LED display controlling means 150, a control command transmitting means 155, and an external signal transmitting means 160. The functions of each of these means are realized by the CPU included in the main control means 100 executing (performing control processing) a control program stored in the ROM.

(Explanation of lottery means)
The lottery means 110 draws based on a random number (numerical range: 0 to 65535) generated by the random number generation means included in the main control means 100 and a lottery table stored in the ROM of the main control means 100. Determines the condition device to be operated by. Here, FIG. 11 shows the types of condition devices that can be operated depending on the result of lottery by the lottery means 110, and FIG. 12 shows the contents of the lottery table.

As shown in FIG. 11, each condition device is associated with one or more symbol combinations, and when any of the condition devices is activated by lottery, the symbol combinations corresponding to the condition devices can be arranged. It becomes a state. For example, when the condition device of the re-game-A is activated, the symbol combinations of the re-game 01 can be arranged. Further, when the condition device of the replay-C is activated, any of the symbol combinations of the replays 01 to 06 can be arranged.

Each condition device shown in FIG. 11 is associated with a unique winning and replay condition number (see the “a” column in FIG. 11), and if any of the condition devices is activated by lottery, Reel stop control and the like are performed based on the winning and replay condition numbers corresponding to the condition device. Further, each condition device is associated with an effect group number (see the “A” column in FIG. 11), and the effect group number corresponding to the activated condition device is transmitted to the sub-control means 200. As a result, the sub-control means 200 performs the effect according to the received effect group number. As this effect group number, one number is assigned to a group of condition devices (details will be described later) in which the profits obtained by the player differ depending on the order in which the stop switch is pressed. Specifically, the effect group number "4" is associated with the winning-A1 to A6.

There are 1BB-A and 1BB-B as condition devices corresponding to the bonus combination, and when any of the condition devices is activated, the symbol combination of the bonus combination having the same name as the condition device is prepared. The condition device related to the bonus combination is given a bonus condition device number instead of the winning and replay winning numbers given to the replay combination and the small combination. In the present embodiment, "1" is assigned to the conditional device of the 1BB-A combination, and "2" is assigned to the conditional device of the 1BB-B combination (see column C in FIG. 8). When the condition device related to the bonus combination is activated, the bonus condition device number corresponding to the condition device related to the activated bonus combination and the effect group number "0" are transmitted to the sub-control means 200.

Here, if the condition device for the small combination and the re-game combination is activated in a certain game, the operation is also terminated when the game is completed, but the condition device for the bonus combination is operated until the corresponding bonus combination symbols are aligned. Continue to do. That is, when the condition device for the small combination and the re-game combination is activated, the symbol combination corresponding to the condition device operated only in that game can be arranged, but when the condition device for the bonus combination is activated, it is activated. The state in which the symbol combinations can be arranged continues until the symbol combinations corresponding to the condition devices related to the bonus combination can be arranged. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as "inside the bonus" or simply "inside the inside".

When inside, the lottery does not activate another bonus combination conditioner or the same bonus combination conditioner again. In addition, when some small combination or re-game combination condition device is activated by lottery inside, the effect group number corresponding to the activated small combination or re-game combination condition device and the bonus combination that has already been activated. The bonus condition device number corresponding to the condition device of is transmitted to the sub-control unit 200.

If any of the condition devices shown in FIG. 11 is activated while the condition device related to the bonus combination is not operating, the effect group number corresponding to the activated winning and replay condition number and the bonus condition device number are used. "0" is transmitted to the sub-control means 200.

Next, FIG. 9 shows the contents of the lottery table referred to when the lottery means 110 draws. The lottery table shown in FIG. 12 is the number of random number values (65536 from 0 to 65535) that can be generated by the random number generation means of the main control means 100, and the number of random number values for which each condition device is to be operated (hereinafter, , "Random number"). Therefore, the value obtained by dividing the number corresponding to each condition device by 65536 indicates the probability that each condition device operates.

In the present embodiment, there are five lottery states in non-RT, 1BB-A inside, 1BB-B inside, 1BB-A, and 1BB-B, and each condition device corresponds to each lottery state. The number is assigned. Here, the non-RT is in a state in which neither the 1BB-A nor the 1BB-B condition devices are operating, and the bonus game is not in progress (also referred to as "when the accessory is not activated"). Inside 1BB-A, the condition device for the role of 1BB-A is operating, and inside 1BB-B, the condition device for the role of 1BB-B is operating (these states are combined to be "BB". Also called "inside"). Further, 1BB-A game is being performed during 1BB-A, and 1BB-B game is being performed during 1BB-B (these states are collectively referred to as "RB operation time". ).

As shown in FIG. 12, in 1BB-A, 1BB-B, 1BB-A, and 1BB-B, the number of bonus combinations for the condition device is 0, so these condition devices are set. Does not work. In addition, one game cannot be played unless three medals are inserted during 1BB-A and 1BB-B, but two or three medals are inside the non-RT, 1BB-A and 1BB-B. If you insert the medal of, you can play one game. Here, in 1BB-A and 1BB-B, there is no difference in the operation probability of each condition device between when two medals are inserted and when three medals are inserted. However, if the correct answer pressing order is not notified to the player when the operating devices of the winning-A1 to A6 are activated (that is, when the operating devices of the winning-A1 to A6 are activated, 10 medals are awarded. (When the probability of being paid out is 1/6), the lottery probability is such that the payout rate is less than 100%.

On the other hand, in non-RT, the operation probability of the condition device for the replay combination and the small combination is the same regardless of the number of medals inserted, but the operation probability of the condition device for the bonus combination is the number of medals inserted. It depends on. Specifically, in a game in which two medals are inserted (also referred to as a "two-card betting game"), the condition device for the 1BB-A role does not operate (operation probability is 0), but 1BB- The condition device of the B role can be operated (operation probability is about 1 / 5.23). On the other hand, in a game in which three medals are inserted (also referred to as a "three-card betting game"), the condition device for the 1BB-B combination does not operate (operation probability is 0), but 1BB-A. The condition device of the combination can be activated (operation probability is about 1 / 5.23).

In this embodiment, a predetermined conditional device is operated by designating a "set value" (an integer of 1 to 6) so that the payout rate (easiness of paying out medals) can be changed. It is possible to change the probability (in other words, the winning probability of the lottery) in up to 6 steps. The lottery table shown in FIG. 12 has a set value of 1, but other set values (set values 2 to 6) also use the same number of lottery tables, and the value of the set value becomes large. The more the probability of shifting to the AT and the chance zone (winning probability) increases in the advantageous section transition lottery described later. However, it is not always necessary to make the winning probability of the advantageous section transition lottery different for each of the six stages, and some set values (for example, set values 3 and 4) may have the same winning probability.

(Explanation of reel control means)
The reel control means 115 drives and controls the stepping motors 42L, 42C, 42R that rotate and stop the reels 40L, 40C, 40R. Specifically, the rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R is started based on the operation of the start switch 36 by the player, and after the rotation speed of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R reaches the above-mentioned constant speed, , Maintain constant speed. Then, when any of the stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R is operated, stop control is performed on the reel (more accurately, the stepping motor) corresponding to the operated stop switch.

The reel control means 115 stops the rotation of the corresponding reel within 190 milliseconds after the stop switch is operated. As a result, when the reel provided with 20 symbols on each reel is stopped to rotate within 190 milliseconds from the state of constant speed (80 rotations / minute) as in the present embodiment, 80 (rotation). / 60 (seconds) x 0.19 (seconds) x 20 (designs) = Approximately 5.067 The reels are stopped until the symbols rotate.

Further, the reel control means 115 does not stop the symbol passing through the stop display position related to the winning line (hereinafter referred to as "winning stop position") at the winning stop position when the stop switch is operated. Control the stepping motor. Therefore, when the stop operation is performed, any one of the symbols located on the upstream side of the symbols passing through the winning stop position to the symbols located on the four upstream sides is set to the winning stop position. It can be stopped. Here, the range of "from the symbol located on the upstream side of one of the symbols passing through the winning stop position when the stop operation is performed to the symbol located on the upstream side of four" is also referred to as "stop control range". say.

When any of the condition devices is activated by the lottery of the drawing means 110, the reel control means 115 stops the rotation of the reels so that the symbol combination corresponding to the operated condition device stops at the winning line L (so-called pull-in control). conduct). However, when the symbols constituting the symbol combination are not within the stop control range, the reels are stopped so that the symbol combinations corresponding to the non-operating condition devices are not aligned with the winning line L (so-called kicking control is performed). ). In addition, even if none of the condition devices is activated by lottery, kicking control is performed.

For example, the symbol combination of the replay 01 shown in FIG. 6 (“Replay A-Replay A-Replay A” and “Replay B-Replay A-Replay A”) is the same as the symbol arrangement of each reel shown in FIG. In relation to the above-mentioned stop control range, one of the symbol combinations can always be aligned on the winning line L regardless of the operation timing of the stop switch by the player (there is no so-called "missing"). On the other hand, in the case of, for example, the symbol matching of the winning 01 shown in FIG. 8 (“Replay A-Replay A-White 7” and “Replay B-Replay A-White 7”), the stop control range is set on the right reel 40R. If the stop operation is performed at the timing when the "white 7" symbol does not exist, the "white 7" symbol cannot be stopped on the winning line by the pull-in control, and the symbol combinations of the winning 01 cannot be aligned (that is,). , Missing).

Further, when any of the condition devices of winning-A1 to A6 is activated, the reel control means 115 pays out 10 medals when the stop switches 37L, 37C, and 37R are operated in a specific order. The pull-in control is performed so that the symbol combination of the small winning combination (that is, the winning 17 or the winning 18) is aligned on the winning line L. Hereinafter, this specific order is also referred to as "correct answer pressing order". Specifically, the correct answer pressing order when the winning-A1 condition device is activated is left → middle → right (forward pressing), and the correct answer pressing order when the winning-A2 conditional device is activated is left → right → middle. (Scissors push), the correct answer push order when the condition device of prize-A3 is activated is middle → left → right (forward middle push), and the correct answer push order when the condition device of prize-A4 is activated is middle → right → Left (reverse middle push), the correct answer push order when the winning-A5 condition device is activated is right → left → middle (reverse scissors push), the correct answer pushing order when the winning-A6 condition device is activated is right → middle → Left (reverse push).

Further, the reel control means 115 has stop switches 37L and 37C in an order other than a specific order (hereinafter, also referred to as "incorrect pressing order") when any of the condition devices of winning-A1 to A6 is activated. , 37R is operated, the pull-in control is performed so that the symbol combinations other than the winning 17 or 18 are aligned. In this case, depending on the operation timing of the stop switch, it may not be possible to arrange the symbol combinations corresponding to any of the small combinations, and the symbols may be missed. If it is missed, the reel control means 115 performs reel stop control so that any symbol combination of patterns 01 to 03 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the winning line L.

When the condition device related to the bonus combination is activated, the reel control means 115 performs pull-in control for the symbol combination corresponding to the activated bonus combination condition device. When the device is activated, the pull-in control is preferentially performed for the symbol combination corresponding to the operated small winning combination or replaying combination conditional device.

(Explanation of lottery state control means)
Returning to FIG. 10, the lottery state control means 120 determines the five lottery states of the above-mentioned non-RT, 1BB-A inside, 1BB-B inside, 1BB-A, and 1BB-B based on predetermined conditions. To migrate. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the initial state of the lottery state in the present embodiment is non-RT (lottery state number 0), and as a result of the lottery performed by the lottery means 110 in the non-RT, 1BB-. When the condition device for the A role is activated, the lottery state shifts from non-RT to inside 1BB-A (lottery state number 1), and when the condition device for the 1BB-B role is activated, the inside of 1BB-B (lottery state number 2) is activated. Move to. If the set value is changed by the staff of the amusement park, etc., if the current lottery state is during 1BB-A or 1BB-B, it will be non-RT after the set value is changed, but other lottery. If it is in a state, the current lottery state is maintained.

Here, as shown in the lottery table of FIG. 12, the operation probability of the condition device related to the 1BB-A combination is 0 when the two-card betting game is played in the non-RT, and the three-card betting game is played. The operation probability of the condition device related to the 1BB-B combination is 0. Therefore, there is no transition to the inside of 1BB-A during the two-card betting game in the non-RT.

When the symbol combinations of 1BB-A (“white 7-white 7-white 7”) are aligned on the winning line L inside 1BB-A, the process shifts to 1BB-A (lottery status number 3) (see arrow B). ), When the end condition of the 1BB-A game (payment of more than 100 medals) is satisfied in 1BB-A, the game shifts to non-RT (see arrow C). Further, when the symbol combinations of 1BB-B (“Red 7-Red 7-Red 7”) are aligned on the winning line L inside 1BB-B, the process shifts to 1BB-B (lottery status number 4) (arrow). (Refer to E) When the end condition of the 1BB-B game (payment of more than 30 medals) is satisfied in 1BB-B, the game shifts to non-RT (see arrow F).

As described above, the lottery states of the present embodiment are roughly classified into three lottery states: non-RT, internal (1BB-A or 1BB-B), and bonus game (1BB-A game or 1BB-B game). Is designed to transition.

(Explanation of game section control means)
Returning to FIG. 10, the game section control means 125 has an advantageous section counter 126, a net increase number counter 127, and an AT counter 128, and shifts between the normal section and the advantageous section, and the performance in the advantageous section (“gaming state”). ”) Is changed (migrated). Here, the "normal section" is information (for example, operation) capable of grasping an advantageous operation mode of the stop switch in a game in which the result of a lottery in which an advantage / disadvantage occurs depending on the operation mode of the stop switch is determined. A game section in which the transmission of the winning and re-game condition device numbers, etc.) from the main control means 100 to the sub-control means 200 is prohibited, and the notification of the advantageous operation mode of the stop switch is prohibited. say.

The "advantageous section" is information that can grasp an advantageous operation mode of the stop switch (for example, an activated condition device) in a game in which the result of a lottery in which an advantage / disadvantage occurs is determined according to the operation mode of the stop switch. A section in which the winning and re-gaming condition device number representing the above can be transmitted from the main control means 100 to the sub-control means 200, and the section in which the advantageous operation mode of the stop switch can be notified to the player. To say. Further, there are a plurality of performances (gaming states) in the advantageous section, and these performances transition according to predetermined conditions while staying in the advantageous section.

Further, when the advantageous section counter 126 shifts from the normal section to the advantageous section, the advantageous section counter 126 starts counting the number of games played in the advantageous section. Specifically, when shifting from the normal section to the advantageous section, 1500 (D) is set as the initial value of the count value, and 1 is subtracted each time the game is played in the advantageous section. When the net increase number counter 127 shifts from the normal section to the advantageous section, the net increase number counter 127 starts counting the net increase number (value obtained by subtracting the number of inserted medals from the number of medals paid out) in the advantageous section. Specifically, the initial value of the count value is 0, and the value of the number of medals inserted and the value of the number of medals paid out are added to the count value in each game in the advantageous section.

When the AT counter 128 shifts to the gaming state of AT, which will be described later, in the advantageous section, the AT counter 128 starts counting the number of games played during AT. Specifically, when the player shifts to the AT in the advantageous section, the value determined by lottery (100 (D) or 30 (D)) is set as the initial value of the count value, and one is set for each game played in the AT. It is subtracted.

Hereinafter, the game state transition control by the game section control means 125 will be described with reference to FIG. The game section control means 125 manages the type of the game section (normal section or advantageous section) by the value of the section type number SC, and manages the game state based on the value of the game state number (SG). As shown in FIG. 14, the section type number SC of the normal section is 0, and the section type number SC of the advantageous section is 1. Further, the game state (performance) in the advantageous section is managed by the value of the game state number GS, and in the present embodiment, "chance zone" (SG = 1), "AT in progress" (SG = 2), " Four game states of "additional chance" (SG = 3) and "waiting for end" (SG = 4) are provided.

The gaming state while staying in the normal section is treated as "normal", and the gaming state number GS is 0. Further, during 1BB-A game and 1BB-B game, it is treated as one game state of "during bonus", and the game state number GS is 5. It should be noted that the game state is treated as the same "during bonus" regardless of whether the bonus game is started in the normal section or the bonus game is started in the advantageous section.

In FIG. 14, the initial state of the game section is a normal section (SC = 0) and a normal section (SG = 0). During normal times, when a three-card betting game is played while the lottery state is non-RT or inside 1BB-B, if a predetermined lottery result is obtained by lottery by the lottery means 110, an advantageous section transition lottery is performed. The advantageous section transition lottery determines any of loss, chance zone, and AT, and is performed when the start switch 36 is operated. If the chance zone is determined by the advantageous section transition lottery, it shifts to the chance zone (GS = 1) (see arrow a), and if the AT is decided, it shifts to during AT (GS = 2) (see arrow a). ).

By these transitions, the section type number SC also shifts from 0 to 1. Further, 1500 (D) is set as an initial value in the advantageous section counter 126, and "0" is set in the net increase number counter 127. On the other hand, when the loss is determined by the advantageous section transition lottery, the values of the game state number GS and the section type number SC are both maintained at 0. also,
When shifting to the advantageous section, the number of games played in the advantageous section and the net increase in the number of sheets in the advantageous section are counted.

In the chance zone, if the lottery state is inside 1BB-B and a three-card betting game is played, whether to shift to AT (GS = 2) regardless of the lottery result by the lottery means 110. An AT transition lottery is held to determine whether or not. Then, when the AT transition lottery is won, the initial value (100 or 30) set in the AT counter 128 is determined by the lottery, and the process shifts to AT (GS = 2) (see arrow c). On the other hand, if it is not possible to shift to AT even after playing 10 games in the chance zone, the game returns to normal (GS = 0) (see arrow d). It should be noted that the probability of transition to the chance zone or AT by the advantageous section transition lottery and the probability of transition to AT by the AT transition lottery may be different depending on the above-mentioned set values. For example, the larger the set value, the higher the probability of transition to AT (or chance zone) may be.

When shifting to the AT, when the condition device of winning-A1 to A6 is activated by lottery by the lottery means 110, the symbol combination of winning 17 or winning 18 is aligned on the winning line L tatami mat. The operation order (correct answer pressing order) of 37L, 37C, 37R is notified to the player. As a result, the player can acquire 10 medals by operating the stop switches 37L, 37C, 37R according to the notified push order. In addition, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the AT counter 128 each time a game is played during AT, and when the count value becomes "0" (that is, the game of the initial value set after shifting to AT is performed. (When it is done), it shifts to the end waiting (GS = 4) (see arrow o). Therefore, in the present embodiment, one set of AT games can be played by shifting to AT.

During AT, when the condition device for replay-B (watermelon play) or replay-C (cherry replay) is activated by lottery by the lottery means 110 (in other words, the rare role is not won), the main control means 100 has a chance to add. If you draw a lottery and win this lottery, you will have an additional chance (GS = 3) (see arrow). In the addition chance, if a predetermined condition device (for example, winning-B (common bell)) is activated by lottery by the lottery means 110 during the five games, it is stored in the RWM of the main control means 100. 1 is added to the value of AT stock (AT stock is added). In addition, in a game in which any of the condition devices of Winning-A1 to A6 is activated, the player is not intentionally notified of the correct answer pressing order, and in that state, the winning 17 or winning 18 symbol combinations are complete (that is,). When the stop switch is operated in the correct pressing order), 1 may be added to the AT stock value.

When 5 games are played with an additional chance, the game shifts to AT again (see arrow key). The number of games played while staying in the extra chance may be counted as an AT game (that is, the value of the AT counter 128 is decremented by 1 each time the game is played even during the extra chance). , You don't have to count. The counter for counting the number of games in the additional chance and the number of games in the chance zone (GS = 1) described above may be provided exclusively for each, or the AT counter 128 may be diverted.

When the game is played 50 times during AT and the process shifts to the end waiting state, the main control means 100 determines the value of the AT stock stored in the RWM. If the value of the AT stock is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from that value, and the process shifts to AT again (see arrow). As a result, one set of AT games can be continuously performed. On the other hand, if the value of AT stock is 0, it shifts to normal (see arrow). When transitioning from an advantageous section to a normal section, all information about the advantageous section is cleared. The information to be cleared includes, for example, the number of games played during the advantageous section, the net increase in the number of games in the advantageous section, the number of games during AT, the number of AT stocks, and the like.

When the bonus game is started in the normal section or the advantageous section, it shifts to the bonus (GS = 5) in either case (see the arrow). Then, when the started bonus game ends, if the section type number SC is 0 (normal section), the process shifts to normal (GS = 0) (see arrow), and the section type number SC is 1 (see arrow). If it is an advantageous section), it shifts to the chance zone (GS = 1) (see arrow).

Here, when the player shifts to the bonus during the advantageous section, the number of games played during the bonus is also counted by the advantageous section counter 126 as the game during the advantageous section. In addition, when the player shifts to the bonus during the advantageous section and the bonus game ends and the player shifts to the chance zone, the number of games in the chance zone is recounted from the initial value. As a result, if it is not possible to shift to AT during 10 games, it shifts to normal. If you move into the bonus during the advantageous section, when the bonus game ends, you may return to the game state where you were staying just before moving to the bonus instead of moving to the chance zone. ..

When the value of the advantageous section counter 126 becomes 0, that is, when the number of games played during the advantageous section reaches 1500 times, the process shifts to the normal section (see arrows). Further, when the value of the net increase counter 127 exceeds 2400 (D), that is, when the net increase in the advantageous section exceeds 2400, the process shifts to the normal section (see arrow). Here, even before the number of games played in the advantageous section reaches 1500, when the net increase number exceeds 2400, the normal section is started and the net increase in the advantageous section exceeds 2400. However, when the number of games reaches 1500, the normal section is started. Even before the number of games played in the advantageous section reaches 1500 and the net increase exceeds 2400, it is determined that the AT stock is 0 while waiting for the end (GS = 4). If so, it shifts to the normal section. Then, when shifting from the advantageous section to the normal section, all the information regarding the advantageous section as described above is cleared.

Further, in the present embodiment, the advantageous section lamp (the segment DP of the upper digit of the credit number display 27 shown in FIG. 15A) is turned on to indicate that the section is advantageous (section type number SC = 1). Can be visually confirmed with. The reason why such an advantageous section ramp is provided is as follows.

In some conventional slot machines, a predetermined lottery is used to determine whether or not to start an AT game that can notify the player of the stop switch pressing order (and / or operation timing) that is advantageous to the player. .. Further, in such a slot machine, even if it is decided to start the AT game by the above-mentioned predetermined lottery (hereinafter, referred to as “AT lottery”), the player is not immediately notified of the AT game. There is something. In this type of slot machine, the notification that the AT lottery has been won is delayed, and the player's expectation that the AT game will be started during that time is increased to improve the interest of the game. There is also something to do.

For this reason, some players, even though they have won the AT lottery, do not notice it and stop the game before notifying that they have won the AT lottery. This tendency was especially seen in beginners. On the other hand, there are some who do not want to win the AT lottery on their own, and play only a predetermined number of games to find a slot machine that has already won the AT lottery and play the game. In such a situation, the person who was playing the game when the AT lottery was won (the person who won the AT lottery) did not play the AT game, and the third party who did not contribute to the winning of the AT lottery was AT. There was a voice that it was absurd to play a game about.

On the other hand, by turning on the advantageous section lamp, it was possible to visually confirm that the player was staying in the advantageous section. There may be times when you don't want to get started. In such a case, the staff of the game hall checks the advantageous section lamp of the slot machine 10, and if it is lit, the game state is initialized by changing the set value, and the normal section (SC). The game will be started from = 0) and normal (GS = 0).

In order to respond to such voices, the subsequent games are played without noticing that the shift lottery for deciding whether or not to shift to the advantageous section in which the stop switch pressing order (and / or operation timing) can be notified has been won. It was necessary to provide a slot machine that could reduce the risk of stopping.

In addition, since the conventional slot machine is not equipped with a lamp corresponding to an advantageous section lamp, the staff cannot determine whether or not the current state is an advantageous gaming state (for example, a chance zone) for the player. rice field. Therefore, for example, if the staff of the game hall wants to use the same set value the next day but wants to reset the game state, change the set value for all slot machines and initialize the RWM. The game state was reset by. Then, for the slot machine that uses the same setting value, the work of setting the same setting value as the already set value again was performed. On the other hand, if the same set value (set value data) is to be used the next day by providing the advantageous section lamp, it is not necessary to change the set value for the slot machine in which the advantageous section lamp is off. Since it is understood, the labor of the staff can be saved.

Here, the advantageous section lamp may be turned on when the normal section shifts to the advantageous section. However, when the transition from the normal section to the advantageous section, the payout rate in the game state after the transition is less than 100% (when the expected value of the number of medals won in one game is lower than the number of inserted medals). ) Does not necessarily have to turn on the advantageous section lamp. For example, in the transition diagram of the gaming state shown in FIG. 14, when the ball output rate of the chance zone (GS = 1) is less than 100%, the advantageous section lamp is not turned on when shifting from the normal state to the chance zone. May be good. However, in the chance zone, it is desirable to turn on the advantageous section lamp when giving some instructions to the player such as the order in which the stop switch is pressed. Further, once the advantageous section lamp is turned on, it is desirable to maintain the lighting state until the transition to the normal section thereafter.

In the present embodiment, in the transition diagram of the gaming state shown in FIG. 14, the ball ejection rate in the chance zone (GS = 1) is less than 100%, and the ball ejection rate during AT is set to 100% or more. As a matter of fact, when the transition from normal to the chance zone (see arrow A in FIG. 14), the advantageous section lamp is not turned on, but when the transition from normal to AT (see arrow a in FIG. 14) and from the chance zone to AT. The effective lamp is turned on when the transition to is performed (see arrow c in FIG. 14).

As described above, there are the following advantages by not turning on the advantageous section lamp when shifting from the normal to the chance zone (the ball output rate is less than 100%). For example, if the power of the slot machine is turned off while the advantageous section lamp is lit, it is necessary to turn on the advantageous section lamp when the power is turned on again. On the other hand, if the setting is changed while staying in the advantageous section, the RWM is initialized by the setting change and returns to the normal section, so that the advantageous section lamp is turned off. For this reason, if the advantageous section lamp was turned on at the end of business on the previous day, but the advantageous section lamp was off at the start of business on the next day, the setting was changed after the business closed on the previous day. It will be known to the player.

In order to avoid such a situation as much as possible, instead of turning on the advantageous section lamp immediately after shifting from the normal section to the advantageous section, the gaming state (for example, the ball ejection rate) that cannot be said to be advantageous to the player even if the transition to the advantageous section is performed. Is less than 100%), the advantageous section lamp is not turned on, and when the gaming state is favorable to the player (for example, the ball output rate is 100% or more) in the advantageous section, the advantageous section lamp is turned on. ing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the segment DP of the upper digit of the credit number display 27 is used as an advantageous section lamp. As a result, when the player confirms whether or not there are medals remaining in the credit, it is also possible to confirm whether or not the current gaming state is in an advantageous gaming state. Further, by using the unused segment of the credit number display 27, it is not necessary to separately provide an LED, and the cost does not increase.

As the advantageous section lamp, the segment DP in the 8-segment display of the acquired number display 28 shown in FIG. 15B may be used. In this case, it is preferable to provide the acquired number display 28 side by side with the credit number display 27 or side by side with the credit number display 27. This is because when the player confirms whether or not there are medals remaining in the credit, it is also possible to confirm whether or not the current gaming state is in an advantageous gaming state. Further, when the acquired number display 28 is provided in the vicinity of the determination switch 39 and it is decided to shift from the normal section to the advantageous section, the advantageous section lamp may be turned on before the operation of the determination switch 39 becomes effective. preferable. As a result, for example, when the determination switch 39 is operated after the end of one game (after all reels are stopped if there is no medal payout, after payout if there is a medal payout) or during non-game. In the slot machine 10 that displays the game history screen and the two-dimensional code screen on the image display device 70, it is difficult for the player to overlook the lighting of the advantageous section lamp.

Specifically, when the determination switch 39 is operated after the end of one game or during non-game, the menu screen is displayed on the image display device 70. Then, when the menu screen is displayed, it is possible to select which screen to display next among the game history screen, the password input screen for entering the password, and the two-dimensional code screen by operating the selection switch 38. It has become. That is, when the player finishes the game, he / she operates the determination switch 39 in order to confirm the game history or to activate the two-dimensional code reader provided in the mobile terminal to acquire the two-dimensional code. ..

Since the acquired number display 28 is provided in the vicinity of the determination switch 39, the acquired number display 28 is included in the field of view when the determination switch 39 is operated, so that the advantageous section lamp lights up. If so, it is rare that the lighting is not noticed. That is, it is possible to prevent the game from ending without noticing the transition from the next game to the advantageous section. Of course, even when the segment DP of the credit number display 27 is used as an advantageous section lamp, the credit number display 27 is provided in the vicinity of the determination switch 39, and when it is decided to shift from the normal section to the advantageous section, It is preferable to turn on the advantageous section lamp before the operation of the determination switch 39 becomes effective.

It is desirable that the timing for turning on the advantageous section lamp is before the operation of the clearing switch 33 becomes effective. In general, most players check to see if there are any medals left on their credits when they quit the game. Then, when a medal remains in the credit, the clearing switch 33 is operated. Therefore, before the player operates the clearing switch 33 (stops the game), the advantageous section lamp is turned on to notify that the section transition lottery has been won, thereby erroneously (winning the section transition lottery). You can prevent them from quitting the game (without noticing that they are there).

Further, in the present embodiment, unlike the conventional so-called ceiling function, there is no function of shifting to an advantageous section based on the number of games played in the normal section reaching a specific value (for example, 1000 games). Therefore, the advantage for the player does not change regardless of the number of games started in the normal section.

(Explanation of freeze control means)
Returning to FIG. 10, the freeze control means 130 executes freeze control that delays the progress of the game when a predetermined situation is reached. In the present embodiment, when there is a possibility that the AT stock is added at the addition chance (GS = 4), the start switch 36 is frozen for a predetermined time after the start switch 36 is operated. Specifically, when the condition device for winning-B is activated at the additional chance, a freeze for 2 seconds occurs triggered by the operation of the start switch 36. When this freeze occurs, an effect (so-called insert effect) in which the symbol "!" Is displayed on the image display device 70 for a very short time is executed. Then, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the freeze, the freeze is released and the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R rotate all at once.

Further, for example, in a game in which any of the condition devices of Winning-A1 to A6 is activated, the player is not intentionally notified of the correct answer pressing order, and in that state, the winning 17 or winning 18 symbol combinations are complete ( That is, when 1 is added to the AT stock value (when the stop switch is operated in the correct push order), the AT stock is added if the stop switch can be operated in the correct push order while the freeze occurs. It may be displayed on the image display device 70. In this case, only the first stop operation in the correct answer pressing order may be notified to the player, and the player may be made to guess the second stop operation (the probability of being in the correct answer pressing order is 1/2).

In addition, during the freeze, if the stop switch can be operated in the correct answer pressing order, the image display device 70 displays that the AT stock will be added, and then the freeze is released, and the player can perform the correct answer pressing order by himself / herself regardless of the notification. When the first stop operation is performed, the freeze is generated again. During this freeze, the second stop operation is disabled. Then, during this freeze, the player may be notified of the second stop operation (the probability of being in the correct push order is 1/3).

(Explanation of notification game control means)
When the notification game control means 135 shifts to the advantageous section, the notification game control means 135 notifies the operation order (also referred to as “push order”) of the stop switches 37L, 37C, 37R according to the staying game state and the operated condition device. .. The notification of the push order is performed by displaying a numerical value called an instruction number on the acquired number display 28 shown in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 15 (b) and 15 (c), "=" (a symbol indicating an instruction number) is displayed in the upper digit of the acquired number display 28, and the operation mode is displayed in the lower digit. Display the numerical value according to (pushing order). Here, "1" is left->middle-> right (forward push), "2" is left->right-> middle (scissors push), "3" is middle->left-> right (forward middle push), and "4" is middle. → Right → Left (reverse middle push), “5” corresponds to right → left → middle (reverse scissors push), and “6” corresponds to right → middle → left (reverse push) push order.

The push order instructed to the player is the correct push order corresponding to the activated condition device when the condition device of prize-A1 to prize-A6 is activated during AT, but the condition device of prize-B is activated. In this case, one push order is also instructed. That is, when the winning-B condition device is activated, even if the stop switch is operated in any pressing order, the symbol combinations of winning 17 or winning 18 are aligned on the winning line L, but there are 6 push orders. One of them is appropriately selected, and the instruction number corresponding to the selected pressing order is displayed on the acquired number display 28.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, both the two-card betting game and the three-card betting game are possible in the non-RT, 1BB-A internal and 1BB-B internal, but the number of acquired cards is displayed. The device 28 is used to give some instructions to the player only when a three-card betting game is played (that is, no instruction is given to the player in a two-card betting game). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of medals to be inserted (two or three) may be instructed in a lottery state in which both the two-card betting game and the three-card betting game are possible (details will be described later).

Here, when instructing the player to play a two-card bet, "=" is displayed in the upper digit of the acquired number display 28, and "A" is displayed in the lower digit. Further, when instructing a three-card betting game, "=" is displayed in the upper digit of the acquired number display device 28, and "C" is displayed in the lower digit. As described above, since the acquired number display 28 displays the content of instructions to the player, the acquired number display 28 is also referred to as an instruction monitor.

The instruction of the number of medals to be inserted to the player is such that when a three-card betting game is played when the lottery state is non-RT, medals can be inserted to play the next game after the game is completed. In the meantime, "= A" is displayed on the acquired number display 28 and "Bet two!" Is displayed on the image display device 70. In addition, when a three-card betting game is played while the lottery state is inside 1BB-B, the number of acquired cards is displayed between the end of the game and the time when the medal for the next game can be inserted. "= C" is displayed on the vessel 28, and "Bet three cards!" Is displayed on the image display device 70.

When an instruction (message) regarding the number of input sheets is displayed on the image display device 70, the timing for ending the display of the message is (i) when the start switch 36 is operated in the game in which the message is displayed, (ii). ) When all reels are stopped in the game displaying the message, (iii) When the start switch 36 is operated with the same number of input as the specified number of input after displaying the message, (iv) After displaying the message, the instruction is given. When a game is played with the same number of inserted cards and all reels are stopped, (v) When the 1BB-B condition device is activated in the game played with a 2-card bet after the message of (v) 2-card bet is displayed. , (Vi) After the message of the two-card bet is displayed, it is conceivable that the condition device of 1BB-B is activated in the game played by the two-card bet, and all the reels are stopped in the activated game.

Regarding (iii) to (vi) described above, an instruction message for the number of input sheets is displayed on the image display device 70 across a plurality of games until the display end condition is satisfied. In addition, even in the instruction monitor whose display is controlled by the main control means 100, it is necessary to continue displaying the instruction content until the same display end condition is satisfied. Therefore, (iii)
In order to realize the display end timing of (vi), it is preferable to provide a dedicated instruction monitor instead of using the instruction monitor as the acquired number display 28 as in the present embodiment.

Here, in the present embodiment, since the push order is instructed by using the numbers "1" to "6", it is easy to distinguish the instructed content from the push order by using the alphabet for the instruction of the number of input sheets. I am doing it. In addition, the instruction of the number of input sheets is not limited to the alphabet, and one or more specific segments out of the seven segments are lit (however, the display mode should not have any meaning such as numbers, symbols, alphabets, etc.). You may.

Further, when the push order instructed to the player and the number of inserted medals are displayed on the acquired number display 28, the displayed instruction content is easily understood by the player (FIG. 15 (c)). , Refer to the "Liquid crystal display" column) is displayed on the image display device 70. For example, regarding the pressing order, three circled numbers "1", "2", and "3" are arranged in the horizontal direction of the screen and displayed on the image display device 70. As for the display positions of the three circled numbers arranged horizontally on the screen, the leftmost circled number indicates the operation order of the left stop switch 37L, the middle circled number indicates the operation order of the middle stop switch 37C, and the first. The circled numbers on the right indicate the operation order of the right stop switch 37R.

In addition, the values of the circled numbers indicate the order in which the operations should be performed, and the circled numbers of "1" indicate that the operation (first stop operation) should be performed first (first stop operation), and the circled numbers of "2". Indicates that the operation (second stop operation) should be performed second, and the circled number "3" indicates that the operation (third stop operation) should be performed last. Furthermore, the size of the circled numbers differs depending on the order in which they should be operated. It is displayed by. Therefore, for example, when "= 5" is displayed on the acquired number display display 28 and the reverse scissors push (right → left → middle) is instructed, the largest circle number “1” is displayed on the rightmost side of the screen of the image display device 70. Is displayed, the second largest circle number "2" is displayed on the leftmost side, and the smallest circle number "3" is displayed in the middle.

When instructing the number of medals to be inserted by the acquired number display device 28, a message instructing the number of medals to be inserted is displayed on the screen of the image display device 70. For example, when "= A" is displayed on the acquired number display 28 and it is instructed to insert two medals, the message "Bet two medals!" Is displayed on the screen of the image display device 70. Further, when "= C" is displayed on the acquired number display 28 and it is instructed to insert three medals, the message "Bet three medals!" Is displayed on the screen of the image display device 70.

In the present embodiment, the number of medals to be paid out, the error code (described later), and the instruction content to the player are displayed on the acquired number display device 28. Therefore, when displaying the instruction content to the player, the medal is displayed. By displaying "=", which is not displayed when displaying the number of payouts and the error code, the player can determine the type of information displayed (whether or not it is an instruction content). Therefore, it suffices to distinguish it from other information displayed on the acquired number display 28. For example, the instruction content (1 to 6, A, C) may be displayed in the upper digit and the lower digit may not be displayed. .. In this way, by displaying the instruction number together with at least characters or symbols other than numbers, it is possible to distinguish it from the display of the number of payouts when the small winning combination wins. However, it is not always necessary to display the instruction number together with the symbol (“=”) indicating that the instruction is to the player, and only the instruction number may be displayed.

Further, as a display mode when instructing the push order, when the player is intentionally shown that the push order is turned down, "= 0" may be displayed or may not be displayed. As a non-display mode, it is conceivable to turn off all segments of the 8-segment display. However, if there is a segment used as an advantageous section lamp among all the segments of the 8-segment display, that segment is not turned off. Further, instead of not displaying, "=" may be displayed in both the upper digit and the lower digit.

Further, as a mode for instructing the player in the push order, for example, a number indicating the push order is displayed in the upper digit of the acquired number display 28, and a number indicating the stop switch to be actually operated (for example, left). The stop switch 37L may display the first digit (“1”), the middle stop switch 37C may display the second digit (“2”), and the right stop switch 37R may display the third digit (“3”) in order. .. For example, when instructing to press scissors (left → right → middle), “2” is displayed in the upper digit of the acquired number display 28 and “1” indicating the left stop switch 37L is displayed in the lower digit after the lottery by the lottery means 110. .. As a result, when the player first stops the left stop switch 37L, "3" indicating the right stop switch 37R is displayed in the lower digit while "2" is displayed in the upper digit of the acquired number display 28. Then, when the player operates the right stop switch 37R for the second stop, "2" indicating the middle stop switch 37C is displayed in the lower digit while "2" is displayed in the upper digit of the acquired number display 28. The content displayed in the upper digit (pushing order) and the content displayed in the lower digit (stop switch to be operated) may be exchanged.

(Explanation of winning judgment means)
Returning to FIG. 7, in the winning determination means 140, when all the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped, the symbol combination displayed as stopped on the winning line L corresponds to any of the symbol combinations shown in FIGS. 6 to 9. Determine whether or not to do so. As a result, when it is determined that the symbol combination of 1BB-A or 1BB-B is displayed on the winning line L, the bonus game corresponding to the symbol combination displayed from the next game is started. If it is determined that the symbol combination of the re-game 01 to the re-game 06 is displayed on the winning line L, the re-game is performed in the next game, and the symbol combination of the winning 01 to the winning 18 is displayed on the winning line L. If it is determined that the medals have been made, the number of medals corresponding to the displayed symbol combination is paid out. Here, for the payout of medals, the number of medals corresponding to the winning small winning combination is added to the current number of credits until the upper limit of the number of credits (for example, 50) is reached, and the upper limit of the number of credits (for example, 50) is added. After reaching, the medal may be ejected from the medal payout outlet 60 shown in FIG.

(Explanation of abnormality detection means)
The anomaly detecting means 145 detects an abnormal state that may occur in the slot machine 10 when the game is not being played or during the game, or a situation that hinders the progress of the game, and detects the abnormality or the failure (hereinafter collectively referred to as a group). The error code corresponding to (also referred to as “error”) is displayed on the acquired number display device 28. The types of errors detected by the abnormality detecting means 145 include a power failure recovery error, an empty error, a medal jam error, and a door opening error.

The power failure recovery error (error code: E1) occurs when the contents of the RWM of the main control means 100 are not normal when the power of the slot machine 10 is turned on (hereinafter, also referred to as “on” or “turned on”) (hereinafter, also referred to as “on” or “turned on”). For example, it is an error detected when the contents of RWM when the power is turned off and the contents of RWM when the power is turned on do not match (parity check error), but it is also detected when the power is turned on for the first time after shipment. Can be done. The empty error (error code: CA) is an error detected when the medals stored in the hopper in the main body 12 are exhausted. The medal retention error (error code: C1) occurs when the ON state of the second insertion sensor 812 continues for more than a predetermined time after the first insertion sensor 811 shown in FIG. 3A is turned OFF. This is an error that is detected. The door opening error (error code: Cd) is an error detected when the front door 14 of the slot machine 10 is opened.

When these errors are detected, the error code corresponding to the detected error is displayed on the acquired number display 28 by the LED display control means 150 described later, and it is notified that the error has occurred. Here, when some abnormality is detected, the error code corresponding to the detected abnormality may be transmitted to the sub-control means 200, and the notification corresponding to the error code received by the sub-control means 200 may be performed.

Among the above-mentioned errors, the power recovery error is an error that can be detected when the power of the slot machine 10 is turned on, and the empty error, the medal retention error, and the door opening error are non-game (excluding empty error) and during the game. This is an error that can be detected. Further, when each error is detected, the main control means 100 is in a state in which the progress of the game is impossible (hereinafter, also referred to as "the state in which the game cannot be played"), but the progress of the game is started from the state in which the game cannot be played. The method of restarting (method of returning) differs depending on the type of error.

First, when the game becomes impossible due to an empty error, a medal retention error, or a door opening error, the error factor is eliminated and the setting / reset switch 82c provided in the main body 12 (see FIG. 2). ) Can be operated to restart the game control process. As described above, the empty error, the medal retention error, and the door open error are referred to as returnable errors because the game control process can be restarted (returned) by operating the setting / reset switch 82c.

On the other hand, if a power failure recovery error that can be detected immediately after the power is turned on occurs, the power of the slot machine 10 is temporarily turned off, and the key switch 82b (see FIG. 2) provided in the main body 12 is turned on. It is necessary to turn on the power again with it turned on. As a result, the setting change process is entered, and at this time, the predetermined storage area of the RWM is cleared (that is, the RWM is initialized). As described above, the power failure recovery error cannot restart (return) the control process of the game, and is therefore referred to as a recovery impossible error.

When an unrecoverable error occurs, the predetermined storage area of the RWM is cleared at the time of recovery, and the information about the game stored in the cleared storage area is not maintained. Therefore, the initial state (for example, the lottery state is non-RT, The game is started from "0" (normal section) for the section type number SC and "0" (normal middle) for the game status number GS. Therefore, if an unrecoverable error occurs while the advantageous section lamp is lit, or if the setting change work is performed, the advantageous section lamp is turned off when the setting is changed.

(Explanation of LED display control means)
The LED display control means 150 controls the display of the credit number display 27 and the acquired number display 28 (which is also an instruction monitor) based on the LED segment table stored in the ROM of the main control means 100. The LED segment table is data indicating which of the segments a to g (see FIG. 15A) is lit in order to display numbers, alphabets, symbols, etc. on the 8-segment display, in other words. It can be said that the data defines the display mode of the 8-segment display in advance. Further, the LED display control means 150 also controls the lighting of the advantageous section lamp (segment DP in the lower digit of the credit number display 27). The lighting control of the AT lamp ALP shown in FIG. 1 is performed by the sub-control means 200.

(Explanation of control command transmission means)
The control command transmission means 155 transmits various information regarding the game determined by each part of the main control means 100 to the sub control means 200. Information exchanged between the main control means 100 and the sub control means 200 is limited to one direction from the main control means 100 to the sub control means 200, and the sub control means 200 to the main control means 100. No information is sent directly. The information transmitted from the main control means 100 to the sub control means 200 is transmitted by a control command by serial communication.

The control command is composed of a first control command (1 byte) indicating the type of information to be transmitted and a second control command (1 byte) indicating the content of the information to be transmitted. In addition to serial communication, control commands may be transmitted by parallel communication (for example, 16 harnesses).

Among the information transmitted by the control command transmitted from the main control means 100 to the sub control means 200, the main information is related to the set value, the game state, the number of inserted medals, and the lottery. Those related to the result, those related to the transition of the game section and the transition control of the performance (game state) in the advantageous section (number of games, various counter values in the game section control means 125, various lottery results related to the transition of the game state, etc.), There are things related to various switch operations, things related to reel stop control, things related to the result of the game, things related to the type of error that occurred, and so on.

As information on the game state, each lottery state shown in FIG. 13 (non-RT, 1BB-A inside, 1BB-B inside, 1BB-A inside, 1BB-B inside) and the section type number shown in FIG. There is information indicating SC and the game status number GS. Further, as the result of the lottery, there are an effect group number, a bonus condition device number, an instruction number and the like. Further, as for various switch operations, there is information indicating that any of the clearing switch 33, the start switch 36, and the stop switches 37L, 37C, 37R has been operated. As related to the stop control of the reel, there are a symbol to be stopped and displayed and information indicating the so-called number of sliding frames. As for the result of the game, there are information such as a symbol that has been stopped and displayed and information indicating the number of medals to be paid out.

The command indicating the type of error includes a power failure recovery error, an empty error, a door open error, and the like, which are detected by the above-mentioned abnormality detecting means 145. As a result, when the sub-control means 200 receives a command indicating the type of error, an image display or sound corresponding to the type of error indicated by the received command is generated. For example, when the sub-control unit 200 receives a command indicating that a door opening error has occurred, the image display device 70 displays the message "door is open".

Further, the sub-control means 200 shifts to the administrator mode when the key switch 82b provided in the main body 12 is turned on while the front door 14 is open. This administrator mode is a mode in which various settings related to the slot machine 10 can be made by the staff of the game hall, for example, for adjusting the volume of the effect sound generated during the effect and for the effect when the game standby screen is displayed. It is possible to test the blinking pattern of the lamp 72 and select whether or not to display various information about the game to the player.

Regarding the adjustment of the effect sound and the adjustment of the light amount of the lamps at the time of the effect, the volume adjustment of the effect sound included in the menu screen displayed on the display device 70 when the administrator mode is entered and the light amount of the lamps are adjusted. The volume and the amount of light may be made possible by selecting the item corresponding to the adjustment, or may be made possible by operating the selection switch 38 without going through the menu screen when the administrator mode is entered. In this case, for example, the up / down switch of the selection switch 38 may be operated to increase / decrease the effect sound, and the left / right switch may be operated to increase / decrease the light intensity of the lamp.

(Explanation of external signal transmission means)
The external signal transmitting means 160 is the medal insertion signal described above via the external centralized terminal board 86 by a timer interrupt process (described later) executed in a predetermined cycle (every 2.235 milliseconds) in the main control means 100. The medal payout signal, BB signal, AT signal, etc. are output to the outside. In the present embodiment, the BB signal is turned on when the symbol combinations (see FIG. 3) of the bonus combination are aligned on the winning line L, and the BB signal is turned off when the bonus game is completed (level output). Further, the AT signal is turned on when shifting to AT, and is turned off when shifting from AT to another gaming state (level output). The above-mentioned output processing of various signals (external signal output processing) is executed in step S520 of the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG.

(Explanation of role ratio monitor)
As shown in FIG. 16A, the combination monitor 103 shown in FIG. 10 is composed of four 8-segment displays, and the display content thereof is from the combination monitor display window YM of the main control board case 102 shown in FIG. It can be visually recognized. Of the four 8-segment indicators, the upper 2 digits (two on the left side in FIG. 16A) of the 8-segment indicator is the type of ratio displayed on the ratio display unit RA (hereinafter, also referred to as “identifier”). It is an identifier display unit ID that displays.), And the 8-segment display of the lower two digits (two on the right side in FIG. 16A) displays numerical values indicating various ratios (described later). It is a ratio display unit RA.

The combination monitor 103 has (i) advantageous section ratio or instruction-included combination ratio, (ii) medium-term consecutive combination ratio, (iii) medium-term combination ratio, (iv) cumulative consecutive combination ratio, and (v) cumulative combination. Five types of information called ratios are sequentially switched and displayed one by one. Here, either (i) the advantageous section ratio or the designated accessory ratio is displayed according to the specifications of the slot machine. Specifically, in the advantageous section transition lottery, in the slot machine with the specification that the probability of transition from the normal section to the advantageous section fluctuates according to the set value, the designated accessory ratio is displayed, and in the slot machine with the specification that does not fluctuate. Displays the advantageous section ratio. The slot machine of the present embodiment has a specification that the probability of transition from the normal section to the advantageous section varies according to the set value, and displays the instruction-included accessory ratio.

The advantageous section ratio in (i) has an identifier of "7U" and is a value representing the ratio of the number of games in the advantageous section to the total number of games as a two-digit percentage. In addition, the identifier of the designated winning combination ratio in (i) is "7P", and as a general rule, among the number of medals paid out during the latest 6000 games, the game in which the correct answer pressing order is notified to the player and the game. It is a value expressed as a two-digit percentage of the ratio of the number of medals paid out during the operation of the accessory (1BB-A game, 1BB-B game).

In (ii), the mid-term continuous combination ratio has an identifier of "6y", and in principle, it is paid during the operation of the first-class special accessory (so-called RB) among the number of medals paid out during the latest 6000 games. It is a value expressing the ratio of the number of medals issued as a two-digit percentage. In the medium-term combination ratio of (iii), the identifier is "7y", and in principle, among the number of medals paid out during the latest 6000 games, the first-class special bonus and the second-class special bonus (so-called CB) ) And the ratio of the number of medals paid out during the operation of the ordinary character (so-called SB) is a value expressed as a two-digit percentage. In the present embodiment, since the type 2 special bonus and the ordinary bonus are not mounted, the value of the medium-term combination ratio is the same as the value of the medium-term continuous combination ratio in (ii).

In the cumulative combination ratio of (iv), the identifier is "6A", and the ratio of the number of medals paid out during the operation of the first-class special character out of the number of medals paid out in the total number of games is 2. It is a value expressed as a percentage of digits. The cumulative combination ratio of (v) is that the identifier is "7A", and among the number of medals paid out in the total number of games, the first-class special bonus, the second-class special bonus, and the normal bonus are in operation. It is a value expressing the ratio of the number of medals paid out as a two-digit percentage. In this embodiment, since the type 2 special bonus and the ordinary bonus are not mounted, the value of the cumulative role ratio is the same as the cumulative combination ratio of (iv).

The various information mentioned above is displayed cyclically in the order of instruction-included bonus ratio (or advantageous section ratio) → medium-term continuous combination ratio → medium-term consecutive combination ratio → cumulative continuous combination ratio → cumulative combination ratio, and each information is displayed. Each is displayed for 5 seconds (tolerance ± 10%). Further, when the above-mentioned information is displayed on the combination monitor 103, the segment DP representing the decimal point is turned on on the 8-segment display on the lower digit side of the identifier display unit ID. As a result, the display mode of the identifier display unit ID changes from "7P." → "6y." → "7y." → "6A." → "7A." → "7U." → ..., and the ratio display unit The RA displays the percentage value corresponding to the displayed identifier.

As an example, the display mode of the ratio display unit RA shown in FIG. 16B is such that the advantageous section ratio (7U) is 70%, the instruction-included accessory ratio (7P) is 70%, and the medium-term continuous combination ratio (6y) is 60. %, The medium-term combination ratio (7y) is 70, the cumulative consecutive combination ratio (6A) is 60%, and the cumulative combination ratio (7A) is 70%. The percentage value displayed on the ratio display unit RA is a value rounded down to the nearest whole number, and when the calculated ratio is 100%, "99" is controlled to be displayed on the ratio display unit RA. To.

In addition, when displaying the instruction-included accessory ratio, medium-term continuous combination ratio, and medium-term combination ratio, the total number of games is less than 6000, for example, because it is a short time since the start of operation. If there is, the identifier (“7P”, “6y”, “7y”) displayed on the identifier display unit ID is blinked. Further, when the advantageous section ratio, the cumulative consecutive combination ratio, and the cumulative combination ratio are displayed, if the total number of games is less than 17,500 times, the identifier (“7U”, “7U”, “ 6A ”and“ 7A ”) are blinked. In these cases, the blinking display has a total time of the lighting period and the extinguishing period of 0.6 seconds (tolerance ± 10%), and the duty ratio of the lighting period is 50%. That is, the lighting period is controlled to be about 0.3 seconds and the extinguishing period is controlled to be about 0.3 seconds.

In the slot machine of the type that displays the advantageous section ratio (identifier: 7U), for example, the continuous operation of the first-class special bonus, the second-class special bonus, the ordinary bonus, and the first-class special bonus. If no device is installed, the medium-term continuous combination ratio, medium-term consecutive combination ratio, cumulative continuous combination ratio, and cumulative combination ratio cannot be calculated. Therefore, the identifier displayed on the identifier display unit ID of the role ratio monitor 103 is “7U.” → “6y.” → “7y.” → “6A.” → “7A.” → “7U.” As described above. "→ ..., but the display mode of the ratio display unit RA corresponding to the identifier in which the information does not exist is displayed as" --- ". However, instead of displaying "---", the display of non-existent information may be omitted. For example, in the case of a slot machine equipped with a normal bonus, but not equipped with a first-class special bonus, a second-class special bonus, and a continuous bonus actuation device for the first-class special bonus, the role ratio. The display content of the monitor 103 is changed in the order of "7U."-> "7y."-> "7A."-> "7U."-> ... May be displayed.

In addition, the four 8-segment indicators that make up the role ratio monitor 103 are all used as test pattern displays to make it easier to check for the presence or absence of defective segments when the power of the slot machine 10 is turned on. The segment is lit for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). Further, when the power cutoff process (see step S508 of FIG. 31 described later) is executed immediately before the calculation process of each item ((i) to (v) described above) to be displayed on the role ratio monitor 103 is performed. , The power is restored, the calculation process of each item to be displayed on the role ratio monitor 103 is executed while displaying the above-mentioned test pattern, and after the display of the test pattern is completed, the value after the calculation is referred to and displayed on the role ratio monitor 103. You may try to do it. Further, when the operation for changing the set value is performed, the test pattern may be displayed on the role ratio monitor 103 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), and each item to be displayed on the role ratio monitor 103 during this period may be displayed. The arithmetic processing of may be executed.

The pachinko gaming machine is also provided with a display device called a performance display monitor, which displays a display similar to the role ratio monitor 103. Here, the role ratio monitor in the slot machine and the performance display monitor in the pachinko gaming machine are collectively referred to as "management information display LED". On the performance display monitor, for every 60,000 shots of game balls, the value of the ratio of the number of safe balls to 100 out balls (also called "base", represented by the alphabet "B") is set to 60,000 pieces two times before. The base at the time of launch, the base at the time of the previous launch of 60,000 pieces, and the current base are sequentially switched and displayed cyclically. In this performance display monitor as well, the display of the test pattern and the arithmetic processing related to the items to be displayed in between may be executed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned combination monitor 103.

<Explanation of information stored in the RWM of the main control means>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a part of various information stored in the RWM of the main control means 100 and an address in which the information is stored will be described. The information shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 shows a part of the data stored in the RWM, and it goes without saying that the data required for controlling the game is stored in the RWM in addition to these data. Nor. FIG. 17 is information showing the states of various signals taken in from the I / O port, and FIG. 18 is various information for driving and controlling the values of various timers, the lottery result of the lottery means 110, and the stepping motors 42L, 42C, 42R. Is. The RWM used in this embodiment can store 1 byte of data at each address. In addition, all the values of the address in the description with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 are expressed in hexadecimal notation, and the hexadecimal four-digit numerical value representing the address is given at the end of " The letter "H" is omitted.

Further, in the "address" column of FIGS. 17 and 18, the numerical value in parentheses described below the address value represented by a hexadecimal 4-digit numerical value indicates the number of bytes of data stored in the address. Shows. Since the RWM of the present embodiment can store only 1 byte (8 bits) of data at one address, when storing 2 bytes of data in the RWM, it is divided into an upper 1 byte and a lower 1 byte, and two consecutive bytes are stored. Each is stored in an address, and "(2)" is written in the "address" column to indicate that the data is 2-byte data.

First, as shown in FIG. 17, input port 0 level data is stored in the address F00A. Specifically, the D0 bit is the setting / reset switch signal indicating the on / off state of the setting / reset switch 82c, the D1 bit is the setting key switch signal indicating the on / off state of the setting key switch 82b, and the D2 bit is the door switch. The door switch signal indicating the on / off state of 44, the D5 bit indicates the value of the power failure detection signal, and the D6 bit indicates the value of the full detection signal.

The value of each switch signal in the D0 to D2 bits is "1" when the corresponding switch is on, and "0" when the corresponding switch is off. The power supply cutoff detection signal in the D5 bit is output from a power supply monitoring circuit (not shown) provided on the main control board, becomes "1" when the power supply voltage is a normal value, and the power supply voltage sets a predetermined value. When it falls below the limit (when a power failure is detected), it becomes "0". The power failure detection signal in the D6 bit is output from the medal detecting means (not shown) also provided in the medal auxiliary storage 84, and the number of medals stored in the medal auxiliary storage 84 exceeds a predetermined amount. When it is, it becomes "1", and when it is less than a predetermined amount, it becomes "0". The D3 bit, D4 bit, and D7 bit are unused.

Input port 1 level data is stored in the address F00B. Specifically, the D0 to D2 bits correspond to the switch sensor signal indicating the on / off state of each stop switch, the D0 bit corresponds to the right stop switch sensor signal corresponding to the right stop switch 27R, and the D1 bit corresponds to the middle stop switch 27C. Indicates the value of the middle stop switch sensor signal corresponding to, and the D2 bit indicates the value of the left stop switch sensor signal corresponding to the left stop switch 27L. The D3 and D4 bits correspond to the input sensor signal indicating the on / off state of each bet switch, the D3 bit corresponds to the 3-sheet input sensor signal corresponding to the maximum bet switch 35, and the D4 bit corresponds to the 1-bet switch 341. The value of the sheet insertion sensor signal is shown.

The D5 bit indicates the value of the clearing switch signal indicating the on / off state of the clearing switch 33, and the D6 bit indicates the value of the start switch sensor signal indicating the on / off state of the start switch 36. The value of each switch signal in the D0 to D6 bits is "1" when the corresponding switch is on, and is "0" when the corresponding switch is off. The D7 bit is unused.

Input port 2 level data is stored in the address F00C. Specifically, the D0 bit is the left reel rotation sensor signal output from the rotation sensor 43L, the D1 bit is the middle reel rotation sensor signal output from the rotation sensor 43C, and the D1 bit is output from the rotation sensor 43R. The value of the right reel rotation sensor signal to be performed is shown. Each reel sensor signal becomes "1" when the index of the corresponding reel (described later) is detected, and becomes "0" when the index is not detected.

The D3 bit indicates the value of the first payout sensor signal output from the first payout sensor 47a, and the D4 bit indicates the value of the second payout sensor signal output from the second payout sensor 47b. The value of each payout sensor signal becomes "1" when the light-shielding portion 98b shown in FIG. 4 is detected, and becomes "0" when the light-shielding portion 98b is not detected. The D5 bit is the first input sensor signal output from the first input sensor 811, the D6 bit is the second input sensor signal output from the second input sensor 812, and the D7 bit is the medal passage sensor signal output from the passage sensor 813. Indicates the value of. The values of these sensor signals are "1" when a medal passing through the medal guide passage 814 of the selector 80 is detected, and "0" when a medal is not detected.

The falling data of the first input sensor signal and the second input sensor signal input to the input port 2 is stored in the address F00D of the RWM. Here, the falling data is 1 when the corresponding signal changes from the on state to the off state, and when the on / off state of the corresponding signal is maintained (in other words, does not change), and Data that becomes 0 when the state changes from the off state to the on state. The falling data of the first input sensor signal is stored in the D0 bit and the second input sensor signal is stored in the D1 bit. The D2 to D7 bits are unused.

The rising edge data of each signal input to the input port 1 is stored in the address F00E of the RWM. Here, the rising data becomes 1 when the corresponding signal changes from the off state to the on state, and when the on / off state of the corresponding signal is maintained (in other words, does not change) and on. Data that becomes 0 when the state changes from the state to the off state. Right stop switch sensor signal for D0 bit, medium stop switch sensor signal for D1 bit, left stop switch sensor signal for D2 bit, 3 input sensor signal for D3 bit, 1 input switch signal for D4 bit, Each rising data of the clearing switch signal is stored in the D5 bit and the start switch sensor signal is stored in the D6 bit. The D7 bit is unused.

The rising edge data of each signal input to the input port 2 is stored in the address F00F. Specifically, the D0 bit is the left reel rotation sensor signal, the D1 bit is the middle reel rotation sensor signal, the D2 bit is the right reel rotation sensor signal, the D3 bit is the first payout sensor signal, and the D4 bit. The rising data of the second payout switch signal is stored in, the first closing sensor signal is stored in the D5 bit, the second closing sensor signal is stored in the D6 bit, and the rising edge data of the medal passage sensor signal is stored in the D7 bit.

The various signals of the input ports 0 to 2 are read each time the timer interrupt processing described later is performed, and the value of each bit stored in the addresses F00A to F00F is updated. Further, the values of various rising data stored in the addresses F00E and F00F are detected by the timer interrupt processing when the change in the level data of the corresponding signal (specifically, when the signal voltage changes from the low level to the high level). If so, it is set to "1" and returned to "0" in the next timer interrupt process.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the value of the "minimum game time (weight time)" is stored in the address F03A of the RWM. This value stores a count value for measuring the minimum game time (4.1 seconds) since the reel started rotating in the previous game. That is, when the reel starts rotating, the initial value is stored in this address, and it is decremented every time the timer interrupt processing described later is performed. When the value becomes 0, 4.1 seconds have elapsed. In this embodiment, since the timer interrupt process is performed every 2.235 milliseconds, 1835 (D) is stored as an initial value. Further, as described above, since the RWM of the present embodiment can store only one byte of data at one address, when storing the initial value of the minimum game time (1835 (D) = 11100101011 (B)), it is lower. The 1-byte value (00101011 (B)) is stored in the address F03A, and the upper 1-byte value (000000111 (B)) is stored in the address F03B. As a result, in the "address" column of FIG. 18, "(2)" is written below the address value.

At the addresses F048 and F049, the numbers of the condition devices that have been activated as a result of the lottery by the lottery means 110 are stored. Specifically, when the condition device related to the replay or winning is activated, the numerical value shown in the column (a) of FIG. 11 is stored in the address F048. Further, when the condition device related to the bonus is activated, the numerical value shown in the column C of FIG. 11 is stored in the address F049. The value stored in the address F048 is reset until the next game is started, but the value stored in F049 is maintained until the corresponding symbol combinations are prepared, so-called "bonus carry-over" ( Inside) ”.

Various data for driving and controlling the stepping motor 42L for rotating / stopping the left reel 40L are stored in the addresses F04E to F056 (strictly speaking, F057). First, the drive state of the left reel, that is, the current drive state number of the stepping motor 42L is stored in the address F04E. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, there are six drive states from the start to the stop of the rotation of the stepping motor, and a number (drive state number) is assigned to each drive state. Specifically, the drive state number "0" is "stopped", "1" is "waiting for rotation start", "2" is "decelerating", "3" is "deceleration start", and "4" is "4". "Acceleration" and "5" are "constant speed". The reel control means 115 shown in FIG. 10 controls the drive of the stepping motor according to the current state based on the drive state number.

"Stopping" indicates a state in which the reel is stopped, and at this time, the stepping motor is in a state in which all four phases are not excited. The "rotation start standby" indicates a state in which the start switch 36 is operated and then waits until the acceleration process of the stepping motor is started. This standby period is a period until the reel drive state shifts from "stopped" to "accelerating". Specifically, if the start switch of the next game is operated before the minimum game time (about 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the time when the reel drive state becomes "accelerating", "rotation" is performed. It will be in the "waiting for start" state.

"Accelerating" is a state in which the reel is accelerating from a stationary state to a constant speed. In the present embodiment, “during acceleration” switches the exciting phase of each stepping motor according to the acceleration pattern shown in FIG. In the acceleration pattern shown in FIG. 20, the "number of switching times" indicates the number of times the phase to be excited is switched until the stepping motor reaches a constant speed. Therefore, in the acceleration pattern of FIG. 20, the phase to be excited is switched 9 times from the stopped state of the reel until the constant speed is reached. The "number of interrupts" indicates the period during which the current excitation state is maintained for each phase of the stepping motor.

For example, when the acceleration process based on the acceleration pattern shown in FIG. 20 is performed by the timer interrupt process executed about every 2.235 milliseconds for the stepping motor having 336 steps per rotation, the acceleration process is started. The value of the "number of switchings" becomes "9", and a predetermined phase of the stepping motor is excited. Then, when the timer interrupt processing is performed 50 times (that is, when about 111.75 milliseconds have elapsed), the value of the "switching number of times" becomes "8", and the phase to be excited is switched. When the timer interrupt process is performed 14 times in this excited state (that is, when about 31.29 milliseconds have elapsed), the value of the "switching number of times" becomes "7", and the phase to be excited is switched. In this way, when the value of the "number of switches" becomes "1" in the acceleration pattern of FIG. 20, the phase to be excited in the next timer interrupt process (that is, after about 2.235 milliseconds) is switched, and the drive state is changed. Shift from "accelerating" to "constant speed".

"During constant speed" is a state in which the rotation speed of the reel is constant, and in this state, the exciting phase of the stepping motor is switched every time the timer interrupt processing is performed. That is, when the timer interrupt processing is performed at a cycle of 2.235 milliseconds for the stepping motor with 336 steps per rotation, the rotation speed is 1 / (2.235 milliseconds × 336 steps) × 60 = 79.90 (. Rotation / min).

The "deceleration start" indicates a state from the operation of the stop switch by the player to the start of the stop control. The period of "deceleration start" is determined based on the symbol passing through the middle stage M of the display window 21 when the stop switch is operated (also referred to as the stop operation reception symbol) and the symbol to be stopped by the middle stage M. Here, the symbol to be stopped in the middle stage M is determined based on the stop control table according to the operated condition device, the pressing order of the stop switch, the operation timing of the stop switch, and the like. In addition, in this embodiment, "a symbol passing through the middle stage M" means a symbol existing from immediately after passing through the fixed position of the upper stage U to the fixed position of the middle stage M.

"During deceleration" is a state in which all four phases of the stepping motor continue to be excited (that is, four-phase excitation) in order to stop the rotation of the reel when the period of "deceleration start" ends. Then, when a predetermined time elapses after shifting to "deceleration", the drive state shifts to the above-mentioned "stopped" drive state.

Returning to FIG. 18, the value of the drive pulse output counter is stored in the address F04F. Specifically, the number of interrupts (for example, the value of "number of interrupts" in FIG. 20) for maintaining the currently excited state for each phase of the corresponding stepping motor is stored. Here, the maximum value of the number of interrupts is "90", which is the period during which the drive state is "decelerating" (four-phase excitation of the stepping motor to stop the rotation of the reel). Period) is supported.

The number of times the drive pulse is switched, that is, the number of times the phase to be excited is switched in one drive state (for example, the value of the “number of times of switching” in FIG. 20) is stored in the address F050. The address F051 stores the number of steps of one symbol, that is, the number of steps of the symbol number currently passing through the middle stage M. Here, since the stepping motor of the present embodiment rotates once in 336 steps and 20 symbols are attached to one reel, there are 4 16-step symbols and 16 17-step symbols. Here, the symbol numbers "0", "5", "10", and "15" are 16-step symbols, and the other symbol numbers are 17-step symbols. The symbol number (for the passing position), that is, the symbol number (stop operation reception symbol number) on the left reel 40L currently passing through the middle stage M is stored in the address F052. Here, the value of FFH is stored from the time when the start switch 36 is operated and the stepping motor 42L starts to rotate until the index of the reel 40L is detected by the rotating cylinder sensor 43L.

The address F053 is assigned to the middle stage M according to the symbol number (for the stop position), that is, the type of the condition device that was activated when the stop switch 37L was operated, the operation order of the stop switches 37L, 37C, 37R, and the like. The symbol number (stop symbol number) of the symbol to be stopped is stored. When the symbol number to be stopped in the middle stage M is not determined, such as when the stop switch 37L has not been operated since the left reel 40L starts rotating, the value of FFH is stored. At the address F054, the value of the rotation failure detection counter, that is, the count value for detecting whether or not the stepping motor 42L has caused a step-out while rotating at a constant speed is stored. The value stored in this address increases by 1 every time the left stepping motor 42L rotates in two steps, and when the reel 40L index is detected by the rotating cylinder sensor 43L, the stored value is used. Cleared to "0".

Since the number of steps per rotation of the stepping motors 42L, 42C, 42R of the present embodiment is 336, the address F054 is rotated at a constant speed that rotates one step each time the timer interrupt processing is performed. The maximum value of the value stored in is "168". Therefore, if this value is exceeded, there is a discrepancy between the number of steps per rotation of the stepping motor and the number of interruptions per rotation, resulting in step-out. However, stepping motor step-out can occur due to various factors, so if the step-out determination is made strict, even if step-out that does not pose a problem in playing the game occurs, it will be determined to be rotation failure.
It reduces the operation of the slot machine 10. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an allowable range is provided for the difference between the number of steps per rotation of the stepping motor and the number of interrupts per rotation, and if the value of the rotation defect detection counter is within "184", it is regarded as step-out. I try not to handle it.

The value of the drive pulse data search counter is stored in the address F055. This value increases by "1" each time the timer interrupt process is performed when the reel reaches a constant speed, and when it reaches "255", it is cleared to "0" in the next timer interrupt process. .. The lower 3 bit values (0 to 7) of the values stored in the address F055 are used as data for designating the phase to be excited among the phases of the stepping motor. In this embodiment, a 4-phase (φ0, φ1, φ2, φ3) stepping motor is excited by 1-2 phases, so the excitable phases are φ0, φ0 ・ φ1, φ1, φ1 ・ φ2, φ2, φ2.・ There are 8 patterns of φ3, φ3, φ3 and φ0. Thereby, by associating a unique value with the pattern of the phase to be excited within the numerical range from 0 to 7, it is possible to specify the phase to be excited by the value of the lower 3 bits described above.

At addresses F056 and F057, the value of the rotation start standby counter, that is, the waiting time from the operation of the start switch 36 to the start of the acceleration process of the left stepping motor 42L according to the acceleration pattern shown in FIG. 20 is measured. The value of is stored. This value is subtracted by "1" when the timer interrupt processing is performed, and when it becomes "0", the acceleration processing described above is started. Therefore, in a normal game, when the start switch 36 is operated, "1" is set, and immediately after that, the timer interrupt process becomes "0" and the acceleration process is started. On the other hand, when the freeze is generated, a numerical value corresponding to the time for delaying the start of rotation of the reel is set.

The above-mentioned drive state (F04E), drive pulse output counter (F04F), drive pulse switching number (F050), number of steps of one symbol (F051), symbol number (for passing position) (F052), symbol number (for stop position). (F053), rotation failure detection counter (F054), drive pulse data search counter (F055), and rotation start standby counter (F056, F057) are related to the left reel 40L, but the middle reel 40C and the right reel 40R. Similar information is stored for (not shown).

Further, regarding the various information described above regarding the left reel 40L, the middle reel 40C, and the right reel 40R, the address addresses in which the information corresponding to each other is stored between the reels are provided at regular intervals. For example, the drive state of the left reel is stored in the address F04E, and the drive state of the middle reel is stored in the address F058 separated from the address F04E by the address 10. Further, the drive state of the right reel is stored in the address F062 separated from the address F058 by the address 10. Further, the rotation failure detection counter of the left reel is stored in the address F054, the rotation failure detection counter of the middle reel is stored in the address F05E 10 away from it, and the rotation failure detection counter of the right reel is 10 away from it. It is stored in the address F068.

<< Explanation of sub-control means >>
<Hardware configuration of sub-control means and its surroundings>
The sub-control unit 200 includes a sub-control board 202 and an image control board 204. The sub-control board 202 is composed of a CPU, ROM, RWM, and the like, and controls an effect to be executed based on a control command transmitted from the main control means 100. The image control board 204 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, an RWM, and a VDP (Video Display Processor).
Based on the sub-control command transmitted from the sub-control board 202, the effect means such as the image display device 70, the speakers 64L and 64R, and the effect lamp 72 are driven. In addition, AT
The sub-control board 202 may be responsible for driving some of the effect means such as the lamp ALP.

<Functional block of sub-control board>
The sub-control board 202 determines the content of the effect or notification based on the control command transmitted from the main control means 100, and generates the effect control means 210 for generating the sub-control command for executing the determined effect or notification. It is configured to include a control command receiving means 220 for receiving a control command transmitted from the main control means 100, and a sub control command transmitting / receiving means 230 for transmitting a sub control command generated by the effect control means 210 to the image control board 204. Has been done.

(Explanation of production control means)
The effect control means 210 is a means for controlling the effect according to the game, and includes the effect lottery means 212 and the effect state control means 214. Here, the effects according to the game include the set value, the lottery state (see FIG. 13), the result of the lottery by the lottery means 110, the section type number SC (see FIG. 14), the game state number GS (see FIG. 14), and the game state number GS (see FIG. 14). It refers to an effect according to the values of various counters (see FIG. 10) related to the transfer of game status numbers and the results of various lottery. Further, according to the on / off signal indicating whether or not the selection switch 38 and the determination switch 39 have been operated, information on the game history and various symbol combinations shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 (hereinafter, “payout combination” and the like (Also referred to as “dividend table”) and the like are displayed on the image display device 70.

Further, if the effect switch 52 is operated while the above-mentioned "specific effect" is being executed in response to the on / off signal indicating whether or not the effect switch 52 is operated, the operation is performed. To change the content of the effect being executed. Here, since the on / off signals of the selection switch 38, the determination switch 39, and the effect switch 52 are input to and processed by the sub control means 200, these switches are also collectively referred to as a “sub switch”.

The effect control means 210 is based on the control command received from the main control means 100, the effect lottery means 212 for determining the effect according to the current effect state by lottery, and the control command transmitted from the main control means 100. It has an effect state control means 214 that controls the transition of the effect state. Here, as the effect state controlled by the effect state control means 214, an effect state corresponding to the section type number SC (0 or 1) and the game state number GS (0 to 5) in the main control means 100 is provided (however, the effect state is provided). It is not always necessary to have a one-to-one correspondence.) However, the effect state control means 214 may perform the same transition control as the game section control means 125.

(Explanation of control command receiving means)
The control command receiving means 220 receives a control command transmitted by serial communication from the main control means 100, converts the received control command into parallel data, and has a command buffer (for example, RWM) in the sub control means 200 in the order of receiving. Accumulates in a part of the storage area of. As a result, the effect control means 210 sequentially performs processing based on the control command stored first among the control commands stored in the command buffer.

(Explanation of sub-control command transmission / reception means)
The sub-control command transmission / reception means 230 transmits the sub-control command generated by the effect control means 210 to the image control board 204 by serial communication at predetermined intervals (for example, 1 millisecond). Further, the sub-control command transmission / reception means 230 receives a command transmitted from the sub-control command transmission / reception means 240 described later.

<Functional block of image control board>
The image control board 204 includes a sub-control command transmission / reception means 240 and an image / sound output means 250, and is an image display device 70, a speaker 64L, 64R, and various lamps based on a sub-control command transmitted from the sub-control board 202. (AT lamp ALP, effect lamp 72) is driven and controlled, and the effect determined by the effect control means 210 is executed.

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

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

[Explanation of processing by control means]
<< Explanation of control processing in the main control means >>
Hereinafter, the processing contents of the game control executed by the main control means 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 to 21.

<Explanation of game progress main processing>
First, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 21, the contents of the game progress main process for controlling the progress of the game executed by the slot machine 10 will be described. First, the main control means 100 performs a game start process (step S10). In this game start process, the time until the game is on standby (the state in which the so-called demo screen is displayed) is set, the current set value and the game status (the next game is a re-game or a bonus) for the sub-control means 200. Information such as whether or not the game is in progress), the current lottery state, the current section type number SC, and the game state number GS is transmitted.

Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not a medal for playing a game has been inserted (step S12). If there are no inserted medals, the judgment result is NO, and the game medal insertion standby that enables the current set value to be confirmed according to the on / off state of the key switch 82b provided in the main body 12. The hour display process is performed (step S14). In this game medal insertion standby display process, when it is detected that the key switch 82b has changed from off to on, a set value display start command indicating that the display of the set value is started is transmitted to the sub-control means 200. , The mode shifts to the setting confirmation mode, and the current setting value is displayed in the lower digit of the acquired number display 28. At this time, the upper digit of the acquired number display 28 may be turned off, or a display mode indicating that the set value is displayed in the lower digit may be displayed. If it is detected that the key switch 82b has changed from on to off while the set value is being displayed, the display of the current set value is terminated and the display of the set value is terminated. The set value display end command is transmitted to the sub-control means 200. After the display of the set value on the acquired number display 28 is finished, the display content before displaying the set value may be restored, the light may be turned off, or "0" may be displayed. .. In addition, the conditions for shifting to the setting confirmation mode are that the key switch 82b is turned on, that the re-game combination has not won a prize in the previous game, that the game door 14 is open, and that the setting / reset is performed. The switch 82c may be turned on, or a combination thereof may be used.

When the determination result in step S12 is YES (medals have been inserted), or when the process of step S14 is completed, the main control means 100 performs a process (game medal management process) associated with the insertion of medals. (Step S16). This process includes, for example, a clearing process when the clearing switch 33 is operated, a medal insertion process for detecting medals inserted in the medal insertion slot 32 (details will be described later), and the like. Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not the operation of the start switch 36 is ready to be accepted and whether or not the start switch 36 has been operated (step S18). Here, the operation of the start switch 36 can be accepted when a specified number of medals are inserted or when the re-game combination wins in the previous game. In addition, at least two medals were inserted in the lottery state in which both the two-card betting game and the three-card betting game are possible (specifically, in the non-RT, 1BB-A inside and 1BB-B inside). In some cases, it will be ready for reception.

If the start switch 36 is not operated in the determination process of step S18, the determination result of step S18 becomes NO, and the process returns to the process of step S12. On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 36 has been operated (YES), the solenoid 45 of the selector 80 (see FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (c)) is turned off to invalidate the medal insertion from the medal insertion slot 32. (Step S20). Then, a lottery process for determining an operating condition device is performed based on the current set value and the lottery table (see FIG. 12) according to the lottery state (step S22). Next, the various game sections shown in FIG. 14 and the game section in which each lottery for controlling the transition of the game state is performed according to the lottery result determined by the lottery and the current section type number SC and the game state number GS. The lottery process is performed (step S24). In this game section lottery process, an advantageous section transition lottery process (see FIG. 24), which will be described later, is also performed.

Next, when the condition device of winning-A1 to A6 is activated by lottery during AT (GS = 2), the main control means 100 displays the number of correct answer presses corresponding to the activated condition device. An instruction display process for displaying on the device 28 is performed (step S26). Then, the game section-related information is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 (step S28). Here, the game section-related information is information about the game in the current section type number SC, the game state number GS, and the lottery state, and is, for example, the value of each counter of the game section control means 125, the number of AT stocks, and step S22. Information about various lottery results performed in the lottery process of the above and the game section lottery process of step S24 is applicable.

Next, the main control means 100 performs a mask process to generate an effect group number for instructing the effect to be executed by the sub control means 200 according to the winning and replay condition device numbers determined by lottery (step S30). ). Then, the lottery-related information including the information such as the bonus condition device number and the effect group number according to the lottery result is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 (step S32). Next, the main control means 100 performs a reel rotation start preparation process (step S34) before starting the rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R, and then performs a reel stop management process (step S36).

In this reel stop management process, the reel rotation start process shown in FIG. 27, which will be described later, is performed to start the rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R, and when the stop switches 37L, 37C, 37R are operated, the reels are operated. Stop control is performed for the reel corresponding to the stop switch. Here, the reel stop control is performed based on the winning and replay condition device number and the bonus condition device number. Further, each time the stop switch is operated, information indicating the operated stop switch and the stop of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch are transmitted to the sub-control means 200.

Next, when all the reels are stopped, the main control means 100 performs a display determination process for determining whether or not any of the symbol combinations (dividend combinations) shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 is matched, and the display determination is performed. Based on the result of the process, the information regarding the displayed symbol combination is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 (step S38). When the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the winning line matches any of the symbol combinations of the small winning combination, the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the displayed symbol combination is stored in the predetermined storage area of the RWM. Then, a credit addition process or a hopper motor 46 is driven to perform a payout process (details will be described later) for paying out medals by the hopper 83 (step S40). Further, at the start of the addition to the credit or the payout of the medal, and at the end of the addition or the payout to the credit, information indicating that fact is transmitted to the sub-control means 200.

Then, according to the current lottery state, the type of the displayed symbol combination, whether or not the condition device related to the bonus combination is activated, and if the bonus game is performed, whether or not the end condition of the bonus game is satisfied. The lottery state transition process shown in FIG. 13 is performed based on the determination of the above (step S42). Next, according to the current section type number SC and the game state number GS, the operating status of the predetermined condition device, various lottery results related to the transition of the game state number GS, the presence / absence of AT stock, and the game section control means 125 are displayed. A game section shift process for controlling the shift of the game state number shown in FIG. 14 is performed based on the value of each counter having the counter (step S44). In this game section transition process, a process of managing an advantageous section clear counter (see FIGS. 29 and 30), which will be described later, is also performed.

Even if the game state number GS is updated by the game section transition process in step S44, the process related to the updated game state number GS is executed after the start switch 36 is operated in the next game. .. Therefore, the process related to the updated game status number GS is not executed until the start switch 36 is operated in the next game.

Next, the main control means 100 performs processing such as on / off control of various signals output to the outside via the external centralized terminal board 86, and transmission control of information indicating that the game is completed to the sub control means 200. The game end check process including the above is performed (step S46). In this game end check process, if the lottery state of this game is non-RT and a 3-card bet game is performed, a display mode of "= A" instructing the player to perform a 2-card bet game. Is displayed on the instruction monitor (acquired number display 28). At this time, the sub-control means 200 displays the message "Bet two cards!" On the image display device 70.

In addition, if a two-card betting game is played while the lottery state is inside 1BB-B, "= C" is displayed to instruct the three-card betting game when the next three-card betting game is played. The mode is displayed on the instruction monitor. At this time, the sub-control means 200 displays the message "Bet three cards!" On the image display device 70. Here, as will be described later, in the inside of 1BB-B, the advantageous section transition lottery is not performed when the two-card betting game is played, but the advantageous section transition lottery is performed when the three-card betting game is played. Will be done. Therefore, when a two-card betting game is played, by instructing the player to play the three-card betting game, it is possible to induce the player to play the game under more favorable conditions.

Here, the timing for instructing the number of medals to be inserted is from the time when all the reels are stopped until the start switch 36 is operated, more preferably before the medals can be inserted and the start of the replay. It is desirable before the automatic bet is made. At this time, when the symbol combination of the small winning combination is displayed and the medals are paid out, after clearing the number of medals to be paid out displayed on the acquired number display 28 (specifically, turning off the lights), an instruction regarding the number of inserted medals is given. It is desirable to display. However, if a dedicated instruction monitor is provided instead of using the acquired number display 28 as an instruction monitor, medals are inserted into the dedicated instruction monitor in parallel with the display of the number of medals to be paid out on the acquired number display 28. Instructions regarding the number of sheets may be displayed.

Further, the following (a) to (c) can be considered as the timing for instructing the number of input sheets for the next game when the freeze is generated after all the reels are stopped. When a freeze occurs after all reels have stopped, for example, when a special game such as a bonus game or an AT game is performed, the ending screen (display of the number of acquired cards) is displayed when the last game is completed. In some cases, it may cause a freeze to display (including).

(A) After all reels are stopped and before the freeze starts, the instruction of the number of reels to be loaded is displayed on the instruction monitor.
In this case, the player can be concentrated on the effect during the freeze (for example, the display of the ending screen described above), and the effect of not distracting the attention to the effect during the freeze can be expected.

(B) Display the instruction of the number of inserted sheets on the instruction monitor during the freeze.
In this case, since the player can instruct the number of inserted medals before inserting the medals, there is a high possibility that the player will play the game with the instructed number of inserted medals. In addition, by giving an instruction during the freeze, it is possible to surely inform the player of the instruction content over time. The display control to the instruction monitor is performed by the timer interrupt process (FIG. 21) described later, and since this timer interrupt process is also executed during the freeze, the display control of the instruction monitor can be performed even during the freeze. It is possible.

(C) When the freeze is released, the instruction of the number of inserted sheets is displayed on the instruction monitor.
In this case, since the instruction to the player is not given during the freeze, the player can concentrate on the effect during the freeze, and the number of medals to be inserted is instructed immediately before the start of the next game. It can be expected that the possibility of playing a game with the specified number of throws will increase.

In addition, when a three-card betting game is played in a non-RT and the re-gaming combination wins a prize, the re-game is performed in the three-card betting game even if the two-card betting game is instructed (that is,). , The number of medals inserted cannot be changed in the replay), but it can be expected that the player will be aware that he should have played a two-card bet game. Further, in this case, the sub-control means 200 may instruct the image display device 70, for example, to place a two-card bet in the next game of the re-game. In addition, if the re-game combination wins a prize in the first place, the instruction on the number of medals to be inserted may not be executed before the automatic bet in the re-game is performed.

When one game is completed by performing the above processing, the main control means 100 returns to the game start processing in step S10 again and performs processing for the next game.

(Explanation of the detection process of inserted medals)
Next, the medal detection process performed in step S16 (game medal management) of FIG. 21 (game progress main) will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. Here, in FIGS. 22 and 23, the selector 80 is simplified and shown in order to make it easy to understand the process of passing the medal M. Further, the timings (a) to (f) shown in FIG. 23 correspond to the timings (a) to (f) in FIG. 22, respectively. First, the medal M inserted from the medal insertion slot 32 shown in FIG. 1 enters the selector from the medal entrance 814a (see FIG. 3A) of the selector 80 attached to the back surface of the game door 14, and is substantially vertical. The medal guide passage 814 is dropped. Here, as shown in FIG. 22A, the moment when the entire medal M is completely inside the selector 80 (the moment when the medal cannot be visually recognized from the front view) is referred to as "at the time of inserting the medal" for convenience.

When the medal M that has entered the medal guide passage 814 is detected by the passage sensor 813, the medal passage sensor signal becomes "1", and when the medal M passes the position of the passage sensor 813 and cannot be detected, the medal passage sensor signal becomes "1". It becomes "0". Since the medal guide passage 814 is almost L-shaped as shown in FIG. 3A, when the medal M passes the position of the passage sensor 813, the medal guide passage 814 becomes a ramp and becomes a ramp in FIG. 22 (b). ), The medal M rolls toward the first input sensor 811. Here, as shown in FIG. 23, from the time when the medal is inserted until the medal M is detected by the first insertion sensor 811, both the first insertion sensor signal and the second insertion sensor signal are OFF (“0”). It has become.

Then, as shown in FIG. 22 (c), when the medal M is detected by the first insertion sensor 811, only the first insertion sensor signal is turned ON (“1”) and rises, and when the medal M further rolls. As shown in FIG. 22D, the medal M is detected not only by the first insertion sensor 811 but also by the second insertion sensor 812. As a result, the second input sensor signal is also turned ON (“1”) and rises, and both the first input sensor signal and the second input sensor signal are turned ON (“1”).

Then, as shown in FIG. 22 (e), when the medal M passes through the first insertion sensor 811, only the first insertion sensor signal is turned off (“0”), and the first insertion sensor signal goes down. The main control means 100 detects the falling edge of the first input sensor signal in a state where the second input sensor signal is ON (the D6 bit of the address F00C is “1”) (the D0 bit of the address F00D is “1”). "), And the inserted medals are added (see FIG. 23). For example, if the number of inserted medals has not reached the specified number, the number of inserted medals is added by one, and if the number of inserted medals has reached the specified number, the credited medals Add one to the number of sheets.

Further, when the medal M rolls and passes through the second throwing sensor 812, the second throwing sensor signal is also turned off (“0”) as shown in FIG. 22 (f), and the second throwing sensor signal falls. Both the first input sensor signal and the second input sensor signal are OFF (“0”). The main control means 100 detects a fall of the second input sensor signal in a state where the first input sensor signal is OFF (D5 bit of address F00C is “0”) (D1 bit of address F00D is “1”). ”), And a control command indicating that the medal has been inserted is transmitted to the sub control means 200, whereby the sub control means 200 generates a medal insertion sound from the speakers 64L and 64R (see FIG. 23). ..

In this way, the first throw-in sensor signal and the second throw-in sensor signal are turned on instead of performing the medal addition process at the timing when both the first throw-in sensor signal and the second throw-in sensor signal are turned off. By performing the medal addition process when only the first insertion sensor signal is turned off from the state, the inserted medals can be counted more accurately. That is, as described above, the number of medals that can be credited to the slot machine 10 is 50, but for example, with 49 medals being credited, the 50th and 51st medals are consecutively credited. It is assumed that the medal is inserted into the medal slot 32.

In this case, the 50th medal needs to be passed from the medal exit 814b (see FIG. 3A) of the selector 80 to the receiving passage 81b (see FIG. 2), but the 51st medal turns off the solenoid 45. Then, it must be dropped from the inclined plate 831 (see FIG. 3) to the return passage 81a (see FIG. 2) (see FIG. 3 (c)). In such a situation, when both the first input sensor signal and the second input sensor signal are turned off (more specifically, the second input sensor signal stands from ON to OFF while the first input sensor signal is OFF. It is assumed that the medal addition process is performed when (when it goes down).

In the case of performing such an addition process, for example, assuming that the 50th and 51st medals are connected and passed through the medal guide passage 814, even if the solenoid 45 is turned off when the 50th medal is counted. , The 51st medal may not be in time for being dropped on the inclined plate 831 and may pass from the medal exit 814b to the receiving passage 81b. If such a situation occurs, the 51st medal will not be credited and will not be returned to the player, resulting in a so-called "swallow".

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the medal addition process is performed at the earliest possible timing, and when the number of medals credit reaches the upper limit, the solenoid 45 is immediately turned off and the 51st medal is dropped into the return passage 81a. I try to be able to do it (not to "swallow" it). That is, when the first input sensor signal goes down while the second input sensor signal is ON, the medal addition process is performed. Here, as shown in FIG. 22 (e), at the stage where the first input sensor signal goes down while the second input sensor signal is ON, the medal M has not yet reached the receiving passage 81b. If the medal M reaches this position, there is an extremely high possibility that the medal M will reach the receiving passage 81b after that, so that there is no problem even if the medal addition process is performed.

In this way, by performing the medal addition processing when the first insertion sensor signal goes down while the second insertion sensor signal is ON, for example, the above-mentioned medal retention error (the first insertion sensor 811 is in the OFF state). Even if the second input sensor 812 is ON for a predetermined time or longer) is detected, the medal is not "swallowed" because the addition process for the accumulated medal has already been performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the medal insertion sound is generated when the second insertion sensor signal falls while the first insertion sensor signal is OFF. Therefore, for example, when the above-mentioned medal retention error occurs. Since the error notification is performed before the input sound, the player can be notified of the abnormality as soon as possible. Further, after the medal retention error is notified, the medal insertion sound is generated when the second insertion sensor signal drops due to the removal of the accumulated medals and the recovery by operating the setting / reset switch 82c. By making it so, it is possible to inform the player that the accumulated medals have been inserted.

The medal insertion sound may be generated when the first insertion sensor signal goes down while the second insertion sensor signal is ON, as in the medal addition process. By generating the input sound at such a timing, the medal addition process (for example, updating the number of credits displayed on the credit number display 27) and the input sound can be matched, which makes the player feel uncomfortable. Never give. Further, when a medal retention error occurs, a medal insertion sound is generated before the error notification is performed, so that it is possible to give a sense of security to the player regarding the handling of the inserted medal. Further, when the medal insertion sound is generated at such a timing, it is preferable to enable the operation of the start switch 36 after the second insertion sensor signal is turned off. As a result, the sound of inserting the medal and the effect sound generated by the operation of the start switch 36 are not covered, and it is possible to avoid making it difficult to hear one of the sounds.

Further, when the medal insertion sound is generated when the first insertion sensor signal falls while the second insertion sensor signal is ON, both the first insertion sensor signal and the second insertion sensor signal are ON. If the medal stays and a medal retention error is detected before the first insertion sensor signal goes down (that is, before the insertion sound is generated), the accumulated medal is removed and the medal retention error is cleared. In addition, a medal insertion sound may be generated.

(Explanation of advantageous section transition lottery process)
Next, the content of the advantageous section transition lottery process executed in step S24 (game section lottery process) of FIG. 21 (game progress main) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 24. In this advantageous section shift lottery process, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to shift from the normal section to the advantageous section according to the lottery state and the number of medals inserted during the game.

First, the main control means 100 determines whether the current lottery state is either non-RT or inside 1BB-B (step S100). If the current lottery state is neither non-RT nor inside 1BB-B, the determination result in step S100 becomes NO, and the advantageous section transition lottery process of FIG. 24 ends. On the other hand, if the current lottery state is non-RT or inside 1BB-B, the determination result in step S100 is YES, and then the main control means 100 is whether this game is a three-card betting game. It is determined whether or not (step S102). In the case of a two-card betting game, the determination result is NO, and the advantageous section transition lottery process shown in FIG. 24 ends.

On the other hand, in the case of a three-card betting game, the determination result in step S102 is YES, and in the main control means 100, the lottery result obtained by step S22 (lottery process) in FIG. 21 is a lottery for shifting to an advantageous section. It is determined whether or not it has been the target of (step S104). That is, whether or not the condition device operated by the process of step S22 in FIG. 21 is a condition device (hereinafter, also referred to as “transition lottery trigger condition device”) that has been predetermined as a trigger for performing the advantageous section transition lottery. To judge. Here, in the present embodiment, the condition devices of the re-game-B (watermelon play), the re-game-C (cherry replay), and the winning-A1 to A6 (6 choice bells) are defined as the transition lottery trigger condition devices. It is assumed that there is.

In step S104, if the activated condition device is not the transition lottery trigger condition device, the determination result becomes NO, and the advantageous section transition lottery process of FIG. 24 ends. On the other hand, when the activated condition device is the transition lottery trigger condition device, the determination result in step S104 is YES, and whether or not the activated condition device is the re-game-B or re-game-C condition device is determined. Further determination (step S106). If the activated condition device is a 6-choice bell, the determination result is NO, and the advantageous section transition lottery is performed (step S108). This advantageous section transition lottery determines either a loss, a chance zone (hereinafter, also referred to as “CZ”) or an AT, and the probability is set higher in the order of AT → chance zone → loss. Further, the larger the value of the set value, the higher the probability of becoming a chance zone or AT.

When the advantageous section transition lottery is performed in step S108, the main control means 100 then determines whether or not the loss is determined by the advantageous section transition lottery (step S110). If the result of the advantageous section transition lottery is lost, the determination result becomes YES, and the advantageous section transition lottery process of FIG. 24 is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the result of the advantageous section transition lottery is the chance zone (CZ) or AT, the determination result becomes NO, and after performing the AT lottery process described later (step S112), the advantageous section transition lottery process of FIG. 24 is performed. To finish.

In step S106, if the activated condition device is replay-B (watermelon play) or replay-C (cherry replay), the determination result is YES, and the main control means 100 ATs the result of the advantageous section transition lottery. (Step S114). In this case, the advantageous section transition lottery may be performed using the lottery table in which the AT is always determined, or the AT may be sent to the RWM address that stores the result of the advantageous section transition lottery without performing the advantageous section transition lottery. Information indicating that has been determined may be directly stored. Then, after performing the AT lottery process in step S112 described above, the advantageous section transition lottery process in FIG. 24 is completed.

In the advantageous section transition lottery in step S108, a loss was included as a result of the lottery, but even if it determines either AT or the chance zone (that is, the transition probability to the advantageous section is 100%). good. Further, the lottery result and the lottery probability may be different depending on whether the lottery state is non-RT or inside 1BB-B. In the present embodiment, in the advantageous section transition lottery when inside 1BB-B, the lottery result is either a loss, a chance zone or an AT, but in a non-RT, only a loss or a chance zone is determined. .. In this case, when the player shifts to the chance zone while inside 1BB-B, the player is expected to move to the AT, but when the player shifts to the chance zone during non-RT, the performance is usually normal. By performing the same effect as in the middle (GS = 0) (that is, there is no change in the effect), it may be difficult for the player to recognize that the player has moved to the chance zone.

Further, the advantageous section transition lottery may be performed in which the transition destination of the gaming state is different depending on whether the lottery state is non-RT or inside 1BB-B. For example, a gaming state called "non-chance zone" (GS = 6) is added to the advantageous section (SC = 1) shown in FIG. 14, and in the advantageous section transition lottery inside 1BB-B, the game zone or AT is entered. There is a possibility of transition, but in the non-RT advantageous section transition lottery, only the non-chance zone may be migrated. In this non-chance zone, the same effect as during normal play may be performed, and when a predetermined number of games are played, the game may shift to normal play again.

Further, in the determination process of step S100, when the lottery state is non-RT or inside 1BB-B, the determination result becomes YES, and there is a possibility that the advantageous section transition lottery is performed. When the judgment result is NO, the advantageous section transition lottery may be performed only when the inside of 1BB-B is inside.

(Explanation of AT lottery process)
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 25, the contents of the AT lottery process performed in step S112 of FIG. 24 will be described. When the determination result of step S110 in FIG. 24 is NO (the result of the advantageous section transition lottery is CZ or AT), or when the result of the advantageous section transition lottery is set to AT by the process of step S114, the main control means 100 Starts the AT lottery process of FIG. 25.

When the AT lottery process is started, the main control means 100 first determines whether or not the result of the advantageous section transition lottery is AT (step S120). If the result of the advantageous section transition lottery is AT, the determination result in step S120 becomes YES, and the main game state is set to AT (step S122). That is, the section type number SC is updated from "0" to "1", and the game status number GS is updated from 0 to 2. Then, the main control means 100 performs the AT game number lottery process described later (step S124), and then ends the AT lottery process of FIG. 25.

In the determination process of step S120, if the result of the advantageous section transition lottery is not AT, the determination result becomes NO, and the main control means 100 sets the main gaming state to CZ (step S126). That is, the section type number SC is updated from 0 to 1, and the game status number GS is updated from 0 to 1. Then, the AT lottery process of FIG. 25 is completed.

(Explanation of AT game number lottery process)
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 26, the contents of the AT game number lottery process performed in step S124 of FIG. 25 will be described. When the main game state is set to AT in step S122 of FIG. 25, the main control means 100 is set to step S of FIG. 21 (game progress main).
It is determined whether or not the lottery result of the lottery process of 22 has become a definite combination (the condition device for the definite combination has been activated) (step S130). Here, the condition device for the definite combination is a condition device for replay-C (cherry replay). When the condition device of the replay-C is activated, the determination result in step S130 becomes YES, and 100 (D) is set as the initial value in the AT counter 128 (step S132).

On the other hand, when the condition device other than the replay-C is activated, the determination result in step S130 becomes NO, and 30 (D) is set as the initial value in the AT counter 128 (step S134). Then, when the initial value is set in the AT counter 128 by the process of step S132 or S134, the AT game number lottery process of FIG. 26 ends.

In the chance zone, in each game, in step S24 of the game progress main shown in FIG. 21, the same process as the advantageous section transition lottery process of FIG. 24 is performed. Specifically, the determination process in step S104 is omitted, and in the advantageous section transition lottery in step S108, an alternative lottery of AT or loss is performed. The AT winning probability in the advantageous section transition lottery may be separately determined from the AT winning probability in the advantageous section transition lottery in step S108 of FIG. 24. In this way, in the chance zone, there is a higher possibility of shifting to AT than during normal.

(Explanation of reel rotation start processing)
Next, the contents of the reel rotation start processing performed in step S36 (reel stop management) of FIG. 21 (game progress main) will be described with reference to FIG. 27. First, the main control means 100 determines whether or not there is a reel to start rotation (step S150). For example, when a specified number of medals are inserted and the start switch 36 is operated, all three reels become reels that start rotation. If there is a reel that starts rotation, the determination result is YES, and the data for making the emission color of the stop switches 37L, 37C, 37R red is stored in the RWM (step S152). Here, the reason for storing the data for making the stop switch corresponding to all reels emit red light in the RWM is that at least the player operates the stop switch while the processes of the following steps S154 to S174 are being executed. This is because it is an unacceptable period and the player is notified of it. For example, although the left reel and middle reel have reached a constant speed, when step-out is detected for the right reel, acceleration processing is executed again only for the right reel, but even in such a case, all reels are executed. Notifies that the operation of the stop switch is not accepted.

Then, the main control means 100 sets the bit data corresponding to the reel that starts rotation in the A register of the CPU (step S154). Here, when the process of step S154 is first performed after the operation of the start switch 36, the initial process for all of the left reel 40L, the middle reel 40C, and the right reel 40R to perform the acceleration process by the processes of steps S162 to S168 described later. The data 1110000 (B) set in the B register in the process of step S160 is read into the A register because it is the target to be converted. Here, the most significant bit corresponds to the right reel 40R, the one lower bit corresponds to the middle reel 40C, and the one lower bit corresponds to the left reel 40L.

Next, the number of reels provided in the slot machine 10 (that is, "3") is set in the B register of the CPU (step S156), and the execution of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 31) described later is prohibited (step). S158). Then, the main control means 100 sets various initial values for starting the acceleration process in the order of the right reel 40R, the middle reel 40C, and the left reel 40L by the subsequent processing. First, the drive state number "1" (rotation start standby, see FIG. 19) is set in the register of the CPU as the drive state of the reel (step S162). Next, the main control means 100 has a drive pulse output counter value (F04F for the left reel) and a reel drive pulse switching count value (left) stored in the RWM address corresponding to the reel on which the initial value is set. For the reel, F050) is initialized (step S164).

Next, the main control means 100 has a symbol number (for the passing position) (F052 for the left reel) and a symbol number (for the stop position) stored in the RWM address corresponding to the reel to be processed (for the stop position). For the left reel, F053) is updated to the initial value (step S166). Further, the main control means 100 updates the value of the rotation failure detection counter (F054 for the left reel) stored in the address of the RWM corresponding to the reel to be processed to the initial value (step S168). Then, for the next reel to be processed, the CPU addresses the RWM (for example, F04E + A = F058 in the case of a middle reel) in which various drive control data related to the next reel are stored in order to perform the processing of steps S162 to S168 described above. It is set in the register of (step S170).

Here, when it is determined in the determination process of step S160 described above that the main control means 100 is not a reel (NO) to start rotation, the process of step S170 is immediately performed without performing the processes of steps S162 to S168. Transition.

Then, it is determined whether or not the processes of steps S162 to S168 have been performed for all the reels that start rotation (step S172). If there is a reel for which the initial value should be set remains, the determination result becomes NO, and the main control means 100 returns to the process of step S160 again and performs a process of setting various initial values for the next reel. On the other hand, when various initial values are set for all the reels that start rotation, the determination result becomes YES, and the execution of the timer interrupt process prohibited in the process of step S158 is permitted (step S174).

In this way, when setting various initial values by the processes of steps S162 to S168, the execution of the timer interrupt process is prohibited before the initial values are set for all the reels that start rotation. This is because if the timer interrupt process is executed and the acceleration process is started, the stepping motor may not be able to accelerate normally. For example, during the process of step S166, the value of the reel drive pulse output counter is initialized, but the timer interrupt process is executed in a state where the value of the number of reel drive pulse switching times is not initialized. If the acceleration process is performed, the stepping motor cannot be accelerated according to the original acceleration pattern, which may cause rotation failure such as step-out and make it impossible to shift the reel to a constant speed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to prevent the acceleration process from being started while setting a series of initial values, the timer interrupt process is prohibited from being executed by the process of step S158, so that the acceleration process can be started without any problem. Can be made to.

Then, the main control means 100 sets the bit data indicating the left reel 40L to be processed from now on and the drive state number “4” indicating “accelerating” in the register of the CPU (step S176). Specifically, the address F04E storing the drive state number of the left reel is set in the HL register, 00100000 (B) (bit data indicating the left reel) is set in the B register, and 00000100 (B) (drive) is set in the C register. Set the status number "4"). If there is no reel to start rotation in the determination process of step S150 described above, the determination result is NO, and the main control means 100 does not perform the processes of steps S152 to S174 and immediately shifts to the process of step S176. do.

Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not the left reel 40L is rotating at a constant speed (step S178). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the data stored in the address (F04E) set in the HL register in the process of step S176 is "4". When the left reel 40L is rotating at a constant speed, the determination result is YES, and the main control means 100 acquires the value of the reel rotation failure detection counter corresponding to the left reel from the RWM (address F054) (step S180). ), It is determined whether or not the reel is rotating normally, that is, whether or not step-out has occurred during constant speed rotation (steps S182 and S184). Specifically, the determination is made based on the data stored in the address value (F054) obtained by adding "6" to the address value (F04E) set in the HL register. Then, when the value of the reel rotation defect detection counter exceeds "184", the main control means 100 determines that the step-out has occurred. As described above, in the present embodiment, the stepping motor step-out can be determined by a simple process of comparing the value of the reel rotation failure detection counter with a predetermined value.

If the reel has caused a rotation failure, the determination result in step S184 becomes YES and the process returns to the process of step S150. In the process of step S154, the bit data of the reel determined to have caused the rotation failure is set in the register of the CPU. do. Then, by performing the processing after step S156, the initial value for performing the acceleration processing again for the reel is set. Here, since the value of the B register is 0010000 (B), the initial value is set only for the left reel. For example, when the determination process is performed on the middle reel, the value of the B register becomes 01000000 (B), so that the initial value is set only on the middle reel. Further, when the determination process is performed on the right reel, the value of the B register becomes 10000000 (B), so that the initial value is set only on the right reel.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S184 or S178 is NO, the address of the RWM in which the drive control data of the next reel is stored is set in the HL register of the CPU (step S186). Here, since the processing of steps S178 to S190 is performed in the order of left reel L → middle reel 40C → right reel 40R, the “next reel” when the processing of the left reel 40L is completed is the middle reel 40C. When the processing of the middle reel 40C is completed, the "next reel" is the right reel 40R.

Further, in the process of step S186, the address of the RWM in which the drive control data of the next reel is stored is set by adding the value of 10 (D) to the value of the currently set HL address. For example, in the above case, since F04E is set in the HL register of the CPU, the value of 10 (D) (“A” in hexadecimal notation) is added to this to make F058, and the drive state number of the middle reel is stored. Specify the specified address. Even when the process of step S186 is performed after the process of steps S178 to S184 is performed on the last right reel, 10 (10) at the address F062 storing the drive state number of the right reel set in the HL register. Although D) is added and an address unrelated to the subsequent processing is set, no processing is performed based on the address, so that the subsequent processing is not hindered.

Then, the bit data indicating the above-mentioned "next reel" is set in the B register of the CPU (step S188). Specifically, the value that has been processed to shift the current B register value by 1 bit to the upper bit side is set in the register. For example, when the value of the B register is 00100000 (B), the value of the B register is 01000000 (B) because the process in step S188 shifts the value by 1 bit to the high-order bit side. When the value of the B register is 10000000 (B) (when the processing is performed on the right reel), the value of the B register becomes 0000000000 (B) by the processing of step S188. At this time, the value of the most significant bit (7th bit) becomes "0" by shifting "1", and the carry flag of the flag register is turned on because carry occurs by this shift processing.

After that, it is determined whether or not the defect is detected during constant speed rotation for all the reels (step S190). In the present embodiment, the determination process is determined based on whether or not the above-mentioned carry flag is present. That is, by using the bit string, it is possible to specify the reel on which the acceleration process must be executed again. Further, it is possible to determine whether or not the determination of all reels is completed by the bit string. In addition, the same processing can be used when accelerating all reels (normal acceleration processing) and when accelerating processing only for a specific reel due to step-out or the like, which simplifies the program processing. can. When the main control means 100 determines that all reels have not been detected for defects during constant speed rotation (NO), the process returns to step S178 and is based on the addresses and bit data set in steps S186 and S188. Then, it is detected whether or not a defect has occurred in the next reel. Then, the soft random number update process is performed (step S192), and the reel rotation start process shown in FIG. 27 is completed.

(Explanation regarding medal payout by hopper)
Next, the operation of the hopper when the medals are paid out in step S40 (payout processing) of FIG. 21 (game progress main) will be described with reference to FIG. 28. Here, each of FIGS. 28 (a) to 28 (c) shows the payout mechanism unit 92 when viewed from the same position as in FIG. 4, but the rotation capture plate 91 is not shown and is conveyed. Of the road surface 94, the periphery of the light-shielding base 98 is broken and shown.

First, the medal M stored in the medal storage unit 90 is defined from the capture hole 91a (not shown) of the rotation capture plate 91 on the transport road surface 94, the bay entry portion 93a of the transport plate 93, and the back surface of the rotation capture plate 91. It is held in the gap space S to be formed. In FIG. 28A, the region of the gap space S is roughly shown, and only one place is shown for simplification of the illustration, but the gap space is shown for each bay entry portion 93a formed on the transport plate 93. Needless to say, S is formed. Then, when the above-mentioned payout process is started and the hopper motor 46 is driven, the transport plate 93 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the drawing, and the held medal M is pushed by the push protrusion 93b to the transport road surface. It orbits along the outer peripheral surface 94a of the 94 and is conveyed toward the discharge road surface 95 connected to the medal discharge port 92a.

As shown in FIG. 28A, the medal M pushed by the push projection 93b eventually comes into contact with the fixed pin roller 96 and the movable pin roller 97 in the initial state, but in this state, the shading base 98 is in the initial state. Therefore, the light-shielding portion 98b is in a position to block the first payout sensor 47a. Therefore, the first payout sensor signal output from the first payout sensor 47a is in the ON state, and the second payout sensor signal output from the second payout sensor 47b is in the OFF state.

From the state shown in FIG. 28 (a), when a pressing force is further applied by the pushing projection 93b and the medal M is pushed to the discharge road surface 95, the movable pin roller 97 causes the tension coil spring 99 as shown in FIG. 28 (b). It moves in the direction of the arrow while resisting the urging force of, and the distance from the fixed pin roller 96 increases. As a result, the light-shielding base 98 gradually rotates, and when the light-shielding portion 98b is removed from the position where the first payout sensor 47a is light-shielded, the first payout sensor signal drops from the ON state to the OFF state. Further, at this stage, since the light-shielding portion 98b has not yet reached the position of light-shielding the second payout sensor 47b, the second payout sensor signal maintains the OFF state.

When the transport plate 93 further rotates and the center of the medal M reaches the line connecting the axes of the fixed pin roller 96 and the movable pin roller 97 as shown in FIG. 28 (c), it is between the fixed pin roller 96 and the movable pin roller 97. Will be in the most distant state. At this time, the light-shielding portion 98b reaches a position where the second payout sensor 47b is shielded from light, and the second payout sensor signal output from the second payout sensor 47b rises from the OFF state to the ON state. Further, the first payout sensor signal is maintained in the OFF state.

Then, when the center of the medal M crosses the line connecting the axes of the fixed pin roller 96 and the movable pin roller 97, the elastic contraction force of the tension coil spring 99 acts on the light-shielding base 98, and the light-shielding base 98 is rotated so as to return to the initial state. Move it. Due to the movement of the shading base 98, the movable pin roller 97 trying to return to the initial position flicks the medal M, and the medal M discharged from the medal discharge port 92a through the discharge road surface 95 is the medal hole 81d shown in FIG. It is discharged from the medal payout port 60 of FIG. 1 to the saucer 61 through the medal payout port 60.

Further, the light-shielding portion 98b reaches a position where the first payout sensor 47a is shielded from light when the light-shielding base 98 returns to the initial state after the light-shielding portion 98b is removed from the position where the second payout sensor 47b is shielded from light-shielding. As a result, the second payout sensor signal drops from the ON state to the OFF state, and maintains the OFF state even after the light-shielding base 98 returns to the initial state. Further, the first payout sensor signal rises from the OFF state to the ON state when the light-shielding base 98 returns to the initial state, and thereafter maintains the ON state.

As a result, the ON / OFF state of the first payout sensor signal from the initial state until the light-shielding base 98 ejects one medal and returns to the initial state is ON (OFF) → OFF (OFF) → OFF (ON). ) → OFF (OFF) → ON (OFF). Here, the numbers in parentheses indicate the transition of the ON / OFF state of the second payout sensor signal.

In the above-described embodiment, the first payout sensor 47a and the second payout sensor 47b are each composed of a transmission type photo sensor, but the reflection type is turned on by the reflected light from the detection target (in this case, the medal). It may be a photo sensor. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the rotation capture plate 91 and the transfer plate 93 are composed of separate members, but the rotation capture plate 91 and the transfer plate 93 are realized by one rotating member integrally formed with the capture hole for capturing the medal and the bay entrance portion for transporting the medal. You may.

(Explanation of advantageous section clear counter management)
Next, the contents of the process related to the advantageous section clear counter management executed in step 44 (game section transition process) of FIG. 21 (game progress main) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29. In the advantageous section clear counter management, each count value of the advantageous section counter 126 and the net increase number counter 127 shown in FIG. 10 is updated, and it is determined whether or not each count value satisfies the end condition of the advantageous section.

First, the main control means 100 sets the address of the RWM in which the value of the advantageous interval counter 126 is stored in the HL register (step S200). Here, the value of the advantageous section counter 126 is always 0 in the normal section, and 1500 is set as the initial value when shifting from the normal section to the advantageous section. Next, the main control means 100 reads the value of the advantageous interval counter 126 from the address of the RWM indicated by the value set in the HL register, sets it in the A register, and subtracts 1 from the value (step S202).

At this time, if the value of the advantageous section counter 126 is 2 or more, the value is simply decremented by one, but if the value of the advantageous section counter 126 is 1, 1 is subtracted from it to become 0, and the zero flag is turned off. Turns on, but the carry flag remains off. Further, when the value of the advantageous interval counter 126 is 0, the carry flag is turned on from off when 1 is subtracted from the value, but the zero flag is not turned on. In this embodiment, when the carry flag is turned on, the process of setting the value of the advantageous section counter 126 to 0 is performed.

Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not the value of the advantageous section counter 126 before the subtraction process in step S202 is performed (step S204). In other words, it is judged whether or not the person is staying in the normal section. Specifically, the determination process of step S204 is performed based on the on / off state of the carry flag. That is, when the value of the advantageous interval counter 126 becomes 0 as a result of the subtraction process, the value before the subtraction process is 0 or 1, but as described above, the value before the subtraction process is the value. If it is 1, the zero flag is turned on, and if the value before the subtraction process is 0 (that is, staying in the normal interval), the carry flag is turned on. Therefore, when the carry flag is turned on, the determination result in step S204 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to the process of step S230 described later.

On the other hand, when the carry flag is off (that is, staying in the advantageous section), the determination result in step S204 becomes NO (the value before the subtraction process is other than 0), and then the main control means 100 steps. It is determined whether or not the value of the advantageous interval counter 126 has changed from 1 to 0 by the subtraction process of S202 (step S206). In other words, it is determined whether or not the game satisfies the end condition of the advantageous section (that is, the game of the 1500th game after shifting to the advantageous section). This determination is determined by the on / off state of the zero flag, and if the zero flag is on, it means that the value of the advantageous interval counter 126 has changed from 1 to 0, so the determination result in step S206 is YES. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step S228 described later.

On the other hand, when the zero flag is off (that is, it is not the final game of the advantageous section), the determination result in step S206 becomes NO, and then the main control means 100 updates the value of the net increase counter. Process. First, the value of the net increase number counter 127 stored in the predetermined storage area of the RWM is acquired and set in the HL register (step S208). Here, it is assumed that the value of the H register indicates the upper 1 byte of the value of the net increase number counter 127, and the value of the L register indicates the lower 1 byte of the value of the net increase number counter 127.

Then, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination of the re-game combination is displayed on the winning line L in this game (step S210). When the symbol combination of the re-game combination is displayed on the winning line L, the determination result in step S210 becomes YES, and the process proceeds to step S226 described later. As a result, when the re-game combination wins, the update process of the net increase number counter 127 is avoided.

On the other hand, if the symbol combination of the re-game combination is not displayed on the winning line L, the determination result in step S210 becomes NO, and the net increase number counter 127 is updated. First, by the processing of steps S212 to S218, the difference number calculation process for reflecting the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in the current game in the value of the net increase number counter 127 is performed. First, the number of medals paid out to the player in this game (the number of medals paid out) is read from the predetermined storage area of the RWM and set in the A register (step S212). Here, if the medal is not paid out, 0 is set in the A register. Then, the value of the A register (the number of payouts) is added to the value of the net increase number counter 127 set in the HL register (step S214).

Next, the number of medals inserted by the player in this game (inserted number) is read from the predetermined storage area of the RWM and set in the A register (step S216), and the value of the A register (inserted number) is set from the value of the HL register. ) Is subtracted (step S218). When the value of the HL register becomes less than 0 by this subtraction process, the carry flag is turned on and at least the value of the most significant bit of the H register becomes 1. Then, as a result of the subtraction process, it is determined whether or not the value of the HL register is less than 0 (step S220). This determination may be made based on the on / off state of the carry flag, or may be made based on the value of a specific bit in the H register (upper 1 byte of the value of the net increase counter 127).

Here, the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied when the value of the net increase number counter 127 exceeds 2400 (D). That is, since the value of the HL register exceeds 0000010110100000 (B), the value of the upper 4 bits of the HL register (more strictly, the H register) does not normally become 1. Therefore, when any one or more of the upper four bits of the H register is 1, it may be determined that the subtraction result in step S218 is less than 0.

When the subtraction result of step S218 becomes less than 0, the determination result of step S220 becomes YES, the value of the HL register is cleared (0) (step S222), and the value of the HL register is set to the predetermined storage area (net increase) of the RWM. It is stored in (the address where the value of the number counter is stored) (step S224). On the other hand, if the subtraction result of step S218 is not less than 0, the determination result of step S220 becomes NO, and the process proceeds to step S224 without performing the processing of step S222. Therefore, the value of the subtraction result of step S218 is changed. It is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RWM.

Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not the value of the net increase counter 127 exceeds 2400 (D) (upper limit value) (step S226). Specifically, a comparison operation is performed between the value of the HL register and 2401 (D), and if the value of the HL register is smaller (the upper limit value is not exceeded), the carry flag is turned off and the value of the HL register is turned off. If is larger (exceeds the upper limit), the carry flag is turned on. The value of the HL register does not change due to this comparison operation.

As described above, when the replaying combination wins a prize in the determination process of step S210 (determination result is YES), the processes of steps S212 to S224 are not performed and the value of the net increase counter 127 does not change. If so, the determination result in step S226 should be NO. However, since there is a possibility that the value of the net increase number may be changed by some kind of fraudulent act, in the present embodiment, whether or not the value of the net increase number counter 127 exceeds the upper limit even if the replaying combination wins a prize. The judgment process is performed.

When the value of the HL register is larger than the value of 2401 (D) in the determination process of step S226, the determination result is YES because it means that the value of the net increase number counter 127 exceeds the upper limit value. The main control means 100 clears various information (see FIG. 13) regarding the advantageous section stored in the RWM (step S228). Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not the value of the section type number SC stored in the predetermined storage area of the RWM is 0 (normal section) (step S230). If the value of the section type number SC stored in the RWM is not 0, the determination result in step S230 becomes NO, and the value of 1500 (D) is stored in the RWM address indicated by the value of the HL register. (Step S232), the process of managing the advantageous section clear counter in FIG. 29 is terminated.

Here, the determination result in step S230 can be NO only when the determination result in step S204 is NO. More specifically, it is a case where the value of the advantageous section counter 126 is 0 in the previous game, but the value of the section type number SC is 1 indicating the advantageous section, that is, from the normal section in the game. Since it means that the process has shifted to the advantageous section, 1500 (D), which is an initial value, is set in the advantageous section counter 126 by the process of step S232. Further, in this case, the address of the RWM in which the value of the advantageous interval counter 126 is stored is set in the HL register by the processing of step S200.

Further, when the determination result in step S226 described above is NO (the value of the net increase number counter 127 does not exceed the upper limit value), the value of the advantageous section counter stored in the RWM and various types related to the advantageous section are obtained. The process of managing the advantageous section clear counter in FIG. 29 is terminated while maintaining the information. If the determination result in step S230 is YES (the value of the section type number is 0 (normal section)), the advantageous section clear counter management process of FIG. 29 is performed without setting the initial value in the advantageous section counter 126. To finish.

(Explanation of modified example of advantageous section clear counter management)
Next, a modified example of the advantageous section clear counter management shown in FIG. 29 is shown. In the advantageous section clear counter management shown in FIG. 29, as shown in steps S212 to S218, the input number is subtracted after the payout number is added to the value of the net increase number counter 127. On the other hand, in this modification, the input number is first subtracted from the value of the net increase number counter 127, and then the payout number is added.

Hereinafter, this modification will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, in the advantageous section clear counter management shown in FIG. 30, the processes of steps S212 to S218 in the advantageous section clear counter management of FIG. 29 (the value of the net increase number counter 127 reflects the input number and the payout number in each game). Instead of the process), the process of steps S250 to S256 is performed. Therefore, the steps other than steps S250 to S256 are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the advantageous section clear counter management in FIG. 29, and detailed description of these steps will be omitted.

When the determination result in step S210 is NO (the symbol combination of the re-game combination was not displayed in this game), the main control means 100 determines the number of medals inserted by the player in this game (insertion). The number of sheets) is read out from the predetermined storage area of the RWM, set in the A register (step S250), and the value of the A register (number of inserted sheets) is subtracted from the value of the HL register (step S252).

Next, the number of medals paid out to the player in this game (number of payouts) is read from the predetermined storage area of the RWM and set in the A register (step S254), and the value of the A register (number of payouts) is set to HL. It is added to the value of the net increase counter 127 set in the register (step S256).

When the process of step S256 is performed, the process proceeds to step S220, and it is determined whether or not the value of the HL register is less than 0. Here, in the advantageous section clear counter management of FIG. 29, the value of the HL register depends on whether the value of the carry flag or the value of any one or a plurality of bits of the upper 4 bits of the H register is 1. Although it was possible to determine whether or not the value was less than 0, in this modification, it is not possible to determine whether or not the value of the HL register was less than 0 by the value of the carry flag.

For example, if the value of the HL register becomes less than 0 when the input number is subtracted from the value of the HL register (value of the net increase number counter 127) by the process of step S252, the carry flag is turned on. Then, if the value of the HL register changes from less than 0 to 0 or more when the number of payouts is added to the value of the HL register by the process of step S256, the carry flag is also turned on. Therefore, even when the carry flag is turned on, the value of the HL register is not always less than 0.

If the value of the HL register is not less than 0 when the input number is subtracted from the value of the HL register (value of the net increase counter 127) by the processing of step S252, the HL register is added by the addition processing of step S256. The carry flag remains off because the value of is never less than zero. On the other hand, if the value of the HL register becomes less than 0 when the number of input sheets is subtracted from the value of the HL register, the carry flag is turned on, but the value of the HL register is subsequently added when the number of payout sheets is added. If it does not exceed 0, the carry flag is turned off. Therefore, even when the carry flag is turned off, the value of the HL register is not always 0 or more.

From the above, it is not possible to determine whether or not the value of the HL register in step S220 is less than 0 based on the carry flag. Therefore, in this modification, it is based on the value of the upper 4 bits of the H register. It is determined whether or not the value of the HL register is less than 0.

In this embodiment, when any of the condition devices of winning-A1 to A6 is activated, the correct answer pressing order corresponding to the condition device is not notified even during the advantageous section but not during AT. For example, in addition to the net increase number counter 127, a net increase number counter that can count negative values is provided, and the payout rate during a predetermined number of games after shifting to an advantageous section based on the value of this counter is a specific value. If it is judged that the number is less than the above, if you are staying in the advantageous section even if you are not in AT, when any of the condition devices of winning-A1 to A6 is activated, the correct answer push order corresponding to the condition device is activated. May be notified.

In addition, for example, as a small winning combination, a symbol combination in which 10 medals are paid out when the stop switch is stopped in a specific operation order (for example, left → middle → right) is displayed, and a predetermined operation order (for example). For example, when the stop operation is performed from left to right to middle), the symbol combination in which three medals are paid out is displayed, and when the stop operation is performed in any other operation order, the symbol combination in which one medal is paid out is stopped. Provide multiple types of condition devices that display according to the timing (that is, missed depending on the timing of the stop operation). If the value of the advantageous section counter 126 has not reached the upper limit, but the value of the net increase number counter 127 has just reached the upper limit, three medals will be paid out when the above-mentioned condition device is activated. Indicates the operation order in which the symbol combinations are displayed. By giving such an instruction, the game in which three medals are inserted and three medals are paid out is repeated (that is, the net increase number does not increase). This makes it possible to wait for the condition device related to the bonus to operate while suppressing the consumption of medals until the upper limit of the advantageous section counter 126 is reached.

On the contrary, if the payout rate during the predetermined number of games after shifting to the advantageous section exceeds the predetermined value based on the value of the net increase counter that can count the negative value described above, even if Even during AT, when any of the condition devices of winning-A1 to A6 is activated, it is not necessary to notify the correct answer pressing order corresponding to the condition device.

Further, the execution / non-execution of the processing performed during the advantageous section may be controlled according to the number of inserted medals. For example, if a game is played with a 3-card bet (1st specified number) during an advantageous section, the net increase counter 127 and the AT counter 128 are updated, and the game is played with a 2-card bet (2nd specified number). If is performed, the net increase number counter 127 may be updated, but the AT counter 128 may not be updated.

Further, when the end condition during AT is determined not by the number of games but by the net increase number during AT, it is assumed that a counter for counting the net increase number during AT (tentatively referred to as "AT net increase number counter") is provided. Even in such a case, if the game is played with a 3-card bet (1st specified number) during the advantageous section, the net increase counter 127 and the AT net increase counter are updated and the 2-card bet (2nd) is performed. When the game is played with the specified number), the net increase number counter 127 may be updated, but the AT net increase number counter may not be updated.

In addition to the counter update process described above, for example, when a game is played with a two-card bet (second specified number), the update process of the advantageous section counter 126 and the net increase number counter 127 and the lottery state transition control are performed. However, the advantageous section transition lottery process, the display control of the instruction content by the instruction monitor, the transition control of the game status number, and the like may not be performed.

Here, when the maximum bet switch 35 is operated in the advantageous section, three medals are inserted from the credited medals, and when the maximum bet switch 35 is operated in the normal section, two medals are inserted. You may do so. In this case, one medal is first inserted into the medal slot 32 during the normal section, and then two medals are additionally inserted when the maximum bet switch 35 is operated to play a three-card betting game. It may be feasible.

<Explanation of timer interrupt processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 31, the contents of the timer interrupt process executed in each predetermined cycle in the main control means 100 will be described. This timer interrupt process is repeatedly executed at a cycle of about 2.235 milliseconds, and is a display control process for various 8-segment indicators and LEDs, an operation detection process for each switch of the operation means 300 shown in FIG. 10, and a sub. Transmission processing of control commands to the control means 200, output processing of external signals to the external centralized terminal board 86, drive control processing of stepping motors 42L, 42C, 42R (generation and output of various control signals, various values used as random values and timers). Various processing such as updating the counter value) is performed.

The main control means 100 starts the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 31 every time an interrupt request signal (generation cycle: about 2.235 milliseconds) is output from the timer counting means (timer circuit) provided by the main control means 100. .. When the timer interrupt process is executed, the return address or the like of the executed process in the game progress main process of FIG. 21 is stored in the stack area. As a result, after the timer interrupt processing is completed, the processing can be restarted from the continuation of the processing executed in the game progress main processing or the like based on the return address stored in the stack area.

When the timer interrupt process of FIG. 31 is started, first, the main control means 100 performs the initial process of the timer interrupt process to be executed (step S500). For example, the data set in each register of the CPU is stored in the stack area of the RWM, and the interrupt prohibition flag is turned on so that a new timer interrupt process is not started during the timer interrupt process to be performed.

Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not a power failure (power supply voltage is lower than a predetermined value) is detected based on the power supply failure detection signal (step S502). It is assumed that this power supply cutoff detection signal is output from the power supply monitoring circuit (not shown) provided in the main control means 100. As shown in FIG. 32, this power supply monitoring circuit monitors the value of the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 10, and when a normal power supply (voltage value Vcc) is supplied, the power supply is turned on for some reason. When it is cut off, the power supply voltage drops, and when the voltage value reaches V ₁ , a power supply cutoff detection signal is output. Then, when the power supply voltage further decreases and the voltage value becomes V ₂ , the slot machine 10 stops its operation. The power supply unit 82 shown in FIG. ₂ is designed so as to secure at least t ₂ time (see FIG. 32) from the time when the power supply is cut off until the value of the power supply voltage drops to V1. ..

If a power failure is detected in the determination process of step S502, the determination result becomes YES, and the number of times the power interruption occurs is counted (step S504). Specifically, 1 is added to the value of the variable CNTOFF stored in the RWM. Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable CNTOFF exceeds 1 (becomes 2 or more) (step S506), and if the value of the variable CNTOFF exceeds 1, the determination result becomes YES and the power is cut off. The power supply cutoff process that is sometimes performed is performed (step S508).

When this power cutoff process is started, first, the value of the output port (see step S522 described later) for outputting a control signal or the like from the main control means 100 to each device in the slot machine 10 is cleared. By performing this processing, the values of all the bits of all the output ports become "0", whereby, for example, the selector 80 solenoid 45 is turned off, and the medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 32 are sent from the rail portion 830. It falls to the inclined plate 831 (see FIG. 3C) and is returned to the saucer 61 through the return passage 81a.

Further, when the hopper motor 46 is rotating, the rotation is stopped, so that the transport plate 93 can be prevented from rotating due to inertia and the medals being paid out from the hopper 83. Further, in the power off processing, the value of the SP register (register storing the address of the storage area of the RWM used as a stack) is stored in a predetermined address of the RWM (for example, the stack pointer temporary storage area described above), and the power off processing is performed. The power cutoff processing flag indicating that the above is performed is set, the check sum of the predetermined address range of the RWM is calculated, and the value (2's complement) based on the result is stored in the predetermined storage area of the RWM. In addition, access to the RWM is prohibited, and a reset signal input from the outside is in a standby state.

If the power failure is not detected in the determination process in step S502, the determination result becomes NO, and the value of the variable CNTOFF described above is reset to "0" (step S510). By performing such processing, for example, even if a power failure is detected (step S502, YES) and the value of the variable CNTOFF is added from "0" to "1" by the processing of step S510, the following If the power cutoff is not detected when the timer interrupt process is performed by the interrupt request signal (step S502, NO), the power cutoff process is not performed.

If the power failure is not detected, the value of the variable CNTOFF is reset by the process of step S510. Therefore, the power failure is detected in the previous timer interrupt process, and the power disconnection is detected in the current timer interrupt process. If not (that is, if the power off is not detected twice in a row), the power off process is not performed. It should be noted that the number of continuous detections of the power supply disconnection at which the power supply disconnection process is performed is not limited to two times and can be appropriately determined. Since the power supply cutoff process is not performed only once the power supply cutoff is detected in this way, the power supply is momentarily cut off due to the influence of noise or the like (that is, the power supply is instantly restored from the power off state). It is possible to avoid the power cutoff process being performed even in some cases.

After performing the processing in step S510, or when the determination result in step S506 becomes NO, the main control means 100 performs LED display processing for displaying control of the credit number display 27, the acquired number display 28, and the like. Is executed (step S512). Next, the main control means 100 performs a timer measurement process for updating the count value of a timer commonly used to measure a predetermined time (step S514). In this timer measurement process, the count values for various timekeeping stored in the predetermined storage area in the RWM of the main control means 100 are subtracted. Thereby, for example, it is possible to measure the time until the game standby (so-called demo screen is displayed), the minimum game time (4.1 seconds), and the time detected by various sensors.

Here, the minimum game time is a time set after the start switch 36 is operated in a situation where a specified number of medals are bet, and 1835 (D) is stored in the RWM as a time value (count value). To. Then, the stored time value is subtracted by 1 each time the timer interrupt processing is performed, and the time value becomes "0" (2.235 × 10 ^-3 × 1835 = 4.101225 seconds elapses. ), Even if the start switch 36 for starting the next game is operated, the rotation start control for starting the rotation of the reel is not executed.

Further, in the detection time of various sensors, a timer value for measuring the medal passing time for determining whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 32 is retained (medal jam) in the selector 80, and a timer value for measuring the medal passing time are used. There is a medal passing time and the like for determining whether or not the medal has stayed in the hopper 83. Furthermore, if the small winning combination wins when the number of credits has reached the upper limit (50), the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the small winning combination is paid out from the hopper 83, but the medals are paid out at this time. There is also a medal unpaid time to judge whether or not there is one.

Next, the main control means 100 uses various external signals (operating means 30) input to the input port.
An input port reading process that reads an on / off signal from 0 and saves it at a predetermined address of the RWM is performed (step S516), and stepping motors 42L, 42C are used to control the rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, 40R. , 42R are each subjected to a reel drive management process described later (step S518). Then, it is determined whether or not the reel drive management process has been performed for all the stepping motors (step S520), and if the reel drive management process has not been performed for all the stepping motors, the determination result becomes NO and step S518 is performed again. Performs reel drive management processing.

When the reel drive management process is performed for all the stepping motors, the determination result in step S520 becomes YES, and the main control means 100 determines the display data of various indicators and each of them based on the data stored in the RWM. Port output processing is executed to output signals for controlling various devices such as control signals for stepping motors 42L, 42C, and 42R, drive signals for solenoid 45, and drive signals for hopper motor 46 from output ports (step S522).

Next, the main control means 100 transmits the control command saved first among the control commands stored in the ring buffer area set in the RWM to the sub control means 200 (step S524). Then, after performing an external signal output process for outputting various signals to be output to the outside via the external centralized terminal board 86 (step S526), the signal is stored in a predetermined address (stack area) of the RWM by the initial process of step S500. A return process for restoring the values of various registers and the like is performed (step S528), and the timer interrupt process in FIG. 31 is terminated.

(Relationship between the power failure detection time and the medal detection time in the selector)
As shown in FIG. 32, in the present embodiment, it takes time t ₂ from the occurrence of the power interruption to the detection of the occurrence of the power interruption (in other words, until the power supply voltage drops to V1). Further, as shown in FIG. 23, since the medal M passing through the medal guide passage 814 of the selector 80 is detected by the first insertion sensor 811 (the first insertion sensor signal is ON), the second insertion sensor 812 It takes time t ₁ until it is no longer detected (the second input sensor signal is OFF). Then, in the present embodiment, the time t ₁ is shorter than the time t ₂ (that is, t ₁ <t ₂ ).

Such a configuration has the following advantages when the medal is added when the second input sensor signal falls from the ON state to the OFF state in FIG. 23. For example, if a power cut occurs when the first turn-on sensor signal rises from the OFF state to the ON state, and if the power cut process is started before the second turn-on sensor signal falls from the ON state to the OFF state, The addition process for the detected medals is not performed, and it is too late to turn off the solenoid 45 to return the medals (that is, the medals pass through the selector 80 and reach the medal storage portion 90 of the hopper 83). There is a risk, in which case you will "swallow" the medal. Therefore, by making the time t ₁ shorter than the time t ₂ , it is possible to reliably perform the addition process for the inserted medals.

As a method of realizing the relationship of t ₁ <t ₂ , for example, in the power supply unit 82, when a power failure occurs by using a capacitor or the like, the time for the power supply voltage to drop from Vcc to V ₁ is prolonged. The length of t ₂ is extended, the installation interval between the first input sensor 811 and the second input sensor 812 is shortened, and the inclination angle of the medal guide passage 814 is increased to shorten t ₁ . Can be considered.

Further, in the present embodiment, the time from the time when the medal is inserted (the moment when the entire medal M is completely contained in the selector 80; see FIG. 22A) until the _first insertion sensor signal is turned ON (FIG. 22). 2
3) is longer than the time t ₂ (ie, t ₁ '> t ₂ ). As a result, for example, if a power cut occurs when the medal is inserted, the power cut process is started before the first insertion sensor 811 detects the medal, so that the solenoid 45 is pressed before the medal passes through the selector 80. The medal can be turned off and returned from the return passage 81a to the saucer 61.

Further, in the present embodiment, after the first payout sensor signal falls from the ON state to the OFF state as shown in FIG. 28 (b), the second payout sensor signal is turned OFF as shown in FIG. 28 (b). When the time from the state to the ON state is t ₁ ", the relationship of t ₁ "<t ₂ is established. As a result, for example, if a power cut occurs while trying to eject a medal, the medal can be paid out before the power cut process is performed. As a result, in step S40 (payout process) of the game progress main process shown in FIG. 21, the number of medals to be paid out is not counted even though the medals are actually paid out (that is, the loss on the playground side). It is possible to avoid the situation of being connected).

The relationship between the time t ₂ from the occurrence of the power cutoff to the start of the power cutoff process and the various detection times can also be applied to the pachinko gaming machine. For example, after detecting that a game ball has entered the start opening (and / or the big winning opening (so-called attacker)) for starting the variable display of the so-called special symbol, the game ball is discharged from the pachinko gaming machine. Assuming that the time until the detection is performed is t _p1 , the relationship of t _p1 <t ₂ is established.

In addition, after detecting that the game ball has passed through a specific area (a region that becomes a probable change state after the big hit ends when the game ball passes) provided inside the big winning opening, the game ball is a pachinko gaming machine. Assuming that the time until the detection of the discharge from the machine is t _p2 , the relationship of t _p2 <t ₂ may be established.

With such a configuration, even if a power failure occurs at the same time as entering a ball into the starting port and / or the large winning opening or passing through a specific area, the discharge of those game balls is counted before the power failure is detected. Therefore, it is possible to maintain consistency between the number of game balls that have entered or passed and the number of game balls that have been discharged.

(Explanation of reel drive management process)
Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 33, the contents of the reel drive management process executed in step S518 of FIG. 31 (timer interrupt process) will be described. In the reel drive management process shown in FIG. 33, each stepping motor corresponding to the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is individually driven and controlled in the order of right stepping motor 42R → middle stepping motor 42C → left stepping motor 42L. ..

When the reel drive management process of FIG. 33 is started, the main control means 100 sets the number of reels (“3”) in the register of the CPU in the C register of the CPU (step S540). The value set in the C register is also used as data for designating a specific reel among the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. Here, when it is "1", the left reel 40L is specified, when it is "2", the middle reel 40C is specified, and when it is "3", the right reel 40R is specified.

Then, by performing the reel control data address set processing (step S542), first, the head address (specifically, the reel drive state number) of the RWM storing various drive control data related to the right reel 40R is stored. The data that specifies the address) is set in the HL register of the CPU. Then, based on the address set in the HL register, the reel drive control process for controlling the right stepping motor 42R is performed (step S544), and whether or not the reel drive control process of step S544 is performed for all the stepping motors. Is determined (step S546). This determination process performs a process of subtracting "1" from the value of the C register (value set as the number of reels), and whether or not the subtracted result is "0" (whether or not the value of the zero flag is "1"). ) Is determined.

At this point, the value of the C register is "2", so the determination result is NO, and the reel control data address set processing in step S542 is performed again. In the process of step S542, the main control means 100 sets the data for designating the start address of the RWM storing various drive control data related to the middle reel 40C in the HL register of the CPU. As a result, the main control means 100 performs the reel drive control process of step S544 for the middle stepping motor 42C, then shifts to the determination process of step S546, and again performs the reel drive control process of step S544 for all the stepping motors. Judge whether or not.

At this point, since the value of the C register is "1" in step S546, the determination result in step S556 is NO, and the reel control data address set processing in step S542 is further performed. Then, the data that specifies the start address of the RWM that stores various drive control data related to the left reel 40L is set in the HL register of the CPU. As a result, the main control means 100 performs the reel drive control process of step S544 with respect to the left stepping motor 42L. Then, since the value of the C register becomes "0", the determination result in step S546 becomes YES, the reel drive management process of FIG. 33 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S522 (port output process) of FIG.

(Explanation of reel drive control process)
Next, the contents of the reel drive control process executed in step S544 of FIG. 33 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. As described above, this reel drive control process is performed in the order of right reel 40R → middle reel 40C → left reel 40L (more specifically, right stepping motor 42R → middle stepping motor 42C → left stepping motor 42L). It is a process executed for each reel. Hereinafter, the processing contents of the drive control will be described for each drive state number of the stepping motor.

(1) Reel drive control process when "stopped" First, in the main control means 100, the value of the drive state number of the reel to be controlled stored in the RWM is "0" (stopped). Whether or not it is determined (step S550). If the drive state number is "0", the determination result is YES, and the main control means 100 ends the reel drive control process of FIG. 33 and determines the determination process shown in step S546 of the reel drive management process shown in FIG. 33. I do.

(2) Reel drive control process at the time of "rotation start standby" When the main control means 100 determines that the drive state number is not "0" (NO) in the determination process of step S550, the drive state number is next. Is determined to be "1" (waiting for rotation start) (step S552). Here, it is assumed that the transition from the drive state of "stopped" to "rotation start standby" is performed after the operation of the start switch 36 is accepted in the game progress main process of FIG. 21. If the drive state number is "1", the determination result is YES, and the main control means 100 accesses the RWM address (F056 in the case of the left reel) in which the value of the rotation start standby counter is stored. Then, "1" is subtracted from the stored value (step S554).

Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not the value of the rotation start standby counter has become "0" (step S556), and if it is not "0", the determination result is NO, and the reel drive in FIG. 33. After finishing the control process, the determination process shown in step S546 of the reel drive management process shown in FIG. 33 is performed. On the other hand, in the determination process of step S558, if the value of the rotation start standby counter is "1", the determination result is YES, and the main control means 100 is set to the predetermined address of the RWM (F055 in the case of the left reel). The value of the stored reel drive pulse data search counter is corrected (step S558).

This correction is made for the following reasons. The step position where the physical reel is actually stopped and the value indicated by the reel-driven pulse data search counter (basic data for pulse output) may differ and are different. In that case, the acceleration of the reel does not go smoothly, and the reel often shows a "squashing" movement. Therefore, in the correction process of step S558, the reel is smoothly accelerated by subtracting the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter by one step.

Next, the main control means 100 sets an output request of a command (reel rotation start command) for notifying the sub control means 200 that the reel has started rotation in the register of the CPU (step S560), and the reel rotation. The start command is stored in the ring buffer of the RWM (step S562). Here, the reel rotation start command stored in the ring buffer is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 by the process of step S524 (control command transmission process) of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. Then, the drive state number "4" (accelerating) is set in the register of the CPU (step S564), and the drive state number of the reel currently performing reel drive control (hereinafter, also referred to as "controlled reel"). Accesses the stored address and updates the stored value (driving state number) to the value (“4”) set in the register in step S564 (step S566).

Next, the main control means 100 accesses the address (F04F in the case of the left reel) in which the value of the reel drive pulse output counter of the reel to be controlled is stored, and stores it in step S164 of FIG. 27 (reel rotation start processing). "1" is subtracted from the initial value of the reel drive pulse output counter (step S568). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the reel drive pulse output counter is "0" (step S570). If the value of the reel drive pulse output counter is not "0", the determination result is NO, and FIG. 34 shows. The reel drive control process is terminated. In this case, since the drive state number is updated to "4" by the process of step S566, when the next timer interrupt process is executed, the reel drive control in which the drive state is "accelerating" is performed. The process when the determination result in step S570 becomes YES (the value of the reel drive pulse output counter is “0”) will be described in the next “accelerating” process.

(3) Reel drive control process when "accelerating" When the reel drive control process of FIG. 34 is started when the reel drive state is "accelerating" (drive state number is "4"), first, The determination results of steps S550 and S552 are both NO, the process proceeds to step S568 through step S566, and "1" is subtracted from the value stored in the address of the reel drive pulse output counter corresponding to the reel to be controlled. .. Then, step S550 (NO) → S552 (NO) → S566 to S570 (NO) → return processing every time the timer interrupt processing is performed until the stored value is determined to be “0” (YES). Is repeated.

When the value of the reel drive pulse output counter becomes "0", the determination result in step S570 becomes YES, and the data for turning off all the phases of the stepping motor driving the controlled reel (drive pulse clear data). ) And the data for setting the reel drive state to "stopped" are set in the register of the CPU (step S572). Specifically, the data of 00 (H) is set in the register. Then, when this data is stored in the address of the RWM in which the drive state number is stored, it means "stopped" (drive state number "0"). When the lower 4 bits of this data are used as data indicating the excited (“1”) / non-excited (“0”) state for each phase of φ0 to φ3 of the stepping motor, all phases are non-excited. It means to instruct excitation.

Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not the current reel drive state is “decelerating” (drive state number “2”) (step S574). Here, since the reel drive state is “accelerating”, the determination result in step S612 is NO, and “1” is added to the value of the reel drive pulse output counter of the reel to be controlled (step S580). It is determined whether or not the reel driving state is "in constant speed" (step S582). As described above, since the reel drive state is “accelerating”, the determination result in step S582 is NO, and the drive pulse output to the stepping motor corresponding to the reel to be controlled is updated (step S588).

Specifically, the RWM address (F055 in the case of the left reel) in which the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter of the reel to be controlled is stored is accessed, and "1" is added to the stored value. Here, the lower 3 bits of the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter are used as the drive pulse data. The drive pulse data is data that specifies a phase (excitation pattern) to be excited among each phase (φ0 to φ3) of the stepping motor.

In this embodiment, when the drive pulse data is 0 (H), the excitation of φ3 and φ0 is specified, when the drive pulse data is 1 (H), the excitation of φ0 is specified, and when the drive pulse data is 2 (H), the excitation of φ0 and φ1 is specified. When 3 (H), φ1 excitation is specified, when 4 (H), φ1 and φ2 excitation are specified, when 5 (H), φ2 excitation is specified, and when 6 (H), φ2 is specified. And φ3 excitation are specified, and when 7 (H), φ3 excitation is specified. Therefore, when the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter is odd, one phase is excited, and when the value is even, two phases are excited. In this way, the drive pulse data is also updated by adding "1" to the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter, and as a result, the stepping motor corresponding to the reel to be controlled rotates by one step.

Next, the main control means 100 sets an address value in which the reel drive state of the controlled reel is stored and a value to be stored (drive state number) of "5" (during constant speed) in the register of the CPU. (Step S590). Then, the RWM address in which the reel drive state number of the reel to be controlled is stored is accessed, and it is determined whether or not the stored value is "4" (accelerating) (step S592). At this point, since the reel drive state is “accelerating”, the determination result in step S592 is YES, and the RWM address in which the value of the reel drive pulse switching number of the controlled reel is stored is accessed and stored. "1" is subtracted from the value of the reels (step S594).

Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the number of reel drive pulse switching is "0" (step S596), and if it is not "0", the determination result is NO, and the CPU register is processed in step S590. The value of the address set in is updated to the value of the RWM address in which the value of the reel drive pulse output counter of the controlled reel is stored (step S598). Next, the number of pulse switchings subtracted by "1" by the process of step S594 is acquired from the RWM (step S600), and the beginning of the acceleration pattern information (see FIG. 20) stored in the ROM in the main control means 100. The value of the address (in FIG. 20, the address in which the interrupt count corresponding to the switching count "9" is stored) is set in the register of the CPU (step S602).

Then, the ROM address in which the number of interrupts corresponding to the number of switchings acquired in step S600 is stored is set in the register of the CPU (step S604). As a result, the value of the next interrupt count is acquired from the ROM, stored in the RWM address set in step S598 (step S606), and the reel drive control process of FIG. 34 is terminated. This step S
By the process of 606, the value of the reel drive pulse output counter to which "1" is added in step S580 is updated to the value of the number of interrupts acquired from the ROM.

The main control means 100 repeats the process of step S550 (NO) → S552 (NO) → S566 to S570 (NO) → return from the next timer interrupt process, and in the process of step S570, the reel updated in step S606. When the value of the drive pulse output counter becomes "0", the determination result of step S570 becomes YES, and the above-mentioned steps S572 → S574 (NO) → S580 → S582 (NO) → S588 → S590 → S592 (YES) → Processing of S594 → S596 (NO) → S598 to S606 → return is performed. As a result, the values of the next reel drive pulse output counter and the reel drive pulse switching number in the acceleration pattern information shown in FIG. 20 are updated.

By the above processing, for example, when accelerating the reel according to the acceleration pattern shown in FIG. 20, the reel drive pulse output stored in the predetermined address of the RWM by the processing of step S164 of the reel rotation start processing shown in FIG. 27. The value of the counter is updated to 50 (D) as an initial value, and the value of the number of reel drive pulse switchings is updated to 9 (D) as an initial value. Then, in the timer interrupt process that is repeatedly executed after the interrupt process is permitted, the process of step S550 (NO) → S552 (NO) → S566 to S570 (NO) → return is repeated, and the process of step S568 is performed. The value of the reel drive pulse output counter is subtracted by "1".

Then, when the interrupt processing is performed 50 times after the acceleration is started, the value of the reel drive pulse output counter becomes "0", the determination result of step S570 becomes YES, and step S572 → S574 (NO). ) → S580 → S582 (NO), the drive pulse output to the stepping motor corresponding to the reel to be controlled is updated in step S588. Then, in step S590 → S592 (YES), the value of the reel drive pulse switching number stored in the RWM in step S594 is subtracted by “1” to become “8”. After that, the process of step S596 (NO) → S598 to S604 is performed, and in step S606, the number of interrupts (“14”) corresponding to the number of switchings (“8”) updated by step S594 from the acceleration pattern of FIG. 20. Is read, and the value of the reel drive pulse switching number is updated to "14". Then, these processes are repeated in step S596 until the number of switching becomes "0".

As a result, as shown in FIG. 36 (a), 111.75 milliseconds after the start of acceleration (that is, when the timer interrupt process is performed 50 times), the stepping motor rotates by one step, 31 of which. After .29 ms (ie, when the timer interrupt process is performed 14 times), the stepping motor rotates by one step, and after 6.705 ms (that is, when the timer interrupt process is performed 3 times), stepping is performed. The motor rotates by one step. After that, every time 4.47 ms elapses (that is, every time the timer interrupt process is performed twice), the stepping motor rotates by one step, and when the number of switching times becomes 9, 2.235 ms. Later (that is, when the timer interrupt process is performed once), the stepping motor rotates by one step, and the acceleration process is completed.

In the acceleration pattern information of FIG. 20, when the processing for the last number of switchings is completed, the determination result in step S596 becomes YES and the processing in step S606 is performed immediately. That is, since the processing of steps S598 to 604 is not performed, the CPU address includes the value of the address stored in the reel drive state of the controlled reel set in the register of the CPU by the processing of step S590 and the drive state. The value of the number ("5": during constant speed) remains without being overwritten. Therefore, by the process of step S606, the drive state number "5" is stored in the RWM address in which the drive state of the control target reel is stored. As a result, the drive control when the reel drive state is "in constant speed" is started from the next timer interrupt process. Further, since the processing of steps S598 to 604 is not performed at this time, the value of the reel drive pulse output counter is also maintained at the value added by "1" by step S580 (that is, "1").

(4) Reel drive control process at "constant speed" When the reel drive control process of FIG. 34 is performed in the next timer interrupt process when the reel drive state shifts to "constant speed", step S550 (NO). ) → S552 (NO) → S566, the value of the reel drive pulse output counter is decremented by “1” by the process of step SS568. Here, since the value of the reel drive pulse output counter is set to "1" by the processing of step S580 last performed when the reel drive state is "accelerating", the process shifts to "constant speed". By the process of the first step S568, the value of the reel drive pulse output counter becomes "0". As a result, the determination result in step S570 becomes YES, the determination result in step 574 becomes NO through the process of step S572, and the value of the reel drive pulse output counter becomes "1" again by the process of step S580.

Next, in the determination process of step S582, the determination result is YES because the current reel drive state is “in constant speed”. As a result, the main control means 100 accesses the RWM address in which the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter of the controlled reel is stored, and determines whether or not the stored value is an even number (step S584). ). If the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter is an even number, the determination result is YES, and the main control means 100 adds "1" to the value of the reel rotation failure detection counter stored in the RWM (). Step S586).

By the processing of steps S584 and S586, the value of the reel rotation defect detection counter is increased by "1" every time the stepping motor corresponding to the controlled reel is rotated by two steps. As a result, even if the number of steps per rotation (“336”) of the stepping motor exceeds the value that can be expressed in 1 byte (that is, 256), the value of the reel rotation defect detection counter is managed in 1 byte. be able to. As a condition for adding "1" to the value of the reel rotation failure counter, a condition "when the value of the rotating cylinder sensor signal is" 0 "" may be added. When this condition is added, for example, when the index detection is judged by the level instead of the rising edge of the reel sensor signal, the value of the reel sensor signal is "" during the period when the reel sensor detects the index. Since the state of "1" is maintained and the value of the reel rotation failure counter does not increase, the reel is not re-accelerated during that period.

When the process of step S586 is completed, the main control means 100 performs the processes of steps S588 and S590, and determines in step S592 whether or not the current reel drive state is “accelerating”. At this point, since the speed is “in constant speed”, the determination result in step S592 is NO. As a result, the main control means 100 shifts to the process of step S610 in FIG. 35, sets the RWM address value in which the number of steps (16 or 17) of one symbol related to the controlled reel is stored in the register of the CPU, and currently It is determined whether or not the reel drive state of is "in constant speed" (step S612). At the present time, the judgment result is YES because it is "in constant speed", and the rotating cylinder sensor is taken in from the input port by the processing of step S516 in FIG. 31 (timer interrupt processing) and stored in the predetermined address of the RWM. The value of the signal (“0” or “1”) is acquired (step S614). Specifically, the input port 2 level data stored in the address F00C and the input port 2 rising data (see FIG. 17) stored in the address F00F are acquired.

Then, the main control means 100 determines whether or not the rotation sensor signal of the reel to be controlled has risen with reference to the input port 2 rise data (step S616). As described above, in the present embodiment, the rise of the cylinder sensor signal is checked only when the reel drive state is "during constant speed", and when the reel drive state is "accelerating", "deceleration start", and "deceleration", the cylinder sensor is checked. The rising edge of the signal is not checked.

In the determination process of step S616, if the rotation sensor signal is raised, the determination result becomes YES, and the main control means 100 performs the correction process of the reference step number (step S618). Specifically, the reference step number correction value is determined, the reference step number is generated based on the determined reference step number correction value, and is stored in a predetermined RWM address. Here, the reference step number is set to "0" at the position of the boundary line between the symbol number "19" and the symbol number "0", and increases by "1" each time the stepping motor rotates by one step. The value to be used (details will be described later).

The above-mentioned reference step number correction value is "3" when the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter is odd, and is "4" when the value is even. Originally, the value of the reel-driven pulse data search counter should be constant at either an even number or an odd number immediately after the rise of the cylinder sensor signal. However, since the index detection position varies due to the accuracy of the rotating cylinder sensor, the value of the reel-driven pulse data search counter may be an even number or an odd number. In order to deal with such variations, as described above, the correction values to be set differ depending on whether the value of the reel-driven pulse data search counter is even or odd.

Next, the main control means 100 stores the symbol number (hereinafter referred to as “reference symbol number”) when the reel index is detected at a predetermined address of the RWM as a symbol passing through the middle stage M (step S620). ). Here, in the present embodiment, the reference symbol number is set to "0". As described above, in the present embodiment, when the index of the control target reel is detected, the information regarding the rotation position of the control target reel (specifically, the reference step number and the reference symbol number) is stored in the RWM. Then, the RWM address in which the value of the reel rotation failure detection counter of the reel to be controlled is stored is accessed, the stored value is initialized to "0" (step S622), and the reel drive control process shown in FIG. 35 is performed. To finish.

On the other hand, in the determination process of step S616, if the rotation body sensor signal corresponding to the control target reel has not risen, the determination result becomes NO, and the main control means 100 is after the control target reel starts rotating. , Whether or not the index is detected (in other words, whether or not the reel sensor signal has risen) is determined (step S624). If the spinning sensor has not yet detected the index, the determination result becomes NO, and the reel drive control process of FIG. 35 ends. On the other hand, if the rotation sensor has already detected the index in the determination process of step S624, the determination result is YES, and the main control means 100 sets the value of the reference step number corresponding to the control target reel. "1" is added, the RWM address in which the number of steps of one symbol is stored is accessed, and "1" is subtracted from the stored value (step S626).

Next, the main control means 100 determines whether or not the value subtracted by the process of step S626 becomes "0" (that is, rotated by one symbol) (step S628), and becomes "0". In the case, the determination result is YES, and the predetermined number of steps for one symbol (here, “17”) is the RWM address (in the case of the left reel) in which the number of steps for one symbol related to the control target reel is stored. Store in F051) (step S630). At this time, the number of steps of one symbol stored in the RWM may be modified based on the number of reference steps described above.

Next, the main control means 100 updates the value stored in the address of the symbol number (passing position) of the controlled target reel to the value of the next symbol number (step S632). Then, the value of the RWM address in which the number of steps of one symbol related to the controlled target reel is stored is set in the register of the CPU (step S634), and the value stored in the address of the symbol number (passing position) related to the controlled target reel. However, when the symbol number is any of "0", "5", "10", and "15", the RWM address set in step S634 is accessed and the stored value ("17") is set. It is corrected to "16" (step S636).

When the process of step S636 is completed or the determination result of step S628 becomes NO, whether or not the value of the symbol number (passing position) stored in the RWM matches the value of the symbol number (stop position). (Step S638). If both values do not match, the determination result becomes NO, and the reel drive control process shown in FIG. 35 ends. Here, the value of the symbol number (stop position) is stored in a predetermined RWM address when the stop switch is operated. Further, although not shown, in the present embodiment, processing is performed so that the symbol number to be stopped is not determined when the reel drive state is "in constant speed", so that the determination result in step S638 is obtained. It will never be YES.

In this way, when the reel drive state is "in constant speed", steps S550 (NO) → S552 (NO) → S566 to S574 (NO) → S580 to S584 (→ S586) → S588 to S592 ( NO) → The processing of S610 to S616 is performed, and each time the timer interrupt processing is performed, the stepping motor corresponding to the reel to be controlled is rotated by one step. Then, when the reel sensor corresponding to the reel to be controlled detects the index of the reel (steps S616, YES), the processes of steps S620 and S622 are performed to end the reel drive control process of FIG. 35. On the other hand, when the reel sensor corresponding to the reel to be controlled does not detect the index of the reel (steps S616, NO), the processing of steps S624 to S638 is performed and the symbol passing through the middle stage M is performed. Update the number (for passing position).

(Explanation of the index of each reel and its detection position)
Here, the index of the reel and the mounting position of the rotating cylinder sensor for detecting the index will be described with reference to FIG. 37. FIG. 37A is a diagram showing the correspondence between the symbol number of the reel and the step value of the stepping motor, and this correspondence is common to all three reels. FIG. 37B is a diagram showing the position of the index IDX formed on the reel, and in the figure, the arrow a indicates the rotation direction of the reel (the direction in which the symbol moves in the display window 21).

First, the stepping motor in the present embodiment has 336 steps per lap, and the reference steps are the symbol numbers "19" and "0" as shown in FIGS. 37 (a) and 37 (b). With the boundary set to "0", the value increases by "1" each time the stepping motor rotates one step, and becomes "0" again after one rotation. Therefore, every time the value of the reference step number increases by "1", the reel rotates by about 1.07 ° (360 ° / 336), and the reference step number and the rotation angle of the reel correspond to each other. I can say.

In the present embodiment, the lengths of the symbol regions of the symbol numbers "0", "5", "10", and "15" in the circumferential direction are 16 steps, and the lengths of the other symbol numbers in the circumferential direction are set. The length is 17 steps. Therefore, the numerical range of the reference step number associated with each symbol number is as shown in FIG. 37 (a). Further, the number of reference steps corresponding to the central position of the symbol area of each symbol number is a value obtained by adding "8" to the number of reference steps at the boundary with the symbol number on the downstream side. Therefore, the number of reference steps corresponding to the center position of the symbol area of the symbol number "0" is "8" (0 + 8 = 8), and the number of reference steps corresponding to the center position of the symbol area of the symbol number "1" is "24". "(16 + 8 = 24).

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 36, when the rotation sensor signal rises, the correction process of the reference step number is performed (steps S616, YES → S618), and the timing at which this correction process is performed is shown in FIG. 38. Will be described with reference to.

First, as shown in FIG. 38 (a), when the reel is rotating in the direction of the arrow b, the center position in the rotation direction of the symbol region of the symbol number "19" is the center of the middle M of the display window 21. When the position is reached, that is, when the symbol with the symbol number "19" reaches the fixed position, the value of the "reference step number" becomes "327". Then, the reel rotates step by step from that position, and when the index IDX is detected by the cylinder sensor as shown in FIG. 38 (b), in other words, the cylinder sensor controls the reel. When a predetermined rotation position is detected, the reel sensor signal rises from the OFF state to the ON state.

Further, as shown in FIG. 37 (b), since the length of the index IDX in the rotation direction is about 2 steps, when the reel rotates by 2 steps after the rotation body sensor signal rises, the reel rotates. The body sensor signal goes down from the ON state to the OFF state. For example, the width of the index IDX in the rotation direction may be set to the length over half the circumference of the reel, and may be set to fall when the reel makes a half turn after the reel sensor signal rises.

When the rotation body sensor signal rises from the OFF state to the ON state, the reference step number correction process of step S618 of FIG. 35 is performed. Here, as shown in FIG. 37 (b), the position of the detection start end ds of the index IDX is located on the upstream side by three steps from the boundary between the symbol numbers “19” and “0”. Therefore, if there is no discrepancy between the actual rotation angle of the reel and the value of the reference step number, the value of the reference step number is "3", but in the present embodiment, the reference step number is obtained when the index is detected. Since the value of "1" is not added to the number of addition steps, the value of the reference step number is set to "4" in consideration of the value.

At this time, the value of the reel-driven pulse data search counter is referred to, and if the value is odd, the value of the "reference step number" is set to "3", and if the value is even, it is set to "4". set. Therefore, when the corresponding stop switch is operated immediately after the rotation sensor signal rises, if the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter is an odd number, the reel stops when the stepping motor rotates by 6 steps. If the number is even, deceleration processing is performed so that the reel stops after rotating by 5 steps. Thereby, in the process of driving the stepping motor by 1-2 phase excitation, it is possible to prevent the start of 4-phase excitation for decelerating the reel at the timing of exciting the two phases.

As described above, the rotating cylinder sensor of the present embodiment does not detect the index IDX (that is, the rotating cylinder sensor signal rises) when the symbol of the symbol number "0" reaches the fixed position of the middle stage M, but determines it. The index IDX is detected before reaching the position (more specifically, when the position is located upstream by 5 steps). Therefore, even if the stop switch is operated immediately after the index IDX is detected by the rotating cylinder sensor, it is possible to provide a time margin, and the symbol of the symbol number at the time when the index is detected is placed in the fixed position of the middle stage M. It is possible to stop at.

In addition, when the symbol with the symbol number "0" is located 5 steps upstream from the fixed position of the middle stage M, the reel index is detected by the rotating cylinder sensor, and the stop switch is operated immediately after that. Can stop the symbol with the symbol number "0" at a fixed position in the middle row M. As a result, in step S620 of FIG. 35 (saving the reference symbol number when passing through the rotating cylinder sensor), it is only necessary to reset the value stored in the RWM to "0", so that the rotating cylinder sensor reel is driven in the clearing process. The control process can be simplified.

(Modification example of correction processing performed when reel index is detected)
In the examples shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 described above, the value of the reference step number is corrected when the index IDX is detected, and the number of steps of one symbol is corrected based on the reference step number. However, the index IDX is detected. Sometimes, the number of steps of one symbol may be corrected directly. Here, a case where the number of steps of one symbol is corrected when the index IDX is detected will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40. Here, FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the position of the index IDX formed on the reel, and in the figure, the arrow c indicates the rotation direction of the reel (the direction in which the symbol moves in the display window 21). Further, FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the timing at which the index IDX of the reel is detected by the rotating cylinder sensor.

Also in this modification, the number of steps per lap of the stepping motor is 336, and the length of the symbol regions of the symbol numbers "0", "5", "10", and "15" in the circumferential direction is 16. The length of the step and other symbol numbers in the circumferential direction is 17 steps.

In the present embodiment, as described with reference to steps S628 to S636 of FIG. 35, when the symbol reaches the fixed position of the middle stage M in the display window 22, the value of the number of steps of one symbol becomes “0”. , It is updated to the next symbol number, and the number of steps until the symbol of the next symbol number reaches the fixed position of the middle M is stored in the RWM. Further, as described with reference to steps S616 to S620 of FIG. 35, when the rising edge of the rotating cylinder sensor signal is detected, the symbol number is set to “0”. Therefore, the correspondence between the position of the symbol in each symbol number and the value of the number of steps of one symbol is as shown in FIG. 39. That is, when the symbol with the symbol number "0" reaches the fixed position in the middle row M, the value of one symbol step number becomes "0", and the number of steps until the symbol with the next symbol number reaches the fixed position in the middle row M. ("16") is stored in the RWM.

Also in this modification, the position of the detection start end ds of the index IDX is on the upstream side by 3 steps from the boundary between the symbol numbers “19” and “0”. Therefore, the value of the number of steps of one symbol at the time when the rising edge of the rotation sensor signal is detected is "5" as shown in FIG. 39. Based on the above, a case where the value of the number of steps of one symbol is corrected when the reel sensor signal rises by detecting the index IDX of the reel by the reel sensor will be described with reference to FIG. 40.

First, as shown in FIG. 40 (a), when the reel is rotating in the direction of the arrow d, the center position in the rotation direction of the symbol region of the symbol number "19" is the center of the middle M of the display window 21. When the position is reached, that is, when the symbol with the symbol number "19" reaches the fixed position, the value of "the number of steps of one symbol" becomes "0", and "17" which is the number of steps of the symbol number "19" is set. Then, the value of the symbol number is updated to "0" which is the next symbol number. Then, each time the reel rotates one step at a time, the value of "the number of steps of one symbol" is subtracted by "1", and eventually, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), the index IDX is a rotating cylinder sensor. When detected by, the reel sensor signal rises from the OFF state to the ON state.

When the rotation sensor signal rises from the OFF state to the ON state, first, the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter is referred to, and if the value is an odd number, the value of "the number of steps of one symbol" is set to "6". If it is an even number, set it to "5". Therefore, if the corresponding stop switch is operated immediately after the rotation sensor signal rises, if the value of the reel drive pulse data search counter is an odd number, the reel will stop when the stepping motor rotates by 6 steps. If the number is even, the reel will stop after rotating for 5 steps. As a result, in the process of driving the stepping motor by 1-2 phase excitation,
It is possible to prevent the start of 4-phase excitation for decelerating the reel at the timing of exciting the two phases.

In this way, in the rotating cylinder sensor in the modified example, the index IDX is detected before the symbol of the symbol number "0" reaches the fixed position of the middle stage M (more specifically, when it is located on the upstream side by 5 steps). Will be done. Therefore, even if the stop switch is operated immediately after the index IDX is detected by the rotating cylinder sensor, a time allowance can be provided, and the symbol of the symbol number at that time is stopped at the fixed position of the middle stage M. It becomes possible.

Further, when the symbol with the symbol number "0" is located 5 steps upstream from the fixed position of the middle stage M, the reel index is detected by the rotating cylinder sensor, and the stop switch is operated immediately after that. Can stop the symbol with the symbol number "0" at a fixed position in the middle row M. As a result, in step S620 of FIG. 35 (saving the reference symbol number when passing through the rotating cylinder sensor), it is only necessary to reset the value stored in the RWM to "0", and therefore, in clearing, the driving of the rotating cylinder sensor reel is performed. The control process can be simplified.

In the present embodiment, the position where the index of the reel is detected is the middle M of the display window 21, but it may be the upper U or the lower D. Further, the index of the reel can be detected before the center position in the symbol area of the symbol number "0" reaches the center position (that is, the fixed position) of the middle stage M (in the case of this embodiment, it is detected 5 steps before). If there is, the mounting position of the rotating cylinder sensor and the forming position of the index of the reel are not limited to this embodiment.

Further, in the determination process of step S616 of FIG. 35, it is determined whether or not the cylinder sensor signal has risen. However, regardless of the driving state of the reel, the cylinder sensor signal is generated a plurality of times during one rotation of the reel. Even if it starts up, it does not execute the processing when an abnormality occurs. In particular, since the determination process of step S616 is not executed during "acceleration", even if the rotating body sensor signal is raised a plurality of times during "acceleration", the main control means 100 may perform special processing by that. not. Therefore, even if the rotating cylinder sensor signal is raised a plurality of times during "acceleration", it is not determined that an abnormality has occurred. In addition, even if it is determined that the rotation sensor signal rises during "acceleration", the processing when an abnormality occurs is not executed when the rotation sensor signal rises multiple times during "acceleration". Is preferable.

For example, suppose the reel stops when the position of the index is close to the position of the spinning sensor (more prominently, the position where the spinning sensor detects the index). In this state, when the next game is started and the reel starts to rotate, the movement of the reel is shaken due to the unstable operation of the stepping motor at the initial stage of acceleration, and as a result, the cylinder sensor is indexed. May be detected multiple times.

Therefore, even if the reel sensor signal rises multiple times during one rotation of the reel, by not executing the processing when an abnormality occurs, for example, even if the reel shakes at the start of rotation of the reel. It is not considered that an abnormality has occurred, and the game is not interrupted due to the occurrence of an abnormality. As a result, there is a margin in the design regarding the drive control of the stepping motor, and the smooth progress of the game becomes possible.

Further, as described in step S616 described above, in the present embodiment, when "accelerating", "starting deceleration", and "decelerating", the rise of the rotating cylinder sensor signal is not checked, but for example, "accelerating". You may check the rise of the rotation sensor signal. In this case, the operation of the stop switch can be enabled (in other words, an acceptable state) at an earlier stage. For example, it is assumed that the operation of the stop switch is enabled on the condition that the rotation speed of the reel reaches a constant speed and the rising edge of the cylinder sensor signal is detected.

At this time, if the rising edge of the reel sensor signal is not checked during "accelerating", the reel is fixed even if the reel sensor detects the index of the reel during acceleration (that is, before reaching a constant speed). The operation of the stop switch does not take effect until the speed is reached and then the reel sensor detects the reel index. Therefore, after the reel reaches a constant speed, it is activated after the reel makes almost one revolution. On the other hand, if the rising edge of the reel sensor signal is checked even during "acceleration", when the reel index is detected during acceleration, the reel acceleration ends and the speed becomes constant. When it is reached, the operation of the stop switch can be enabled.

Here, in the case of configuring to check the rising edge of the rotating cylinder sensor signal during "acceleration", when the rising edge of the rotating cylinder sensor signal is detected during the acceleration processing of the reel according to a predetermined acceleration pattern, If you try to restart the acceleration process from the state at the time of detection after storing the reference symbol number and initializing the reel rotation failure detection counter, various values related to the acceleration process will be returned to the state at the time of detection. Complicated processing must be performed.

Therefore, when restarting the acceleration process in such a case, it is preferable to restart the acceleration process from a predetermined state of the acceleration pattern. For example, when the rising edge of the rotating body sensor signal is detected during "acceleration", it is determined that the acceleration process is restarted from the state where the value of "number of switching" is "7" in the acceleration pattern shown in FIG. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), if the rising edge of the rotating cylinder sensor signal is detected when the number of times of switching for the sixth time (that is, the value of the “number of switching times” is “4”), the following In the timer interrupt processing of, the acceleration processing is restarted from the state where the value of the "switching count" is "7".

In this way, when the rise of the rotation sensor signal is detected while the acceleration process is being performed according to the predetermined acceleration pattern, the acceleration process is restarted by restarting the acceleration process from the predetermined state in the predetermined acceleration pattern. The processing of time can be simplified.

(5) Reel drive control process when “deceleration starts” When the operation of the stop switch is accepted when the reel drive state is “constant speed”, the main control means 100 uses the game progress main as shown in FIG. In step S36 (reel stop management) of the process, the reel drive state of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is shifted from "during constant speed" to "start of deceleration". When the reel drive control process of FIGS. 34 and 35 is performed in this state, steps S550 (NO) → S552 (NO) → S566 to S574 (NO) → S580 → S582 (NO), as in “during constant speed”. ) → S588 to S592 (NO) → S610, and the stepping motor to be controlled is rotated by one step each time the timer interrupt processing is performed. Then, since the reel drive state is "deceleration start", the determination result in step S612 becomes NO, the processes of steps S624 to S636 are performed, and the symbol number passing through the middle stage M is updated as necessary.

Then, in the determination process of step S638, if the value of the symbol number (passing position) stored in the RWM and the value of the symbol number (stop position) do not match, the determination result becomes NO and the main control is performed. The means 100 ends the reel drive control process shown in FIG. 35. On the other hand, if both values match, the determination result is YES, and the main control means 100 registers the 4-phase deceleration pulse data (data that excites all the phases of the stepping motor to be controlled) in the CPU register. (Step S640), and a predetermined value of the reel drive pulse output counter corresponding to the four-phase deceleration is set in the register of the CPU (step S642). Here, the value of the reel-driven pulse output counter set in the register is a value corresponding to 90 interrupts (about 200 ms).

Next, the main control means 100 accesses the RWM address in which the reel drive state related to the controlled reel is stored, and updates the stored drive state number to “2” (step S644). Then, a predetermined value (corresponding to 90 interrupts) set in the register of the CPU is stored in the address of the RWM in which the value of the reel drive pulse output counter for the reel to be controlled is stored (step S646). Next, an output request of a command (reel rotation stop command) for notifying the sub-control unit 200 to stop the rotation of the reel is set in the register of the CPU (step S648). As a result, the reel rotation stop command is stored in the ring buffer of the RWM (step S650), and is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 by the process of step S524 (control command transmission process) of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.

Upon receiving the reel rotation stop command, the sub-control means 200 executes an effect when the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped (for example, generation of a reel stop sound, generation of a tempai sound, extinguishing of a back lamp, etc.). Here, since the reel rotation stop command is transmitted when the reel drive state is "deceleration start" (that is, before the reel actually stops), the sub-control unit 200 receives the reel rotation stop command as an opportunity. By starting the effect processing when the reel is stopped, it is possible to start the process related to the effect to be executed and the reel to stop. Therefore, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to match the execution timing of the effect with the timing of the actual reel. For example, if the effect at the time of reel stop is executed immediately after receiving the reel rotation stop command, the timing at which the effect is performed is earlier than the timing at which the reel is stopped, the sub-control means 200 stops the reel. A process may be performed in which the effect of time is made to wait for a predetermined time. Further, the length of this waiting time may be adjustable.

Next, the main control means 100 clears the value of the deceleration flag stored in the predetermined address of the RWM to "0" (step S652). Then, the data for exciting all the phases of the stepping motor corresponding to the reel to be controlled set in the register of the CPU in the process of step S640 is stored in the predetermined address of the RWM (step S654), and the reel drive shown in FIG. 35 is performed. End the control process.

(6) Reel drive control process during "deceleration" When the reel drive state shifts to "deceleration" by the process of step S644 in FIG. 35, the timer interrupt process executed in the next interrupt cycle is a step. From the value (90 interrupts) stored in the address of the reel drive pulse output counter for the reel to be controlled by the process of step S646 in the process of step S568 through the process of S550 (NO) → S552 (NO) → S566. "1" is subtracted. Then, in the determination process of step S570, it is determined whether or not the value of the reel drive pulse output counter becomes "0", and thereafter, until the value of the reel drive pulse output counter becomes "0", step S550 (NO). ) → S552 (NO) → S566 to S570 (NO) → Return processing is repeatedly executed. During this period, the drive pulse of 4-phase excitation continues to be output to the stepping motor corresponding to the reel to be controlled.

Then, in the determination process of step S570, when the value of the reel drive pulse output counter becomes "0", the determination result becomes YES, and the main control means 100 receives the data to be the drive state number "0" by the process of step S572. A value (00H) that also serves as data for de-exciting (turning off) all phases of the stepping motor corresponding to the reel to be controlled is set in the register of the CPU. Next, in the determination process of step S574, the determination result is YES because the current reel drive state is “decelerating”, and the “0” data set in the CPU register is stored in the reel drive state. It is stored in a predetermined address of the RWM (step S576). As a result, the reel drive state number becomes "0" and the reel drive state becomes "stopped". Then, the reel drive pulse set process of step S578 is performed, and the reel drive control process of FIG. 35 is completed.

As described above, in the reel drive control process shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the processing content is branched according to the drive state of each reel. Therefore, the drive state number is stored in the start address first specified when the reel drive control process of FIGS. 34 and 35 is performed for each reel by the process of step S542 in the reel drive management process of FIG. 33 described above. By setting the address to be used, necessary data can be efficiently read from the RWM.

<< Explanation of control processing in sub-control means >>
Next, in the present embodiment, the contents of the main processing performed by the sub-control means 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 41 to 43. FIG. 41 shows a reception interrupt process for storing received control commands, FIG. 42 shows a main loop process for transmitting and receiving control commands, and FIG. 43 shows a timer interrupt process for processing various switch signals. Each process shown in FIGS. 41 to 43 is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

First, when the reception interrupt process of FIG. 41 is started, the sub-control means 200 sends the control command transmitted from the main control means 100 and the sub-control command transmitted from the image control board 204 to the buffer memory provided in the RWM. Store (step Ss100). In addition, the reception interrupt process is terminated and other processes are performed. Further, when the main loop process of FIG. 42 is started, the sub-control means 200 performs a sub-control command transmission process of transmitting a sub-control command to the image control board 204 (step Ss110). Then, the analysis processing of various control commands stored in the buffer memory described above is performed (step Ss112), the main loop processing of FIG. 42 is terminated, and other processing is performed.

When the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 43 is started, the sub-control means 200 first performs a determination switch input determination process (step Ss220) that performs processing according to an operation on the determination switch 39, and then an operation on the effect switch 52. The effect switch input determination process is performed according to the above (step Ss202). Then, when the selection switch input determination processing that performs the processing according to the operation on the selection switch 38 is performed (step Ss204), the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 43 is terminated and another processing is performed.

(Explanation of decision switch input judgment processing)
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 44, the processing content of the determination switch input determination executed in step Ss200 of FIG. 43 (timer interrupt processing) will be described. First, the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not the determination switch 39 is currently in the valid period (the period during which the operation can be accepted) (step Ss220). Here, the validity period of the determination switch 39 is that the start switch 36 is operated to start the next game after all the reels are stopped (in the case of paying out medals, after the payout of medals is completed). It means the period until it is done. If the determination switch 39 is not in the valid period, the determination result in step Ss220 becomes NO, the sub-control means 200 ends the determination switch input determination process shown in FIG. 44, and FIG. 43 (timer interrupt process). ), The process proceeds to the process of step Ss202 (determination of switch input for effect).

On the other hand, in the determination process of step Ss220, if the determination switch 39 is valid, the determination result is YES, and the sub-control means 200 receives an input signal indicating the on / off state of the determination switch 39 (hereinafter, “” It is determined whether or not the “decision switch signal”) has risen from the off state to the on state (step Ss222). This input signal is turned off when the determination switch 39 is not pressed, and turned on when the decision switch 39 is pressed. If the decision switch signal has not been raised, the determination result in step Ss222 becomes NO, the process of determining the decision switch input shown in FIG. 44 is terminated, and step Ss202 (for effect) in FIG. 43 (timer interrupt process) is terminated. Move to the process of switch input judgment).

On the other hand, in the determination process of step Ss222, if the determination switch signal is raised, the determination result is YES, and the sub-control means 200 generates a menu command for displaying the menu screen on the display device 70 (). Step Ss224). Then, the generated menu command is stored in the buffer memory for transmission (step Ss226), the process of determining the input of the determination switch shown in FIG. 44 is terminated, and the process of step Ss202 (effect switch) of FIG. 43 (timer interrupt process) is completed. Move to the process of input judgment).

The menu command stored in the buffer memory by the process of step Ss224 is transmitted to the image control board 204 by the process of step Ss110 of FIG. 42 (main loop process). Then, when the menu command is received on the image control board 204, a process for displaying the menu screen on the display device 70 is performed.

(Explanation of processing of production switch input judgment)
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 45, the processing content of the effect switch input determination executed in step Ss202 of FIG. 43 (timer interrupt processing) will be described. First, the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not the effect switch 52 is currently in the valid period (step Ss240). Here, the effective period of the effect switch 52 means a period during which the above-mentioned "specific effect" is executed in the display device 70. Further, the "specific effect" is a kind of effect for raising the expectations of the player, and a message or voice prompting the player to operate the effect switch 52 is sent before the start of the effect or at the beginning of the effect. It refers to an effect in which the content of the effect being executed changes when the effect switch 52 is operated while the specific effect is being presented.

If the effect period is not the valid period of the effect switch 52, the determination result in step Ss240 becomes NO, the sub-control means 200 ends the effect switch input determination process shown in FIG. 45, and FIG. 43 (timer allocation). The process proceeds to the process of step Ss204 (selection switch input determination) of the interrupt process). On the other hand, when the effect period of the effect switch 52 is valid, the determination result is YES, and the sub-control means 200 is an input signal indicating an on / off state of the effect switch 52 (hereinafter, “effect switch signal””. (Also referred to as) determines whether or not it is in the ON state (step Ss242). This input signal is turned off when the effect switch 52 is not pressed, and turned on when the effect switch 52 is pressed. When the effect switch signal is in the off state, the determination result in step Ss242 becomes NO, the process of determining the effect switch input in FIG. 45 is terminated, and step Ss204 (selection) in FIG. 43 (timer interrupt process). Move to the process of switch input judgment).

On the other hand, in the determination process of step Ss242, if the effect switch signal is in the ON state, the determination result is YES, and the sub-control means 200 issues an effect command for changing the effect content being executed. Generate (step Ss244). Here, as a change in the effect content, for example, the level of the level meter displayed on the image display device 70 may be raised, or one of the two characters displayed on the image display device 70 may attack the other. Various changes can be considered. When the effect switch 52 is continuously operated for a predetermined time (so-called long press), the function (so-called) is the same as when the effect switch 52 is continuously operated for a short time and intermittently. It may be provided with an automatic continuous striking function).

Then, the sub-control means 200 stores the generated effect command in the buffer memory for transmission (step Ss246), then ends the effect switch input determination process of FIG. 45, and ends the process of FIG. 43 (timer interrupt process). Step Ss204 (selection switch input determination).

(Explanation of selection switch input judgment processing)
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 46, the processing content of the selection switch input determination executed in step Ss204 of FIG. 43 (timer interrupt processing) will be described. First, the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not the selection switch 38 is currently in the valid period (step Ss260). Here, the valid period of the selection switch 38 is the screen switching or the display on the screen from the start of displaying the menu screen to the display device 70 to the end of the display of the menu screen. The period during which the cursor can be moved.

The validity period of the selection switch 38 is not limited to this, and for example, the game standby may be the validity period of the selection switch 38. For example, when the left / right switch of the selection switch 38 is operated during the game standby, the volume of the effect sound may be increased / decreased, and when the up / down switch is operated, the amount of light of the lamps emitted during the effect may be increased / decreased. Further, the selection switch 38 may be always valid only for adjusting the volume of the effect sound and adjusting the amount of light of the lamps.

If the selection switch 38 is not in the valid period, the determination result in step Ss260 becomes NO, and the sub-control means 200 ends the selection switch input determination process shown in FIG. 464 and performs other processes. On the other hand, if the valid period of the selection switch 38 is, the determination result is YES, and the sub-control means 200 receives an input signal indicating the on / off state of the upper switch constituting the selection switch 38 (hereinafter, “upper switch”). It is determined whether or not the "signal") has risen from the off state to the on state (step Ss262).

Here, the upper switch signal is turned off when the upper switch is not pressed, and is turned on when the upper switch is pressed. In addition, the same input signals as the upper switch are input to the lower switch, left switch, and right switch that make up the selection switch 38 together with the upper switch, and the input signals corresponding to the lower switch are the lower switch signal and the left switch. The input signal corresponding to is called a left switch signal, and the input signal corresponding to the right switch is called a right switch signal.

In the determination process of step Ss262, if the upper switch signal is raised, the determination result is YES, and the sub-control means 200 changes the image displayed on the display device 70 according to the operation of the upper switch. Generate an upper switch command to make the switch (for example, move the display position of the cursor) (step Ss264). Then, the directional command including the generated upper switch command is stored in the buffer memory for transmission (step Ss278), and the process of the selection switch input determination shown in FIG. 46 is terminated.

On the other hand, in the determination process of step Ss262, if the upper switch signal has not risen, the determination result is NO, and then the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not the lower switch signal has risen from the off state to the on state. Is determined (step Ss266). If the down switch signal is up, the determination result is YES, and the sub-control means 200 issues a down switch command to change the image displayed on the display device 70 according to the operation of the down switch. Generate (step Ss268). Then, the process proceeds to step Ss278, the directional command including the generated lower switch command is stored in the buffer memory for transmission, and the process of the selection switch input determination shown in FIG. 46 is completed.

In the determination process of step Ss266 described above, if the lower switch signal has not risen, the determination result is NO, and then the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not the left switch signal has risen from the off state to the on state. (Step Ss270). If the left switch signal is up, the determination result is YES, and the sub-control means 200 issues a left switch command for changing the image displayed on the display device 70 according to the operation of the left switch. Generate (step Ss272). Then, the process proceeds to step Ss278, the directional command including the generated left switch command is stored in the buffer memory for transmission, and the process of the selection switch input determination shown in FIG. 46 is completed.

In the determination process of step Ss270 described above, if the left switch signal has not risen, the determination result is NO, and then the sub-control means 200 determines whether or not the right switch signal has risen from the off state to the on state. (Step Ss274). If the right switch signal is up, the determination result is YES, and the sub-control means 200 issues a right switch command for changing the image displayed on the display device 70 according to the operation of the right switch. Generate (step Ss276). Then, the process proceeds to step Ss278, the directional command including the generated right switch command is stored in the buffer memory for transmission, and the process of the selection switch input determination shown in FIG. 46 is completed.

In the determination process of step Ss274, if the right switch signal is not raised, the determination result becomes NO, and the process of the selection switch input determination shown in FIG. 46 is terminated as it is. Then, when the processing of the selection switch input determination shown in FIG. 46 is completed, the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 43 is also completed, whereby the sub-control means 200 executes other processing.

(Explanation of processing according to the operation of the sub switch)
Next, with reference to FIG. 47, the processing contents when the determination switch 39 and the effect switch 52 are operated will be described. Here, FIG. 47A shows the processing content when the determination switch 39 is operated, and FIG. 47B shows the processing content when the determination switch 39 and the effect switch 52 are operated. There is.

First, in FIG. 47 (a), when the gaming machine is in a game waiting state (here, a state in which the previous game is completed and medals for the next game can be accepted), the display device 70 Displays normally. This normal display may be the display of the production screen (including the moving image) that was performed at the end of the previous game, or the display of the so-called demo screen that is displayed when the game operation is not performed for a predetermined time. But it may be. Then, when a predetermined number of medals are inserted and the start switch 36 is operated, the valid period of the determination switch 39 ends during the game, and the display device 70 displays the effect screen of the normal effect. Here, the normal production means a production other than the above-mentioned specific production.

As described above, since the determination switch 39 is not in the valid period during the game, the menu screen is not displayed on the display device 70 even if the determination switch 39 is operated and the determination switch signal is turned on. Further, as shown in FIG. 44, since the menu command is generated by the rise of the decision switch signal (steps Ss222, YES → Ss224), the decision switch signal rises from OFF to ON during the game, and the game remains ON. The menu screen is not displayed on the display device 70 even if the display device 70 ends and shifts to the game standby (valid period of the determination switch 39).

As a result, for example, when some trouble occurs in the determination switch 39 or the transmission path of the determination switch signal during the game, and the determination switch signal continues to be ON regardless of whether or not the determination switch 39 is operated. However, since the menu screen is not displayed on the display device 70 regardless of the player's intention after the end of the game, the player does not feel annoyed. In addition, the display of the menu screen does not interfere with the effect being performed at that time. In FIG. 47A, the display device 70 continues to display the screen of the normal effect even after the game is completed, but the display may be switched to an effect different from the effect performed during the game at the end of the game. ..

When the game ends and the determination switch 39 becomes valid, and the determination switch 39 is operated at this time, the menu screen is displayed on the display device 70 by the rise of the determination switch signal. Here, during the valid period, after the symbol combination corresponding to the 1BB condition device is displayed (that is, after winning the bonus combination), during AT, when the game door 14 is open, etc., respectively. Even when the image corresponding to the above situation is displayed on the display device 70, the menu screen may be displayed in response to the operation of the determination switch 39. Further, during the valid period, when an image corresponding to those situations is displayed on the display device 70, such as after winning the bonus combination, during AT, or when the game door 14 is opened, the determination switch 39 is operated. In that case, it is not necessary to display the menu screen.

Further, for example, as described above, it is assumed that the ON state of the determination switch signal is maintained due to some trouble. If any abnormality occurs during this period, the screen of the display device 70 is switched from the menu screen to an error display for notifying that the abnormality has occurred. Further, when the abnormal state is restored to normal and the game is on standby, the display device 70 performs the above-mentioned normal display even when the ON state of the determination switch signal is maintained.

Next, as shown in FIG. 47 (b), even if the effect switch 52 is operated (including long press) during the game standby, it is not the valid period of the effect switch 52 during the game standby, so it is displayed. The display of the device 70 does not change at all. Further, even if the effect switch 52 is operated (including long press) while the normal effect is being executed during the game, the content of the normal effect changes at all because the effect period is not valid. There is nothing to do. Then, during the game, when the specific effect is started, the effect period of the effect switch 52 is set, and as shown in FIG. 45, the effect command is generated when the effect switch signal is in the ON state (steps Ss242, 2). By YES → Ss244), the image of the specific effect displayed on the display device 70 changes as shown by hatching in FIG. 47 (b).

Here, in the present embodiment, if the effect switch signal is in the ON state, an effect command is generated (step Ss242 → Ss244). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 47 (b), when the effect switch 52 is operated during the normal effect and the specific effect is started in the operated state, the effect switch 52 is operated at the start of the specific effect. It will be detected and the content of the specific effect will change. Further, when the effect switch 52 is pressed and held for a long time, the effect switch 52 is operated continuously for a short time and intermittently while the effect switch 52 is operated by the automatic continuous striking function. The image of the specific effect changes.

Here, as shown in FIG. 47 (b), even if the decision switch 39 is operated and the decision switch signal is raised while the effect switch 52 is being operated during the specific effect, the display device 70 has a menu. The screen is not displayed, and the display of the specific screen changes according to the operation of the effect switch 52. In this way, if the effect switch 52 is operated during the execution of the specific effect, the effect content changes accordingly, and even if the effect switch signal continues to be ON due to some trouble, the auto operation is performed. You can enjoy a specific effect by the continuous hit function. Further, even if the automatic continuous striking function is not provided, the execution of the specific effect is not hindered by the continuous ON state of the effect switch signal, so that it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the interest of the game.

Further, as shown in FIG. 47 (b), when the determination switch 39 is operated while the specific effect is still being performed even after the game is completed (that is, even when the determination switch 39 is valid). The display of the display device 70 is switched from the specific effect to the menu screen according to the rise of the determination switch signal. That is, the specific effect is canceled and the menu screen is displayed. As a result, during the valid period of the determination switch 39, the menu screen can be displayed according to the player's intention even during the execution of the effect. Although FIG. 47 (b) shows the case where the specific effect is continued after the end of the game, the menu screen may be displayed in the same manner even when the normal effect is continued after the end of the game.

Of the selection switch 38, the decision switch 39, and the effect switch 52, if one switch is operated and another switch is operated, it is determined whether to disable or enable the operation of the other switch. Various combinations can be adopted. Here, FIG. 48 shows a combination thereof. FIG. 48 shows, in each valid period of the decision switch 39, the selection switch 38, and the effect switch, when a switch that is not in the valid period (hereinafter, referred to as “deactivation switch”) is continuously operated. When a switch during the validity period (hereinafter referred to as "activation switch") is operated, the combination of whether the operation of the activation switch is enabled or disabled is shown.

Here, the item "A → B" provided in the column of the validity period of each switch shown in FIG. 48 means the case where the B switch is operated while the A switch is being operated, and at that time. If the operation of the B switch is valid, it will be "○", and if it is invalid, it will be "x". For example, as shown in FIG. 47 (b), when the effect switch 52 is operated while the determination switch 39 is being operated during the specific effect (during the valid period of the effect switch 52), the effect switch 52 is operated. The operation of the switch 52 is accepted (enabled) and processing is performed according to the operation of the effect switch 52. In FIG. 48, this is determined by the item "determination →" in the "effect switch validity period" column. "Direction" is represented by "○". In addition, although there is an item "selection A → selection B" in the "selection switch validity period" column, one of the upper switch, the lower switch, the left switch, and the right switch constituting the selection switch 38 is operated. It means that another switch is operated while the switch is on.

As a result, for example, in pattern 1 of FIG. 48, when the determination switch 39 is operated while any of the selection switches 38 is being operated during the valid period of the determination switch 39 (corresponding to the item “selection → determination”). ) And when the decision switch 39 is operated while the effect switch 52 is being operated (corresponding to the item "effect → decision"), the operation of the decision switch 39 is invalid ("x"). Will be done.

Further, in pattern 1, when any of the selection switches 38 is operated while the determination switch 39 is being operated during the valid period of the selection switch 38 (corresponding to the item “decision → selection”), the effect switch. When any of the selection switches 38 is operated while 52 is being operated (corresponding to the item "effect-> selection"), and when one of the selection switches 38 is being operated, the other When the switch is operated (corresponding to the item "selection A-> selection B"), the operation of the selection switch 38 ("other switch" of the selection switch 38) is invalid ("x").

Further, in the pattern 1, when the effect switch 52 is operated while the determination switch 39 is being operated during the valid period of the effect switch 52 (corresponding to the item “decision → effect”), and the selection switch. If the effect switch 52 is operated while any of 38 is being operated (corresponding to the item "selection-> effect"), the operation of the effect switch 52 is invalidated ("x"). ..

The pattern 2 in FIG. 48 is the same as the pattern 1 during the valid period of the decision switch 39 and the selection switch 38, but the operation of the effect switch 52 is valid during the valid period of the effect switch 52 (“◯”. "). Hereinafter, the patterns 3 to 10 will be omitted because the description is complicated. For example, in the pattern 9, during the valid period of the determination switch 39 and the selection switch 38, the operation of the effect switch 52 is performed by the determination switch 39 and the selection switch 38. On the other hand, it means that the operation of the effect switch 52 is hindered by the operation of the determination switch 39 and the selection switch 38 during the valid period of the effect switch 52. As for the pattern 10, the operation of the effect switch 52 does not interfere with the operation of the effect switch 39 and the selection switch 38 during the valid period of the determination switch 39 and the selection switch 38, as in the pattern 9, of the effect switch 52. It means that the operation of the effect switch 52 is not hindered by the operation of the determination switch 39 and the selection switch 38 during the valid period.

In the table shown in FIG. 48, when the switch that is valid (“◯”) continues to be operated for a predetermined time or longer, the so-called automatic continuous striking function may be executed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 49, during the valid period of the selection switch 38 and the decision switch 39 (for example, during the display of the menu screen) and during the valid period of the effect switch 52 (for example, during the execution of the specific effect). When a specific operation (for example, long press) is performed on a switch that is enabled, each of them has the same effect as when the switch is operated intermittently and continuously (so-called automatic continuous striking). Will be performed) or not will be described. Here, in FIG. 49, “⊚” indicates that the auto continuous striking function is executed, and “x” indicates that the auto continuous striking function is not executed.

In FIG. 49, in pattern 1, even if any one of the selection switches 38 is pressed and held while the menu screen is displayed, the automatic continuous hitting function is not executed for that switch, and even if the determination switch 39 is pressed and held, the determination switch 39 is displayed. Indicates that the auto-repeated hit function is not executed. Here, the automatic repeated hitting function of the selection switch 38 and the determination switch 39 while the menu screen of the pattern 5 is displayed is the same as that of the pattern 1, but in the pattern 1, the effect switch 52 is pressed and held during the specific effect. However, there is a difference that the automatic continuous striking function is executed in the pattern 5 while the auto continuous striking function is not executed.

Further, regarding the pattern 2, even if any one of the selection switches 38 is pressed and held while the menu screen is displayed, the automatic continuous striking function is not executed for that switch, but when the enter switch 39 is pressed and held, the enter switch 39 is pressed. It is shown that the auto-striking function is performed. Here, the automatic repeated hitting function of the selection switch 38 and the determination switch 39 while the menu screen of the pattern 6 is displayed is the same as that of the pattern 2, but in the pattern 2, the effect switch 52 is pressed and held during the specific effect. However, there is a difference that the automatic continuous striking function is executed in the pattern 6 while the auto continuous striking function is not executed.

Further, regarding the pattern 3, if any one of the selection switches 38 is pressed and held while the menu screen is displayed, the automatic continuous hitting function is executed for that switch, but even if the determination switch 39 is pressed and held, the determination switch 39 is executed. It shows that the auto-repeated hit function of is not executed. Here, the automatic repeated hitting function of the selection switch 38 and the determination switch 39 while the menu screen of the pattern 7 is displayed is the same as that of the pattern 3, but in the pattern 3, the effect switch 52 is pressed and held during the specific effect. However, the automatic continuous striking function is not executed, whereas the automatic continuous striking function is executed in the pattern 7.

Further, regarding the pattern 4, when any one of the selection switches 38 is pressed and held while the menu screen is displayed, the automatic continuous hitting function is executed for that switch, and even when the enter switch 39 is pressed and held, the enter switch 39 is auto. It is shown that the tap function is performed. Here, the automatic repeated hitting function of the selection switch 38 and the determination switch 39 while the menu screen of the pattern 8 is displayed is the same as that of the pattern 4, but in the pattern 4, the effect switch 52 is pressed and held during the specific effect. However, there is a difference that the automatic continuous striking function is executed in the pattern 8 while the auto continuous striking function is not executed.

It should be noted that the following may be considered as to whether to enable or disable the operation of the selection switch 38, the determination switch 39, and the effect switch 52.
(1) For example, when a menu screen including a plurality of selected items (for example, the name of information provided to the player) is displayed, if any of the selection switches 38 is operated, the selected items are selected. When the display of the cursor for selection moves in the direction corresponding to the operated switch and the decision switch 39 is operated, the information corresponding to the selected item specified by the cursor is displayed.

In this case, if the determination switch 39 is operated while any of the selection switches 38 is being operated while the menu screen is being displayed (valid period of the selection switch 38), the operation of the determination switch 39 is valid. (That is, display the information corresponding to the selected item specified by the cursor display). On the other hand, if any of the selection switches 38 is operated while the determination switch 39 is being operated, the operation of the selection switch 38 is invalidated (that is, the display of the cursor is not moved).

(2) When displaying the same menu screen as in (1) described above, any of the selection switches 38 is being operated while the menu screen is being displayed (valid period of the selection switch 38). When Ka is operated, the operation of the selection switch 38 is enabled (that is, the display of the cursor is moved). On the other hand, if the decision switch 39 is operated while any of the select switches 38 is being operated, the operation of the decision switch 39 is invalidated (that is, it corresponds to the selected item specified by the cursor display). Do not display information to do).

(3) When the menu screen is displayed, the selection switch 38, the determination switch 39, and the effect switch 52 when a plurality of switches among the selection switch 38, the determination switch 39, and the effect switch 52 are operated. If the processing by the operation of 52 is disabled and the operation of one switch is maintained and the operation of the other switch is stopped in the situation where a plurality of switches are operated, the operation is maintained. The operation on the switch may be enabled. Specifically, in a situation where the selection switch 38 and the determination switch 39 are being operated at the same time, the operation of the selection switch becomes effective and the cursor moves when the determination switch 39 is released. With this configuration, even if the effect switch 52 is always on due to a failure, it is possible to create start-up data for the effect switch 52 by turning other switches on and off. can.

(4) When determining the operation for each switch by the rising edge of the switch signal corresponding to the selection switch 38, the determination switch 39, and the effect switch 52, the operation is performed while the plurality of switches are continuously operated at the same time. With respect to the switch signal corresponding to the existing switch, the rise from the OFF state to the ON state may be periodically generated by a timer interrupt process or the like.
(5) In the pattern 5 shown in FIG. 48, instead of individually providing the determination switch 39 and the effect switch 52, one switch may be used in combination.

(6) For example, when the menu screen is displayed on the display device 70 (the operation valid period of the selection switch 38 and the determination switch 39), the selection switch 38 of the selection switch 38 is operated while any of the selection switches 38 is being operated. If the cursor moves continuously in the direction and the determination switch 39 is operated in this state, the operation may be invalidated. With this configuration, when the determination switch 39 is operated, the item selected by the cursor can be prevented from being determined against the player's intention. Further, when the menu screen is displayed and the determination switch 39 is configured to be repeatedly and continuously performed while the determination switch 39 is being operated, the determination switch 39 is being operated. When the selection switch 38 is operated with, the operation of the selection switch 38 may be enabled. As a result, the determination process that has been repeatedly and continuously performed ends, and the process shifts to the cursor movement process. With this configuration, by disabling the operation of the decision switch 39 when the cursor is continuously moving, it is possible to prevent the game history from being erroneously cleared, and the decision process. By enabling the operation of the selection switch 38 when the above is repeatedly performed, the item can be selected even if the determination switch 39 is always on due to a failure.

(7) If any of the selection switches 38 continues to be operated while the menu screen is being displayed (valid period of the selection switch 38), the cursor display in the menu screen should continue to move in the direction of the operated switch. You may do it. Further, when the game door 14 is opened in this state, the movement of the cursor display may be stopped, and when the game door 14 is closed again, the movement of the cursor display may be resumed. In this way, by disabling the operation of the sub switch while the game door 14 is open, the sub switch is carelessly opened when the game door 14 is opened during business, for example, when replenishing medals to the hopper 83. Is operated, and there is no risk of accidentally deleting information such as a game history stored in the sub-control unit 200.

(8) For example, during a game (during the invalid period of the determination switch 39), the control command transmitted from the main control means 100 cannot be received by the sub control means 200, and in that state, all reels are stopped. It is assumed that the sub-control means 200 can receive the control command again after the game is completed and the game shifts to the waiting state. Here, as a state in which the sub-control means 200 cannot receive the control command, for example, the main control means 100 and the sub-control means 200 are both operating normally, but there is a problem with the signal line connecting both of them and its connector. Depending on the situation, control commands may not be transmitted correctly. Under such a situation, the sub-control means 200 has not received the control command indicating that all reels have stopped, so that the sub-control means 200 is in a gaming state. Therefore, even if the determination switch 39 is operated, the operation is invalidated and the menu screen is not displayed on the display device 70.

Further, under such a situation, for example, it is assumed that the staff of the game hall shifts to the above-mentioned setting confirmation mode, displays the current setting value on the acquired number display 28, and then ends the setting confirmation mode. If the decision switch 39 is operated in such a situation, the operation is also invalidated and the menu screen is not displayed on the display device 70. However, if the decision switch 39 is operated after the credited medal payout is started due to the operation of the clearing switch 33 shown in FIG. 1, the menu screen is displayed on the display device 39. You may do it. For example, even while the credited medal is being paid out, the menu screen may be displayed by operating the enter switch 39, or the credited medal is being paid out. The menu screen may not be displayed even if the decision switch 39 is operated, and the menu screen may be displayed when the decision switch 39 is operated after all the medals have been paid out.

As a result, the player cannot perform operations such as checking the set value, canceling the error, opening the game door 14, and recovering from the power failure, but there is an abnormality in command communication that is not related to fraudulent activity. If it occurs, it can be restored by operating the clearing switch 33 that can be operated by the player. However, if the operation to recover from the command communication error is performed after confirming the set value, fraudulent activity related to the set value, error generation and cancellation due to fraudulent activity, fraudulent activity due to opening the game door, and power failure It is desirable not to restore it to normal because there is a possibility that fraudulent acts have been committed through.

10 Slot machine 12 Main body 14 Front door 21 Display window 27 Credit number indicator 28 Number of acquisitions indicator 33 Clearing switch 34 1-Bet switch 35 Maximum bet switch 36 Start switch 37L, 37C, 37R Stop switch 38 Selection switch 39 Decision switch 40L, 40C, 40R Reel 42L, 42C, 42R Stepping motor 44 Door switch 46 Hopper motor 50 Lower panel 52 Production switch 64L, 64R Speaker 70 Image display device 72 Production lamp 86 External centralized terminal board 100 Main control means 103 Role ratio Monitor 110 Lottery means 115 Reel control means 120 Lottery state control means 125 Game section control means 126 Advantageous section counter 127 Net increase number counter 128 AT counter 130 Freeze control means 135 Notification game control means 140 Winning judgment means 145 Abnormality detection means 150 LED display control Means 155 Control command transmitting means 160 External signal transmitting means 200 Sub-control means 202 Sub-control board 204 Image control board

Claims (1)

With the given switch,
The production means to produce and
Equipped with
When the effect means starts a specific effect in a situation where the operation for the predetermined switch is continuously performed, the effect corresponding to the operation for the predetermined switch in the specific effect is achieved. A gaming machine characterized by being feasible.

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