JP2022115446A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine that executes a novel performance that has never existed before.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises advantageous section notification means for executing advantageous section notification when a game section is an advantageous section in which an AT state can be set, supply notification means for executing supply notification when a game value is supplied, and putout means for putting out the game value to the outside on the basis of operation reception to operation means. The supply notification means executes the supply notification when the game value is automatically supplied by replaying a game. The advantageous section notification means ends the advantageous section notification at a first timing if a first condition for ending the advantageous section in a game in the advantageous section is satisfied. The supply notification means executes the supply notification at a second timing after the first timing if a second condition is satisfied in which the next game is defined as a replay game in the game in which the first condition is satisfied. The supply means puts out the game value to the outside based on the operation reception to predetermined operation means at a third timing after the second condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 42

Description

The present invention relates to amusement machines typified by slot machines (pachislot game machines) and pachinko machines (ball game machines).

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a slot machine is known as one of game machines. This slot machine rotates the reels by inserting medals and operating the start lever, determines the role internally by internal lottery, and stops the reels by operating the stop button. It is configured such that a winning combination is established when a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed according to internal determination. When a winning combination involving the payout of medals is established, a specified number of medals corresponding to the established winning combination is paid out.

Some of such gaming machines set an advantageous section that is advantageous to the player (see Patent Document 1, for example).

JP 2018-139747 A

However, there is still room for improvement in the effects executed by the gaming machines that set such advantageous sections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a novel performance that has never existed before.

In order to achieve the above object, the game machine according to the present invention, as one aspect thereof,
Advantageous section notification means for executing advantageous section notification in the case of an advantageous section in which an AT state can be set;
an input notification means for executing an input notification when game value is input;
a payout means for paying out the game value to the outside based on an operation reception to a predetermined operation means;
A game table comprising
The input notification means is means capable of executing the input notification when the game value is automatically inserted by replaying,
The advantageous interval notification means is means for ending the advantageous interval notification at a first timing in a certain game when a first condition for ending the advantageous interval is satisfied in a game in the advantageous interval. ,
When the condition for making the next game the replay is satisfied in the game in which the first condition is satisfied (hereinafter, referred to as "when the second condition is satisfied"), the input notification means provides the first condition. Means capable of executing the input notification at a second timing after the timing,
The payout means is a means capable of executing the payout of the game value to the outside based on the acceptance of an operation to the predetermined operation means at a third timing after the second condition is established.
This is the gist of it.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that executes a novel production that has never existed before.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a control section of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 1(a) is a plan view showing an array of symbols provided on reels of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram according to the first embodiment of the present invention; It is a diagram showing types of winning combinations (including working combinations) of the slot machine, symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, payouts, and operations. 4 is a flow chart showing a flow of main processing by a main controller of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of main controller timer interrupt processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of first sub-controller main processing, first sub-controller command reception interrupt processing, and first sub-controller timer interrupt processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Second sub-controller main processing, second sub-controller command reception interrupt processing, second sub-controller timer interrupt processing, and second sub-controller image control processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention It is a flow chart which shows a flow. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of effects in the final game of the advantageous section and the first game of the non-advantageous section of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows the effect in the case of winning a replay role in the final game of the advantageous section; It is a time chart. 10 is a flowchart of processing at the end of a game of the main control unit and the first sub-control unit when the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention wins a replay role in the final game of the advantageous section. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an effect mode of an advantageous zone lamp, an effect image display device, and a speaker for effects in the last game in the advantageous zone and the first game in the non-advantageous zone of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of effects in the final game of the advantageous section and the first game of the non-advantageous section of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows the effect in the case of winning a replay role in the final game of the advantageous section; It is a time chart (Modification 1). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of effects in the final game of the advantageous section and the first game of the non-advantageous section of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows the effect in the case of winning a replay role in the final game of the advantageous section; It is a time chart (Modification 2). FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an outline of output of a replay-insertion sound when there are a plurality of types of AT states in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention (Modification 3); 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 viewed from the front side (player side). FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an arrangement of symbols applied to each reel in a planar development; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing types of winning combinations (including working combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and payouts for each winning combination. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a lottery table for internal winning combinations for each RT; 4 is a transition diagram of a game state (RT) of the slot machine 100. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the transition of the game state regarding the advantageous section and the non-advantageous section of the slot machine 100; 4 is a flow chart showing a flow of main processing of a main controller; 7 is a flow chart showing the flow of main control unit timer interrupt processing; 21. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of pseudo-game related processing (step S109) in FIG. It is a flow chart showing the flow of the pseudo-game reel rotation start process (step S1003) in FIG. It is a flow chart showing the flow of the pseudo-game reel stop control process (step S1005) in FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a flow of reel rotation start processing (step S113) in FIG. 21; FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a flow of 7-segment setting processing (step S1305) in FIG. 26; FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the flow of random delay rotation start processing (step S1311) in FIG. 26. FIG. (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-controller 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-controller 400, and (c) is 4 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the first sub-controller 400. FIG. (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-controller 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-controller 500, and (c) is 10 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the second sub-controller 500, and (d) is a flowchart of image control processing of the second sub-controller 500. FIG. It is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the pseudo-game of the basic embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the timing of starting lighting of the navigation lighting and the lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the timing of starting reel rotation, navigation lighting, and lighting of an advantageous section lamp 191; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the lighting of the advantageous section lamp and the timing of starting lighting of the navigation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the lighting of the advantageous section lamp and the timing of starting lighting of the navigation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the lighting of the advantageous section lamp and the timing of starting lighting of the navigation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the lighting of the advantageous section lamp and the timing of starting lighting of the navigation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the lighting of the advantageous section lamp and the timing of starting lighting of the navigation. (a) is a diagram showing an example of reservation and cancellation of a pseudo-game, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of outputting a signal to the outside at the start of a pseudo-game. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of effects in the final game of the advantageous section and the first game of the non-advantageous section of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the effect of winning a replay role in the final game of the advantageous section; It is a time chart. A flow chart of processing at the end of the game of the main control unit and the first sub-control unit when the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention wins a replay role in the final game of the advantageous section and the settlement button is pressed. be. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of effects in the final game of the advantageous section and the first game of the non-advantageous section of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the effect of winning a replay role in the final game of the advantageous section; It is a time chart (Modification 4).

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
In the slot machine of the present embodiment, a plurality of reels, into which a predetermined number of game media are inserted and on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively applied, start rotating when a predetermined rotation start instruction operation is received. Based on the receipt of the rotation start instructing operation, the propriety of the internal winning of a plurality of types of wins is determined by a lottery, and each of the plurality of reels individually stops rotation by receiving a predetermined rotation stop instructing operation, If the condition determined by the winning combination based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the plurality of reels stop meets the predetermined payout condition, the game medium is paid out and the game ends, and if not, the game medium is discarded. It is a game machine that progresses a series of games that end without paying out.

Some amusement machines set an advantageous section that is advantageous to the player (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-139747). However, there is still room for improvement in the effects executed by the gaming machines that set such advantageous sections.

The present embodiment has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a game machine that executes a new production that has never existed before.

<Overall composition>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 viewed from the front side (player side).

The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of the game table of the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of being opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. . Three reels (a left reel 110, a middle reel 111, and a right reel 112) each having a plurality of patterns arranged on its outer peripheral surface (not shown) are housed in the center of the main body 101 and rotate inside the slot machine 100. configured to allow These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

In this embodiment, an appropriate number of patterns are printed on strip-shaped members at equal intervals, and the strip-shaped members are attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member to form reels 110 to 112 . As for the symbols on the reels 110 to 112, generally three symbols are displayed in the vertical direction from the reel window 113 when viewed from the player, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. By rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols seen by the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that variably displays a combination of a plurality of types of symbols. As such a display device, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can be employed in addition to the reel. In addition, in the present embodiment, three reels are provided inside the central part of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

A backlight (not shown) for illuminating each pattern displayed on the reel window 113 is arranged on the rear surface of each of the reels 110 to 112 . It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each pattern so that the individual patterns can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, near each reel 110 to 112, an optical sensor (index sensor; not shown) consisting of a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion is provided. and a light-receiving portion, a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes through. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the positions of the symbols on the reels in the rotational direction are determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the desired symbols are displayed on the winning line.

The pay line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the pay line 114 to be activated. The valid winning line 114 is determined in advance by the number of medals betted as game media. There are five winning lines 114 . For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal prize line will be valid, and if two medals are bet, three lines will be valid with the addition of the upper horizontal prize line and the lower horizontal prize line, and the medal will be awarded. When 3 coins are bet, 5 lines obtained by adding a lower right pay line and an upper right pay line may be effective as pay lines. The number of pay lines 114 is not limited to 5. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line, the upper horizontal pay line, the lower horizontal pay line, the right Five lines, ie, a downward pay line and an upward pay line may be set as valid pay lines, or the same number of pay lines may be uniformly set as valid pay lines regardless of the number of bets.

The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (more specifically, a bonus combination) has been internally won in an internal winning combination lottery to be described later, or that a bonus game is in progress. be. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert game medals. The replay lamp 122 notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no need to insert medals) when the player wins the replay which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect.

The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100 . In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one card is inserted up to a maximum of three cards, two cards are inserted when the bet button 131 is depressed, and three cards are inserted when the bet button 132 is depressed. It has become so. The bet button 132 is hereinafter also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 turns on the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals is inserted, the game starts to indicate that the game start operation is possible. Lamp 121 lights up. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, a game in which three medals are inserted is a "three bet game," a game in which two medals are inserted is a "two bet game," and a game in which one medal is inserted. is sometimes referred to as "one bet game".

The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot for the player to insert medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141, and "insertion" includes both. be.

The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 . The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals to be paid out during a bonus game) numerically. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. In this embodiment, the accumulated number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays. Note that the payout number display 127 of the present embodiment also functions as an effect device that notifies information about the stop operation (for example, the operation order of the stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.).

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, an advantageous section lamp 191 is provided in a part of the area where the payout number indicator 127 is provided. The advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off when the vehicle is in a non-advantageous section, which will be described later, and is turned on when the vehicle is in an advantageous section, which will be described later.

The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting rotation of the reels 110-112. That is, when a desired number of medals is inserted into the medal slot 141 or the bet buttons 130-132 are operated to operate the start lever 135, the reels 110-112 start rotating. An operation on the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.

The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137-139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type push-down switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are provided in association with the respective reels 110 to 112. . More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 can be stopped. The right reel 112 can be stopped by operating it.

Hereinafter, the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is called stop operation, the first stop operation is called first stop operation, the next stop operation is called second stop operation, and the last stop operation is called third stop operation. The reel to be operated may be called the first stop reel, the reel to be stopped by the second stop operation may be called the second stop reel, and the reel to be stopped by the third stop operation may be called the third stop reel. Further, the order of stopping operation of the stop buttons 137-139 for stopping all the rotating reels 110-112 is called the operation order or the pressing order. The operation order of the stop operation with the left reel 110 as the first stop reel is called "forward push operation order" or simply "forward push", and the operation order of the stop operation with the middle reel 111 as the first stop reel is called " The operation sequence for the stopping operation with the right reel 112 as the first stop reel is called the "reverse pressing operation sequence" or simply "reverse pressing". A light emitter may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be lit to inform the player.

The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove medals when the inserted medals are jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button for settlement of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals placed on the slot machine 100 and ejecting the medals from the medal payout port 155 . The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted. The medal payout port 155 is a payout port for paying out medals.

Below the stop button unit 136, a title panel 162 is provided for displaying the model name and attaching various certificate stamps. A medal payout port 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided below the title panel 162 .

The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for enlivening the game. A production device 160 is arranged on the upper part of the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided on the upper part of the production device 160.例文帳に追加This production device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two right and left shutters 163a and 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) disposed behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (on the side of the player). It is a structure that appears.

The liquid crystal display device (effect image display device) 157 of the present embodiment also functions as a effect device that executes effects described later.

It should be noted that, even if the display device is not a liquid crystal display device, it is sufficient if it is configured to be able to display various effect images and various game information. , a reel (drum), or a display device comprising a projector and a screen. Also, the display screen has a rectangular shape, and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the whole of the display screen. Although the display screen is rectangular in this embodiment, it may be square. In addition, a decoration (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen so that a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, so that the display screen looks oddly shaped. Although the display screen is a flat surface in this embodiment, it may be a curved surface.

<Circuit Configuration of Control Unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control section of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a circuit block diagram of the controller.

The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be roughly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of a game, and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. and a second sub-controller 500 that controls various devices based on commands sent from the first sub-controller 400 .

<Main control unit>
First, the main controller 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in internal lottery for winning combinations, and stopping of the reels. A ROM 306 for storing positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 310 for controlling input/output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc. A WDT (watchdog timer) 314 is mounted. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-controller 400 and the second sub-controller 500, which will be described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal having a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 calculates an interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division. It determines and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 uses this interrupt request as a trigger to monitor each sensor and transmit drive pulses. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256×47÷8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that varies the numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 based on the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a, and a random number generation circuit 316 that is activated when the power is turned on. A start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a signal (reset signal) is provided, and the CPU 304 starts game control when the start signal is input from the start signal output circuit 338 (main control unit main processing described later). ).

In addition, the main control unit 300 has a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 detects various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal insertion slot 141) at each interrupt time. Medal reception sensor for medals, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110, index sensor of the reel 111, index sensor of the reel 112, etc.).

When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random value generation circuit 316 . The random number generation circuit 316 that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random number used for the lottery.

Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141, and detect the presence or absence of passage of medals. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect the start operation by the player. A stop button 137 sensor, a stop button 138 sensor, and a stop button 139 sensor are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop buttons by the player.

A bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, and a bet button 132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and the medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into the game. Detects a put operation when The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134 . When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored medals are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals paid out by the medal payout device 180 . Each sensor described above may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

The index sensor of the reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, and the index sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounts of the reels 110 to 112, and each time the light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes through, the L become a level. When the CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 for driving the stepping motors provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving solenoids provided in the medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. A drive circuit 326 that drives the motor, and various lamps 336 (win line display lamp 120, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, re-game lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, accumulated number display 125, game information A drive circuit 328 for driving the indicator 126, the payout number indicator 127, and the advantageous section lamp 191) is provided.

An information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control section 300 outputs an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output. In addition, the main control unit 300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 1300. The voltage monitoring circuit 330 detects that the voltage value of the power supply is a predetermined value (this embodiment). 9v), it outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped.

The main control section 300 also has an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control section 400 and enables communication with the first sub-control section 400 . Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 can transmit signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400. Signals such as commands cannot be transmitted from the unit 400 to the main control unit 300 .

<Sub-controller>
Next, the first sub-controller 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-controller 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives control commands transmitted by the main controller 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-controller 400 based on the control commands. there is This basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 410 for controlling input/output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. is doing. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal having a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The first sub-control unit 400 also stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like. are provided.

The CPU 404 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

A sound source IC 418 is provided in the first sub control unit 400, and speakers 272 and 277 are connected to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 according to commands from the CPU 404 . An S-ROM (sound ROM) storing sound data is connected to the sound source IC 418 , and the sound data obtained from this ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277 .

The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, and the drive circuit 422 is connected to various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, notification lamp) via an input/output interface. 123 etc.) are connected.

A drive circuit 424 for driving the shutter 163 is provided in the first sub-control section 400, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 according to a command from the CPU 404 .

A sensor circuit 426 is provided in the first sub control unit 400, and a shutter sensor 428 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 428 every interrupt time.

The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to and from the second sub-controller 500 via the output interface. The second sub-controller 500 of the slot machine 100 controls the liquid crystal display device 157 and the like.

Next, the second sub-controller 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 receives the control command transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface, and operates the basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on this control command. This basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 510 for controlling input/output of various devices, and a counter for measuring time, number of times, etc. A timer 512 is mounted. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal having a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The second sub-controller 500 also has a ROM 506 that stores a control program and data for controlling the second sub-controller 500 as a whole, image display data, and the like.

The CPU 504 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

A VDP 516 (video display processor) is provided in the second sub control unit 500, and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected to the VDP 516 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504 , generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518 , and displays the image on the effect image display device 157 .

<Pattern arrangement>
The pattern arrangement applied to each reel 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. 3(a). In addition, this figure is a plan view showing the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112).

On each of the reels 110 to 112, a predetermined number of symbols (21 frames numbered 0 to 20 in this embodiment) of a plurality of types (eight types in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. Numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure indicate the arrangement positions of symbols on the respective reels 110 to 112 . For example, in the present embodiment, the number 1 piece on the left reel 110 has a "replay" symbol, the number 0 piece on the middle reel 111 has a "bell" symbol, and the number 2 piece on the right reel 112 has a "replay" symbol. "Watermelon" pattern is placed on each.

<Types of winning roles>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3(b), the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described. The figure shows the types of winning combinations (including working combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination. Of the winning combinations in this embodiment, the big bonus (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are bonus combinations that shift to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is repeated without inserting new medals. Winning hands may be distinguished from winning hands and may be called "working hands" as the hands that can be played. is included. In addition, "winning" in the present embodiment includes the case where the symbol combination of the working combination that does not accompany the payout of medals (does not accompany the payout of medals) is displayed on the activated line. Bonuses and prizes for replays are included.

Winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include big bonuses (BB1, BB2), regular bonuses (RB), small combinations (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replays. It goes without saying that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these, and can be arbitrarily adopted.

"Big bonus (BB1, BB2)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "BB") is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game) is started by winning a prize. The corresponding symbol combinations are "BB1 symbol (also referred to as white 7)-BB1 symbol-BB1 symbol" for BB1 and "BB2 symbol (also referred to as blue 7)-BB2 symbol-BB2 symbol" for BB2. Further, the flag carryover is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 or BB2 is internally won, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). The state in which the flag indicating internal winning is set is maintained until the next game and thereafter, BB1 and BB2 are internally winning, and the symbol combination "white 7-white 7-white 7" corresponding to BB1 and the symbol corresponding to BB2. The combination "blue 7-blue 7-blue 7" is in a winning state.

"Regular bonus (RB)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "RB") is a special role (operating role) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning a prize. The corresponding symbol combination is "RB symbol (also called bonus)-RB symbol-RB symbol". It should be noted that flag carrying over is performed for RB in the same manner as for BB described above. However, in the big bonus game (BB game), the start of the big bonus game is not based on the internal winning of the regular bonus game (RB game) or the display of the symbol combination on the winning line. A regular bonus game may be started later, and the regular bonus game may be automatically started such that when one regular bonus game is finished, the next regular bonus game is immediately started.

"Small wins (cherry, watermelon, bell) (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "cherry", "watermelon", and "bell") are winning wins in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning, and the corresponding symbols The combination is "cherry pattern-ANY pattern-ANY pattern" for cherry, "watermelon pattern-watermelon pattern-watermelon pattern" for watermelon, and "bell pattern-bell pattern-bell pattern" for bell. Also, the corresponding number of payouts is as shown in FIG. In the case of "cherry symbol-ANY symbol-ANY symbol", the symbol on the left reel 110 may be a "cherry" symbol, and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbols.

"Replay" is a prize-winning combination (operating combination) that allows the next game to be played without inserting medals (game media) due to winning, and medals are not paid out. The corresponding symbol combination for the replay is "replay symbol-replay symbol-replay symbol".

Here, the internal winning probability of the winning combination will be outlined.

The internal winning probability of each role is obtained by combining numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each role with numerical data within the range of random numbers acquired during internal lottery (65536 in this embodiment). It is obtained by the value divided by The lottery data is divided in advance into several numerical ranges, and each numerical range is associated with each winning combination and loss. In the winning combination internal lottery process to be described later, it is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery corresponds to the lottery data corresponding to any combination, and the internal winning combination is determined. In practice, this lottery data is prepared with settings 1 to 6 that differ in the winning probability of at least one combination, and the game parlor staff can arbitrarily select and set any of the set values. .

In this embodiment, the bonus combination is a simultaneous winning combination that is internally won at the same time as watermelon or cherry. It should be noted that the bonus combination may be a simultaneous winning combination with the replay, or may be a simultaneous winning combination with the chance. In addition, since a difference in winning probability is provided for each set value for a simultaneous winning combination that internally wins a bonus combination and a cherry, and a simultaneous winning combination that simultaneously wins a bonus combination and a watermelon, the simultaneous winning combination is notified. help the player guess the setting.

In the present embodiment, watermelon and cherry are respectively won when the winning combination is internally won in the winning combination internal lottery process and when the operation timing of the stop operation is suitable. Hereinafter, watermelon and cherry are also referred to as chance roles. In addition, Bell wins a prize when the winning combination is internally won in the winning combination internal lottery process and the stop operation is performed in the correct stop operation order. Hereinafter, the bell is also referred to as a pushing role. It should be noted that a configuration may be provided with a so-called common bell that wins prizes regardless of the order of stop operations.

The AT state is a game state in which information (details of stop operation) that is advantageous to the player is notified when the player wins an internal win for a chance combination or a push-up combination. In the AT state, the effect image display device 157 and the payout number display 127 are used to execute the operation navigation for informing the content of the stop operation to help win a prize. Specifically, when the winning combination is internally won in the AT state, the stop operation order is announced, and when the chance combination is internally won in the AT state, the timing of the stop operation (suggestion of the internally won combination) is notified. Since the operation navigation is executed, the player can easily win a predetermined small winning combination by following the details of the stop operation of the operation navigation. That is, the AT state is a state in which a large profit is given to the player by operation navigation.

On the other hand, the normal state is a state in which operation navigation is not executed even if the player wins internally for a chance combination or a push-up combination.

<Operation of the slot machine>
Next, the processing of the main control section 300, the first sub-control section 400, and the second sub-control section 500 will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Main control unit main processing>
First, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that this figure is a flow chart showing the flow of the main processing of the main controller.

When the slot machine 100 is powered on, first, in step S101, various initial setting processes are performed. In this initial setting, the stack initial value is set to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, the interrupt is disabled, the I/O 310 is initialized, various variables to be stored in the RAM 308 are initialized, the WDT 314 is permitted to operate, and the initialization is performed. Set values, etc.

In step S102, medal insertion/start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is determined by detection by the sensor circuit 320 whether or not there is an electronic medal insertion operation by the bet buttons 130 to 132 or a direct medal insertion operation from the medal insertion slot 141, and if there is an insertion operation lights up the winning line display lamp 120 according to the number of inserted medals. Also, preparations are made to transmit a medal insertion command indicating that medals have been inserted to the first sub-control section 400 . When the player wins the replay role in the previous game, the processing of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so the player does not need to insert medals.

In addition, it checks whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated based on the detection of the sensor circuit 320, and if it is determined that the start operation has been made, the number of inserted medals is determined, and the first sub-control section 400 In response, preparations are made to transmit a start lever acceptance command indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated.

In step S103, a valid pay line is determined.

In step S104, a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is obtained.

In step S105, an internal lottery process for a winning combination is performed. In the internal lottery process for the winning combination, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current game state, and the internal lottery is performed using this table and the random number acquired in step S104. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is internally won, the condition device (flag) of the internally winning combination is operated (the flag of the winning combination is turned ON). Also, in this step S105, preparations are made to transmit an internal winning command indicating the result of the internal winning combination lottery to the first sub-control section 400. FIG. For example, when the watermelon is internally won, preparations are made to transmit an internal winning command indicating that the watermelon is internally won to the first sub-control unit 400, and the result of the internal winning combination lottery is lost (the winning combination is In the case of non-winning), preparations are made to transmit an internal winning command indicating a loss to the first sub-controller 400 .

In step S106, reel stop data is selected based on the result of the internal winning combination lottery in step S105. Operation conditions are also set for the reel stop data of the winning combination for which the order of stop operation is required, and when the reel stop data corresponding to these are selected, the operation conditions are also set.

In step S107, reel rotation start processing for starting rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is executed based on the start operation.

In step S108, reel stop control processing is performed. In the reel stop control process, it is possible to accept the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when one of the stop buttons is pressed, the stop data of the reel stop data is changed in order to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button. Any one of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of reel frames set in the stop data. If all the reels 110-112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S109. In this step S108, for each stop operation, a stop button reception command related to the stop button 137 to 139 that has been stopped (more specifically, for the first stop operation, the stop button reception 1 command, the second stop operation, and the for the stop button reception 2 command, and for the third stop operation, prepare to transmit the stop button reception 3 command) to the first sub-control unit 400, and for the stop of each reel, the reel (Specifically, reel stop 1 command for the first stop reel, reel stop 2 command for the second stop operation, reel stop command for the third stop operation 3 command) to the first sub-controller 400.

In step S109, winning determination processing is performed. In the winning determination process, the winning of the symbols stopped by pressing the stop buttons 137 to 139 is determined, and when a combination of symbols corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, the winning. judged to have won the role. For example, if "watermelon pattern - watermelon pattern - watermelon pattern" is aligned on the activated prize line, it is determined that the watermelon prize has been won. Also, in this step S109, preparations are made to transmit a display determination command indicating the result of winning determination to the first sub-controller 400. FIG.

In step S110, medal payout processing is performed. In the medal payout process, if the player wins some winning combination with payout, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out. In step S110, preparations are made to transmit a medal payout command indicating the number of medals to be paid out to the first sub-controller 400. FIG.

In step S111, game state control processing is performed. In this game state control process, control for shifting the game state is performed. For example, in the case of BB winning, preparations are made so that the BB game can be started from the next time. Further, in the game state control process of this embodiment, transition control between the advantageous section and the non-advantageous section is performed. In this step S111, preparations are made to transmit a game state command indicating the game state to the first sub-control section 400. FIG.

One game is completed by the above. Thereafter, the game progresses by returning to step S102 and repeating the above-described processing. Various commands prepared in the above steps are transmitted in the command setting transmission process (step S206 in FIG. 5) of the main controller timer interrupt process, which will be described later.

<Main controller timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main controller timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main controller 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flow chart showing the flow of the main controller timer interrupt processing.

The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (about once every 2 ms in this embodiment). Processing is started at a predetermined cycle.

In step S201, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start processing, processing such as temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

In step S202, the WDT 314 is periodically turned on so that the count value of the WDT 314 does not exceed the initial set value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and a WDT interrupt does not occur (so that an abnormality in processing is not detected). In the embodiment, a restart is performed once every 2 ms, which is the cycle of the main controller timer interrupt.

In step S203, input port status update processing is performed. In this input port state update processing, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input port of the I/O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals. It is stored in the provided signal state storage area.

In step S204, various game processes are executed, and processes corresponding to the interrupt status are executed.

In step S205, timer update processing is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated according to their respective time units.

In step S<b>206 , command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-controller 400 . In the first sub-control unit 400, the command type included in the received output schedule information enables the determination of the effect control according to the change in the game control in the main control unit 300, and is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, it becomes possible to determine the effect control contents.

In step S207, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334 .

In step S208, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, in step S203, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area are read out, and the presence or absence of an error related to medal insertion abnormality, medal payout abnormality, etc. is monitored. (Not shown) Execute error processing. Further, the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set according to the current game state.

In step S209, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. If the low-voltage signal is on (power-off is detected), the process proceeds to step S211, and if the low-voltage signal is off (power-off is not detected), the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, various processes for ending the timer interrupt ending process are performed. In this timer interrupt termination process, the values of the registers temporarily saved in step S201 are set in the original registers. After that, the process returns to the main control unit main process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in step S211, a specific variable and a stack pointer for returning to the state at the time of power failure are saved as return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power failure processing such as initialization of input/output ports is performed. After that, it returns to the main control unit main processing shown in FIG.

<Processing of the first sub-controller>
Next, the processing of the first sub-controller 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-controller 400. FIG. FIG. 6B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-controller 400. FIG. FIG. 6(c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the first sub-controller 400. FIG.

First, the main processing of the first sub-controller 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 6(a).

When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S301. In this initialization processing, initial setting of input/output ports, initialization processing of storage areas in the RAM 408, and the like are performed. In this process, the RAM 408 is provided with an area for storing internal winning information representing the result of internal winning and an area for storing RT update information representing the game state.

In step S302, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable reaches 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S303.

In step S303, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

In step S304, command processing, which is processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300, is executed.

In step S305, effect control processing (details will be described later) is performed. Here, production is prepared according to the production reservation information in the production reservation area provided in the RAM 408 . This preparation includes, for example, performing processing such as reading the effect data from the ROM 406, and performing updating processing of the effect data when the effect data needs to be updated.

In step S306, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command for the sound source IC 418 in the performance data read in step S305, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

In step S307, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command for various lamps 420 in the performance data read out in step S305, this command is output to the drive circuit 422. FIG.

In step S308, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command to the shutter 163 in the performance data read in step S305, this command is output to the drive circuit 424. FIG.

In step S309, information output processing is performed to set the command to be transmitted to the second sub-controller 500 based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command to be sent to the second sub-controller 500 in the effect data read out in step S305, the setting for outputting this control command is made, and the process returns to step S302.

Next, command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-controller 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 6(b). This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-controller 400 detects a strobe signal output by the main controller 300 . In step S401 of command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408 as an unprocessed command.

Next, the first sub-controller timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-controller 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 6(c). The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment). period.

In step S501, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S302 in the first sub-controller main process shown in FIG. 6A and stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S302, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10).

In step S502, the command is sent to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S309, the random number value for effect is updated, and the like.

<Processing of the second sub-controller>
Next, the processing of the second sub-controller 500 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 7A is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-controller 500. FIG. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-controller 500. FIG. FIG. 7(c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the second sub-controller 500. FIG. FIG. 7D is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-controller 500. FIG.

First, in step S3001 of FIG. 7A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S601. In this initialization processing, input/output port initialization processing, initialization processing of storage areas in the RAM 508, initialization processing of storage areas in the VRAM 518, and the like are performed.

In step S602, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable reaches 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S603.

In step S603, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

In step S604, command processing is performed. In command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-controller 500 determines each command received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-controller 400 .

In step S605, effect control processing is performed. Specifically, when there is a new command in step S604, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading effect data for performing image control on a background image from the ROM 506 is executed. In addition, processing such as reading other effect data from the ROM 506 is performed, and when the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated.

In step S606, image control processing (described in detail later) is performed based on the processing result of step S605. For example, if there is an image control instruction in the effect data read out in step S605, image control corresponding to this instruction is performed. For example, image control is performed on display images (notification images, background images). When this image control processing ends, the process returns to step S602.

Next, command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-controller 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 7(b). This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub-controller 500 detects the strobe signal output by the first sub-controller 400 .

In step S701 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output by the first sub-controller 400 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 508 as an unprocessed command.

Next, the second sub-controller timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-controller 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 7(c). The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (once every 2 ms in this embodiment). period.

In step S801, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S602 in the second sub-controller main process shown in FIG. 7A and stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S602, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10).

In step S802, processing for updating the random number value for effect, etc. is performed.

Next, the image control processing in step S4006 in the main processing of the second sub-controller 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 7(d). This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

In step S901, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps designation of the drawing areas of the display area A and the display area B of the VRAM 536 . As a result, the effect image display device 157 displays the one-frame image stored in the display area that is not designated as the drawing area. Next, the CPU 504 sets the ROM coordinates (the transfer source address of the ROM 506), the VRAM coordinates (the transfer destination address of the VRAM 518), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 516 based on the position information table, and then transfers the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 516 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518 based on the command set in the attribute register. After that, the VDP 516 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504 .

In step S902, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal has been input from the VDP 516. If a transfer end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S903; otherwise, a transfer end interrupt signal has been input. wait for

In step S903, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table, attribute data, and the like. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 518 in step S901, the CPU 504 obtains image data information (coordinate axes of the VRAM 518, image size, etc.) forming the display image. , VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) to the VDP 516 . The VDP 516 sets parameters according to the attributes based on the instructions stored in the attribute registers.

In step S904, a drawing instruction is given. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to start drawing an image. The VDP 516 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer according to instructions from the CPU 504 .

In step S905, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal has been input from the VDP 516 based on the end of image rendering. wait for is entered.

In step S906, a scene display counter, which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scenes of images have been generated, is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Production of the final game in the advantageous section>
Next, the effect in the final game of the advantageous section of the present embodiment will be described. The slot machine 100 according to this embodiment has a non-advantageous section and an advantageous section that is more advantageous to the player than the non-advantageous section. Here, the advantageous section is the section in which the transition to the AT state is possible, and the non-advantageous section is the section in which the transition to the AT state is impossible. When the advantageous interval shift condition is established in the non-advantageous interval (for example, when a predetermined winning combination is won), the game is shifted to the advantageous interval from the next game. In addition, when the non-advantageous section transition condition is satisfied in the advantageous section (for example, after shifting from the normal state to the AT state, when the AT state ends, the number of games or MY value reaches the limiter, and the advantageous section ends When the AT state, which is the ending of the AT state, ends, etc.), the next game shifts to a non-advantageous section (normal state). Since the non-advantageous section is a section in which it is impossible to shift to the AT state, it has been a factor for the player to stop playing the game.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the outline of the effect in the final game of the advantageous section and the first game of the non-advantageous section, more specifically, it is a time chart when winning a replay role in the final game of the advantageous section. . It should be noted that the final game in the advantageous section is in the AT state, the AT game effect is being executed, and the normal game effect is being executed in the non-advantageous section. Also, the period during which the normal game effect is executed is a period during which there are many periods during which there is no BGM, whereas the AT game effect in the AT state outputs the BGM in substantially the entire period. For example, even if the final game of the advantageous section is in the AT state and the AT game effect is executed in the final game, the BGM (finale sound) of the AT game effect is not repeatedly executed, and is output only once. become. Therefore, the BGM ends with the lapse of time, and the period becomes a period without BGM.

The re-game lamp 122 lights up based on the winning determination (re-game winning) when there is a re-game winning in the final game of the advantageous section. Thereby, the player can visually recognize that the next game is a replay. Incidentally, the re-game lamp 122 may be lit based on the fact that the re-game combination is internally won. Further, the re-game lamp 122 may be lit after the automatic insertion (the re-game lamp 122 may be lit after the automatic insertion after the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off).

Further, in this embodiment, a freeze timer is set at the time of winning determination of the final game in the AT state. During the predetermined time TA during which the freeze timer is set, the player cannot proceed with the game. Therefore, in this embodiment, the AT end effect is executed during the predetermined time TA, and the effect image is displayed. The AT end image d10 is displayed on the device 157 and the finale sound is output from the speakers 272 and 277. FIG. The predetermined time TA is a time set so that the freeze timer ends immediately after the end of the finale sound of the AT game effect.

FIG. 10(b) shows an example of the AT end image d10. The AT end image d10 is composed of, for example, an image showing the total number of medals won or the total number of games in the AT state. Note that a rare privilege image may be displayed, or a privilege image whose setting can be determined may be displayed. The final game in the AT state can be livened up. The period during which the AT end effect is executed is the final stage of the final game in the AT state, and corresponds to the period T1 of the period during which the AT game effect of FIG. 8 is executed. As described above, in this embodiment, since the AT end effect is executed in accordance with the freeze period, the player can be made to pay attention to the AT end effect, and the player can be impressed that a profit has been obtained.

In this embodiment, the end of the advantageous interval, the start of the non-advantageous interval, and the extinguishing of the illuminated advantageous interval lamp are based on the start of the next game. The game start is synonymous with the game end, and indicates the start (end) time point of one game. The output of the medal insertion sound (hereinafter referred to as re-game insertion sound) based on the re-game win is also based on the start of the next game. The timing before and after the turning off of the advantageous section lamp, the output of the replay insertion sound, and the automatic medal insertion processing will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flow chart of processing at the end of the game of the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 when the replaying role is won in the final game of the advantageous section.

When the freeze timer process ends, that is, when a predetermined time TA elapses after the win is determined (step S1), the main control section 300 executes a RAM clear process after the end of the advantageous section (step S2). As a result, the AT state information is cleared, and the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off.

Next, in the game start process, the main control part 300 transmits a game start command to the first sub-control part 400 (step S3), and then executes the medal insertion process (step S5). The game start command in step S3 includes information regarding the number of medals inserted in the previous game, indicating that the previous game was a replay winning (this time the game is a replay). Further, in the medal insertion process of step S5, automatic medal insertion processing for replay is executed. For example, when three medals were inserted in the previous game, three medals are automatically inserted in the current game.

Regarding the medal insertion process in step S5, for example, when three medals are automatically inserted in a replay, three game medal insertion lamps 124 are lit. Further, after the medal insertion process of step S5, the process of turning on the game start lamp 121 is executed. Therefore, since the game start lamp 121 is turned on after the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off, the player's desire to continue playing can be enhanced. Further, after the medal insertion process of step S5, the process of turning on the game medal insertion lamp 124 is executed. This is because medals can be inserted even in a replay. Therefore, since the game medal insertion lamp 124 is turned on after the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off, the player's desire to continue the game can be increased.

When the first control unit 400 receives the game start command from the main control unit 300, the first control unit 400 outputs a replay input sound to the speaker 272, based on the information regarding the replay win and the information regarding the number of medals included in the game start command. 277 (step S4). FIG. 10(c) shows an output mode of the replay insertion sound when the number of medals inserted in the previous game is three (specifically, the insertion sound is output three times). As a result, the player can audibly recognize that the medals have been automatically inserted. Especially in this embodiment, since the replay input sound is output while the normal game effect is being executed during the period of no BGM sound, the player can easily notice that he/she has won the replay in the current game. ing.

The main control unit 300 transmits the insertion command to the first sub-control unit 400 after automatically inserting the medals. is output, but based on the game start command received before receiving the input command, a re-game input sound is output. This is for outputting the replaying sound without delay after the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off. When medals are inserted for maintenance, the main control unit 300 transmits an insertion command to the first sub-control unit 400 when the medals are inserted. After receiving the input sound is output.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when a replay role is won in the final game of the advantageous section, first, the replay lamp 122 is turned on, and then a replay input sound is output during a period of no BGM sound. there is Since the slot machine 100 has a large number of lamps including the re-game lamp 122, it may be difficult for the player to notice when the re-game lamp 122 lights up. Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the re-game lamp 122 is turned on, the re-game input sound is output during the non-BGM sound period.

The replay sound includes a normal replay sound and a specific replay sound different from the normal replay sound, and the normal replay sound is output in the normal state. The specific replay input sound may be a sound output when a replay role is internally won in the final game in the AT state. It may be possible to make it easier to notice that the player has won the replay.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, after turning off the advantageous section lamp 191 (step S2), a replaying sound is output (step S4), thereby increasing the player's desire to continue playing. be able to. In other words, it is possible to motivate the player, who was thinking of stopping the game at the same time as the advantageous section ends, to continue the game again.

In addition, when a command for outputting a re-game insertion sound (step S4) is transmitted after the medal insertion processing (step S5), the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off (step S2) and a re-game insertion sound is output (step S4). ) and may not be executed at approximately the same time. Therefore, a command for outputting a replay-insertion sound (step S4) is transmitted before medal insertion processing (step S5), so that the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off and the replay-insertion sound is output at substantially the same time. I am trying to be

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, after the re-game lamp 122 is turned on, the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off. It is possible to increase the player's willingness to continue playing.

Further, in the present embodiment, the freeze timer is set and the re-game lamp 122 is lit based on the determination of the re-game winning, and the freeze period is a period corresponding to the execution period T1 of the AT end effect for outputting the finale sound. (the elapse of the predetermined time TA from the time of winning the replay), the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off. The player can be motivated to continue playing.

In addition, in FIG. 8, the effect in the case of winning the replay role in the final game of the advantageous section (AT state) was explained, but in the case of not winning the replay role in the final game of the advantageous section (AT state) are substantially the same except for the output of the replay input sound. For example, after the freeze period ends (step S1 in FIG. 9), the game section lamp 191 is turned off (step S2 in FIG. 9). Thereby, even if the AT end effect is executed, the end of the advantageous section can be easily recognized.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of the effects in the final game of the advantageous section and the first game of the non-advantageous section. , Modification 1).

In Modification 1, the period during which the AT end effect is executed is divided into a period T1 and a period T2. Here, the period T1 is a period during which the finale sound is output, and the period T2 is a period during which the finale sound is not output. A freeze timer (predetermined time TA) is set so as to correspond to the timing when the period T1 ends and the period T2 starts. That is, the period T1 is a period in which the AT end image d10 is displayed and the finale sound is output, and the period T2 is a period in which only the AT end image d10 is displayed. Then, in Modification 1, the replay-starting sound is output in accordance with the start timing of the period T2 in which the BGM sound is silent. Also in the modified example 1, the replay sound is output during the execution of the AT end effect, which is the period of no BGM sound, so that the player can easily notice that he/she has won the replay. .

The replay sound includes a normal replay sound and a specific replay sound different from the normal replay sound, and the normal replay sound is output in the normal state. The specific replay input sound may be a sound output when a replay role is internally won in the final game in the AT state. It may be possible to make it easier to notice that the player has won the replay.

It should be noted that the normal game effect of Modification 1 is started based on the start lever operation of the next game.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an overview of the effects in the final game of the advantageous section and the first game of the non-advantageous section. , Modification 2).

In the modification 2, a replaying sound is output during the execution period T1 of the AT end effect in which the finale sound is output. The period T1 is a period in which both the finale sound and the replaying sound are output, but since the finale sound and the replaying sound are set to be distinguishable from each other, the player can execute the AT end effect. Even if it is during the period, it can be recognized that the next game is a replay. For example, the pitch range of the finale sound and the pitch range of the replay sound are set to be different, or the replay sound is output with a louder volume than the finale sound.

In Modification 2, the timing of shifting from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section and the timing of extinguishing the illuminated advantageous section lamp are changed from the start of the game to the winning determination. The timing of shifting from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section and the timing of extinguishing the lit advantageous section lamp are not limited to the start of the game, but may be based on the winning determination at the end of the game. .

Further, the replay sound includes a normal replay sound and a specific replay sound different from the normal replay sound, and the normal replay sound is output in a normal state. The specific replay input sound may be a sound output when a replay role is internally won in the final game in the AT state. It may be possible to make it easier to notice that the player has won the replay.

Therefore, in Modification 2, as shown in FIG. 12, the freeze timer is set not during the advantageous interval, but at the end of the advantageous interval.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a modified example (hereinafter referred to as modified example 3) regarding the output of the replay-insertion sound when there are a plurality of types of AT states. For example, as shown in FIG. 13(a), when AT1 state in which AT games are executed 100 or more games and AT2 state in which AT games are less than 100 games, as shown in FIG. 13(b) , When the AT1 state in which the number of AT games is large and the player has a large number of benefits (total number of medals won) ends, a replay input sound is played after the final game in the AT1 state (final game in the advantageous section). While it is possible to output, when the AT2 state in which the number of AT games is small and the player does not obtain many benefits (total number of medals acquired) ends, after the final game in the AT2 state (final game in the advantageous section) It is also possible not to output the replay input sound.

It should be noted that regardless of the actual game result, it is possible to output the game re-starting sound when the AT1 state ends, and not to output the game re-starting sound when the AT2 state ends. It is not necessary to judge the actual game result. Based on the actual game results, when the AT1 state in which the player has obtained many benefits ends, a replaying sound can be output, and the AT1 state in which the player has obtained many benefits is terminated. If it does, the replay sound may not be output, and when the AT2 state ends, the replay sound may not be output. An effect can be executed according to the actual game result.

Since the AT2 state is a state in which the player has not obtained many benefits, it is intended to quietly end the advantageous section without outputting a replaying sound.

The AT1 state may be the AT state when the ending effect is executed, and the AT2 state may be the AT state when the ending effect is not executed. In this case as well, the player has obtained sufficient benefits in the AT1 state, but has not obtained sufficient benefits in the AT2 state. While outputting the input sound, the replay input sound may not be output after the final game in the AT2 state (the final game in the advantageous section).

[Second embodiment]
2nd Embodiment is embodiment which added the structure regarding medal settlement to the structure of 1st Embodiment. In the following description, the configuration, functions, and processing that are different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same portions with respect to other configurations, functions, and processing, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an overview of effects in the final game of the advantageous section and the first game of the non-advantageous section in the second embodiment. is a time chart. It should be noted that the final game of the advantageous section is in the AT state, and the AT game effect is being executed in the final game of the advantageous section. The AT state is, for example, a state in which the game ends when 50 games are executed, the 50th game is the final game, and the next game (the 51st game) is a non-advantageous interval state.

The re-game lamp 122 lights up based on the winning determination (re-game winning) in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 8) when there is a re-game winning in the final game of the advantageous section. Thereby, the player can visually recognize that the next game is a replay.

In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the freeze period is not set in the final game in the AT state. Therefore, the AT end effect of the present embodiment is not executed from the time of winning determination, but is started based on the start lever operation and ends based on the start of the next game. A period T1 shown in FIG. 40 is the execution period of the AT end effect. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to ensure the execution time of the AT end effect without executing the freeze process.

The termination of the advantageous interval and the start of the non-advantageous interval, that is, the extinguishing of the illuminated advantageous interval lamp is based on the start of the next game, as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 8). The game start is synonymous with the game end, and indicates the start (end) time point of one game. The output of the medal insertion sound (hereinafter referred to as re-game insertion sound) based on the re-game win is also based on the start of the next game.

Further, in the present embodiment, the operation of the settlement button 134 becomes possible (effective) after the medals are automatically inserted based on the replay win, as shown in FIG.

Here, with reference to FIG. 41, the timing of turning off the advantageous zone lamp, outputting the replaying sound, automatically inserting medals, enabling operation of the settlement button 134, and medal settlement processing will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. to explain. FIG. 41 is a flow chart of processing at the end of the game of the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 when the replaying combination is won in the final game of the advantageous section and the settlement process is executed.

In the gaming state control process (step S111 in FIG. 4), the main control unit 300 executes RAM clearing process after the end of the advantageous section (step S2). As a result, the AT state information is cleared, and the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off.

Next, in the game start process, the main control part 300 transmits a game start command to the first sub-control part 400 (step S3), and then executes the medal insertion process (step S5). The game start command in step S3 includes information regarding the number of medals inserted in the previous game, indicating that the previous game was a replay winning (this time the game is a replay). Further, in the medal insertion process of step S5, automatic medal insertion processing for replay is executed. For example, when three medals were inserted in the previous game, three medals are automatically inserted in the current game.

When the first control unit 400 receives the game start command from the main control unit 300, the first control unit 400 outputs a replay input sound to the speaker 272, based on the information regarding the replay win and the information regarding the number of medals included in the game start command. 277 (step S4).

After the medal insertion process (step S5), the main control section 300 validates the acceptance of operation on the checkout button 134 (step S6). When the settlement button 134 is pressed after the main control unit 300 validates the acceptance of operation on the settlement button 134 (step S7: YES), the main control unit 300 issues a settlement start command indicating the start of settlement to the first sub-controller. It is transmitted to the unit 400 (step S8). It should be noted that the game may progress without pressing the settlement button 134 after the reception of the operation for the settlement button 134 is enabled. In that case, the game proceeds without executing S7 to S11.

It should be noted that the settlement button 134 of the present embodiment enables operation acceptance only when there are credits or when medals have been bet, even after the medal insertion process. However, even if there are no credits and no medals are bet after the medal insertion process, the reception of the operation of the checkout button 134 may be enabled. However, in this case, the settlement process is not executed even if the settlement button 134 is operated, but the demonstration screen is displayed after the settlement button 134 is operated, as in the case where there are credits or medals are bet. and other processing other than settlement processing.

When the first control unit 400 receives the settlement start command from the main control unit 300, the first control unit 400 starts settlement notification based on the settlement start command (step S9). The settlement notification is an effect for notifying the settlement processing, and is configured by, for example, image display by the effect image display device 157, lighting by various lamps 420, sound output by the speakers 272 and 277, and the like. For example, the effect image display device 157 displays a settlement display as an image of "under settlement", the various lamps 420 perform settlement lighting that is lighting of "shiny", and the speakers 272 and 277 perform settlement with a sound of "da-da-da-da". Sound output. It should be noted that the sound volume and light intensity set by the player may be reset (returned to the sound volume and light intensity set by the store clerk) along with an effect for notifying the settlement processing. It is possible to provide the player with new awareness and increase the willingness to continue the game.

Next, the main control unit 300 transmits a settlement start command to the first sub-control unit 400 (step S8), and then executes settlement processing (step S10). The settlement process is a process of settlement of the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the medals placed on the slot machine 100 and paying out the medals from the medal payout opening 155 . After completing the settlement process, the main control unit 300 transmits a settlement end command indicating the end of settlement to the first sub-control unit 400 (step S11).

When the first control unit 400 receives the settlement end command from the main control unit 300, the first control unit 400 ends the settlement notification based on the settlement end command (step S12).

In addition, in the settlement notification of the present embodiment, the settlement notification sound is output from the speakers 272 and 277, but the volume of the settlement notification sound is lower than the volume of the re-game entry sound. In this embodiment, part of the period during which the replaying sound is output and part of the period during which the settlement notification sound is output may overlap, so that the player can easily recognize the replaying sound. Because. In addition, the settlement notification sound of the present embodiment refers to an onomatopoeia that expresses the payout of medals (for example, a sound such as "do-do-do-do"). By outputting the settlement notification sound from the medal payout device 180 for a period equal to or longer than the period during which medals are paid out, not only is the player notified that the payout is being carried out, but also illegality is detected. The purpose is to deter unnecessary payments. It should be noted that, along with the output of the settlement notification sound, there are times when a sound announcing the end of the game as a word (for example, "Let's play again") is output, but this is a notification of the end of the game, not a settlement notification. Sound shall not be included.

Also, in the present embodiment, when a player wins a replay, medals for the next game are automatically inserted, but apart from this, it is also possible to insert medals based on actions of the player. (Credit input by so-called maintenance). Specifically, the player can insert medals from the medal slot 141 after the medals are automatically inserted and before the start lever is operated. The blocker of the medal selector is moved to a position that does not allow passage of medals during the game. to make medals detectable. In other words, when the medal insertion from the medal slot 141 changes from a state in which it is impossible to be inserted to a state in which it is possible, the blocker of the medal selector moves from a position that does not permit passage of medals to a position that permits passage of medals. A player touching the blocker can feel the vibration and sound caused by the movement of the blocker. In other words, the player can recognize the start of the game by this vibration and sound, and can increase the willingness to continue playing the next game.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, after the advantageous interval lamp 191 is turned off, the replaying sound is output, so that the player's desire to continue playing can be enhanced. In other words, it is possible to give the player who was thinking of stopping the game at the same time as the advantageous section ends to be motivated to continue the game again. In addition, since the operation of the settlement button 134 is validated after outputting the re-game input sound, the player who hears the re-game input sound hesitates about the settlement, and the player's willingness to continue the game can be further enhanced. In addition, after the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned off, another lamp arranged near the advantageous section lamp 191 that outputs a game promotion sound (for example, a notification sound such as "You can start playing from an advantageous state") is installed. It may be made difficult to notice that the advantageous section lamp 191 has been turned off by, for example, turning it on.

Note that, if the power is restored before completing the settlement process for paying out credits, the main control unit 300 can pay out the remaining credits after the power is restored. For example, if the power is restored before the settlement process of paying out "50" credits (when the remaining amount is "30"), the remaining credits of "30" can be paid out after the power is restored. When credits are paid out by the main control unit 300 (before the power is cut off), the first control unit 400 outputs a settlement sound. If it is executed, the settlement tone is not output. In this case, the image display by the effect image display device 157 and the lighting by the various lamps 420 may not be performed. When the recovery time of the main control unit 300 is earlier than that of the first control unit 400 after the power is turned on, it is possible to start paying out the game media and display the number of payouts with priority, so that the payout of the game media can be speeded up. In some cases, it can be done and convenience can be improved. After the power is restored, the first control unit 400 outputs the game BGM sound (game background sound) during the game. Do not print when is executed. By paying out the remaining credits, the falling sound of the medals falling on the medal receiving tray 161 can be easily heard and the payout can be easily recognized. In addition, since the payout is performed quickly, the timing of outputting the replay input sound is less likely to be delayed, and even after the power is restored, it may be easier to notice that the player has won the replay. In addition, the first control unit 400 can output an error sound that reports an error (for example, a door open error that reports the opening of a game machine door, a hopper empty error related to payout), and the main control unit 300 can output the remaining credit An error sound may be output while the payout is being executed. It is possible to inform the surroundings that the game is not in a normal state as soon as possible, and it may be possible to make it easier to notice that a replay has been won even after the error recovery after the power failure and power recovery. Thus, the gaming machine is a gaming machine provided with a payout means capable of executing payout of game media and a sound output means capable of outputting a sound, wherein the sound output means pays out the game media. said sound output means is means capable of outputting a game background sound during a game; said sound output means is means for not outputting said payout sound during the rest of said payout by said payout means; said sound output means is means for , means for not outputting the game background sound during the remaining execution of the payout by the payout means.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an overview of effects in the final game of the advantageous section and the first game of the non-advantageous section in the second embodiment. is a time chart of a modification (hereinafter referred to as modification 4). It should be noted that the final game of the advantageous section is in the AT state, and the AT game effect is being executed in the final game of the advantageous section.

In modification 4, the execution period T1 of the AT end effect is different from that of the second embodiment, and the AT end effect is started at the time of winning determination, and ends after a certain period of time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses. . A period T1 shown in FIG. 42 is the execution period of the AT end effect. In the above-described second embodiment, the AT end effect is started when the start lever is operated, so it is necessary to change the display contents of the AT end image d10 (for example, the total number of medals won in the AT state) depending on the winning result of the final game. was there. Therefore, in the modification 4, the AT end effect is started from the time of the prize winning determination in consideration of the reduction of the processing load of the AT end effect, and the execution period T1 of the AT end effect is set to a fixed period. made it possible to draw attention to

Note that FIG. 42 shows a case where a replay role is won in the final game of the advantageous section, so after the execution period T1 of the AT end attraction ends, the execution of the normal game attraction is started. When the player has not won a replay role in the final game, a demonstration effect is executed and a demo image is displayed on the effect image display device 157.例文帳に追加

Further, in Modification 4, the timing at which operation acceptance of the checkout button 134 becomes effective is different from that in the second embodiment, and operation acceptance of the checkout button 134 becomes effective after winning is determined. It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 42, the timing of turning on the replay lamp 122, turning off the advantageous section lamp, outputting the replay insertion sound, and automatically inserting medals is the same as in the second embodiment (see FIG. 40). ). That is, the flow of processing from step S2 to step S5 in FIG. 41 is the same in modification 4 as well.

Therefore, in Modification 4, the player can press the checkout button 134 to execute checkout processing before the medals are automatically inserted. In this case, if there are credits, the settlement process is executed, and then the medal automatic insertion process is executed. Further, when the player presses the checkout button 134 during the automatic medal insertion process, the operation of the checkout button 134 is ignored and the checkout process is not executed. Further, when the player presses the settlement button 134 after automatically inserting the medals, settlement processing for settlement of the betted medals is executed.

If the settlement button 134 is pressed immediately after the winning determination, the settlement process is executed while the advantageous section lamp 191 is lit (before it is turned off). There is a high possibility that the user's line of sight will be directed to the medal receiving tray 161 for a while to perform the task of moving the medal. Therefore, it becomes difficult to notice that the advantageous section lamp 191 has been turned off. Furthermore, there is a high possibility that they are not aware that it is possible to play again because the settlement button 134 is pressed despite winning the replay role, but there is a replay input sound output. You can notice that you can play.

Modification 4 also differs from the above-described second embodiment only in the timing at which the acceptance of the operation of the settlement button 134 becomes effective. The flow of processing up to S12 is the same in modification 4 as well.

It should be noted that, in Modification 4, acceptance of the operation of the checkout button 134 is valid after the winning determination is made, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be made earlier (for example, after the start lever is operated).

As described above, according to Modification 4, after the advantageous interval lamp 191 is turned off, the replaying sound is output, so that the player's desire to continue playing can be increased. In other words, it is possible to give the player who was thinking of stopping the game at the same time as the advantageous section ends to be motivated to continue the game again. In addition, since the advantageous zone lamp 191 is turned off and a replaying sound is output when the settlement is possible, it is possible to prompt the player to start the game in a new state.

The "settlement process" described in the second embodiment and modification 4 is the process of settling the electronically stored medals (credits) and bet medals and paying out the medals from the medal payout port 155. However, this "settlement process" may be applied to a game machine without medals. In the case of a game machine without medals, the "settlement process" is a process of adding the medal information of the number of bets to the credits. For example, when the bet amount medal information is "3" and the credit is "100", the settlement process is performed, the bet amount medal information is "0" and the credit is "103". It should be noted that a "counting process" can be performed separately from the settlement process. The "counting process" is a process of transmitting credit information to the lending machine connected to the gaming machine. For example, when the credit is "103" and the remaining number information of the rental machine is "0", the credit becomes "0" and the remaining number information becomes "103". When the settlement button 134 is operated, settlement processing is performed, and when a counting button provided separately from the settlement button 134 is operated, the counting processing is performed. That is, the settlement described in the second embodiment and modification 4 can be said to be a concept including settlement of medalless gaming machines, or a concept including counting of medalless gaming machines. Alternatively, only one of the settlement button 134 and the counting button may be provided, and the settlement process and the counting process may be performed when this button is operated. The settlement described above in the second embodiment and modification 4 may include the settlement and counting of the medalless gaming machines.

<Summary of First Embodiment and Second Embodiment>
(1) As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 100) of the first embodiment,
Advantageous section notification means (e.g., advantageous section lamp 191, main control unit 300, etc.) for executing advantageous section notification (e.g., lighting of advantageous section lamp 191) indicating that it is an advantageous section in which the AT state can be set;
Predetermined notification means (for example, various lamps 336, speakers 272, 277, various lamps 420, main control unit 300, first sub control unit 400, etc.);
A game table comprising
The predetermined notification means can execute the predetermined notification when the game value is automatically inserted by replaying,
The predetermined notification means is capable of executing the predetermined notification after the advantageous interval notification means finishes execution of the advantageous interval notification when a condition for replaying the next game is established in the last game in the advantageous interval. is a means (for example, FIGS. 8, 9, 11, 12, etc.),
This is the first basic configuration.

According to this first basic configuration, when the condition for replaying is satisfied in the last game of the advantageous interval, after the advantageous interval notification is completed, when the game value is automatically inserted by replaying, it is executed. Therefore, even if the advantageous section ends, the desire to continue the game can be enhanced.

In the above first basic configuration,
game information transmission means (for example, main control unit 300, etc.) for transmitting information related to replay to the predetermined notification means;
The predetermined notification is an input notification indicating that the gaming value has been input,
The predetermined notification means is means for executing the insertion notification based on the information related to the replay transmitted by the game information transmission means,
The game information transmission means is means for transmitting information related to the replay to the predetermined notification means after the advantageous interval notification means finishes execution of the advantageous interval notification,
The game information transmission means is means for transmitting information related to the replay to the predetermined notification means before the game value is automatically inserted by the replay (for example, FIG. 9).
This is the first preferred configuration.

According to the first preferred configuration, the period from the end of the advantageous section notification to the execution of the input notification can be shortened as much as possible, so the time that disappoints the player can be shortened.

In the first basic configuration or the first preferred configuration,
Timer setting means (eg, main control unit 300) for setting a timer (eg, freeze timer) for measuring a predetermined time (eg, predetermined time TA from the time of winning judgment);
information display means for displaying information (for example, effect image display device 157, second sub-control unit 500, etc.);
with
The information display means displays information indicating the end of the AT state (for example, AT end image d10, FIG. 10(b)) while the timer set by the timer setting means measures the predetermined time. means (for example, FIG. 8, FIG. 11, etc.),
The advantageous interval notification means is means for ending the execution of the advantageous interval notification after the timer set by the timer setting means measures the predetermined time (for example, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 11). Such),
This is the second preferred configuration.

According to the second preferred configuration, it is possible to reliably inform the player of the privilege obtained in the AT state and to increase the player's desire to continue playing the game.

(2) As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 100) of the first embodiment,
Advantageous section notification means (e.g., advantageous section lamp 191, main control unit 300, etc.) for executing advantageous section notification (e.g., lighting of advantageous section lamp 191) indicating that it is an advantageous section in which the AT state can be set;
re-game notification means (for example, re-game lamp 122, main control unit 300) for executing re-game notification indicating re-game;
A game table comprising
Said re-game informing means notifies said re-game before said advantageous interval informing means finishes execution of said advantageous interval informing when a condition for making the next game the said re-game is satisfied in the last game in said advantageous interval. (for example, FIG. 8, FIG. 11, etc.)
This is the second basic configuration.

According to this second basic configuration, when the condition for replaying is established in the last game of the advantageous section, the replay notification is executed before the advantageous section notification is completed, so that the advantageous section has ended. As a result, the desire to continue playing can be enhanced.

In the above second basic configuration,
Timer setting means (e.g., main control unit 300) for setting a timer (e.g., freeze timer) for measuring a predetermined time (e.g., predetermined time TA from the time of winning judgment),
The re-game notification means is means for starting execution of the re-game notification before the timer set by the timer setting means measures the predetermined time,
The advantageous interval notification means is means for terminating execution of the advantageous interval notification after the timer set by the timer setting means measures the predetermined time.
This is the third preferred configuration.

According to the third preferred configuration, the player can be made aware of the replay notification for a sufficient period of time.

In the second basic configuration or the third preferred configuration,
Insertion notification means (for example, speakers 272, 277, first sub-control unit 400, etc.) that executes injection notification indicating that game value has been inserted;
Information transmission means (for example, main control unit 300) for transmitting information related to replay,
The input notification means is means for executing the input notification based on the information related to the replay transmitted by the information transmission means,
The input notification means can execute the input notification when the game value is automatically inserted by replaying,
The information transmission means is means for transmitting information related to the replay to the entry notification means after the advantageous interval notification means finishes executing the advantageous interval notification (for example, FIG. 9),
The information transmitting means is means for transmitting information related to the replay to the input notification means before the game value is automatically inserted by the replay (for example, FIG. 9).
This is the fourth preferred configuration.

According to the fourth preferable configuration, the period from the end of the advantageous section notification to the execution of the replay input notification can be shortened as much as possible, so the time to disappoint the player can be shortened. .

(3) As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 100) of the first embodiment,
AT state effect means (for example, effect image display device 157, speakers 272, 277, main control unit 300, first sub-control unit 400, second sub-control unit 500, etc.) and
Advantageous section notification means (e.g., advantageous section lamp 191, main control unit 300, etc.) for executing advantageous section notification (e.g., lighting of advantageous section lamp 191) indicating that the AT state is an advantageous section in which the AT state can be set;
Freezing means for executing freezing (for example, main control unit 300, etc.);
A game table comprising
The AT state effect means is a means capable of executing an end effect of the AT state (for example, an AT end effect),
The freezing means is means capable of executing the freezing during at least a part of the period during which the ending effect is executed (for example, period TA),
The advantageous interval notification means is means for continuing the advantageous interval notification that has been executed in the AT state even during the period during which the freeze is executed, and ending the advantageous interval notification immediately after the freeze ends. (For example, Fig. 8, Fig. 11, etc.)
This is the third basic configuration.

According to this third basic configuration, even if the end effect is executed, the advantageous section notification is ended after that, so the player can easily grasp the end of the advantageous section.

In the third basic configuration above,
a display device (for example, effect image display device 157);
A sound output device (for example, speakers 272, 277),
The end effect is a effect that causes the display device to perform a predetermined end display (for example, an AT end image d10), and a predetermined end effect to the sound output device during at least a part of the period during which the predetermined end display is performed. It is a production to execute the end sound output (for example, finale sound),
The freezing executed by the freezing means continues until execution of the predetermined end sound output ends (for example, FIG. 8, FIG. 11, etc.).
This is the fifth preferred configuration.

According to the fifth preferable configuration, the advantageous interval notification is ended after the output of the predetermined end sound is finished, so the player can easily notice the end of the advantageous interval.

(4) As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 100) of the second embodiment,
Advantageous section notification means (e.g., advantageous section lamp 191, main control unit 300, etc.) for executing advantageous section notification (e.g., lighting of advantageous section lamp 191) when the AT state is settable in an advantageous section;
an input notification means (e.g., speakers 272, 277, first sub-control unit 400, etc.) that executes input notification (e.g., output of input sound) when gaming value (e.g., medal) is input;
Payout means (for example, medal payout device 180, main control unit 300, etc.) that pays out the game value to the outside based on operation acceptance to predetermined operation means (for example, checkout button 134);
A game table comprising
The input notification means is means capable of executing the input notification (for example, outputting a regame notification sound) when the game value is automatically inserted by replaying,
The advantageous interval notification means, when a first condition for ending the advantageous interval is established in a game in the advantageous interval (for example, the final game of the advantageous interval), the first timing in the certain game (for example, , means for ending the advantageous section notification in step 2) of FIG. 41,
When the condition for making the next game the replay is satisfied in the game in which the first condition is satisfied (hereinafter, referred to as "when the second condition is satisfied"), the input notification means sets the first condition. A means capable of executing the input notification at a second timing after the timing (for example, step S4 in FIG. 41),
The payout means, at a third timing after the second timing (for example, step S9 in FIG. 41), executes the payout of the game value to the outside based on the reception of the operation to the predetermined operation means. is a possible means of
This is the fourth basic configuration.

According to the fourth basic configuration, when the conditions for replaying are established in a game ending the advantageous section, the entry notification based on the replay is executed after the advantageous section notification is completed, so that the advantageous section is completed. Even if the game is finished, the desire to continue the game can be enhanced. In addition, since the game value is paid out to the outside based on the acceptance of the operation to the predetermined operation means after the input notification based on the replay, the player who recognizes the input notification based on the replay hesitates to settle the account. , the player's desire to continue playing can be further enhanced.

In the fourth basic configuration above,
Game information transmission means (for example, main control unit 300, FIG. 41) for transmitting information related to the replay (for example, a game start command including a replay win and the number of medals inserted in the previous game) to the insertion notification means. step S3),
The game information transmission means is means for transmitting information related to the replay to the input notification means before the game value is automatically inserted by the replay when the second condition is satisfied ( Steps S3 and S5 in FIG. 41),
The entry notification means is means for executing the entry notification based on the information relating to the replay transmitted by the game information transmission means (steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 41),
The predetermined operating means is means for enabling operation reception after the game value is automatically inserted by the replay when the second condition is satisfied (steps S5 and S6 in FIG. 41).
This is the sixth preferred configuration.

According to the sixth preferred configuration, the period from the end of the advantageous section notification to the execution of the throwing notification can be shortened as much as possible, so the time that disappoints the player can be shortened.

In the fourth basic configuration or the sixth preferred configuration,
An operation sound output means (for example, speakers 272 and 277) that outputs a notification sound accompanying the operation is provided,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting an input notification sound (for example, a replay notification sound) when the game value is automatically inserted by the replay,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting a payout notification sound (e.g., settlement notification sound) when the game value is paid out to the outside,
The operating sound output means is means for outputting the turning-on notification sound at a first volume when the second condition is satisfied,
The operation sound output means outputs the payout notification sound at a second sound volume smaller than the first sound volume when the second condition is satisfied and the game value is paid out to the outside. is a means of
This is the seventh preferred configuration.

According to the seventh preferred configuration, the insertion notification sound based on the replay is more conspicuous than the payout notification sound, thereby promoting the continuation of the game.

(5) As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 100) of the second embodiment,
Advantageous section notification means (e.g., advantageous section lamp 191, main control unit 300, etc.) that executes advantageous section notification (e.g., lighting of advantageous section lamp 191) when the AT state is an advantageous section that can be set;
an input notification means (e.g., speakers 272 and 277, first sub-controller 400, etc.) that executes input notification (e.g., output of input sound) when gaming value (e.g., medal) is input;
Payout means (for example, medal payout device 180, main control unit 300, etc.) that pays out the game value to the outside based on operation acceptance to predetermined operation means (for example, checkout button 134);
A game table comprising
The input notification means is means capable of executing the input notification (for example, outputting a replay notification sound) when the game value is automatically inserted by replaying,
The advantageous interval notifying means, when a first condition for ending the advantageous interval is satisfied in a game in the advantageous interval (for example, the final game of the advantageous interval), at a first timing in the certain game Means for ending the notification of the advantageous section (for example, step 2 in FIG. 41, FIG. 42),
When the condition for making the next game the replay is satisfied in the game in which the first condition is satisfied (hereinafter, referred to as "when the second condition is satisfied"), the input notification means provides the first condition. A means capable of executing the input notification at a second timing after the timing (for example, step S4 in FIG. 41, FIG. 42),
The payout means can execute the payout of the game value to the outside based on the acceptance of the operation to the predetermined operation means at a third timing (for example, FIG. 42) after the second condition is established. is a means of
This is the fifth basic configuration.

According to this fifth basic configuration, when the conditions for replaying are satisfied in a game in which the advantageous section ends, the entry notification based on the replaying is executed after the advantageous section notification is completed, so that the advantageous section ends. Even if the game is finished, the desire to continue the game can be enhanced. In addition, since the advantageous zone lamp 191 is turned off and a replaying sound is output when the settlement is possible, it is possible to prompt the player to start the game in a new state.

In the fifth basic configuration above,
An operation sound output means (for example, speakers 272 and 277) that outputs a notification sound accompanying the operation is provided,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting an input notification sound (for example, a replay notification sound) when the game value is automatically inserted by the replay,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting a payout notification sound (e.g., settlement notification sound) when the game value is paid out to the outside,
The operating sound output means is means for outputting the turning-on notification sound at a first volume when the second condition is satisfied,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting the payout notification sound at a second sound volume lower than the first sound volume when the second condition is satisfied and the gaming value is paid out to the outside. is
This is the eighth preferred configuration.

According to the eighth preferred configuration, the insertion notification sound based on the replay is more conspicuous than the payout notification sound, thereby promoting the continuation of the game.

In the fifth basic configuration above,
An operation sound output means (for example, speakers 272 and 277) that outputs a notification sound accompanying the operation is provided,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting an input notification sound (for example, a replay notification sound) when the game value is automatically inserted by the replay,
The operation sound output means is means for not outputting a payout notification sound (e.g., settlement notification sound) when the game value is paid out to the outside,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting the input notification sound when the second condition is satisfied.
This is the ninth preferred configuration.

According to the ninth preferable configuration, since the payout notification sound is not output, the insertion notification sound based on the replay is conspicuous and the continuation of the game is promoted.

<Other game machines>
The slot machine may be a slot machine that only exchanges electronic data without using medals. In this case, the game medium includes electronic data corresponding to medals. Input is from a predetermined external device (electronic storage device with a function that can store the number of lent medals by an electronic method or a function that can store the number of medals won by an electronic method) , includes inputting digitized data, and paying out game media includes outputting digitized data to a predetermined external device (electronic storage device).

[Third embodiment]
A slot machine according to an embodiment of a gaming machine will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 39. FIG.

In the slot machine of the basic embodiment described below, a predetermined number of game media are inserted and a plurality of reels each having a plurality of types of symbols are started to rotate when a predetermined rotation start instruction operation is received. At the same time, based on the reception of the rotation start instruction operation, the propriety of internal winning of a plurality of types of combinations is determined by lottery, and each of the plurality of reels receives a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation to individually rotate. If the condition determined by the winning combination based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the plurality of reels are stopped meets the predetermined payout condition, the game medium is paid out and the game ends. This is a game machine that progresses a series of games ending without paying out game media.

Various productions (for example, pseudo-games in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-36477) are adopted on the game table to improve the interest of the game. In addition, there are those that execute various displays including such effects regarding the state of the game. There is room for improvement in such presentation and display.

In this embodiment, a game machine having special effects and displays will be described.

<Basic configuration>
First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 viewed from the front side (player side).

A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 14 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front side of the main body 101 and capable of being opened and closed with respect to the main body 101 . Three reels (a left reel 110, a middle reel 111, and a right reel 112) each having a plurality of patterns arranged on its outer peripheral surface are housed in the center of the main body 101 (not shown), and rotate inside the slot machine 100. configured to allow These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

In the basic embodiment, a suitable number of patterns are printed on strip-shaped members at regular intervals, and the strip-shaped members are attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member to form each of the reels 110 to 112 . As for the symbols on the reels 110 to 112, when viewed from the player, approximately three symbols are displayed in the vertical direction from the display window 113, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Specifically, the symbol displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 is the upper stage symbol of the left reel, the symbol displayed on the middle stage of the left reel 110 is the middle stage symbol of the left reel, and the symbol displayed on the lower stage of the left reel 110 is the left reel symbol. The pattern displayed on the lower stage of the reel 111 is the upper stage symbol of the middle reel, the symbol displayed on the middle stage of the left reel 111 is the middle stage symbol of the middle reel, and the symbol displayed on the lower stage of the middle reel 111 is the lower stage of the middle reel. The symbols displayed on the upper stage of the right reel 112 are referred to as right reel upper stage symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle stage of the right reel 112 are referred to as the right reel middle stage symbols, and the symbols displayed on the lower stage of the right reel 112 are referred to as right reel lower stage symbols. Each symbol on each reel 110 to 112 is displayed vertically three times on each reel 110 to 112 through the display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. By rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols seen by the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that variably displays a combination of a plurality of types of symbols. As such a display device, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can be employed in addition to the reel. In addition, in the basic embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

Backlights for illuminating the individual symbols displayed in the display window 113 are arranged on the rear surfaces of the respective reels 110 to 112 . It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each pattern so that the individual patterns can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, near each reel 110 to 112, there is provided an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion. A light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes through the gap. Based on the detection result of the optical sensor, the positions of the symbols on the reels in the rotational direction are determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the desired symbols are displayed on the winning line.

The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates a valid winning line. The winning line is a line on which it is determined whether or not a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, is displayed. There is provided only one middle winning line composed of middle reel symbols. A valid winning line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “valid line”) is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as game media. The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 14 requires 3 medals, and when the number of inserted medals is less than 3, none of the winning lines are activated, and when 3 medals are betted, the winning lines are activated. become. When the winning line becomes valid, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135 . Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to one line. For example, in addition to the middle winning line, a right-down winning line consisting of left reel upper symbols, middle reel middle symbols and right reel lower symbols, and left reel lower symbols, middle reel middle symbols and right reel upper symbols. A total of 3 lines of the upward-sloping pay lines may be set as valid pay lines, or the number of pay lines corresponding to the number of bets may be set as valid pay lines.

The notification lamp 123 indicates, for example, that a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination 1, a special combination 2) has been internally elected in an internal lottery to be described later, or a special combination internal winning state or special game to be described later. It is a lamp that informs the player of the status. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert game medals. The replay lamp 122 indicates that the current game can be replayed (no need to insert medals) when a replay combination (details will be described later), which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game, is won. ) is a lamp that informs the player. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect.

The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100 . In the basic embodiment, one card is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed, two cards are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three cards are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. (up to 3 cards). The bet button 132 is hereinafter also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 turns on the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals is inserted, the game starts to indicate that the game start operation is possible. Lamp 121 lights up.

The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot for the player to insert medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141, and "insertion" includes both. be.

The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 . The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals to be paid out during the special game state) numerically. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. In the following description, it may be expressed as “given to the player” in the same sense as “payout to the player”. In the basic embodiment, the accumulated number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays. Although not shown in FIG. 14, an advantageous zone lamp 191 is provided at the bottom right of the payout number indicator 127 to indicate that the advantageous zone is in progress (see FIG. 32). Note that the payout number indicator 127 and the advantageous section lamp 191 are arranged on the same substrate. This payout number display 127 corresponds to an example of operation navigation executing means. Also, the advantageous section lamp 191 corresponds to an example of advantageous section notification executing means.

The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting rotation of the reels 110-112. That is, when a desired number of medals is inserted into the medal slot 141 or the bet buttons 130-132 are operated to operate the start lever 135, the reels 110-112 start rotating. An operation on the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.

The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139 composed of a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138 and a right stop button 139. As shown in FIG. The stop buttons 137-139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110-112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the respective reels 110-112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 can be stopped. The right reel 112 can be stopped by operating it. Hereinafter, the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is called stop operation, the first stop operation is called first stop operation, the next stop operation is called second stop operation, and the last stop operation is called third stop operation. Also, the reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations will be referred to as a first stop reel, a second stop reel, and a third stop reel, respectively. Further, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are stopped in order to stop all the rotating reels 110 to 112 is referred to as an operation order or a pressing order. Furthermore, the operation order in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the left reel 110 is called "forward push operation order" or simply "forward push", and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the right reel 112 is called " called "reverse push operation sequence" or simply "reverse push". A light emitter may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be lit to inform the player. These stop buttons 137 to 139 correspond to an example of stop operation means.

The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove medals when the inserted medals are jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button for settlement of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals placed on the slot machine 100 and ejecting the medals from the medal payout port 155 . The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

Below the stop button unit 136, a title panel 162 is provided for displaying the model name and attaching various certificate stamps. A medal payout port 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided below the title panel 162 .

The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting the sound of the speaker 277 (see FIG. 15) provided below inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for enlivening the game. A production device 160 is arranged above the front door 102. Above the production device 160, the sound of a speaker 272 (see FIG. 15) provided inside the slot machine 100 is output to the outside. A sound hole 143 is provided for this purpose. The production device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two right and left shutters 163a and 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and a production image display device 157 (liquid crystal display device) disposed behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b open horizontally in front of the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (player side, front side). ). It should be noted that any display device other than the liquid crystal display device may be used as long as it is capable of displaying various effects images and various game information. , a reel (drum), or a display device comprising a projector and a screen. Also, the display screen has a square shape, and the entirety of the screen is configured to be visible to the player. In the basic embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it could also be square. In addition, a decoration (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, so that the display screen looks oddly shaped. Although the display screen is a flat surface in the basic embodiment, it may be a curved surface. Note that the effect image display device 157 corresponds to an example of operation navigation execution means.

<Circuit Configuration of Control Unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control section of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be roughly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of a game, and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. and a second sub-controller 500 that controls various devices based on commands sent from the first sub-controller 400 . Here, regarding the main control unit 300, if the data volume becomes large, it becomes difficult to confirm the program, and there is a problem of security deterioration such as becoming a hotbed for unauthorized modification. and the data capacity of the RAM 308 is limited. The main control unit 300 corresponds to an example of lottery means, profit provision means, game execution means, advantageous interval setting means, and state setting means.

<Main control unit>
First, the main controller 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in internal lottery for winning combinations, and reel patterns. A ROM 306 storing arrays, stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 310 for controlling input/output of various devices, and a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc. and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314 are mounted. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-controller 400 and the second sub-controller 500, which will be described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal having a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 calculates an interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division. It determines and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 uses this interrupt request as a trigger to monitor each sensor and transmit drive pulses. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256×47÷8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that varies the numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 based on the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start signal when the power is turned on. A start signal output circuit 338 that outputs (reset signal) is provided, and the CPU 304 starts game control when the start signal is input from the start signal output circuit 338 (main control unit main processing described later). Start).

In addition, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 detects various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal insertion slot 141) at each interrupt time. Medal reception sensor for medals, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from medal payout device 180, reel 110- 112 optical sensors (index sensor 80, etc.).

When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316 . The random number generating circuit 316 that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random number used for the lottery.

Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141, and detect the presence or absence of passage of medals. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect the start operation by the player. The left stop button 137 sensor, the middle stop button 138 sensor, and the right stop button 139 sensor are installed on the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, respectively, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed on the corresponding bet buttons 130 to 132, respectively, and the medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 are used as the medals to be inserted into the game. Detects the submit operation when submitting. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134 . When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored medals are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals paid out by the medal payout device 180 . Each sensor described above may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

The optical sensor (index sensor 80) of the reels 110 to 112 is installed at a predetermined position on the mounting base of each reel 110 to 112, and each time the light shielding piece (detection piece 50) provided on the reel frame passes, L become a level. Rotational position information indicating how much the reel rotates from the reference position from when it once goes to L level until it goes to L level again is calculated based on the value obtained by counting the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 315b. be done. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 .

The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 for driving the stepping motors provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving solenoids provided in the medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. A drive circuit 326 that drives the motor, various lamps 336 (the winning line display lamp 120, the notification lamp 123, the game medal insertion possible lamp 124, the re-game lamp 122, the game medal insertion lamp 129, the game start lamp 121, the accumulated number display device 125, a game information display 126, a payout number display 127, and a driving circuit 328 for driving the advantageous section lamp 191).

An information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control section 300 outputs an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information of the machine 100 (for example, information indicating the state of the game) is output.

The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied from the power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 330 monitors the voltage of the power supply. A low voltage signal is output to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped if the value is less than a predetermined value (9v in the basic embodiment).

The main control section 300 also has an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control section 400 and enables communication with the first sub-control section 400 . Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400. However, the first sub-controller 400 is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted to the main controller 300 .

<Sub-controller>
Next, the first sub-controller 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-controller 400 receives control commands transmitted by the main controller 300 via the input interface. The first sub-controller 400 comprises a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-controller 400 based on this control command. , an I/O 410 for controlling input/output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, and the like. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal having a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-controller 400, a lighting pattern of the backlight, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

The CPU 404 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

A sound source IC 418 is provided in the first sub-control unit 400, and speakers 272 and 277 are provided in the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 according to commands from the CPU 404 . An S-ROM (sound ROM) storing sound data is connected to the sound source IC 418 , and the sound data obtained from this ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277 .

A drive circuit 422 is provided in the first sub-control unit 400, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel lamp, bet button lamp, reel backlight 94, etc.) are connected.

Further, the first sub control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 424 for driving the motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 424 is provided with the shutter 163 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 according to a command from the CPU 404 .

A sensor circuit 426 is provided in the first sub control unit 400, and a shutter sensor 428 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 428 every interrupt time.

The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to and from the second sub-controller 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control section 500 performs various controls of the effect device 160 including display control of the effect image display device 157 . The second sub-control unit 500 includes, for example, a control unit that controls the display of the effect image display device 157, a control unit that controls various drive devices for effects (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163). ) may be configured with a plurality of control units.

The second sub-controller 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands transmitted by the first sub-controller 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-controller 500 based on the control commands. This basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 510 for controlling input/output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time, number of times, etc. 512 and are installed. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal having a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control section 500, data for image display, and the like.

The CPU 504 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

A VDP 516 (video display processor) is provided in the second sub-control unit 500, and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected to the VDP 516 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504 , generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518 , and displays the image on the effect image display device 157 .

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the pattern arrangement applied to each reel 110 to 112 will be described. In addition, this figure is a plan view showing the arrangement of symbols provided on each reel (the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112).

On each of the reels 110 to 112, a predetermined number of symbols (21 frames numbered 0 to 20 in the basic embodiment) of a plurality of types (10 in the basic embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. Numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure indicate the arrangement positions of symbols on the respective reels 110 to 112 . For example, in the basic embodiment, the number 1 piece on the left reel 110 has a "watermelon pattern", the number 0 piece on the middle reel 111 has a "bell pattern", and the number 2 piece on the right reel 112 has a "seven 1 Designs” are arranged respectively.

The slot machine 100 in the basic embodiment stops the corresponding reels 110 to 112 within the maximum withdrawal range (less than 5 frames in the basic embodiment) from the position where the stop operation is performed, in order to improve the amusement of the game. It is configured.

<Types of winning roles>
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described. This figure shows types of winning combinations (including working combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and payouts (number of awards) for each winning combination.

Winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include a special combination 1, replay combinations 1-2, and small combinations 1-6. Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these combinations, and can be arbitrarily adopted.

Of the winning combinations in the basic embodiment, the special combination 1 is a combination (actuating combination) that shifts to a special game state in which a predetermined profit is given to the player by winning. Further, replay combinations 1 and 2 are combinations that can be replayed without inserting new medals. These special roles 1 and 2 and replay roles 1 and 2 may be called "operating roles". In addition, the "winning" in the basic embodiment includes the case where the symbol combination of the working combination that does not involve the payout of medals (does not involve the payout of medals) is displayed on the activated line. Winning of replay hands 1 and 2 is included. The special role 1 is a special role that is carried over to the next game if it is not determined as winning, and the other roles are general roles that are not carried over to the next game if it is not determined as winning. be.

The special combination 1 is a combination (operating combination) that shifts to a special game state (RT2) by winning a prize. However, medals will not be paid out due to winning these roles themselves. The corresponding symbol combination is "seven 1-seven 1-seven 1" for special role 1. In the following description, the special role 1 may be referred to as "BB1" or "BB".

When the special combination 1 is internally won, the internal winning flag corresponding to the internally won special combination is set to ON (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). When the flag corresponding to the special combination 1 is set to ON, the main control unit 300 shifts the game state to the special combination internal winning state (RT1). This flag is maintained in the on state until the corresponding working role is won, and it becomes a state in which it is easy to win these working roles in the next and subsequent games. Specifically, even if the special role 1 is not won in the game in which the special role 1 is internally won, the same state as the special role 1 is internally won in the next and subsequent games, and the corresponding symbol combinations are all won. becomes easier.

The special role internally elected state will be described in detail later, but in the special role internally elected state, if a role other than the special role is internally elected, the symbols constituting the other role are arranged preferentially. , reel stop control is executed.

The re-playing hands 1 and 2 are prize-winning hands (operating hands) that can be played without inserting medals (game media) in the next game due to winning, and medals are not paid out. That is, the game can be played again with the same number of bets as the number of previously inserted coins. The corresponding symbol combination is "replay-replay-replay" for replay combination 1 and "replay-replay-watermelon" for replay combination 2. Among the replay hands, the replay hand 1 may be referred to as "normal replay" and the replay hand 2 may be referred to as "chance replay".

The replay hands 1 and 2 may be hands that allow the player to play the next game without inserting medals. Therefore, for example, if you win a replay, the insertion of medals in the next game may be automatically inserted (reset the number of inserted medals in the memory area for the number of inserted medals prepared in the RAM 308). The medals inserted in the winning game may be carried over to the next game and used as they are.

Small combinations 1 to 6 are winning combinations in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are "ANY-Cherry-ANY" for the small combination 1, "Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon" for the small combination 2, and "Bell-Bell-Bell" for the small combination 3. 4 is "Replay-Bell-Bell", the small winning combination 5 is "Bell-Replay-Bell", and the small winning combination 6 is "Bell-Bell-Replay". Also, the corresponding number of payouts is as shown in FIG.

Among the above small roles, the small role 1 is "cherry", the small role 2 is "watermelon", the small role 3 is "bell", the small role 4 is "left bell", the small role 5 is "middle bell", and the small role 6 is sometimes referred to as the "right bell". In the case of "ANY-Cherry-ANY", the middle reel middle pattern of the middle reel 111 may be "Cherry", and the left reel 110 and the right reel 112 may have any pattern.

Here, the small winning combination 3 (bell) is a winning combination regardless of the order (push order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139, but the small winning combination 4 (left bell) and the small winning combination 5 (middle bell). And a small winning combination 6 (left bell) wins when the order of stop operations of the stop buttons 137 to 139 matches a predetermined order of stop operations. For example, a small win 4 (left bell) wins when the first stop operation is performed on the left reel 110, and a small win 5 (middle bell) wins when the first stop operation is performed on the middle reel 111. A small win 6 (right bell) is won when the first stop operation is performed on the right reel 112 . Hereinafter, the small wins 4 to 6 may be collectively referred to as push-order bells. In addition, the order of stop operation for winning the internally won push order bell is also called the correct order of stop operation.

<Types of internally elected roles>
Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the types of internal winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a lottery table for internal winning combinations for each RT.

FIG. 18 shows 12 types of internally won hands (condition device numbers 1 to 10), which are combinations of the hands explained in FIG. The winning combination in the game is one of the combinations corresponding to this internal winning combination. These internal winning combinations are determined by lottery at the start of the game.

Condition device numbers 1 and 2 are both internally winning combinations including special combination 1. Of these, condition device number 1 is an internal winning combination in which special combination 1 is won alone and there is no duplication with other combinations. When this winning combination is won internally, it becomes possible to win a special winning combination 1 (transition to a special game state (RT2)), but if no prize is won, a transition is made to a special winning internal winning state (RT1). In this case, unless another winning combination is internally won in the next and subsequent games, the special winning combination 1 can be continuously won.

On the other hand, the condition device number 2 is an internal winning combination in which the special combination 1 and another combination are duplicated and internally won. In the basic embodiment, the small winning combination and the replay winning combination are stopped with priority over the special winning combination. Therefore, in a game in which the special role 1 and another role are duplicated and internally won, there is a possibility that this other role will win (in the case of a replay role, the prize will always be won), but the special role 1 will win. do not do. It should be noted that the special combination internal winning state (RT1) is entered from the next game, and the special combination 1 can continue to be won as long as no other combination is internally won in the next and subsequent games.

Conditional device numbers 3 and 4 are internal winning hands made up of replayed hands.

In addition, in the condition device numbers 2 and 4, the replay combination 1 and the replay combination 2 are won in duplicate. When these conditional devices are internally won, if a predetermined stop operation is performed, the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination 2 is displayed on the effective line, and if any other stop operation is performed, the replay combination 1 is displayed. Stop control is executed so that the corresponding symbol combination is displayed on the activated line. In the basic embodiment, the predetermined stop operation is the left first stop, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, not only the first stop operation but also the second stop operation may be included in the predetermined stop operation. Alternatively, the timing of the stop operation may be the predetermined stop operation described above, or a combination thereof, and any operation condition may be adopted.

Condition device numbers 5 to 10 are internal winning hands made up of small hands. Of these, the condition device numbers 8 to 10 are provided with operation conditions (push order here, correct push order below) for winning the corresponding minor combination (left bell, middle bell, right bell). In the following description, the conditional device numbers 8 to 10 may be collectively referred to as push order bells. In the above configuration, if the stop operation does not match the order of pressing the correct answer, it may be lost. It is good also as a structure which carries out.

In the internal winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 18, the horizontal axis represents each game state (RT), and the vertical axis represents each lottery value (size of lottery data range). In each RT to be described later, the internal winning probability of a role is determined by selecting numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each role from the lottery data prepared in the ROM 306, and using random values acquired during the internal lottery. is obtained by dividing by numerical data (for example, 65536) in the range of . For example, in the replay low probability state (RT0), the lottery value of special role 1 is 50, and the winning probability of special role 1 is 50/65536*100≈0.06%. The lottery data is divided in advance into several numerical ranges, and each numerical range is associated with each winning combination and loss. A random number value obtained as a result of executing an internal lottery is determined as a value corresponding to lottery data corresponding to which combination, and an internal lottery combination (internal winning combination) is determined. Setting 1 to setting 6 are prepared for the lottery data with different winning probabilities of at least one combination, and the staff of the game parlor can arbitrarily select and set any of the setting values.

In the basic embodiment, the internal winning probabilities of the condition devices with condition device numbers 8 to 10 for each game state are uniform, but the internal winning probabilities may be biased.

If you do not win the role of each condition device, you will lose, and basically the symbol combination corresponding to the role will not be displayed. It should be noted that the fact that the symbol combination relating to the winning line is not stopped may be referred to as "losing". In addition, there is a case where the fact that you did not win the role of any of the conditional devices is expressed as "won wrong".

In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 14, set values are set for different degrees of advantage for the player. Setting values 1 to 6 are prepared. There is a tendency that the higher the set value, the higher the player's advantage.

<Types of game status (RT)>
Next, the types of game states of the slot machine 100 and their transitions will be described. FIG. 19 is a transition diagram of the game state (RT) of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG.

The slot machine 100 is configured to be able to switch between a plurality of types of states with different degrees of advantage, namely, a replay low probability state, a special role internal winning state, and a special game state. The degree is changed to improve the amusement of the game. In the following description, this game state may be referred to as RT, and the replay low probability state, the special role internal winning state, and the special game state may be referred to as RT0, RT1, and RT2, respectively. be. Also, when these RTs are switched, the corresponding lottery table is changed (described later). RT is controlled by the main controller 300 .

FIG. 19 shows each of the RTs described above, and their transition conditions are indicated on the arrows. When the transition condition corresponding to each arrow is met, RT transitions in the direction of that arrow. These transition conditions include, for example, winning a predetermined winning combination, internal winning of a predetermined winning combination, stop display of a specific symbol combination on a specific winning line, and completion of a specified number of games. , and a predetermined number of coins may be paid out.

Hereinafter, each RT will be described with appropriate reference to the drawings.

<Replay low probability state (RT0)>
RT0 has a lower internal winning probability of a replay role than RT1, and is the most disadvantageous RT for the player.

There are conditional device numbers 1 to 10 for internally won hands in RT0. If the winning combination is not won, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed. It should be noted that the fact that the symbol combination relating to the winning line is not stopped may be referred to as "losing". In addition, the fact that the role was not won may be expressed as "won't win".

FIG. 19 shows that when the special combination 1 is internally won while RT0 is set, the state shifts to the special combination internal winning state, which will be described later.

<Special role internal elected state (RT1)>
RT1 is a state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to the special combination 1 is set to ON. Also, the probability of winning a replay role is higher than RT0, and RT is more advantageous than RT0.

There are condition device numbers 3 to 10 in RT1 for internally won hands.

FIG. 19 shows that when the special combination 1 is won in RT1 (when the corresponding symbol combination is displayed), the process proceeds to RT2.

<Special game state (RT2)>
RT2 is an advantageous RT in which the internal winning probability of Bell (small combination 3) is higher than in other RTs and medals can be easily obtained.

The condition device number 7 is the only internal winning combination in RT2. A small winning combination 3 that is internally won with the condition device number 7 is a winning combination that wins a bell regardless of operation conditions (operation timing, operation order) if internally won.

FIG. 19 shows that in RT2, when the payout exceeds the specified number (324, see the remarks column in FIG. 17), the process moves to RT0.

In the basic embodiment, the RT2 is terminated when a specified number of payouts or more are executed. 8 times), or when a predetermined number of times (for example, 6 times) is played, the game may end.

<Unadvantageous Sections and Advantageous Sections>
In the slot machine 100 of the basic embodiment, apart from the above-described RT, the game state is divided into non-advantageous intervals and advantageous intervals for management. Of these, in the advantageous section, notification of the stop operation order for the internally won combination (hereinafter sometimes referred to as operation navigation) is allowed, and in the non-advantageous section, this operation navigation is not displayed. In addition, the operation navigation is displayed according to the conditions in the advantageous section, but the operation navigation may not be displayed even if the push order bell is internally elected. These states will be described below with reference to FIG. This figure shows the transition of the game state regarding the advantageous section and the non-advantageous section of the slot machine 100 .

In the basic embodiment, the initial state (eg, factory default state) is set to the non-advantageous section. Also, when there is a RAM clear (setting change), this non-advantageous interval is set. The state of the non-advantageous section is referred to as normal state A. In addition, in the basic embodiment, three types of advantageous section states are provided: normal state B, chance state, and AT state. FIG. 20 shows transitions between four states: normal state A, normal state B, chance state, and AT state. In the basic embodiment, the advantageous section flag is set to OFF for a non-advantageous section, and the advantageous section flag is set to ON for an advantageous section. distinguish. In addition, in order to prevent the gambling spirit, when the advantageous section continues over a predetermined number of games (for example, 1500 games), or when the predetermined net increase number (for example, 2400) is exceeded is configured to be a non-advantageous section.

It should be noted that the state of the advantageous section may be only the AT state, or, for example, a premonitory state before shifting to the AT state may be further provided, and is not limited to the configuration of the basic embodiment. . Similarly, there may be multiple types of states for the states of the non-advantageous section.

Since the non-advantageous section and the advantageous section are set separately from the RT, for example, there are cases where the transition to RT2 occurs during the advantageous section. However, in RT2, the push order bell is not internally won, and the operation navigation is not displayed, so for RT2, a non-advantageous section may be set once, and after RT2 is completed, it may return to the advantageous section. . Further, the configuration is not limited to the above, and it may be configured such that an internal winning is made to the pressing order bell at RT2 and an operation navigation is displayed. Note that the advantageous section lamp 191 may be turned on during the entire period of the advantageous section or during a part of the period. However, when a part of the advantageous section is in the AT state, if the advantageous section lamp 191 is lit in a section that is not in the AT state of the advantageous section, the impression that the AT state is imminent may give Therefore, it is preferable that the interval in which the advantageous interval lamp 191 is turned on is a minimum interval such as when the vehicle is in the AT state.

Each state of the non-advantageous section and the advantageous section will be described below.

<Normal state A>
In the non-advantageous section (normal state A), a lottery for transition to the advantageous section is executed based on the internal winning combination. If the lottery is won, the state shifts to the normal state B in the advantageous section.

<Normal state B>
In the normal state B, the state shifts to the chance state when the conditions for shifting to the chance state are satisfied. Further, when the transition condition is established, the number of games in the chance state is set. Regarding this transition condition, for example, a condition that is established by executing a predetermined number of games in the normal state B, a lottery for transition to each game chance state in the normal state B, and when this lottery is won , conditions to be established when points (any of 1 to 3) added according to the result of one game in normal state B accumulate up to a specified number (100 points), and so on. Conditions can be adopted.

<Chance status>
In the chance state, an AT lottery may be conducted according to the internally won combination. When the AT lottery is not won (the number of AT sets is 0) before the set number of games has passed, the game shifts to the normal state B, and when the number of AT sets is 0, the game shifts to the AT state. When shifting to the AT state, the AT set number is decremented by 1, and the AT remaining game number is set to a predetermined number of games (for example, 50).

In the slot machine 100 of the basic embodiment, the AT lottery is executed in the chance state. The AT lottery timing and execution conditions can be arbitrarily adopted.

<AT state>
Next, the AT state will be explained. Below, the AT state may be simply referred to as AT.

In the AT state, when the push order bell (condition device numbers 8 to 10) is internally won, an operation navigation showing the correct push order corresponding to each is displayed. Note that this operation navigation is not limited to indicating the pressing order, and may indicate the timing of the stop operation, such as a display such as "Aim for...", or the pressing order and timing. may indicate both. In addition, on the payout number indicator 127, the 7 segments are lit up in a manner corresponding to the pressing order of the correct answer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as navigation lighting). The display on the payout number indicator 127 may also be illuminated in a mode corresponding to the timing of the stop operation, or may be illuminated in a mode corresponding to both the pressing order and the timing. .

In the basic embodiment, the number of AT remaining games is subtracted as the AT state game progresses. Then, when the AT remaining game number becomes 0, if the AT set number is greater than 0, the AT remaining game number is set to a predetermined value (eg, 50) again, and if the AT set number is 0, the chance state is entered. conduct a lottery. When the lottery is won, the state shifts to the chance state, and when the lottery is not won, the advantageous section is shifted to the non-advantageous section (parameters related to the advantageous section are initialized). Incidentally, when the special game state (RT2) is entered in the middle of the AT state, the subtraction of the number of remaining AT games is stopped, and the subtraction is resumed when the RT0 is reached.

The AT state may be started and ended according to a predetermined condition (for example, when a specific game state is reached) without being limited to the configuration using the AT set number or the AT remaining game number.

<Overview of processing>
The processing of the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Main control unit main processing>
First, the main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that this figure is a flow chart showing the flow of the main processing of the main controller.

As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the activation signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the activation signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 that has received this activation signal is reset-started by the reset interrupt and executes the main control section main processing shown in FIG.

When the power is turned on, first, in step S101, initial setting processing of the main control unit is performed. In this main control unit initial setting process, the stack initial value is set to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, interrupt inhibition is set, the I/O 310 is initialized, various variables stored in the RAM 308 are initialized, and the WDT 314 is initialized. Allow operation and set initial values.

In step S103, a game start process is executed. In this process, it is checked whether or not medals have been inserted (maintenance or operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132), and the winning line display lamp 120 is lit according to the insertion of medals. Also, when medals have been inserted, preparations are made to send an insertion command indicating that medals have been inserted to the first sub-control section 400 . If the player wins the replay in the previous game, the same number of medals as the medals inserted in the previous game are inserted, so the player does not need to insert medals. In addition, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated while the specified number (three) of medals has been used. Confirm and start playing.

In step S105, various lottery processes including internal winning combination lottery process and the like are executed. In this process, the internal winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current RT, and an internal lottery (lottery for the combination) is performed using this table and the random number obtained from the random number generation circuit 316. Determine internal winners. As a result of the internal lottery, when any combination (including the active combination) is internally won, the flag for that combination is turned on. Also, in this step S105, preparations are made to transmit an internal lottery command including internal winning information indicating the result of the internal winning combination lottery to the first sub-control section 400. FIG. For example, when a replay is internally won, preparations are made to transmit an internal lottery command indicating that the replay is internally won to the first sub-control unit 400, and the winning combination is executed. If the result of the internal lottery is a loss (non-winning role), preparations are made to transmit an internal lottery command indicating a loss to the first sub-control unit 400 . The internal winning command includes information on the internal winning combination, information on the current advantageous section (if the period is finite, including information on the number of remaining games such as the number of remaining AT games), and AT lottery. And information that can specify the result of the AT addition lottery is included. Of the above information, the information relating to the number of AT remaining games may not be included in the internal winning command in the non-AT state, and may be included in the internal winning command only in the AT state. Furthermore, in the AT state, the internal winning command including that the condition device numbers 8 to 10 have been internally won also includes operation instruction information representing the correct operation order of the operation order (push order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139. .

In step S107, it is determined whether or not the pseudo-game flag is set to ON. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S109; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S109, a pseudo-game related process is executed. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S111, reel stop data corresponding to the first stop operation is prepared based on the result of the internal winning combination lottery. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control section 300 .

In step S113, reel rotation start processing is executed on the condition that the game interval timer (subtracted in timer update processing, which will be described later) is 0, and the reels 110 to 112 are started to rotate. Also, when the reels 110 to 112 start rotating, preparations are made to transmit a reel rotation start command to the first sub-controller 400 . After that, when the reels 110-112 reach a predetermined rotational speed, the optical sensors provided on each reel are detected, and the symbol position of each reel is grasped, the stop operation to the stop buttons 137-139 is enabled. The game interval counter secures the minimum time required for one game (4.1 seconds in the basic embodiment) to suppress gambling. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S115, a reel stop control process is executed. In this processing, when one of the stop buttons 137-139 is pressed after the stop operation is validated, the reels 110-112 corresponding to the pressed stop button 137-139 are stopped. Specifically, every time a stop operation is performed, the stop table of the reel stop data is referred to, and the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop operation are stopped according to the number of pull-in frames set in the stop table. Further, reel stop data corresponding to the second stop operation is prepared for the first stop operation, and reel stop data corresponding to the third stop operation is prepared for the second stop operation. For each stop operation, preparations are made to send the corresponding command (first to third press commands) to the first sub-control unit 400, and each time the reels 110 to 112 stop, the corresponding command (first 1st to 3rd stop commands) to the first sub-controller 400. When all the reels 110-112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S117.

In step S117, a winning determination process is performed. Here, when a symbol combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. For example, if "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon" is aligned on the activated pay line, it is determined that the small combination 2 has been won. After determining the winning combination, preparations are made to transmit the winning command to the first sub-control unit 400 .

In step S119, if the player wins any winning combination with a payout, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is given (paid out), and the payout number indicator 127 is used to display the given number.

In step S121, RT update processing is performed. In this process, RT is transitioned based on the conditions shown in the state transition diagram shown in FIG.

In step S123, game state update processing is performed. Here, based on the result of the game, the status regarding the non-advantageous section and the advantageous section explained in FIG. 20 is updated. For example, when the normal state A shifts to the normal state B, the advantageous section flag is set to ON, and when the AT state shifts to the normal state A, the advantageous section flag is set OFF. In addition, a pseudo-game flag is set to ON when the state is shifted from the chance state to the AT state. Further, when the AT state is shifted to the normal state A, the advantageous section lamp 191 is extinguished. In addition, preparations are made for transmission of the game state update command. This command includes information on RT, information on non-advantageous intervals and advantageous intervals (for example, advantageous interval flag, number of AT sets and number of AT remaining games).

One game is completed by the above. Thereafter, the game progresses by returning to step S103 and repeating the above-described processing.

<Main control unit 300 timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main controller timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main controller 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flow chart showing the flow of the main controller timer interrupt processing.

The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (about once every 2 ms in the basic embodiment). Processing is started at a predetermined cycle.

In step S201, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start processing, processing such as temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

In step S203, the WDT 314 is periodically turned on (basically 32.8 ms) so that the count value of the WDT 314 does not exceed the initial set value (32.8 ms in the basic embodiment) and a WDT interrupt does not occur (so as not to detect an abnormality in processing). In the embodiment, a restart is performed once every 2 ms, which is the cycle of the main controller timer interrupt.

In step S205, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update processing, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input port of the I/O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals. It is stored in the provided signal state storage area. Note that the state of the optical sensor is confirmed in this process.

In step S207, various game processes are executed, and processes corresponding to interrupt statuses (acquiring various interrupt statuses based on signals from various sensors 318) are executed. For example, if the interrupt status is medal insertion processing, medal insertion acceptance processing is performed, and if the interruption status is payout processing, medal payout processing is performed.

In step S209, timer update processing is performed. For example, a process of updating various timers in units of time, such as subtracting a game interval timer, is executed.

In step S<b>211 , command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands that have been prepared for transmission in main processing, timer interrupt processing, etc. of the main control section 300 are transmitted to the first sub-control section 400 . The output schedule information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 includes strobe information (if it is ON, it indicates that data is set), command type (in the basic embodiment, basic command, input command, start lever Reception command, internal winning command, production command accompanying production lottery processing, reel rotation start command accompanying start of rotation of reels 110-112, pseudo game rotation start command, stop buttons 137-139 First to accompanying acceptance of operation Third press command, first to third stop commands associated with stopping reels 110 to 112, winning command, payout number command and payout end command accompanying medal payout processing, status update command), command data (corresponding to command type predetermined information).

In the first sub-control unit 400, the command type included in the received output schedule information enables the determination of the effect control according to the change in the game control in the main control unit 300, and is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, it becomes possible to determine the effect control contents.

In step S213, an external signal setting process is performed. In this external signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334 .

In step S215, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, in step S205, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area are read out, and the presence or absence of errors related to medal insertion abnormalities and medal payout abnormalities is monitored. (Not shown) Execute error processing. Further, the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set according to the current game state.

In step S217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. If a low voltage signal is received (power cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S221, and if a low voltage signal is not received (power cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219. move on.

In step S219, timer interrupt end processing is performed. In this timer interrupt end processing, processing such as setting the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 to each original register is performed. After that, the process returns to the main control unit main process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in step S221, information that needs to be saved, such as specific variables and stack pointers for returning to the state at the time of power failure when power is restored, is saved in a predetermined area of RAM 308. A checksum value for the area is derived and stored in the RAM 308, and a power supply flag indicating that power-off processing has been performed is set to ON.

<Pseudo-game related processing>
Next, using FIG. 23, pseudo-game related processing (step S109) in the main control unit main processing of FIG. 21 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the flow of pseudo-game related processing (step S109) in FIG.

In step S1001, pseudo-game reel stop data is prepared. Specifically, reel stop data is prepared for pseudo-stopping when seven 2 symbols are aligned on the winning line. It should be noted that reel stop data for stopping an arbitrary combination of symbols can be used as long as the combination of symbols is different from the combination that can be established in this game. Also, a plurality of types of such reel stop data may be prepared and one of the plurality of types may be selected.

In step S1003, pseudo-game reel rotation start processing is executed. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S1005, a pseudo-game reel stop control process is executed. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S1007, the random delay flag is set to ON.

In step S1009, the pseudo-game flag is set to off.

<Pseudo game reel rotation start processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the pseudo-game reel rotation start processing (step S1003) in the pseudo-game related processing of FIG. 23 will be described. FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the flow of the pseudo-game reel rotation start process (step S1003) in FIG.

In step S1101, acceleration parameters for each reel are set.

In step S1103, preparation for transmitting a pseudo-game rotation start command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed.

In step S1105, the reels 110-112 are started to rotate using the acceleration parameters set in step S1101.

In step S1107, it is determined whether or not the rotational speeds of the reels 110-112 are constant. If the rotational speeds of the reels 110-112 are constant, the process proceeds to step S1109; otherwise, step S1107 is repeated.

In step S1109, the operation of the stop buttons 137-139 is validated.

<Pseudo-game reel stop control process>
Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the pseudo-game reel stop control process (step S1005) in the pseudo-game related process of FIG. 23 will be described. FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the flow of the pseudo-game reel stop control process (step S1005) in FIG.

In step S1201, a pseudo-game regulation timer is set. The pseudo-game regulation timer is a timer that measures the time of one pseudo-game. In the basic embodiment, using a pseudo-game regulation timer, the execution time of one pseudo-game is limited to a predetermined time TA (specifically about 20 seconds). In step S1201, a timer value corresponding to a predetermined time TA is set as an initial value to the pseudo-game regulation timer. This timer value is decremented each time the timer interrupt processing (timer update processing in step S209) of the main control unit 300 is executed.

In step S1203, it is determined whether or not the stop buttons 137-139 have been operated. If the stop buttons 137 to 139 have been operated, the process proceeds to step S1205; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1209.

In step S1205, the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop buttons 137 to 139 that have been stopped are quasi-stopped.

In step S1207, it is determined whether or not all the reels 110 to 112 are quasi-stopped. If all the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped, the process proceeds to step S1213; otherwise, the process returns to step S1203.

In step S1209, it is determined whether or not the pseudo-game regulation timer has timed out, that is, the predetermined time TA corresponding to the set timer value has elapsed. If the pseudo-game regulation timer has timed out, proceed to step S1211, otherwise return to step 1203.

In step S1211, all the reels 110-112 are quasi-stopped because the predetermined time TA has elapsed without any of the stop buttons 137-139 being operated. Thus, the pseudo-game of the basic embodiment has a function of automatically pseudo-stopping the reels 110 to 112 when there is no stop operation in order to promote the progress of the pseudo-game.

In step S1213, a pseudo game end timer is set. The pseudo-game end timer is a timer that measures the time interval between the pseudo-game and the main game, and a predetermined effect (for example, the effect that the pseudo-game has ended, the effect that the main game is started, etc.) It is provided to reserve time for execution. In the basic embodiment, since the time interval between the pseudo-game and the main game is set to a predetermined time TC (specifically about 1 second), in step S1213, the pseudo-game end timer corresponds to the predetermined time TC as an initial value. A timer value is set. This timer value is decremented each time the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300 is executed. In addition, in step S1213, preparations are made to transmit a pseudo-game end command indicating that the pseudo-game has ended to the first sub-control unit 400.

<Pseudo-game related processing>
Next, the reel rotation start process (step S113) in the main control unit main process of FIG. 21 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of reel rotation start processing (step S113) in FIG.

In step S1301, acceleration parameters for each reel are set.

In step S1303, preparation for transmission of the game rotation start command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed.

In step S1305, 7 segment setting processing is executed. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S1307, it is determined whether or not the random delay flag is set to ON. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1311; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1309.

In step S1309, the reels 110-112 are started to rotate using the acceleration parameters set in step S1301.

In step S1311, random delay rotation start processing is executed. Details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S1313, it is determined whether or not the rotational speeds of the reels 110-112 are constant. If the rotational speeds of the reels 110 to 112 are constant, the process proceeds to step S1315; otherwise, step S1313 is repeated.

At step S1315, the operation of the stop buttons 137-139 is validated.

<7-segment setting processing>
Next, the 7-segment setting process (step S1305) in the reel rotation start process of FIG. 26 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the flow of the 7-segment setting process (step S1305) in FIG.

In step S1401, it is determined whether or not there is operation navigation information indicating the pressing order. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1403; otherwise, the 7-segment setting process ends. The operation navigation information is set when the condition device numbers 8 to 10 are internally won in the AT state.

In step S1403, display setting of operation navigation (navi lighting) by the payout number display 127 is executed.

In step S1405, it is determined whether or not the advantageous section flag is set to ON. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1407; otherwise, the 7-segment setting process ends.

In step S1407, it is determined whether or not the advantageous interval display by the advantageous interval lamp 191 is set to off (extinguished). If this condition is satisfied, the process advances to step S1409; otherwise, the 7-segment setting process ends.

In step S1409, the advantageous section display by the advantageous section lamp 191 is set to ON (lit).

<Random delay rotation start processing>
Next, random delay rotation start processing (step S1311) in the reel rotation start processing of FIG. 26 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the random delay rotation start process (step S1311) in FIG.

In step S1501, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time TC has elapsed by measuring the pseudo-game end timer. When the predetermined time TC has passed by measuring the pseudo-game end timer, the process proceeds to step S1503, otherwise step S1501 is repeated.

In step S1503, the left reel 110 starts rotating.

In step S1505, it is determined whether or not the left reel 110 has finished accelerating. If the left reel 110 has finished accelerating, the process proceeds to step S1507; otherwise, the process returns to step S1505.

In step S1507, a rotation start timer for the middle reel 111 is set. Specifically, a timer value corresponding to 0 to 756.512 ms is obtained by lottery, and this value is set. The value of the rotation start timer of the middle reel 111 is decremented each time the main controller timer interrupt process is executed.

In step S1509, it is determined whether or not the rotation start timer of the middle reel 111 has timed out, that is, whether or not the standby time corresponding to the initially set timer value has elapsed. If the rotation start timer of the middle reel 111 times out, the process proceeds to step S1511; otherwise, the process returns to step S1509.

In step S1511, rotation of the middle reel 111 is started. Although the middle reel 111 starts rotating in step S1511, the middle reel 111 is in a pseudo stop state until the rotation starts.

In step S1513, it is determined whether or not the acceleration of the middle reel 111 has ended. If the acceleration of the middle reel 111 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1515, and if not, the process returns to step S1513.

In step S1515, a rotation start timer for the right reel 112 is set. Specifically, a timer value corresponding to 0 to 756.512 ms is obtained by lottery, and this value is set. The value of the rotation start timer of the right reel 112 is decremented each time the main controller timer interrupt process is executed.

In step S1517, it is determined whether or not the rotation start timer of the right reel 112 has timed out, that is, whether or not the standby time corresponding to the initially set timer value has elapsed. If the rotation start timer of the right reel 112 has timed out, the process proceeds to step S1519; otherwise, the process returns to step S1517.

In step S1519, the right reel 112 starts rotating. Although the right reel 112 starts rotating in step S1511, the right reel 112 is in a pseudo stop state until it starts rotating.

In step S1521, the random delay flag is set off.

<Processing of first sub-controller 400>
Next, the processing of the first sub-controller 400 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 29A is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-controller 400. FIG. FIG. 29(b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-controller 400. FIG. FIG. 29(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-controller 400. FIG.

First, in step S301, various initial settings are performed. This initialization is performed when the power is turned on. In this processing, initial setting of input/output ports, initialization processing of storage areas in the RAM 408, and the like are performed. In this process, the RAM 408 is provided with an area for storing internal winning information representing the result of internal winning and an area for storing RT update information representing the game state.

In step S303, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable reaches 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S305.

In step S305, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

In step S307, command processing, which is processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300, is executed.

In step S309, effect control processing is performed. Here, the effect data is expanded, the processing of setting the device data in the effect execution area provided in the RAM 408, the process of setting the effect data in the effect reservation area provided in the RAM 408, and the received command And based on the information contained in the command, it performs processing such as setting effect data and executing control processing. Note that the effect data set in the effect reservation area and the device data set in the effect execution area may be updated (overwritten) with different data. In this case, the effect contents are changed based on the overwritten data.

In step S311, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, by acquiring control data from the device data set in the effect execution areas corresponding to the speakers 272 and 277 and outputting the acquired control data to the sound source IC 418, sound effects are executed.

In step S313, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, by acquiring control data from device data set in the effect execution area corresponding to various lamps 420 and outputting the acquired control data to the driving circuit 422, the effect by the lamp is executed.

In step S315, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, the control data is acquired from the device data set in the effect execution area corresponding to the shutter 163, and the acquired control data is output to the driving circuit 424, thereby executing the effect by the shutter 163.

In step S317, information output processing is performed for setting transmission of the control command to the second sub-controller 500 based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is device data set in the effect execution area corresponding to the effect image display device 157, preparations are made to transmit this device data to the second sub-controller 500, and the process returns to step S303.

Next, command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-controller 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 29(b). This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-controller 400 detects a strobe signal output by the main controller 300 . In step S321 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408 as an unprocessed command.

Next, the first sub-controller timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-controller 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 29(c). The first sub-control unit 400 has a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (once every 2 ms in the basic embodiment). period.

In step S331, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of RAM 408 described in step S303 in the first sub-controller main process shown in FIG. 29(a) and stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S303, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10).

In step S333, transmission of the device data to the second sub-control section 500 set in step S315, update processing of the random number value for effect, and the like are performed.

<Processing of second sub-controller 500>
Next, the processing of the second sub-controller 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-controller 500. FIG. FIG. 30(b) is a flow chart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-controller 500. FIG. FIG. 30(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-controller 500. FIG. FIG. 30(d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-controller 500. FIG.

First, in step S401 of FIG. 30(a), various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S401. In this initialization processing, input/output port initialization processing, initialization processing of storage areas in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

In step S403, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable reaches 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S405.

In step S405, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

In step S407, command processing is performed. In command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-controller 500 determines whether or not a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-controller 400 .

In step S409, effect control processing is performed. Specifically, when there is a new command in step S407, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading effect data for performing image control on a background image from the ROM 506 is executed. In addition, processing such as reading other effect data from the ROM 506 is performed, and when the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated.

In step S411, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S409. For example, if there is an instruction for image control in the effect data read in step S409, image control corresponding to this instruction is performed. For example, image control is performed on display images (notification images, background images). This image control processing will be described later with reference to FIG. When this image control processing ends, the process returns to step S403.

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-controller 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 30(b). This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub-controller 500 detects the strobe signal output by the first sub-controller 400 . In step S415 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output by the first sub-controller 400 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 508 as an unprocessed command.

Next, the second sub-controller timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-controller 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 30(c). The second sub-control unit 500 has a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (once every 2 ms in the basic embodiment). period.

In step S417, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of RAM 508 described in step S403 in the second sub-controller main process shown in FIG. 30(a) and stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S403, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10).

In step S419, processing for updating the random number value for effect, etc. is performed.

Next, the image control processing of step S411 in the main processing of the second sub-controller 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 30(d). This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

In step S421, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps designation of the drawing areas of the display area A and the display area B of the VRAM 518 . As a result, the effect image display device 157 displays the one-frame image stored in the display area that is not designated as the drawing area. Next, the CPU 504 sets the ROM coordinates (the transfer source address of the ROM 506), the VRAM coordinates (the transfer destination address of the VRAM 518), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 516 based on the position information table, and then transfers the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 516 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518 based on the command set in the attribute register. After that, the VDP 516 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504 .

At step S423, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal has been input from the VDP 516. If a transfer end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S425, otherwise a transfer end interrupt signal has been input. wait for

In step S425, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table, attribute data, and the like. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 518 in step S421, the CPU 504 obtains information of the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes of the VRAM 518, image size, and so on). , VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), image overlay and transparency, etc.) to the VDP 516 . The VDP 516 sets parameters according to the attributes based on the instructions stored in the attribute registers.

In step S427, a drawing instruction is given. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to start drawing an image. The VDP 516 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer according to instructions from the CPU 504 .

In step S429, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal has been input from the VDP 516 based on the end of image rendering. If a generation end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S431. wait for is entered.

In step S431, a scene display counter, which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scenes of images have been generated, is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

≪Explanation of operation≫
The features of the above-described slot machine 100 will be described below using an operation example.

[About pseudo-games]
In the slot machine 100, the reels 110 to 112 are rotated by inserting medals and operating the start lever 135, the winning combination is internally determined by an internal lottery, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped by operating the stop buttons 137 to 139. , a combination is established when a combination of symbols corresponding to internal determination is displayed on the symbol display window. Then, when a winning combination involving payout of medals is established, a specified number of medals corresponding to the established winning combination is paid out. This series of actions is a normal game, but this normal game is called a main game in order to distinguish it from the pseudo-game described below.

On the other hand, in the pseudo-game, similar to the main game, the rotated reels 110-112 are stopped by operating the stop buttons 137-139 (pseudo-stop in the basic embodiment), and some symbol combination is displayed on the symbol display window. It is a kind of reel production that lets you play. In this pseudo game, the reels 110 to 112 can be stopped in the same way as in the main game, but unlike the main game, medals are not paid out as a result of the reels 110 to 112 stopping. In the basic embodiment, in the pseudo game, the reels 110 to 112 are not completely stopped like this game, and the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped (for example, by continuing microvibration). (It is not a main game) is made to be understood. When the pseudo game ends, the reels 110 to 112 rotate again and the main game is started. That is, the pseudo-game, after operating the start lever 135 until the speed of rotation of the reels 110-112 in this game becomes constant, for the spinning reels 110-112 stop button 137 ~ This is a game as an effect in which the reels 110 to 112 are quasi-stopped by the operation of 139 to display an arbitrary symbol combination.

In the basic embodiment, the pseudo-game is an effect game that can be executed until the speed of rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 in this game becomes constant. It is good also as a production game which can be performed by the time it becomes constant. For example, when the rotated reels 110 to 112 are stopped by operating the stop buttons 137 to 139, only the reel 110 is caused to stop the pseudo game, and the reels 111 and 112 are allowed to stop the main game. Alternatively, the pseudo game may be stopped for the reels 110 and 111, and the real game may be stopped only for the reel 112.

Also, after the design is stopped as it is when the first stop is made in the pseudo game, the pseudo stop may be executed from the time when the second stop is made, or until the third stop is made As in the game, the symbols may be stopped, and the pseudo-stop may be executed when the third stop is made.

In addition, in the basic embodiment, when shifting to the AT state, a configuration is adopted in which a pseudo game is executed before the reel rotation of this game is started. That is, when the pseudo-game ends, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 in the main game is started, and the normal game progress is resumed. When the pseudo game is not performed, when the start lever 135 is operated, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 in this game is started. In addition, in the basic embodiment, "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2", which is not aligned in this game, stops in the pseudo-game. Therefore, the symbol combination of "seven-two-seven-two-seven-two" suggests a transition to the AT state. In addition, the pattern combination of "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2" will stop regardless of the order and timing of the stop operation (unlimited withdrawal), but it will stop when these operation conditions are met. good too. Further, after all the reels 110 to 112 are temporarily temporarily stopped, the symbol combination of "seven 2-seven 2-seven 2" may be displayed by the reel action.

Here, an example of the operation of the pseudo-game of the basic embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 31 . First, in the case of the AT state from the next game (pseudo-game flag ON), when the start lever 135 is operated (STA1 in FIG. 31(a)), the reels 110 to 112 start rotating. Next, the corresponding first stop reel (the left reel 110 in FIG. 31(a)) is pseudo-stopped based on the first stop operation (STO1-1 in FIG. 31(a), operation of the left stop button 137 here). . Then, the corresponding second stop reel (middle reel 111 in FIG. 31(a)) is pseudo-stopped based on the second stop operation (STO1-2 in FIG. 31(a), operation of the middle stop button 138 here). . Then, the corresponding second stop reel (middle reel 111 in FIG. 31(a)) is pseudo-stopped based on the second stop operation (STO1-2 in FIG. 31(a), operation of the middle stop button 138 here). . Then, the corresponding third stop reel (the right reel 112 in FIG. 31(a)) is pseudo-stopped based on the third stop operation (STO1-3 in FIG. 31(a), operation of the right stop button 139 here). .

As shown in FIG. 31(b), the reels 110 to 112 that are in a pseudo-stop state are not completely stationary, and the reels 110 to 112 do not maintain the same state for more than 500 ms. As shown in the figure, it is in a state in which the state is changed at a timing of 500 ms or less. Specifically, the reels 110 to 112 vibrate slightly up and down between a predetermined position A and a position A' slightly away from the position A. The state in which the reels 110 to 112 are not completely stationary means the state in which the reels 110 to 112 are not stationary when viewed macroscopically (in units of seconds). It includes a moving state (swaying state) and a stationary state when viewed microscopically (in units of several hundred milliseconds). In other words, the micro vibration may include a period in which the reels 110 to 112 are in a stationary state, and in the basic embodiment, the period between movements in the micro vibration is less than 500 ms. ing. That is, in the basic embodiment, if there is a stationary state of 500 ms or more between movement and movement in microvibration, it is assumed that the reels 110 to 112 are stationary, and there was a stationary state of less than 500 ms. In this case, the reels 110 to 112 are defined to be stationary. In addition, the pseudo-stop in the pseudo-game is that if the reels 110 to 112 are completely stopped, the player misunderstands that the game is stopped, ends the game, and may leave the table. It is from In other words, this is to prevent a situation in which the privilege that would have been obtained in the subsequent game is discarded. In the above example, each of the reels 110 to 112 is respectively pseudo-stopped. For example, at the stage of the first stop operation and the second stop operation, the corresponding reels 110 to 112 are completely stopped, and the third stop After the operation, all the reels 110 to 112 may be brought into a pseudo stop state all at once. Also, the vibrations of the reels 110 to 112 may be synchronous or asynchronous.

It should be noted that the state of micro-vibration is a state close to the shaking fluctuation of the decorative pattern image displayed on the pachinko display device. However, pachinko has a specification in which the result of the main game is notified by stopping the shaking after shaking and fluctuating the decorative pattern image. It is not intended to notify the result of this game by stopping the micro-vibration. When the reels 110 to 112 are completely stopped in the main game executed after this pseudo game, the result of the game is notified.

In the basic embodiment, when all the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped, the pseudo-game ends and the main game is started. there is In the pseudo-game, a specific outcome (“Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2”) is aligned, so if the reels 110 to 112 start rotating all at once in the following game, the player may It may be easier to stop aiming at the pattern. That is, when the reels 110 to 112 start spinning all at once when a specific number is aligned, and when the reels 110 to 112 start rotating all at once when a particular number is not aligned, Advantages/disadvantages may occur in the operation of this game. In the basic embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31(c), when starting the reel rotation of the main game after the pseudo game, the reels 110 to 112 are sequentially rotated in the order of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112. As for the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112, the reels 110 to 112 are rotated after the lapse of a random predetermined time determined by lottery. With this configuration, the positions of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 are varied without starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 all at once from the state in which specific numbers are aligned. In addition, as a configuration for distributing the positions, rotation may be started in an order other than the above order, and after individually setting a timer for the rotation start delay time for each reel 110 to 112, each timer may be counted down at the same time. After the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 start rotating, the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in this game becomes valid after the rotation of all the reels becomes constant.

In addition, in the basic embodiment, the operation of the start lever 135 at the start of the pseudo-game is actually the operation of the start lever 135 for starting the game, and immediately after that, the process of the pseudo-game interrupts. There is no need to operate the start lever 135 immediately before the start of reel rotation. That is, after the pseudo stop, the reel rotation of this game is started without intervention of the player's operation. If the start lever 135 is operated within this period, the start timing of reel rotation (including random delay) in this game may be advanced.

In addition, in the basic embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a pseudo-game is executed when shifting to the AT state, but for example, it may be executed in a state where a special role is internally elected. By executing the pseudo-game in such a state that is advantageous to the player, it may be possible to improve the interest of the game. In addition, pseudo-games may be executed under certain conditions even in states other than such advantageous states. In this case, it may be possible to increase the interest in the game by making the player expect an advantageous situation.

In addition, the pseudo-game, for example, reel rotation and reel stop that are difficult to realize in this game (for example, reel control different from reel control in this game, such as reverse rotation of reels 110 to 112) Alternatively, for example, by increasing the number of games including pseudo-games, gambling properties may be reduced as a result. Moreover, it is good also as a structure by which a pseudo|simulation game is continuously performed several times.

In addition, when the pseudo-game is executed, the effect image display device 157 displays that it is in the pseudo-game, or outputs BGM dedicated to the pseudo-game from the speakers 272 and 277, so that the pseudo-game is in progress. It may be notified that there is something, or it may be notified that the state will shift to an advantageous state for the player. Also, these notifications may be used alone or in combination. In addition, these notifications may be used to notify the winning line of a pattern of a simulated stop.

[About the lighting of the advantageous section lamp and the display of the number of payouts]
In the basic embodiment, when shifting to the AT state, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 in the main game is started after the pseudo game is once executed. For example, in a pseudo-game, if a combination of symbols that look like bonus symbols are arranged by the operation of the player, and then the AT state is started from the main game, the start of the AT state can be thought to be the start of the bonus game. can. In this AT state, operation navigation is executed when conditional device numbers 8 to 10 are internally elected, but when shifting to AT state with the advantageous section lamp 191 not lit, operation navigation is executed first. 27, the lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 is started at the timing when the operation navigation (hereinafter referred to as navigation lighting) by the payout number display 127 is executed (FIG. 27). That is, when the condition device numbers 8 to 10 are internally elected in the first game after shifting to the AT state while the advantageous section lamp 191 is not lit, navigation lighting is executed following the pseudo game, and the advantageous section lamp 191 is lit. is started. In this case, it gives an impression that the lighting of the navigation system and the lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 are performed at the same time. Also, the player can grasp two pieces of information at the same time. Note that once the advantageous section lamp 191 is turned on, the lighting state continues until the normal state A (non-advantageous section) is entered. A specific description will be given below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 32 shows an example of the case where the condition device number 9 (small winning combination 5) is internally elected by operating the first start lever 135 after shifting to the AT state, and this game is executed with a pseudo game in between. ing. At the start of this pseudo-game, the effect image display device 157 executes an effect for making the player aim at the symbol combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2" which is pseudo-stopped in the pseudo-game. ing. Further, during this pseudo-game, the operation navigation by the payout number display 127 is not executed, and accordingly the advantageous section lamp 191 is also in a non-lighting state. By not executing the operation navigation by the payout number display 127 during the pseudo game, the player is prevented from being confused. This is because the number-of-payout display 127 is a two-digit display, and it is difficult to provide an easily identifiable display in a case where a particular symbol is aimed at.

After the pseudo game is executed, the reels 110 to 112 start rotating in the main game. FIG. 32 shows that the payout number indicator 127 performs navigation lighting (here, navigation lighting corresponding to the middle first stop) in accordance with the start of the game, and that the advantageous section lamp 191 lights up. ing. Also, the effect image display device 157 indicates that the pressing order (middle first stop) for winning the small winning combination 5 is notified at the start of the game.

In addition, since a random delay is executed for the start of rotation of the reels 110 to 112 in the main game after the pseudo game, as shown in FIG. are started at the same time, the reels 110 to 112 rotate after the lighting of the navigation light and the lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 are started. By turning on the navigation light and the advantageous section lamp 191, it is possible to simultaneously grasp that there is a possibility that the navigation light is not only for one game but that the next game and the following games are in the AT state. can. If there is an operation error in this game in the AT state, the player's loss may occur, but it is possible to increase concentration and prepare to challenge the navigation game that may occur in succession from now on. On the other hand, FIG. 33(b) shows that the navigation lighting and the advantageous section lamp 191 are not lit when the reel rotation is started in the pseudo-game. In addition, it may be configured to execute a random delay even when the reel rotation of the pseudo-game is started. In this case, when the pseudo-game continues, it may be possible to make it difficult to notice the second and subsequent pseudo-games.

In the first internal lottery after shifting to the AT state, if the condition device numbers 8 to 10 are not internally elected, the operation navigation in this game is not executed. not start. In this case, lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 is started at the timing when navigation lighting is executed for the first time in subsequent games. It should be noted that the advantageous section lamp 191 may be lit by being in a state in which the AT state is set in the present game after the pseudo game.

It should be noted that, when the navigation lighting is executed at the start of the rotation of the reels in the present game, and the predetermined condition for lighting the advantageous section lamp is satisfied, the advantageous section lamp may be lit in the present game. If the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the advantageous section lamp is not lit in the game, and the navigation lighting is executed in the next game and thereafter, and if the predetermined condition for lighting the advantageous section lamp is satisfied, that It is preferable to turn on the advantageous section lamp in the game. The predetermined condition is, for example, when there are a plurality of types of AT states including a specific AT state as the AT state, and the AT state is the specific AT state. Further, for example, when there are a plurality of types of modes including a specific mode as the internal mode, the mode is the specific mode. The player can grasp the state of the game from the lighting timing of the advantageous section lamp. Furthermore, if there are a plurality of timings for turning on the navigation in this game, there may be a plurality of timings for turning on the advantageous section lamp corresponding to the timings for turning on the navigation. For example, if the navigation light is turned on immediately after the start lever 135 is operated, the advantageous section lamp may be turned on immediately after the start lever 135 is operated. Further, for example, if the navigation light is turned on at the start of rotation of the reels, the advantageous section lamp may be turned on after the prize is determined. It can be a simple process. Furthermore, if there are a plurality of timings for turning on the navigation in this game, the timing for turning on the advantageous section lamp may be determined without corresponding to those timings for turning on the navigation. For example, even if the navigation lighting timing is immediately after the start lever 135 is operated or the navigation lighting timing is at the start of reel rotation, the lighting timing of the advantageous section lamp should be after the winning judgment. . It can be a simple process.

Further, in the basic embodiment and the example of FIG. 32, a pseudo-game is executed when shifting to the AT state, but there may be a case where the shift to the AT state is performed without performing a pseudo-game. In this case, regardless of whether there is a pseudo-game or random delay, by performing the navigation lighting at the start of reel rotation of this game and lighting the advantageous section lamp, a separate process for pseudo-game and random delay is provided. This can be done without the need for processing, and the processing can be simplified. In addition, although it may be configured not to execute the random delay, even if the random delay is not executed as in the case of executing the random delay, the lighting of the operation navigation and the advantageous section lamp 191 is executed before the rotation of the reels of this game is started. It is good also as a structure which carries out.

In addition, in the basic embodiment, when the push order bell (condition device numbers 8 to 10) is internally won in the AT state, the operation navigation indicating the correct push order corresponding to each is displayed, and the navigation lighting is executed. Not limited to this configuration, for example, in the AT state, it may be configured to display the operation navigation even when internally winning a conditional device that can win a replay role (eg, conditional device numbers 2 to 4), and further this operation It is good also as a structure which performs navigation lighting separately from navigation (or together). Furthermore, even if none of the conditional devices are internally won (in the case of a loss), the operation navigation may be displayed, and the navigation lighting may be performed separately (or together) with this operation navigation. may be However, when the condition device that can win a replay role (for example, the condition device number 2 to 4) is internally elected or when the navigation is lit in the case of loss, the advantageous section lamp 191 does not start lighting, and the pushing order Lighting starts only when the bell (condition device numbers 8 to 10) is internally won. With this configuration, it is possible to grasp that the player has internally won the push-order bell in the game in which the advantageous section lamp 191 has started lighting, so it is possible to improve the attentiveness for the stop operation.

In addition, in the basic embodiment, the pressing order bell (condition device numbers 8 to 10) requires only the operation order for winning a small winning combination, but it may also require only the operation timing. Both the operation order and the operation timing may be requested. A request for operation timing is a request for so-called eye pressing, for example, a request for eye pressing aimed at Seven 1. Although the bells for the small winnings 4 to 6 are so-called 3-choice bells for the pressing order, they may be 6-choice bells for the pressing order. .

[Modified Example (1) of Start Timing of Illumination of Advantageous Section Lamp and Navigation Illumination]
Modified examples of the start timing of lighting of the advantageous section lamp and navigation lighting will be described below with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35 . These figures are diagrams showing modified examples of the start timing of lighting of the advantageous section lamp and lighting of the navigation system.

In FIG. 33(a), an example of starting navigation lighting and lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 before the start of reel rotation of this game was described, but navigation lighting before the start of reel rotation of this game (before random delay) The advantageous section lamp 191 may be turned on during the game in which the navigation is turned on (before the start of the next game). For example, the advantageous section lamp 191 may be lit after the third stop operation of the game in which the navigation is lit. With such a configuration, it is possible to let the player know that there is a possibility that the navigation light will be on after the next game. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 34(a), the lighting of the navigation and the advantageous section lamp 191 may be started when the random delay ends and all the reels 110 to 112 start rotating. Also, as shown in FIG. 34(b), when the random delay ends and the rotation speed of all the reels 110 to 112 reaches a constant speed, navigation lighting and advantageous section lamp 191 lighting may be started. good. Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the lighting of the navigation system and the lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 are started during the random delay.

During the random delay, the player's operation may be invalid (the reel has not reached a certain speed), and if the navigation lighting is executed before the random delay, even if the operation is invalid Regardless, there is a possibility that the stop operation is performed. With the above configuration, the operation is unlikely to be disabled after the navigation lighting is started, and useless operation can be prevented. In addition, in the example of FIG. 34(b), navigation lighting and lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 can be executed regardless of the presence or absence of random delay, and processing can be shared.

Further, it may be configured to start the navigation lighting and the lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 during the pseudo-game before the main game in which the operation navigation is scheduled. FIG. 35(a) shows an example of starting navigation lighting and lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 before the stop operation in the pseudo-game is validated. It should be noted that lighting of the navigation system and lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 may be started at the timing when any stop operation is performed. At this time, by not displaying the operation navigation on the effect image display device 157 during the pseudo game, the operation according to the operation navigation may be prevented during the pseudo game. The navigation lighting is operation navigation using the payout number display 127, and although the presence or absence of operation navigation can be grasped, it is difficult to grasp the content. In these examples, it is possible to grasp that the operation navigation is executed during the pseudo-game.

In addition, during the pseudo-game before the main game in which the operation navigation is scheduled, when the outcome is displayed only when the shift to the AT state is confirmed, the navigation lighting and the advantageous section lamp 191 are displayed. may be configured to start lighting. In FIG. 35(b), the left reel 110 stops in the pseudo-game and after the display is made only when it is determined to shift to the AT state, the navigation lighting and the advantageous section lamp 191 An example of starting lighting is shown. Even in this example, it may be possible to grasp that the operation navigation will be executed during the pseudo-game.

Also, for example, when a plurality of pseudo-games are performed, such as starting navigation lighting and lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 during the second pseudo-game of three pseudo-games, after the first time It may be configured such that navigation lighting and lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 are started immediately after the start of the pseudo-game. Also in this example, it is possible to grasp that the operation navigation is executed during the pseudo-game.

[Modified Example (2) of Start Timing of Illumination of Advantageous Section Lamp and Navigation Illumination]
In the basic embodiment, four types of states (normal state A, normal state B, chance state, AT state) are configured to transition, but there are various states other than these states depending on the game machine. . Hereinafter, when a CZ (chance zone) is provided as an example of such a state, a modified example of the lighting of the advantageous zone lamp and the navigation lighting in the CZ will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram showing a modified example of the start timing of lighting of the advantageous section lamp and lighting of the navigation.

CZ in this modification is one of the states in the advantageous section, and when shifting from CZ to AT state (for example, winning the AT lottery), and when shifting to another state (for example, not winning the AT lottery ). In other words, CZ corresponds to a state before shifting to the AT state, such as the chance state of the basic embodiment. Further, this CZ continues for a predetermined number of games (for example, 3 to 5), during which operation navigation is executed, so that the game can be continued without running out of medals until the CZ ends. Operation navigation during CZ is performed at a lower frequency than in AT state.

Here, when the transition to CZ is made while the advantageous section lamp 191 is not lit, and the operation navigation is executed for the first time, lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 is started at the timing when the navigation lighting is executed. In FIG. 36, the transition to CZ is performed in a state in which the advantageous section lamp 191 is not lit, and the navigation lighting is executed by internally winning the condition device number 9 (small winning combination 5) in the second game, and further the advantageous section lamp 191 lighting is started.

When the state of CZ in which the advantageous section lamp 191 is lit changes to the AT state, or when the state is not in the AT state but is shifted to some state in the advantageous section, the lighting state of the advantageous section lamp 191 continues. Further, when the transition from CZ in which the advantageous zone lamp 191 is on to the non-advantageous zone, the advantageous zone lamp 191 is set to be extinguished.

On the other hand, when the state is changed from CZ in which the advantageous section lamp 191 is not lit to the AT state, lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 is started at the timing when the navigation lighting is performed in the AT state. Further, when the transition from CZ in which the advantageous zone lamp 191 is not lit to the non-advantageous zone, the advantageous zone lamp 191 remains in the off state.

In addition, in CZ, it may be configured such that operation navigation is executed at a certain rate when the condition device numbers 8 to 10 are internally elected. is started. Here, furthermore, operation navigation may be executed without fail when the condition device numbers 8 to 10 are internally won for the first time after shifting to CZ. In this case, the advantageous section lamp 191 can be lit early.

In the above-described basic embodiment, it is configured to execute a pseudo-game without sandwiching the game after confirming that it will shift to the AT state, but like the CZ described above, for example, to the AT state It may be configured to notify that the transition to the AT state is performed by executing a pseudo-game after the game has been played several times (for example, three times) after the determination of the transition. In this case, it may be configured to execute operation navigation in this game from when it is confirmed that it will shift to the AT state until the pseudo game is executed, and furthermore, the lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 along with the execution of this operation navigation may be started. That is, there may be a case where the advantageous section lamp 191 is lit before the pseudo game is executed.

[Modified Example (3) of Start Timing of Illumination of Advantageous Section Lamp and Navigation Illumination]
In the basic embodiment and its modifications, a pseudo-game is configured to be executed when transitioning to the AT state. delay) may be executed. FIG. 37 shows an example in which the period during which the pseudo-game is executed in FIG. 32 is replaced with the period during which the freeze is executed. In the configuration for executing the pseudo game, the interest in the game can be improved by using the reel performance, but in the configuration for executing the freeze, the interest in the game can be improved by the performance during the freeze execution period. Unlike pseudo-games, freeze does not require the player's operation, but gives the player a sense of incongruity that the operation cannot proceed, thereby making the player expect to receive benefits.

In the example of FIG. 32, at the start of the pseudo-game, the effect image display device 157 executes an effect for making the player aim for the symbol combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2". In the example of FIG. 37 in which the game is not executed, an effect indicating that the AT state is started is executed at the start of freezing. Further, the configuration is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 37, and a configuration may be adopted in which an effect is executed to notify some kind of operation at the start of freezing. FIG. 38 shows an example in which operation navigation is performed to notify the pressing order at the start of freezing. In this configuration, since the reels are not rotating due to the freeze, the stopping operation according to the notification cannot be performed. On the other hand, the player feels a sense of incongruity when the player is notified of the operation even though the reels are not rotating. , can make it easier to grasp the transition to an advantageous state. It should be noted that the operation navigation display period does not need to be the same as the freeze execution period, and for example, it may be configured to display only for a moment.

It should be noted that, in the above example, from the transition to the AT state, until the navigation lighting and lighting of the advantageous section lamp 191 is executed until pseudo-games and freezes were described, but these pseudo-games or freeze may not be executed.

[Other applicable configurations]
In the basic embodiment, the pseudo-game flag is set to ON at the end of the chance state, and the pseudo-game is executed at the time of transition of the AT state. Arbitrary conditions can be adopted in the execution of pseudo-games. Also, the reserved pseudo-game may be configured to be cancelable. An arbitrary condition (for example, when 2 or 3 coins are betable and 2 coins are bet) can be adopted as the cancellation condition. FIG. 39(a) shows an example in which a pseudo-game was reserved after two games, but the pseudo-game was canceled after two games. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can postpone a reservation.

Also, it may be configured to output a signal (eg, bonus signal) to the outside (eg, hall computer) in the execution of the pseudo-game. FIG. 39(b) shows that a signal is output based on the operation of the start lever 135 of the game in which the pseudo game is executed. It should be noted that, when the pseudo-game can be canceled, even if the pseudo-game is canceled, the above signal may be output as it is without being canceled. In addition, when adopting the configuration that can postpone the reservation of the pseudo-game, the output of the signal may be postponed together with the pseudo-game.

≪Others≫
In the present embodiment, the slot machine 100 using medals (coins) as a game medium is shown as an example of a game table, but the present invention is not limited to this, and game balls (for example, pachinko balls) are used as games. It can be applied to slot machines, pachinko machines, arranged ball game machines, Jankyu game machines, smart balls, etc., which are used as media.

In addition, the slot machine is a slot machine that only exchanges electronic data without using medals, such as running on mobile terminals (smartphones, game machines) and personal computers by a program that simulates the operation based on the above configuration. In this case, the game medium contains digitized data corresponding to medals, and the game medium is inserted by inputting the digitized data from a predetermined external device (electronic storage device). Payout of game media includes outputting digitized data to a predetermined external device (electronic storage device).

Although the present embodiment has been described above, it is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiment of the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention. , those involving such modifications and changes are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention are merely enumerations of the most suitable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are described in the embodiments of the invention. are not limited to those listed.

<<Technical idea corresponding to the embodiment>>
Hereinafter, the technical ideas described in the description using FIGS. 14 to 39 will be described with reference to the corresponding configurations.

In the above explanation,
A plurality of reels (for example, reels 110 to 112) on which a plurality of types of symbols are applied and driven to rotate;
a plurality of stop operation means (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
operation navigation execution means (for example, payout number display 127, effect image display device 157) for executing operation navigation of the plurality of stop operation means;
A lottery means (for example, the main control unit 300) that determines the lottery result;
profit giving means (for example, main control unit 300) for giving profit;
Advantageous interval setting means (for example, main control unit 300) for setting an advantageous interval (see, for example, FIG. 20);
state setting means (for example, main control unit 300) capable of setting a state in which manipulation navigation can be executed in the advantageous section;
Advantageous section notification executing means (e.g., advantageous section lamp 191) for executing advantageous section notification that is notification that the advantageous section is set;
A game table comprising
The profit granting means is means for granting a replay in a game in which a first lottery result (for example, a conditional device including a replay combination) is determined by the lottery means,
The profit granting means is means capable of granting a predetermined profit in a game in which a second lottery result (for example, a conditional device including minor wins 4 to 6) is determined by the lottery means,
The operation navigation execution means is capable of executing the operation navigation in the game in which the first lottery result is determined by the lottery means (for example, [about navigation lighting by the advantageous section lamp and the payout number indicator]) See "Construction to display operation navigation even when internally winning in the condition device that can win the replay role" described)),
The operation navigation executing means can execute the operation navigation for making it easier to obtain the predetermined profit in the game in which the second lottery result is determined by the lottery means (for example, FIG. 32, FIG. Operation navigation of the effect image display device 157 in 37, navigation lighting of the payout number display 127),
The advantageous section notification executing means is configured such that the operation navigation is executed in a game in which the operation navigation executable state is set by the state setting means in the advantageous section and the second lottery result is determined by the lottery means. means for executing the advantageous section notification in the game when the
A game machine characterized by:

again,
A plurality of reels (for example, reels 110 to 112) on which a plurality of types of symbols are applied and driven to rotate;
a plurality of stop operation means (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
operation navigation execution means (for example, payout number display 127, effect image display device 157) for executing operation navigation of the plurality of stop operation means;
A lottery means (for example, the main control unit 300) that determines the lottery result;
profit giving means (for example, main control unit 300) for giving profit;
Advantageous interval setting means (for example, main control unit 300) for setting an advantageous interval (see, for example, FIG. 20);
state setting means (for example, main control unit 300) capable of setting a state in which manipulation navigation can be executed in the advantageous section;
Advantageous section notification execution means (e.g., advantageous section lamp 191) that executes advantageous section notification that is notification that the advantageous section is set;
A game table comprising
The profit giving means is means for not giving profit in a game in which the first lottery result (for example, losing) is determined by the lottery means,
The profit granting means is means capable of granting a predetermined profit in a game in which a second lottery result (for example, a conditional device including minor wins 4 to 6) is determined by the lottery means,
The operation navigation execution means is capable of executing the operation navigation in the game in which the first lottery result is determined by the lottery means (for example, [about navigation lighting by the advantageous section lamp and the payout number indicator]) See "Configuration to display operation navigation even if you have not internally won any condition device"),
The operation navigation executing means is capable of executing the operation navigation for facilitating acquisition of the predetermined profit in the game in which the second lottery result is determined by the lottery means (for example, FIG. 32, FIG. Operation navigation of the effect image display device 157 in 37, navigation lighting of the payout number display 127),
The advantageous section notification executing means is configured such that the operation navigation is executed in a game in which the operation navigation executable state is set by the state setting means in the advantageous section and the second lottery result is determined by the lottery means. means for executing the advantageous section notification in the game when the
A game machine characterized by:

Further, in the amusement machine described above,
The advantageous section notification executing means is means for executing the advantageous section notification before the plurality of reels start rotating (for example, in FIG. 33(a), the advantageous section lamp 191 lights up before the reels start rotating). ,
A game machine characterized by:

Also, in the description above,
A plurality of reels (for example, reels 110 to 112) on which a plurality of types of symbols are applied and driven to rotate;
a plurality of stop operation means (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
operation navigation execution means (for example, payout number display 127, effect image display device 157) for executing operation navigation of the plurality of stop operation means;
Advantageous interval setting means (for example, main control unit 300) for setting an advantageous interval (see, for example, FIG. 20);
state setting means (for example, main control unit 300) capable of setting a state in which manipulation navigation can be executed in the advantageous section;
Advantageous section notification executing means (e.g., advantageous section lamp 191) for executing advantageous section notification that is notification that the advantageous section is set;
A game table comprising
The advantageous section notification execution means is means capable of executing the advantageous section notification when the advantageous section is set,
When the operation navigation is executed in the game in which the operation navigation executable state is set by the state setting means, the advantageous interval notification execution means performs the Means for executing advantageous section notification (for example, FIG. 32, FIG. 37),
A game machine characterized by:

again,
A plurality of reels (for example, reels 110 to 112) on which a plurality of types of symbols are applied and driven to rotate;
a plurality of stop operation means (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
operation navigation execution means (for example, payout number display 127, effect image display device 157) for executing operation navigation of the plurality of stop operation means;
Advantageous interval setting means (for example, main control unit 300) for setting an advantageous interval (see, for example, FIG. 20);
state setting means (for example, main control unit 300) capable of setting a state in which manipulation navigation can be executed in the advantageous section;
Advantageous section notification executing means (e.g., advantageous section lamp 191) for executing advantageous section notification that is notification that the advantageous section is set;
A game table comprising
State transition notification (for example, pseudo game in FIG. 32, freeze in FIG. 37) can be executed when the transition to the operation navigation executable state is confirmed in the advantageous section,
The advantageous section notification execution means is configured to execute the operation navigation executable state after the transition to the operation navigation executable state is confirmed in the advantageous section until the state transition notification is executed, if the operation navigation executable state is set. is a means capable of executing the advantageous section notification before the start of rotation of the plurality of reels in the game after the state transition notification (for example, FIG. 32, FIG. 37),
A game machine characterized by:

Also, in the description above,
A plurality of reels (for example, reels 110 to 112) on which a plurality of types of symbols are applied and driven to rotate;
a plurality of stop operation means (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
operation navigation execution means (for example, payout number display 127) for executing operation navigation of the plurality of stop operation means;
Game execution means (e.g., main control unit 300) that sets a predetermined timer (e.g., pseudo game end timer, freeze timer) and executes a game when the predetermined timer expires;
Advantageous interval setting means (for example, main control unit 300) for setting an advantageous interval (see, for example, FIG. 20);
state setting means (for example, main control unit 300) capable of setting a state in which manipulation navigation can be executed in the advantageous section;
Advantageous section notification executing means (e.g., advantageous section lamp 191) for executing advantageous section notification that is notification that the advantageous section is set;
A game table comprising
The game executing means is means capable of setting the predetermined timer when the operation navigation executable state is set in the advantageous section (for example, FIGS. 32 and 37),
The operation navigation executing means performs the operation navigation before the predetermined timer expires even if a condition for executing the operation navigation (e.g., an internal winning at the bell in the pressing order in the AT state) is satisfied. Means capable of executing the operation navigation after the predetermined timer expires (for example, after a pseudo-game or after freezing) without execution,
The advantageous section notification execution means is means for executing the advantageous section notification when the operation navigation is executed after the predetermined timer expires by the operation navigation execution means (for example, FIG. 32). , FIG. 37),
A game machine characterized by:

Further, in the amusement machine described above,
A second operation navigation execution means (for example, effect image display device 157) for executing operation navigation of the plurality of stop operation means separately from the operation navigation execution means,
Said second operation navigation execution means is means capable of executing operation navigation of said plurality of stop operation means before said predetermined timer runs out (for example, in FIG. navigation prompting to stop the pattern, push order navigation before freezing in Fig. 38),
A game machine characterized by:

Further, in the amusement machine described above,
The content of the operation navigation before the predetermined timer expires is different from the content of the operation navigation after the predetermined timer expires (for example, in FIG. 32, the effect image display before and after the pseudo game The navigation content of the device 157 is different (in FIG. 38, the navigation content of the effect image display device 157 is different before and after freezing),
A game machine characterized by:

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention. Modifications can be made and those involving such variations and modifications are also intended to be within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention merely list the most suitable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are described in the embodiments of the invention. It is not limited to

100 slot machine 110, 111, 112 reel 113 reel window 123 notification lamp 127 payout number indicator 128 reel panel lamp 130, 131, 132 medal insertion button 135 start lever 137, 138, 139 stop button 157 effect image display device 191 advantageous zone Lamps 272, 277 Speaker 300 Main controller 400 First sub-controller 500 Second sub-controller

In order to achieve the above object, the game machine according to the present invention, as one aspect thereof,
Advantageous section notification means for executing advantageous section notification in the case of an advantageous section in which an AT state can be set;
an input notification means for executing an input notification when game value is input;
settlement means for settlement of the gaming value based on acceptance of operation to a predetermined operation means;
game information transmitting means for transmitting information related to replaying to the input notification means;
re-game notification means for executing re-game notification indicating re-game;
A game table comprising
The input notification means is means capable of executing the input notification when the game value is automatically inserted by replaying,
The entry notification means is means capable of executing the entry notification based on the entry information related to the replay transmitted by the game information transmission means,
The game information transmitting means is a means for transmitting input information related to a replay to the input notification means after the advantageous interval notification means finishes execution of the advantageous interval notification,
The game information transmitting means is means for transmitting input information related to replaying to the input notification means before the game value is automatically input by replaying,
The advantageous interval notification means is means for terminating the advantageous interval notification at a first timing in a certain game when a first condition for ending the advantageous interval is satisfied in a game in the advantageous interval. ,
When a condition for replaying the next game is satisfied in the certain game, the insertion notification means transmits insertion information related to the replay by the game information transmission means at a second timing after the first timing. A means capable of starting execution of the input notification based on the transmission ,
At a third timing after the second timing, the settlement means is a means capable of executing settlement of the game value based on the reception of an operation to the predetermined operation means,
The re-game notification means can start executing the re-game notification at a timing before the second timing,
This is the gist of it.

In order to achieve the above object, the game machine according to the present invention, as one aspect thereof,
Advantageous section notification means for executing advantageous section notification in the case of an advantageous section in which an AT state can be set;
an input notification means for executing an input notification when game value is input;
settlement means for settlement of the gaming value based on acceptance of operation to a predetermined operation means;
game information transmitting means for transmitting predetermined information for executing the input notification to the input notification means;
A game table comprising
The input notification means is means capable of executing the input notification when the game is replayed,
The input notification means is means capable of executing the input notification based on the predetermined information transmitted by the game information transmission means,
The advantageous interval notification means is means for ending the advantageous interval notification at a first timing in a certain game when a first condition for ending the advantageous interval is satisfied in a game in the advantageous interval. ,
The game information transmission means is means for transmitting the predetermined information to the input notification means at a second timing before the game value is automatically inserted at a third timing by replaying,
The third timing is a timing after the first timing,
The entry notification means is means capable of starting execution of the entry notification based on the transmission of the predetermined information by the game information transmission means when a condition for replaying the next game is satisfied,
At a fourth timing after the third timing , a means capable of executing settlement of the game value by the settlement means based on acceptance of an operation to the predetermined operation means,
This is the gist of it.

Claims (3)

Advantageous section notification means for executing advantageous section notification in the case of an advantageous section in which an AT state can be set;
an input notification means for executing an input notification when game value is input;
a payout means for paying out the game value to the outside based on an operation reception to a predetermined operation means;
A game table comprising
The input notification means is means capable of executing the input notification when the game value is automatically inserted by replaying,
The advantageous interval notification means is means for ending the advantageous interval notification at a first timing in a certain game when a first condition for ending the advantageous interval is satisfied in a game in the advantageous interval. ,
When the condition for making the next game the replay is satisfied in the game in which the first condition is satisfied (hereinafter, referred to as "when the second condition is satisfied"), the input notification means provides the first condition. Means capable of executing the input notification at a second timing after the timing,
The payout means is a means capable of executing the payout of the game value to the outside based on the acceptance of an operation to the predetermined operation means at a third timing after the second condition is established.
A playground characterized by: The game machine according to claim 1,
An operation sound output means for outputting a notification sound associated with the operation,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting an input notification sound when the game value is automatically inserted by the replay,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting a payout notification sound when the game value is paid out to the outside,
The operating sound output means is means for outputting the turning-on notification sound at a first volume when the second condition is satisfied,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting the payout notification sound at a second sound volume lower than the first sound volume when the second condition is satisfied and the gaming value is paid out to the outside. is
A playground characterized by: The game machine according to claim 1,
An operation sound output means for outputting a notification sound associated with the operation,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting an input notification sound when the game value is automatically inserted by the replay,
The operation sound output means is means for not outputting a payout notification sound when the game value is paid out to the outside,
The operation sound output means is means for outputting the input notification sound when the second condition is satisfied.
A playground characterized by:

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