JP2022173630A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To wipe out a player's sense of distrust.SOLUTION: Reel control means in a game machine executes an excitation release waiting process for waiting for release of excitation of a motor in a stop of reels of the previous game during a period after a start switch is operated until the reels start rotating. When all the reel indexes are detected in the state where any stop switch is operated, operation of all stop switches is not validated if the state where any stop switch is operated is maintained, and operation of all stop switches is validated when the state where any stop switch is operated is shifted to the state where the operation is cancelled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art In a slot machine as a gaming machine, a lottery for a winning combination is conducted and a plurality of reels with various symbols are rotated in response to betting of medals (game media) and operation of a start switch by a player. Then, the reels are sequentially stopped according to the result of the lottery and the operation of the stop switch by the player, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the effective line, which is the line to be paid out, a predetermined number of symbols are displayed. medals are paid out (hereinafter simply referred to as "game profit") is given to the player.

In such a slot machine, when the reels are to be stopped, the motors corresponding to the reels to be stopped are energized in all phases, and then the excitation is released after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. When the medals are to be ejected from the medal dispensing device, by activating the medal dispensing device after waiting for the excitation of the motor to be released, the timing at which the motor is excited and the timing at which the medal dispensing device is activated are made different, The maximum power consumption is suppressed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-246694 A

By the way, in the slot machine, when no medals were paid out in the previous game, the next game can be started immediately by betting medals and operating the start switch. However, since the motor is energized in all phases when the reels are stopped in the previous game, the reels are energized in the next game before the excitation of the motor is released. When the rotation of the reel starts, there is a risk that the operation of the reel will become unstable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of stabilizing the rotation of reels.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, a motor for rotating the reels, and a winning combination in response to the operation of a start switch. Winning combination lottery means for determining win/fail, starting rotation of the plurality of reels, and energizing the motor of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch in response to the operation of the activated predetermined stop switch. reel control means for stopping the reel and releasing the excitation when a predetermined time elapses after the reel is energized, wherein the reel control means causes the reel to start rotating after the start switch is operated. Until the reel is stopped, an excitation release waiting process is executed to wait for the release of the excitation of the motor when the reel is stopped in the previous game, and the indexes of all the reels are indexed in a state in which any of the stop switches is operated. is detected, if the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated is maintained, the operation of all the stop switches is not validated, and the operation is canceled from the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated When the switch is moved to the off state, the operation of all the stop switches is validated.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another gaming machine of the present invention provides a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged respectively, a motor for rotating the reels, and a winning game according to the operation of a start switch. Winning combination lottery means for determining the propriety of a combination, starting rotation of the plurality of reels, and energizing the motor of the reel corresponding to the activated stop switch in response to the operation of the activated predetermined stop switch. reel control means for stopping the reel by starting the excitation, and releasing the excitation when a predetermined time has passed since the excitation, wherein the reel control means rotates the reel after the start switch is operated. is started, an excitation release waiting process is executed to wait for the release of the excitation of the motor when the reels are stopped in the previous game, and all the reels are operated while any of the stop switches is operated. When the acceleration state of is completed, if the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated is maintained, the operation of all the stop switches is not validated, and the operation is started from the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated is released, it validates the operation of all the stop switches.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another gaming machine of the present invention provides a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged respectively, a motor for rotating the reels, and a winning game according to the operation of a start switch. Winning combination lottery means for determining the propriety of a combination, starting rotation of the plurality of reels, and energizing the motor of the reel corresponding to the activated stop switch in response to the operation of the activated predetermined stop switch. reel control means for stopping the reel by starting the excitation, and releasing the excitation when a predetermined time has passed since the excitation, wherein the reel control means rotates the reel after the start switch is operated. is started, an excitation release waiting process is executed to wait for the release of the excitation of the motor when the reels are stopped in the previous game, and all the reels are operated while any of the stop switches is operated. When the constant speed state of starts, if the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated is maintained, the operation of all the stop switches is not validated, and from the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated When the operation is released, the operation of all the stop switches is validated.

According to the present invention, it is possible to dispel the player's sense of distrust.

1 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of a slot machine; FIG. FIG. 2 is an external view of the slot machine with the front door opened, for explaining the schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing symbol arrays on reels and activated lines; 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a slot machine; FIG. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning combination. It is a figure which shows a winning-type lottery table. It is a figure which shows a winning-type lottery table. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the game state. It is an explanatory view for explaining the transition of the production state. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining reel rotation and stop processing; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining reel rotation and stop processing; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining reel rotation and stop processing; It is the flowchart which showed the main processing of a main control board. 4 is a flowchart showing reel stop processing of the main control board; It is the flowchart which showed the lottery process of the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the due-out processing of the main control board. It is a flow chart showing the medal payout device control processing of the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the excitation release waiting process of a main control board. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory map of main ROM and main RAM; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a program and a work area for medal payout device control processing; 1 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of a slot machine; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart showing an excitation release waiting process when the number of reels is four, a program for the excitation release waiting process, and a work area;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements that are not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the drawings. do.

(Mechanical Configuration of Slot Machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, a slot machine 100 as a game machine includes a housing 102 with an open front surface and a front surface arranged vertically and rotatably at one end of the front surface of the housing 102. An upper door 104 and a lower front door 106 are provided. A colorless and transparent pattern display window 108 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided at approximately the center of the lower portion of the upper front door 104. At a position corresponding to the pattern display window 108 in the housing 102 , three reels 110 (a left reel 110a, a middle reel 110b, and a right reel 110c) are independently rotatable. As shown in the pattern arrangement of FIG. 3(a), a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each area divided into 20 on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c. Through the symbol display window 108, the player can visually recognize a total of nine symbols, which are three continuous symbols of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c located in the upper, middle, and lower stages.

An operation unit installation table 112 is formed on the upper part of the lower front door 106, and the operation unit installation table 112 is provided with a medal insertion unit 114, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, a stop switch 120, a production switch 122, and the like. there is The medal insertion unit 114 receives insertion of medals as game value through a medal insertion slot 114a. The bet switch 116 inserts (bets) a prescribed number of medals required for one game among the medals electrically stored (hereinafter simply referred to as credits) inside the slot machine 100 .

The start switch 118 is composed of, for example, a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a game start operation by the player. The stop switches 120 (stop switch 120a, stop switch 120b, stop switch 120c) are provided corresponding to the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively, and detect a player's stop operation. In addition, when the stop switch 120 can be stopped, the player first stops any one of the stop switch 120a, the stop switch 120b, and the stop switch 120c, which is called a first stop. After that, stopping one of the two stop switches 120 that have not been stopped is called a second stop, and stopping the last remaining stop switch 120 after the second stop is called a third stop. . The effect switch 122 is composed of, for example, a press switch and a jog dial switch rotatably arranged around it, and detects a player's press operation or rotation operation.

A liquid crystal display section 124 for displaying various images associated with the performance is provided at approximately the center of the upper portion of the front upper door 104 . In addition, on the upper part and on the left and right of the front upper door 104, there are provided lamps 126 for effect, which are composed of, for example, high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Speakers 128 are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display section 124 on the rear surface of the upper front door 104 and at the left and right positions on the rear surface of the lower front door 106 to produce auditory effects such as sound effects and musical tones.

A main credit display section 130 and a main payout display section 132 are provided on the operating section installation table 112 . A sub-credit display section 134 and a sub-payout display section 136 are provided between the symbol display window 108 and the operating section installation table 112 . The main credit display portion 130 and the sub-credit display portion 134 display the number of credited medals (the number of credits), and the main payout display portion 132 and the sub-payout display portion 136 display the number of payout medals. .

Below the reel 110 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 142 for paying out medals from the medal outlet 140a is provided. The medal payout device 142 includes a medal storage portion 142a for storing medals, a payout control portion 142b for ejecting the medals stored in the medal storage portion 142a from the medal discharge port 140a, and the medals discharged from the medal discharge port 140a. and a payout medal detection unit 142c for detecting . In addition, a receiving tray portion 140 for storing medals dispensed from the medal ejection port 140a is provided at the lower front portion of the lower front door 106. As shown in FIG. A power switch 144 is also provided in the housing 102 . The power switch 144 is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100 and is used to switch between two states, a power-off state and a power-on state.

In the housing 102, a main control board 200, which will be described later, is provided with setting keys and setting change switches (not shown) (collectively referred to as setting value setting means). In the slot machine 100, when a predetermined key (operation key) is inserted into the setting key and turned from the OFF position to the ON position, when the power is turned on through the power switch 144, the setting change mode is entered. , the setting value can be changed (simply referred to as setting change). The set value indicates the player's degree of advantage (machine ratio) in stages, and is represented, for example, in six stages from 1 to 6. In general, the higher the value of the set value, the more advantageous the game as a whole. It is set to be high (expected acquisition number is high). Each time the setting change switch is pressed in a state in which the setting can be changed, the set value is incremented by one. Then, the setting value is determined, and the setting change mode is terminated by returning the setting key to the original position (OFF position), and the game becomes possible. It should be noted that the setting can be changed only for a certain period after the power switch 144 is operated and the power is turned on.

In the slot machine 100, when a game can be started and a prescribed number of medals are bet, the activated line A is activated and the operation of the start switch 118 is activated. Here, bets are made by inserting credited medals through operation of the bet switch 116, inserting medals through the medal inserting unit 114, and replay combinations, which will be described later in detail, are displayed on the activated line A. This includes any case where medals are automatically inserted based on Also, the active line A is a line for judging the winning of a winning combination, and there is one in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the activated line A has nine symbols (three reels×three rows of upper, middle, and lower) facing the symbol display window 108, the middle row of the left reel 110a, the middle row of the middle reel 110b, and the middle row of the middle reel 110b. The line is set to connect the positions corresponding to the symbols stopped on the upper stage of the right reel 110c. The invalid line is used to determine the winning combination by displaying other symbol combinations that make it easier to grasp the winning combination when it is difficult to grasp the winning combination only from the combination of symbols displayed on the valid line A. In this embodiment, five invalid lines B1, B2, B3, C1 and C2 shown in FIG. 3B are assumed. Here, the winning determination is to determine whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning type lottery is displayed on the activated line A.

Then, when the player operates the start switch 118, the game is started, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are rotated, and the winning type lottery and the like are executed. After that, according to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b and right reel 110c are stopped respectively. Then, when a winning combination that can receive medals wins according to the combination of the lottery results of the winning type lottery and the symbols displayed on the activated line A, the medals are paid out, and the winning type that can receive the medals is paid out. , or if the player wins but does not win, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are all stopped, and the game ends.

In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned one game is the insertion of medals through the medal insertion unit 114, the insertion of credited medals through the operation of the bet switch 116, or the replay combination displayed on the activated line A. After one of the medals is automatically inserted based on the above, the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c is controlled according to the player's operation of the start switch 118, and the winning type lottery is executed. The left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel corresponding to the operated stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c according to the lottery result of the winning type lottery and the operation of the plurality of stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c by the player. 110c are respectively controlled to be stopped, and when a winning combination that can receive the payout of medals wins, the game is played until the payout of the medals is executed. In addition, when the winning type for which medals can be paid out is not won, or when the player wins but does not win, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c all stop, and one game ends. However, the start of one game may be read as the operation of the start switch 118 by the player instead of the insertion of medals or the winning of a replay combination. Also, the number of times such one game is repeated is the number of games.

(Electrical Configuration of Slot Machine 100)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 includes a main control board 200 (main control section) that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control board 202 (sub-control section) that controls the effects according to the progress of the game. A control board is provided that includes. In addition, electrical signal transmission between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is limited to one direction only from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has a semiconductor integrated circuit including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs and the like, a main RAM 200c that functions as a work area, and the like, and controls the entire slot machine 100. . The data in the main RAM 200c is retained without being erased, even when the power is turned off, unless the setting is changed and the RAM is cleared.

In addition, the main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b. 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, game state control means 312, effect state control means 314, command transmission means 316 and other functional units.

The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from an inserted medal detection section 114b for detecting insertion of medals into the medal slot 114a, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, and stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Based on the received detection signal, the main CPU 200a executes various processes.

The initialization means 300 executes initialization processing in the main control board 200 . The betting means 302 bets medals to be used for games. Based on the operation of the start switch 118, the winning type lottery means 304 performs a winning type lottery for determining the suitability of the winning combination, more specifically, the suitability of the winning combination including the winning combination, as will be described in detail later.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c according to the operation of the start switch 118, and corresponds to the rotating left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c. Depending on the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are controlled to stop. In addition, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c in the previous game in response to the operation of the start switch 118, and then displays the lottery result of the winning type lottery. The time until the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is validated (invalidated by the completion of the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c in the previous game) is extended beyond the specified time, and during that time, the reel 110a. , 110b, and 110c are rotated in various manners (freeze effect). In the reel performance, an arbitrary switch that should be enabled is not enabled for a predetermined time, processing that should be executed is suspended for a predetermined time, or a signal of an arbitrary switch that should be transmitted and received is transmitted or received for a predetermined time. It can be realized by doing or not.

A reel drive control section 150 is also connected to the main control board 200 . The reel drive control unit 150 drives a stepping motor 152 based on a rotation start signal for the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, which is transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118. do. In addition, the reel drive control unit 150 detects the respective stop signals of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, which are transmitted from the reel control means 306, and the rotation position detection circuit 154 in response to the operation signal of the stop switch 120. Drive of the stepping motor 152 is stopped based on the signal.

The determining means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line A. Here, the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the activated line A may simply be called winning. A payout control means 310 pays out medals in the number (amount of value) corresponding to the winning combination based on the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination being displayed on the activated line A (winning). A medal payout device 142 is connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 discharges medals while counting the number of payout medals.

The game state control means 312 refers to the result of the winning type lottery and the determination result of the determination means 308, and shifts the game state to one of a plurality of types of game states. In addition, the effect state control means 314 refers to the result of the winning type lottery, the determination result of the determination means 308, and the transition information of the game state, and shifts the effect state to one of a plurality of types of effect states.

The command transmission means 316 is a game-related command associated with the operation of the betting means 302, the winning type lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the game state control means 312, the effect state control means 314, and the like. are sequentially determined, and the determined commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub control board 202 .

The main control board 200 is also provided with a random number generator (random number generating means) 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops within a predetermined numerical range, and extracts the count value at a predetermined point in time to obtain a random number. A random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as a winning type lottery random number) is used for the game profit given to the player, for example, for the winning type lottery means 304 to determine the winning type. .

(Sub control board 202)
The sub-control board 202, like the main control board 200, has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub-CPU 202a as a central processing unit, a sub-ROM 202b storing programs and the like, and a sub-RAM 202c functioning as a work area. , based on the command from the main control board 200, especially controls the performance. A backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the sub-RAM 202c as well as the main RAM 200c, so that data is retained without being erased even when the power is turned off. The sub control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator (random number generating means) 202d, similar to the main control board 200, and the random number generated by the random number generator 202d It is used to determine the mode of production.

Also, in the sub-control board 202, the sub-CPU 202a functions by cooperating with the sub-RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub-ROM 202b. It has a functional part.

The initialization determination means 330 executes initialization processing in the sub control board 202 . The command receiving means 332 receives commands from other control boards such as the main control board 200 and processes the commands. The effect control means 334 receives the detection signal from the effect switch 122, and determines the effect of the game performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 124, the speaker 128, and the effect lamp 126 based on the received command. Specifically, the effect control means 334 controls the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124, the effect lamp 126, the sub-credit display unit 134, the sub-payout display unit 136, and other illumination equipment for effects. Along with determining the decoration data, the audio data constituting the audio to be output from the speaker 128 is also determined. And the production|presentation control means 334 performs the production|presentation of the determined game. Note that the production includes an auxiliary production. In the winning type lottery, when winning a selected winning type in which a correct combination (a specific combination) and an incorrect combination are duplicated, the correct operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which is the winning condition for the correct combination, is performed. This is an effect for notifying the operation mode. With such an auxiliary effect, the player can easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the correct combination on the activated line A. An effect state in which such an assist effect is executed is called an AT (assist time) effect state. Also, a so-called ART game state may be used in which an AT effect state and an RT (replay time) game state with a high probability of winning a replay combination progress in parallel.

In the following, information managed by a board other than the main control board 200, including the sub control board 202, such as the liquid crystal display section 124, the effect lamp 126, the speaker 128, the sub credit display section 134, and the sub payout display section 136 The means may be called other notification means. On the other hand, the notification means managed by the main control board 200, such as the main credit display section 130 and the main payout display section 132, may be called main notification means (instruction monitor). Also, the main notification means and other notification means capable of executing the auxiliary effect may be collectively referred to as the auxiliary effect execution means. The effect state control means 314 causes the auxiliary effect executing means to execute the auxiliary effect in the AT effect state.

(Table used in main control board 200)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining winning combinations, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a winning type lottery table.

As will be described later in detail, the slot machine 100 is provided with a plurality of types of game states and effect states, and the game states and effect states are changed in accordance with the progress of the game. In the main control board 200, the main ROM 200b stores a plurality of winning type lottery tables corresponding to the game states managed and controlled by the game state control means 312. FIG. The winning type lottery means 304 stores the corresponding winning type lottery table in the main ROM 200b according to the current set value (indicating the ease of obtaining a game profit in stages) stored in the main RAM 200c and the current gaming state. Based on the extracted winning type lottery table, it is determined which winning type in the winning type lottery table the winning type lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118 corresponds to.

Here, the winning combination constituting the winning type extracted from the winning type lottery table includes a replay combination, a minor combination, and a bonus combination. The replay combination is a combination in which, when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A, the game can be played again without the player betting new medals. A small combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the symbol combination by displaying a symbol combination corresponding to the minor combination on the activated line A. In addition, the bonus combination is changed to a bonus game state (a game state during RBB operation to be described later), which is managed by the game state control means 312, by displaying a symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the activated line A. It is a role that can be transferred to

As for the winning combination in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the winning combination "replay 1" to "replay 7" are provided as replay combinations. In addition, as the small winning combination, winning combinations "small winning combination 1" to "small winning combination 39" are provided. In addition, a winning combination “RBB” is provided as a bonus combination. In FIG. 5, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are associated with one or a plurality of symbols forming each winning combination.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the stop switch 120 is operated by the player, if the symbols forming the symbol combination corresponding to the possible winning combination are on the effective line A, the reel control means By 306, stop control is performed so that the symbol is stopped on the activated line A. Further, when the stop switch 120 is operated, there are 4 symbols in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reel 110, although the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination that can be won are not on the activated line A. If it exists within the range corresponding to the minute (pull-in range), the reel control means 306 controls the number of symbols away from each other to be the number of sliding symbols, and the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are valid. Stop control is performed so as to stop after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to draw onto the line A. In addition, when there are a plurality of symbols corresponding to winning combinations that can be won on the reel 110, and all of them exist within the pull-in range of the reel 110, which symbol is placed on the effective line A according to a predetermined priority. It is determined whether to pull it upward, and stop control is performed so as to stop after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to pull the prioritized symbol onto the effective line A. - 特許庁Incidentally, when the stop switch 120 is pressed, if a symbol constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination other than a winable winning combination is on the effective line A, the reel control means 306 controls the symbol is not stopped on the effective line A, a so-called kicking process is also executed in parallel. In addition, as will be described later, when the operation mode (operation order and operation timing) is set as a winning condition for the winning combination included in the winning type, the reel control means 306 controls the winning combination according to the player's operation mode. The symbol combination corresponding to is controlled to be displayed on the activated line A.

Then, for example, symbols constituting symbol combinations corresponding to winning hands "replay 1" to "replay 4", winning hands "small hand 1" to "small hand 6", and "small hand 35" to "small hand 39". are arranged so that they can always be displayed on the activated line A by the stop control described above on each reel 110 . Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB=1. On the other hand, for example, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 5” to “Replay 7”, the winning combination “Small combination 7” to “Small combination 34”, and the winning combination “RBB” are displayed on each reel 110. , the above-mentioned stop control does not always allow the arrangement to be displayed on the effective line A, so that a so-called dropout may occur. Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB≠1.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the winning type lottery table, a plurality of winning areas are defined, and the winning type to be the target of the lottery differs depending on each game state, and the presence or absence of non-winning (losing) differs. or 6 and 7, the winning areas ( Winning types) are represented by "⊚" and "○", but in reality, the main ROM 200b stores a winning-type lottery table corresponding to each of a plurality of game states. In addition, "◎" indicates that it is possible to draw a lottery to move to an advantageous section, and "○" indicates that it is impossible to draw a lottery to move to an advantageous section. It shows that it is a winning type.

In the winning type lottery table, each partitioned winning region is associated with a predetermined number (winning range value), which is a numerical value indicating a winning range, and a winning type. The total number of winning type lottery random numbers (65536) is obtained by summing up the numbers set in the winning areas. Therefore, the probability that each winning type is determined is a value obtained by dividing the number associated with the winning area by the total number of winning type lottery random numbers. A winning-type lottery means 304 sequentially obtains set numbers from a plurality of winning areas in the winning-type lottery table in descending order of numbers based on the game state at that time, and converts the set numbers to winning-type lottery random numbers. When the value after subtraction becomes less than 0, the winning type associated with the winning area at that time is taken as the lottery result of the winning type lottery. Also, the set numbers of all the winning areas of 1 or more winning areas are subtracted from the winning type lottery random number, and if the value after subtraction is 0 or more, the winning type "losing" of the winning area 0 is the winning type lottery. lottery result.

Here, the winning combination "RBB" constituting the winning type "RBB" will be supplemented. Predetermined Type 1 Special Accessory RB is an accessory that increases the number of combinations of symbols related to winning for each specified number, or increases the probability of operating the conditional device related to winning for each specified number. It is activated when the game is played, and can continue to operate until the result of the game is obtained not more than 12 times. Here, the conditional device is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for displaying a combination of symbols related to winning, replay, the operation of the accessory or the operation of the accessory continuous operation device, and the winning type lottery ( It means a winning flag that operates when winning a lottery by an electronic computer performed in a game machine. And the role product continuous operating device (winning role "RBB") related to the first type special role product constituting the winning type "RBB" is a device capable of continuously operating the first type special role product RB. It is activated when a specific combination of symbols is displayed, and ends when it is determined in advance.

According to the winning type lottery table of FIG. 6, for example, the winning area 0 is associated with the winning type "lost", and if the winning type is won, the symbol corresponding to any of the winning combinations shown in FIG. No combination is displayed on the activated line A, and medals are not paid out. However, as will be described later, if the RBB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" can be displayed on the activated line A by winning the winning type "lost". It becomes possible.

In addition, the winning area 1 is associated with the winning type "small winning combination ALL" in which the winning combinations "small winning combination 1" to "small winning combination 39" are duplicated, and the winning area 2 corresponds to the winning combination " The winning type "1 piece ALLA" in which the "small winning combination 11" to "small winning combination 39" are included in duplicate is associated with the winning area 3, and the winning combination "small winning combination 12" to "small winning combination 27" are associated with the winning area 3. The winning type "one card ALLB", which is redundantly included, is associated with it. In addition, the winning area 4 is associated with the winning type "choice 1 sheet 1" in which the winning combination "small combination 12" and "small combination 20" are duplicated, and the winning area 5 is associated with the winning combination "small combination Winning type "Choice 1 sheet 2" in which "Hand 13" and "Small win 21" are overlapped is associated, and winning area 6 is associated with winning combination "Small win 14" and "Small win 22". The winning type "choice 1 3" included in the winning area 7 is associated with the winning type "choice 1 4" in which the winning combination "small combination 15" and "small combination 23" are duplicated. are mapped. The winning area 8 is associated with the winning type "weak cherry" in which the winning combination "small combination 35" and "small combination 36" are duplicated, and the winning area 9 is associated with the winning combination "small combination 37". to "small win 39" are associated with the winning type "strong cherry", and the winning area 10 contains the winning wins "small win 7", "small win 8", and "small win 11". The winning type "watermelon A" that overlaps is associated, and the winning area 11 is associated with the winning type "watermelon B" that overlaps the winning combination "small combination 7" to "small combination 10". The winning area 12 is associated with the winning type "strong bell" in which the winning combinations "small combination 1", "small combination 3", and "small combination 5" are overlapped. In addition, the winning area 13 is associated with the winning type "common bell A" in which the winning hands "small hand 1" to "small hand 6" are overlapped, and the winning area 14 is associated with the winning hand "small hand 1” to “small winning combination 6” and “small winning combination 11” are included in duplicate, and are associated with the winning type “common bell B”.

In addition, in the winning areas 15 to 26, the correct combination (winning combination "small combination 1" to "small combination 6") with the number of payouts of 11 and the incorrect combination (winning combination "small combination") with the number of payouts of 1 Selected winning types (winning types "batting order bell 1A" to "batting order bell 6A", "batting order bell 1B" to "batting order bell 6B") that overlap with "hand 12" to "small win 34") are associated with each other. It is

Further, according to the winning type lottery table of FIG. 7, the winning areas 27 to 39 include the winning combinations "Replay 1" to "Replay 7" in duplicate. ”, and “symbol replay B1” to “symbol replay B6” are associated with each other. In addition, the winning area 40 is associated with the winning type "normal replay" in which the winning combination "replay 1" and "replay 2" are included in duplicate.

Further, the winning areas 41 to 46 are associated with the winning types "RBB1" to "RBB6" in which the winning combination "RBB" is included singly or overlapped with other minor combinations.

Then, when a winning type in which a plurality of winning hands are overlapped is won, a winning condition, such as stop The order in which the switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated is set.

In the following description, the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that stop the reels in the order of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are referred to as "batting order 1," and the left reel 110a, the right reel 110c, and the middle reel 110b are operated. The operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that sequentially stop the reels are referred to as "batting order 2", and the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that stop the reels in the order of the middle reel 110b, the left reel 110a, and the right reel 110c are referred to as the "batting order." 3", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the middle reel 110b, the right reel 110c, and the left reel 110a is set to "hitting order 4", and the right reel 110c, the left reel 110a, and the middle reel 110b are operated in this order. The operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels is defined as "hitting order 5", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the right reel 110c, middle reel 110b, and left reel 110a is defined as "hitting order 6". ”.

For example, in the non-internal game state, if the winning type "batting order bell 1A" in the winning area 15 is won and an operation is performed according to the correct operation mode (batting order 1), the payout number is 11, which is the correct winning combination. Stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the "small win 1" is preferentially displayed on the activated line A. - 特許庁Further, when the operation of the batting order 2 is performed, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "small combination 28" which is the incorrect combination with the number of payouts of 1 is preferentially displayed on the activated line A. is performed, and when the operation according to the batting order 3, 4 is performed, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "small combination 12", which is an incorrect combination of the number of payouts of 1, is preferentially placed on the activated line A by 1/4. Stop control is performed so as to be displayed with a probability, and when operations are performed according to the batting order of 5 and 6, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "small combination 16", which is an incorrect combination of the number of payouts of 1, is on the valid line A. Stop control is performed so that it is preferentially displayed on the top with a probability of 1/4.

It should be noted that the winning probability (set number) of each winning type in the winning areas 15 to 26 is set to be equal. Since the player usually cannot know which type of winning has been won, by providing the above-described winning areas 15 to 26, it is made difficult for the correct combination to win. Further, as described above, even if the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated in the batting order in which the incorrect combination is preferentially displayed, the symbol combination corresponding to the incorrect combination is necessarily displayed on the activated line A. However, depending on the mode of operation, there are cases where a failure occurs (PB≠1).

When one of the winning types described above is won, an internal winning flag corresponding to each winning type is established (ON), and each reel 110 is controlled to stop according to the state of establishment of this internal winning flag. The Rukoto. At this time, if a winning type including a minor winning combination is won, but the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combinations cannot be displayed on the activated line A in the game, after the end of the game. The internal winning flag is turned OFF. In other words, the right to win a minor winning combination is limited only within the game in which the winning type including the minor winning combination has been won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. On the other hand, if the winning type including the winning combination "RBB" is won, the RBB internal winning flag is established (ON) and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" is displayed on the activated line A. The RBB internal winning flag is carried over across games until it is displayed. In addition, when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning type including the replay combination is established, the symbol combination corresponding to any of the replay combinations included in the winning type is always on the activated line A. After the display is performed and the processing required to play the next game without medals is performed, the internal winning flag is turned OFF.

(Transition of game state)
Here, the game state transition will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a plurality of game states such as a non-internal game state, an RBB internal game state, and an RBB active game state are prepared. Each game state is changed according to winning of a bonus combination, winning (activation), and termination, as described later.

The non-internal game state is a game state corresponding to an initial state in a plurality of game states. In such a non-internal game state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to about 1/7.3. In addition, in the non-internal game state, the winning combination "RBB" is determined with a predetermined probability (for example, approximately 1/30).

The game state control means 312 changes the game state according to the winning of the winning combination “RBB”. For example, in a game in which the winning combination "RBB" is won, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" is displayed on the activated line A, the game state control means 312 changes the game state to the RBB active game state. Migrate (1).

The winning probability of the replay combination is set to 0 in the RBB active gaming state. In the gaming state during the RBB operation, the winning types that can be won are the winning type "small hand ALL" in the winning area 1, and the winning types "1 card ALLA" and "1 card ALLB" in the winning areas 2 and 3. is set. When the winning type "small win ALL" is won, the symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning hands "small win 1" to "small win 39" is displayed on the effective line A, and the winning type "1 sheet ALL" is won. Then, stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to any one of the winning combination “small combination 11” to “small combination 39” is displayed on the activated line A. In this case, the number of coins expected to be obtained per unit game in the RBB-operating game state is lowered by such a configuration of the small winning combination.

When the conditions for ending the RBB-operating gaming state are met, that is, when the acquired number reaches a predetermined number, the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state to the non-internal gaming state (2).

On the other hand, in the game in which the winning combination "RBB" is won, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the activated line A, the game state control means 312 changes the game state to the inside of the RBB. Transition to a middle game state (special game state) (3).

In the RBB internal gaming state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to approximately 1/5.9. In addition, in the RBB internal gaming state, the winning type "loss" is not won. In other words, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the activated line A in the winning game of the winning combination "RBB", after that, a smaller combination or a smaller combination than the winning combination "RBB" is displayed. Since the replay combination is preferentially stopped on the activated line A, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the activated line A. - 特許庁Therefore, once the gaming state shifts to the RBB inside gaming state, the RBB inside gaming state is maintained without transition of the gaming state thereafter. Here, while maintaining the RBB inside game state, the AT effect state is realized in the RBB inside game state.

Here, in the RBB internal middle game state, since a plurality of types of correct hands are won without overlapping each other, it is possible to increase the chances of winning the correct hands. By performing the auxiliary performance in the AT performance state in the state, it is possible to easily obtain medals. On the other hand, in the game state during RBB operation, since a plurality of kinds of correct hands are won in duplicate, there is little opportunity to win the correct hands, so the correct hands are awarded more than in the AT performance state in other game states. This reduces the number of chances that a player can play, which makes it difficult for a player to increase the number of medals he or she owns. Therefore, while providing the function of the RBB operating game state that the probability of winning a winning combination is higher than that of the RBB inside game state, the RBB operating game state is equivalent to the RBB inside game state in terms of medal acquisition performance. A specification (acceleration RBB) of being inferior can be realized.

(Transition of production state)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the effect state. Hereinafter, the effect state (non-AT effect state, AT effect state) to be changed by the effect state control means 314 in the main control board 200 will be described in detail. In addition, below, the case where the game state is the RBB inside game state will be described.

Here, in order to comprehensively and uniformly determine whether or not the game state with high medal acquisition performance is biased, the game section having the performance related to the instruction function, that is, the auxiliary performance (instruction function) is executed. A game section that is advantageous to the player, including a game section, is defined as an advantageous section (specific section). In the advantageous section, as a result of performing a lottery related to the operation of the auxiliary effect on the main control board 200, when the auxiliary effect is activated, the main control board 200 can identify the content of the instruction, for example, the main notification This is a game section in which instruction information may be transmitted to peripheral boards such as the sub-control board 202 only when it is displayed on the means. A game section different from the advantageous section is defined as a non-advantageous section. Therefore, a plurality of production states (non-AT production state, AT production state) belong to either the advantageous section or the non-advantageous section which are game sections. In this embodiment, almost all production states belong to the advantageous section, and the non-advantageous section is realized in a part of the non-AT production state (here, the non-advantageous production state).

In the advantageous section, among the winning modes in which the correct role is missed if there is no assistance effect, in the selection winning type in which the correct answer role has the maximum payout (here, 11 coins), an assistance that assists the correct answer role to win a prize When an effect (auxiliary effect for obtaining the maximum number of coins to be paid out) is performed, for example, the section indicator 160 must be turned on to notify that fact.

In addition, in the non-advantageous section, it is possible to vary the winning probability of the winning type for each set value, but the probability of determining the transition to the effect state (AT effect state) accompanied by the auxiliary effect in the same winning type must not be different for each set value. On the other hand, in the advantageous section, the winning probability of the winning type and the probability of determining the transition (or addition) to the production state (AT production state) with the auxiliary production in the same winning type are different for each set value. It is possible to

Therefore, the production state control means 314 manages the transition between the non-advantageous section and the advantageous section in addition to managing the transition of the production state. In addition, regardless of such management, the advantageous section is forcibly terminated by satisfying the following termination conditions. For example, the value counted in the advantageous section reaches a predetermined value (for example, the number of staying games (the number of game executions) reaches 1500 games, or the number of acquired sheets (net increase number) exceeds 2400) to force quit. In any case, the effect state control means 314 resets all the information updated in the advantageous section (all variables that affect the performance related to the instruction function) by shifting from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section. .

(Non-AT production state, AT production state)
In the non-AT production state, the execution frequency of the auxiliary production is much lower than in the AT production state, and the auxiliary production is almost not performed, so the number of medals that can be obtained is limited. Here, six performance states such as a normal performance state, a non-advantageous performance state, a preparation performance state, a first interval performance state, a continuous lottery performance state, and a second interval performance state are provided as non-AT performance states.

In the AT performance state, it is possible to obtain a large number of medals while suppressing the consumption of medals by causing the assistance performance executing means to execute the assistance performance when all the selected winning types are won. Therefore, by shifting to the AT effect state, the player can progress the game more advantageously than in the non-AT effect state. Here, a pseudo bonus effect state is provided as the AT effect state. Each effect state (normal effect state, pseudo-bonus effect state, non-advantageous effect state, preparation effect state, first interval effect state, continuous lottery effect state, second interval effect state) will be individually described below.

(Each production state)
The normal rendering state is a rendering state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of rendering states. The performance state control means 314 performs AT lottery in the normal performance state. The AT lottery is a lottery for determining transition to the AT performance state, and the performance state control means 314 performs the AT lottery with different probabilities for each winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Then, when the AT lottery is won, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the pseudo bonus performance state which is the AT performance state after the predetermined number of precursor games has passed (1). Further, when a predetermined ceiling condition (for example, a predetermined number of games are played continuously in the normal production state) is satisfied in the normal production state without transitioning to the pseudo-bonus production state (so-called ceiling reached), the production state control means 314 shifts the performance state to a pseudo-bonus performance state (1). The transition to the pseudo-bonus effect state due to reaching the ceiling will be described in detail later.

In the pseudo-bonus effect state, an auxiliary effect is executed until a predetermined end condition (for example, the number of games played reaches a predetermined number of games) is satisfied, and the player can expect, for example, to win in the pseudo-bonus effect state. A number of 3.5 sheets can be obtained. Incidentally, in the pseudo bonus effect state, mainly two end conditions are prepared. For example, if the end condition is that the number of games played reaches the predetermined number of games, two levels of 30 and 80 are provided as the predetermined number of games, and one of them is determined by lottery. In the pseudo-bonus effect state, the player naturally obtains more game profits as the number of games played increases. Therefore, the player would want the predetermined number of games to be 80 instead of 30. However, even when 30 is determined as the predetermined number of games, a promotion lottery is also performed to increase the predetermined number of games for the auxiliary effect from 30 to 80 during the completion of the predetermined number of games. The conditions for terminating the pseudo-bonus effect state will be described in detail later. Here, as an example of the end condition of the pseudo-bonus effect state, the number of games played has reached the predetermined number of games. Reaching a certain number or reaching a predetermined number of acquired sheets (net increased number of sheets) may be employed.

Then, when a predetermined end condition is satisfied in the pseudo-bonus effect state, the effect state control means 314 may shift the effect state to a non-advantageous effect state (2). At this time, the effect state control means 314 temporarily shifts the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section, and resets all the information updated in the advantageous section. For example, if the preceding pseudo-bonus effect state is the initial pseudo-bonus effect state, that is, if it is the pseudo-bonus effect state immediately after shifting from the normal effect state, the effect state control means 314 changes the effect state to the non-advantageous state. Along with shifting to the performance state, the advantageous section is temporarily shifted to the non-advantageous section. Further, even if the preceding pseudo-bonus effect state is a multiple of 3 (3, 6, . . . ) that does not pass through the normal effect state, , shifts to a non-advantageous section, and temporarily shifts the advantageous section to a non-advantageous section.

Then, the effect state control means 314 draws a lottery for the transition to the advantageous section with a high probability (for example, 1/2), returns to the advantageous section after playing a few games, and shifts the effect state to the preparation effect state ( 3). This is to avoid forcibly ending the pseudo-bonus effect state when the value counted in the advantageous section reaches a predetermined value.

On the other hand, if the pseudo-bonus effect state in the preceding stage is not the first time, or if it is not the pseudo-bonus effect state of the multiple times of 3 that does not pass through the normal effect state, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the non-advantageous effect state. (4). This is to prevent the pseudo-bonus effect state from being forcibly terminated when the value counted in the advantageous interval reaches a predetermined value, and to prevent the advantageous interval from ending unnecessarily.

In the preparation production state, the production state control means 314 draws a lottery for transition to the first interval production state with a high probability (for example, 1/2), and based on the determination of the transition to the first interval production state, the production state is changed. to the first interval effect state (5).

The first interval effect state continues until a predetermined end condition (for example, completion of 40 games) is satisfied, during which a continuation lottery for the pseudo-bonus effect state is executed. Unlike the pseudo-bonus effect state, the first interval effect state is different from the pseudo-bonus effect state in that the number of expected wins per unit game is small and may have a negative value. In addition, in the present embodiment, the effect state is set to always be the first interval effect state when the advantageous section is won in the non-advantageous section. Therefore, after the pseudo-bonus effect state ends, even if the advantageous section continues, or if the transition to the non-advantageous section is made once as described above, the transition to the first interval effect state is made. becomes. Then, when a predetermined termination condition in the first interval effect state is satisfied, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the continuous lottery effect state (6).

The continuous lottery effect state continues until a predetermined termination condition (for example, completion of 5 games) is satisfied, and finally, the result of the continuous lottery of the pseudo bonus effect state in the first interval effect state is notified. Unlike the pseudo-bonus effect state, the expected winning number per unit game is small in such a continuous lottery effect state, and the value may be negative. In the first interval effect state, if the transition (continuation) to the pseudo-bonus effect state is determined, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the pseudo-bonus effect state (7), and the pseudo-bonus effect state. If the transition to is not determined, the effect state control means 314 returns the effect state to the normal effect state (8).

Thus, in the present embodiment, once the pseudo bonus effect state is entered, the pseudo bonus effect state→preparation effect state→first interval effect state→continuous lottery effect state, unless the continuous lottery of the continuous lottery effect state is missed. By repeating the transition of , the player can accumulate medals.

In addition, in the preparation production state, the production state control means 314 performs a lottery for the transition to the second interval production state in addition to the lottery for the transition to the first interval production state. However, the probability of transition to the second interval effect state (eg, 1/20) is set smaller than the probability of transition to the first interval effect state (eg, 1/2). In the preparation production state, when the transition to the second interval production state is determined before the transition to the first interval production state is determined, the production state control means 314 determines the transition to the second interval production state. Based on (9), the production state is shifted to the second interval production state. Here, an example is given in which the lottery for transition to the second interval effect state is performed in the preparatory effect state, but similarly, the lottery for transition to the second interval effect state may be performed in the non-advantageous effect state.

Like the first interval effect state, the second interval effect state continues until a predetermined end condition (for example, completion of 40 games) is satisfied, during which a continuation lottery for the pseudo-bonus effect state is executed. Like the first interval effect state, the second interval effect state differs from the pseudo bonus effect state in that the number of expected wins per unit game is small and may have a negative value.

However, in the second interval effect state, the pseudo bonus effect state is determined with a higher probability than in the first interval effect state. For example, in the first interval effect state, the pseudo-bonus effect state is determined at 1/58 every game for 40 games (winning probability 50%), and in the second interval effect state, the pseudo-bonus effect state is determined for 40 games. is determined at every game 1/25 (winning probability 80%). Then, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the continuous lottery effect state (10). Once the transition to the second interval effect state is determined, after that, there is no transition to the non-advantageous effect state, the preparation effect state, or the first interval effect state until the continuous lottery effect state is entered. From the pseudo-bonus effect state, only the second interval effect state is entered (11). Therefore, the player can always receive a continuous lottery with a high probability. Further, once the transition to the second interval effect state is determined, even if the transition to the pseudo bonus effect state is not determined in the continuous lottery effect state, the effect state control means 314 immediately changes the effect state. The state is shifted to a non-advantageous performance state without returning to the normal performance state (12). Therefore, when the transition to the pseudo-bonus effect state is not determined in the continuous lottery effect state, the pseudo-bonus effect state→preparation effect state→first interval effect state→continuation until the continuous lottery of the continuous lottery effect state fails again. The transition of the lottery effect state can be repeated. In this way, once the state is shifted to the second interval effect state, the transition from the pseudo bonus effect state→the second interval effect state→continuous lottery effect state can be repeated with high probability, and furthermore, the pseudo bonus effect state→the second interval effect state→continuous lottery effect state can be repeated with a high probability. Even if the transition to the bonus performance state is not determined, at least, the transition from the pseudo bonus performance state→preparation performance state→first interval performance state→continuous lottery performance state can be repeated again, so that the player can play more games. medals can be accumulated. That is, it can be said that the second interval effect state is more advantageous than the first interval effect state.

Further, as described above, the effect state control means 314, when shifting from the pseudo-bonus effect state to the second interval effect state, can shift to the non-advantageous section, unlike the transition to the first interval effect state. do not have. In the present embodiment, when the pseudo-bonus effect state is the first-time pseudo-bonus effect state, the effect state control means 314 does not shift to the second interval effect state, and temporarily replaces the advantageous section with the non-advantageous section. , and be sure to shift to the first interval performance state. Then, the advantageous section is reset once. Therefore, even if the advantageous section is not reset when shifting to the second interval presentation state, the pseudo-bonus presentation state passing through the second interval presentation state will not be terminated in a short period of time due to the limitation of the advantageous section, and the player will be able to A lot of medals can be obtained by a loop of pseudo bonus effect state→second interval effect state→continuous lottery effect state.

(First Embodiment: Reel Rotation and Stop Processing)
As described above, in the slot machine 100, each reel 110a, 110b, 110c is rotated and stopped through operation of each switch such as the bet switch 116, the start switch 118, the stop switch 120, etc. You can earn medals accordingly. Here, the rotation and stop processing of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c in response to the operation of the start switch 118 and the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c will be described in detail.

When the player operates the start switch 118, the reel control means 306 starts rotating the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c (hereinafter, starting the rotation of the reel 110 is referred to as starting rotation). Then, the reel control means 306 causes the rotational speeds of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c to increase (hereinafter, the state in which the rotational speeds are increasing is referred to as an acceleration state), and reaches a predetermined speed (less than 80 rpm/min). Then, the predetermined speed is maintained (hereinafter, the state in which the speed is maintained and rotated is referred to as a constant speed state). Then, when all the indexes specifying the respective positions of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are detected, the reel control means 306 validates the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. The player can determine whether the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is valid or invalid by the color of the backlight emitted from each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. For example, if the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is valid, the backlight of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c emits blue light, and if the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is invalid, the stop switch The backlights of 120a, 120b, and 120c are made to emit red light. Such emission colors and emission timings will be described later in detail with reference to flowcharts.

However, the reel control means 306 validates the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c not only when the index is detected but also when a predetermined permission condition is satisfied. Permission conditions are described below.

As described above, the bet switch 116, the start switch 118, and the stop switch 120 are exposed to the slot machine 100 for easy operation, and can be touched by the player at any time. However, even if the player operates each switch, if the operation of the switch is not validated, the operation will not be effectively processed. For example, when one game ends, the operation of the bet switch 116 is validated, and when medals are betted, the operation of the start switch 118 is validated, and when the start switch 118 is operated, the reels 110a and 110b. , 110c start rotating and the reels 110a, 110b and 110c can be stopped, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c is enabled, and the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are stopped.

Therefore, after operating the start switch 118, the player waits for the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c to be validated, operates the validated stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and reels 110a, Stop 110b and 110c. Since the stop switch 120 can be operated at any time, after the operation of the start switch 118 is validated, the player operates (holds) any of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that have not yet been validated. , the start switch 118 can be operated. However, if the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is not validated, the operation is not effectively processed, only the operation of the start switch 118 is effectively processed, and the reel control means 306 The reels 110a, 110b, and 110c start rotating according to the operation. Then, when all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are detected and the timing for validating the operation of the stop switch 120 in one game is reached, the reel control means 306 validates the operation of the stop switch 120a, 120b and 120c. do. However, if the stop switch 120 has already been operated at this timing and the operation has not been canceled (if the ON state is maintained), as soon as the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is validated, the The operation is effectively accepted, and the reel 110 starts to stop.

In this way, if the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is accepted immediately after the operation is validated, the following problems may occur. That is, the stop positions of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are determined based on the rotation start positions of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. The reels 110a, 110b, and 110c can be stopped at desired positions without any adjustment, so-called spot pressing assistance.

In addition, even if the stop switch 120 is fixed in the operated state (ON state) and has a failure, the stop switch 120a is turned off as soon as the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is validated. , 120b and 120c are effectively accepted, the game progresses with the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c malfunctioning.

Furthermore, even if the player accidentally operates the start switch 118 while holding down the stop switch 120 for some reason, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c can be effectively accepted. The reel 110 corresponding to the erroneously operated stop switch 120, which is different from the stop switch 120 to be operated or the stop switch 120 to be operated, stops. As a result, for example, when the effect state is a pseudo-bonus effect state (AT effect state), a stop operation different from the correct operation mode may occur, and the original game profit may not be obtained.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c in one game while the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated (the pressing operation is maintained). When all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are detected, and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is not released, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is not validated. do. Then, the reel control means 306 detects all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c in a state in which the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated, and releases the operation of the operated stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Then, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is validated. Therefore, the permission condition described above is that the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is canceled (not operated).

10 to 12 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the rotation and stop processing of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. FIG. 10 shows the operation timings of the stop switch 120 and reel 110, and FIGS. represents an aspect. The arrows in FIGS. 11 and 12 indicate that each reel 110 is rotating, the stop switches 120 whose operation is invalid are indicated by cross hatching, and the stop switches 120 whose operation is valid are indicated by outline. Here, for convenience of explanation, the case where the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are operated in the order of hitting, that is, the hitting order of forward pressing will be described. Needless to say, it can be applied to any of the operable batting orders (six in this case).

At time (a) in FIG. 10, the player operates (depresses) the stop switch 120a, and as shown in FIG. ), the start switch 118 is operated. When the start switch 118 is operated, as shown in FIG. 11B, the reel control means 306 excites the stepping motors 152 corresponding to the reels 110a, 110b, 110c in 1-2 phases, thereby spinning the reels 110a, 110b, 110c. Start rotating each. Then, when the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c pass through the acceleration state and reach a predetermined speed (less than 80 rpm/min) at time (c) after 167 msec, for example, 1-2 phase excitation continue to move to the constant speed state.

Here, after the reels 110a, 110b and 110c have reached a constant speed state, it is assumed that all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are detected at time (d) in FIG. When all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are detected, the reel control means 306 essentially activates the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c as indicated by the dashed lines. However, at the time point (d), the stop switch 120a is kept pressed (because the permission condition is not satisfied), so the reel control means 306 operates the stop switch 120a as shown in FIG. 11(c). is maintained, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is not validated. Therefore, the player cannot stop the reels 110a, 110b, 110c through the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c.

At time (e) in FIG. 10, when the player releases the stop switch 120a, the reel control means 306 detects all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, and sets the permission condition. By satisfying the conditions, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is validated as shown in FIG. 11(d). Thus, the player can stop the reels 110a, 110b, 110c through the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. Here, the stop switch 120a is mentioned, and with the stop switch 120a being operated, all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are detected, and when the operation of the operated stop switch 120a is released, the stop switch 120a is operated. Although an example of validating the operation of the switches 120a, 120b, and 120c has been described, it goes without saying that the same processing is performed not only in this case, but also for the other stop switches 120b and 120c.

In this way, due to the configuration in which the operation of the stop switch 120 is not validated until the permission condition is satisfied, the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c (120a, 120b, 120c) are immediately activated once the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is validated. Here, the operation of the stop switch 120a) is effectively accepted, and the left reel 110a does not start to stop. Therefore, the player cannot perform so-called eye-pushing assistance. Further, if any one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c breaks down, the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c cannot be operated effectively. can be avoided. Furthermore, even if the player erroneously operates the stop switch 120 which is different from the stop switch 120 to be operated or the stop switch 120 to be operated, the operation is not accepted, and the game can be properly played. can proceed.

Here, the reel control means 306 detects all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c with the stop switch 120 being operated, and the permission condition (operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is canceled). ) is satisfied, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is validated. However, if the end of the acceleration state or the start of the constant speed state can be grasped without detecting the index, for example, by measuring the time required for at least the completion of acceleration from the start of the acceleration state, the acceleration If the end of the state or the start of the constant speed state can be grasped, the end of the acceleration state or the start of the constant speed state can be adopted instead of detecting the index. Here, the reel control means 306, when the acceleration state of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c is terminated while the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated, the permission condition (the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is is canceled) is not satisfied, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is not validated, and if the permission condition is satisfied, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is validated. Alternatively, if the reel control means 306 starts the constant speed state of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c with the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c being operated, the permission condition (the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is is canceled) is not satisfied, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is not validated, and if the permission condition is satisfied, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is validated.

The same process can also be realized by preventing all indexes from being detected when the stop switch 120 is operated. Specifically, when the stop switch 120 is operated, the reel control means 306 does not detect the index, or invalidates the detection of the index even if it detects the index. In this way, regardless of whether the permission condition is satisfied or not, it is possible to avoid validating the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c when the stop switch 120 is operated.

When the player operates the stop switch 120a at time (f) in FIG. , and operations of the stop switches 120b, 120c corresponding to the reels 110b, 110c for which the stop processing has not yet been performed (that is, operations of all the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c) are invalidated. Then, the reel control means 306 determines a symbol that exists within the drawing range at the time of operation as a stop symbol (determines the number of sliding symbols), and draws the stopped symbol onto the effective line A by the number of sliding symbols. Maintain minute rotation. Therefore, it takes 0 to 189 msec (predetermined time within 190 msec), including reaction time for operation detection and interrupt processing, to rotate for the number of sliding frames from the operation of the stop switch 120a.

Subsequently, when the left reel 110a reaches a stop position where the determined stop symbol can be stopped on the effective line A at time (g) in FIG. The motor 152 is excited in all phases, and stop processing of the left reel 110a is started so that the phases to be excited are not switched (hereinafter, starting the stop processing by all phase excitation is referred to as start of stop). In this way, the rotation speed of the left reel 110a is reduced (hereinafter, the state in which the rotation speed is reduced is referred to as a deceleration state), and as shown in FIG. In (h), it is stopped (hereinafter, the fact that the reel 110 has stopped due to a decrease in rotation speed as a result of the start of stop is called stop completion), and the stopped state is maintained (hereinafter, the state of maintaining the stop is , stopped state). Such all-phase excitation is continued for 200 msec and then released at time (i). With the release of the all-phase excitation, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switches 120b, 120c corresponding to the rotating reels 110b, 110c that have not yet been stopped. Note that the rotation state indicating the operation state of the reel 110 is represented by any one of the above-described acceleration state, constant speed state, deceleration state, and stop state.

Subsequently, when the player operates the stop switch 120b at time (j) in FIG. The operation of the stop switch 120c corresponding to the right reel 110c that is not set is invalidated. Then, the reel control means 306 determines a symbol existing within the draw-in range at the time of operation as a stopped symbol, and maintains rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to draw the stopped symbol onto the effective line A. - 特許庁

Subsequently, when the middle reel 110b reaches a stop position where the determined stop symbol can be stopped on the effective line A at time (k) in FIG. All phases of the motor 152 are excited, and stop processing of the middle reel 110b is started so that the phases to be excited are not switched. In this way, the middle reel 110b stops at time (l) in FIG. 10 after about 13 msec from the start of the stopping process, as shown in FIG. 12(b). However, all-phase excitation continues for 200 msec and is released at time (m). With the release of all-phase excitation, the reel control means 306 validates the operation of the stop switch 120c corresponding to the right reel 110c for which stop processing has not yet been performed.

Here, as the stop completion condition, it is determined whether or not all phase excitations are released for all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c. If a so-called slide push that can be operated by pressing is not adopted, the first stopped reel 110 and the second stopped reel 110 will always be at the time when the third stop of the stop switch 120 becomes possible. Stop completed. Therefore, as the stop completion condition, instead of determining whether or not all the phase excitations are released for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, the reel corresponding to the stop switch 120 that stopped the third (finally operated to stop) 110 may be determined whether or not all-phase excitation has been released. Further, here, 200 msec is counted from the start of all-phase excitation, and after 200 msec the excitation is released. Here is an example of how to enable it. However, as a stop completion condition, instead of determining whether or not all phase excitation has been released for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, it is determined whether or not 200 msec has elapsed since all phase excitation, and the stop processing is performed accordingly. Alternatively, the operation of the stop switch 120c corresponding to the right reel 110c that is not being operated may be validated. Such replacement of the stop completion condition can also be applied to all the processes described below.

Next, when the player operates the stop switch 120c at time (n) in FIG. 10, the reel control means 306 nullifies the operation of the operated stop switch 120c, similarly to the operation of the stop switch 120b. Then, the reel control means 306 determines a symbol existing within the draw-in range at the time of operation as a stopped symbol, and maintains rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to draw the stopped symbol onto the effective line A. - 特許庁Subsequently, when the right reel 110c reaches a stop position where the determined stop symbol can be stopped on the activated line A at time (o) in FIG. Stop processing of the right reel 110c is started so that all phases of the motor 152 are excited and the phases to be excited are not switched. Thus, the right reel 110c stops at time (p) in FIG. 10, approximately 13 msec after the start of the stopping process, as shown in FIG. 12(c). Such all-phase excitation continues for 200 msec and is released at time (q).

Then, when all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are stopped and a predetermined stop completion condition is satisfied at time (q) in FIG. When the condition that the phase excitation is released and the operation of the last operated (third stop) stop switch 120 (stop switch 120c in this case) is released is satisfied, It is determined which predetermined combination the symbol combination corresponds to (the winning combination).

Subsequently, the effect control means 334 notifies information relating to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A. For example, when the winning type "common bell A" is determined by the winning type lottery and the stop completion condition is satisfied, the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A indicates the winning combination "small combination 1". If so, the effect control means 334 notifies that the winning combination "small combination 1" has been won through the liquid crystal display section 124, as shown in FIG. 12(d). Further, the notification of information related to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A is not limited to notification through the liquid crystal display section 124. In addition or alternatively, information corresponding to the winning combination is displayed through the reel backlight. An effect corresponding to the symbol combination may be performed, or a payout sound may be output from the speaker 128 in accordance with (in conjunction with) the payout of medals.

In this way, in response to the release of all-phase excitation for all reels 110a, 110b, and 110c and the operation of the last operated stop switch 120 (here, stop switch 120c) being released, , executing a determination process, or announcing an image (image corresponding to the symbol "Bell") indicating that the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A is the winning combination "small combination 1". The user can surely recognize the pattern combination, and does not feel distrust or discomfort. The image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 to indicate that the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A is the winning combination "small combination 1" is as described above from the viewpoint of preventing misrecognition of the game result. , the image corresponding to the symbol "bell" displayed on the activated line A.

In addition, the payout control means 310, like the effect control means 334, for example, after the winning type "common bell A" is determined by the winning type lottery and the stop completion condition is satisfied, it is displayed on the effective line A If the drawn symbol combination indicates the winning combination 'small combination 1', 11 medals corresponding to the winning combination 'small combination 1' are paid out.

In this way, in response to the release of all-phase excitation for all reels 110a, 110b, and 110c and the operation of the last operated stop switch 120 (here, stop switch 120c) being released, By paying out the medals, the medals will not be paid out before one game is finished. Therefore, the player will not feel distrust or discomfort.

Moreover, as described above, the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 perform their respective processes in response to the completion of the stop condition being satisfied. Here, the determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning type lottery is displayed on the effective line A, and the effect control means 334 displays on the effective line A. Informing the player of information about the winning combination displayed, and paying out the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination displayed on the activated line A by the payout control means 310 are collectively referred to as post-stop processing. There is In addition, the performance control means 334 and the payout control means 310 may collectively be referred to as determination execution means in terms of executing processing based on the winning determination of the determination means 308 . The processing based on the winning determination includes the processing of automatically inserting medals for the next game based on the fact that the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A, and the bonus game state (game state during RBB operation) based on the winning of the bonus combination. Transition processing to RT game state, transition processing of RT game state based on winning of replay combination for transitioning RT game state, transition to AT effect state based on display of lottery result of winning type lottery for transition of AT effect state It also includes processing. Therefore, the player can grasp the game result by at least one of the post-stop processing. Specifically, by operating (depressing) the last stop switch 120 , the reel control means 306 starts stopping the corresponding reel 110 . Since the reels 110 are stopped within 190 msec by all-phase excitation, all of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are stopped at least 200 msec after the start of stopping by the timer, and the player visually recognizes the game result. do. However, at that time, if the player has not yet released the operation of the stop switch 120 (if the player continues to hold it down), the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 complete the stop. Do not perform post-processing. Here, only the player can grasp the game result through the symbol display window 108 . Then, when the player releases the operation of the stop switch 120, the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 perform post-stop processing for the first time. Originally, if all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have been stopped, the game result is recognized inside the slot machine 100 based on the result of the winning type lottery and the order and operation timing of the stop operation. be able to. However, before all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are completely stopped, or in a state where the operation of the last stop switch 120 is not released, the player cannot grasp (visually recognize) the game result, or the player cannot Since there is a possibility that the game operation of the game has not been completed, if the post-stop processing is performed under such a situation, the player will feel distrust and discomfort. Here, by setting the stop completion condition that all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are stopped and the operation of all the stop switches 120 is canceled, it is possible to eliminate the player's sense of distrust and discomfort. . Also, other people who can see the entire slot machine 100 and other people who can hear the payout sound of the medals can grasp the game result. Therefore, the player can grasp the game result only by himself/herself and feel a sense of superiority before the post-stop processing is executed.

In the above description, as the stop completion condition, all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are completely stopped, and the operation of the operated stop switch 120 is released. Alternatively, the stop completion condition may be that all the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are completely stopped and all the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c are released.

In this case, the player can perform the following operations. That is, as described above, the player operates (depresses) the last stop switch 120, and by maintaining the depressing state, It is possible to delay the execution of post-stop processing. Further, here, as the stop completion condition, the cancellation of the operation of all the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is included. Therefore, the player presses the other stop switch 120 while maintaining the pressed state of the last stop switch 120, and presses the last stop switch 120 while maintaining the pressed state of the other stop switch 120. Even if the restrained state is released, since the operation of one of the stop switches 120 has not been released before (because the operation of all the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c has not been released), after the completion of the stop No action is taken. In addition, not only the last stop switch 120 but also the stopped state of the stop switch 120 that is the first stop or the second stop is not executed. For example, if the stop switch 120 is stopped in the first stop or the second stop, the operation of the other stop switches 120 is enabled regardless of whether or not the depressed state is maintained. Here, while maintaining the depressing state of the stop switch 120 that is the first stop or the second stop, another enabled stop switch 120 is operated, and the stop switch 120 that is the first stop or the second stop is released. Assume that the third stop is completed in a state where the At this time, the player holds down the other stop switch 120 while maintaining the first stopped and/or second stopped state of the stop switch 120, and maintains the held state of the other stop switch 120. However, even if the first stop or second stop switch 120 is released from the pressed state, the operation of any of the stop switches 120 has not been released before (all the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c has not been released), the post-stop processing is not executed. In this way, if any one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is maintained in the pressed state, the post-stop processing is not executed, and the player can press the stop switches 120a, 120a, 120c to be in the pressed state. By switching between 120b and 120c, the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 can delay the execution of post-stop completion processing.

With such a configuration, it is possible to wipe away the player's sense of distrust and discomfort. In addition, the player still grasps the game result only by himself before the post-stop processing is executed, and while enjoying the operation of switching the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that are in the pressed state, he feels superior. can be immersed in

Further, here, the payout control means 310 pays out the medals after all the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are released from all-phase excitation. Therefore, since the excitation timing (all-phase excitation) of the reel 110 and the timing at which the token payout device 142 is driven can be made different, the amount of current allowed for the entire device managed by the main control board 200 cannot be exceeded. Gone. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a power supply with a large current capacity for driving the token payout device 142 while the reel 110 is being excited, and the cost can be reduced.

Also, even if all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are not released from all-phase excitation, the payout of medals may be started before that, depending on the current capacity allowed by the power supply. For example, if the power supply allows the timing of excitation of one reel 110 and the timing of driving the medal payout device 142 to overlap, the timing of excitation of the remaining two reels 110 and the timing of driving the medal payout device 142 overlap. Since it is not necessary to do so, payout of medals is started after all-phase excitation is released for the reel 110 corresponding to the stop switch 120 operated second. Similarly, when the power supply allows the excitation timing of a plurality (for example, 2) of reels 110 and the timing of driving the medal payout device 142 to overlap, the number obtained by subtracting the number of allowable reels from the total number of reels (for example, 3-2=1) Since the excitation timing of the reel 110 and the timing at which the medal payout device 142 is driven should not overlap, all the reels 110 (for example, the first reel 110 that has finished stopping) are counted by the subtracted number. After the phase excitation is released, the payout of medals is started.

Also, the payout start timing may be switched depending on whether or not the medal payout device 142 needs to be driven. For example, when the medal payout device 142 needs to be driven, payout is started at a predetermined timing after all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are released from all-phase excitation, and the medal payout device 142 is driven. If it is not necessary, for example, if all paid out medals can be credited (not accompanied by actual payout of medals), even if the payout is started at an arbitrary timing after the determination means 308 has determined the game result. good.

Here, the payout control means 310 operates in response to release of all-phase excitation for all reels 110a, 110b, and 110c and release of the last-operated stop switch 120. , Medals were paid out, but after confirming that all the phase excitations were released for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, and that the operation of the last operated stop switch 120 was canceled Medals may be paid out at a predetermined timing (for example, after 10 msec).

Further, here, the reel control means 306 energizes the stepping motors 152 corresponding to the respective reels 110a, 110b and 110c in all phases to start the stop processing of the respective reels 110a, 110b and 110c. However, the stop processing is not limited to all-phase excitation, and excitation is sufficient, and the stop processing may be started by one-phase excitation. When the rotation control is performed by 1-phase excitation or 1-2 phase excitation, when the final stop position is set to a specific 1-phase position, 1-phase excitation is applied to the specific 1-phase. You may make it stop. In addition, when rotation control is performed by 1-phase excitation or 1-2 phase excitation, when the final stop position is the position of a specific 1 phase, the specific 1 phase and the phases before and after that are included. You may make it stop by applying three-phase excitation. When the rotation control is performed by 2-phase excitation or 1-2 phase excitation, when the final stop position is set to a specific 2-phase position, 2-phase excitation is applied to the specific 2 phases. You may make it stop.

Also, here, as the completion of stopping of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, the release of all-phase excitation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c and the passage of 200 msec from the start of all-phase excitation will be explained. However, not limited to this case, for example, the result of the winning type lottery is displayed on the active line A so that the player can grasp (visually recognize), or the determined stop symbol is displayed on the active line. Various states in which it can be considered that the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have stopped, such as entering a range of a predetermined number of steps from the number of steps of the stepping motor 152 corresponding to when stopped on A, are regarded as completion of stopping. be able to.

Also, here, an example in which the reel control means 306 controls the three reels 110a, 110b, and 110c has been described, but the number of reels 110 is not limited to such a case, and even if it is two or less, four reels may be used. or more. Regardless of the number of reels 110, if the stop switch 120 corresponding to the other spinning reel 110 cannot be operated until an arbitrary reel 110 stops, the game time may become longer as follows. There is For example, in order to grasp the winning combination at an early stage and to avoid missing the winning combination grasped after the winning combination is grasped, the game is played so that a predetermined symbol on a predetermined reel stops on the activated line A. This is the case where the players carefully check the winning combination, or the case where a winning combination with a high payout wins and, for example, 11 medals are paid out in sequence. As a result, the game time in one game becomes longer than the wait time (4.1 seconds), and the progress of the game itself may be delayed. Here, after the operation of the stop switch 120 becomes valid, the operation state (operation/non-operation) of the other stop switches 120 and the corresponding reel rotation state (acceleration state, constant speed state, deceleration state, stop state) ), any stop switch 120 can be operated, regardless of the number of reels 110, the game can be played without the game time exceeding the wait time (4.1 seconds). becomes higher (you can play with full weight).

Further, here, the determination means 308 is activated in response to the release of all-phase excitation for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c and the release of the last-operated stop switch 120. The combination of symbols displayed on the line A is determined, and according to the result of the determination, the performance control means 334 informs the information on the combination of symbols displayed on the effective line A, and the payout control means 310 wins. An example of paying out the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination has been described. However, regardless of such a case, the determining means 308 can determine the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A at the time when the stop switch 120 is operated for the last time. In response to the release of the phase excitation and the release of the operation of the last operated stop switch 120, the effect control means 334 displays information on the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A. The payout control means 310 may pay out the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination. In this way, the player's sense of distrust and discomfort can be wiped away.

Also, here, the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 release all the phase excitations for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, and the operation of the last operated stop switch 120 is released. Although the explanation has been made by giving an example in which the post-stop processing is performed on the condition that the stop completion post-processing is performed on the condition that the operation Even if the operation of the stop switch 120 has not been released, the post-stop processing may be performed. With such a configuration, regardless of the operation time from the start of the operation of the stop switch 120 to the release of the operation by the player, the game result can be notified early.

Specific processing in the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 will be described below based on flowcharts.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the main processing of the main control board 200. As shown in FIG. Here, first, along with the main processing of the main control board 200, the outline of one game after initialization will be described, and then the details of each processing will be described. Also, here, the processing related to the features of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the features of the present embodiment will be omitted. Further, although detailed description is omitted, when each process is performed, the switches used in each process (bed switch 116, start switch 118, stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c) are activated at the start of the process. , is invalidated at the end of processing.

(Step S100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch 144 and becomes energized, the initialization means 300 executes initialization processing in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization means 300 generates backup data at any time while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power failure occurs, the backup data held can be used in this initialization process to restore the state before the power failure. For example, even if an unexpected power failure occurs while the reels 110 are rotating, the reels 110 are started again after the recovery operation. Therefore, in the initialization process, basically the main RAM 200c is not initialized (RAM cleared).

(Step S200)
Subsequently, the betting means 302 bets medals through the player's operation of the bet switch 116 or insertion of medals into the medal inserting section 114 . Also, the command transmitting means 316 generates an input command indicating that the operation has been performed, and transmits the generated input command to the sub control board 202 .

(Step S300)
Next, the winning type lottery means 304 validates the game start operation for the start switch 118 and shifts to the state of waiting for the operation of the start switch 118 . Here, the winning type lottery means 304 selects the winning type lottery random number updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 in response to the operation of the start switch 118 by the player, and selects the 1 winning type lottery random number is acquired. Then, the winning type lottery means 304 determines one winning type lottery table corresponding to the currently set gaming state from the winning type lottery tables shown in FIGS. determines which winning area in the determined winning type lottery table corresponds, and determines the winning type or non-winning of the determined winning area as the lottery result. Further, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state from the non-internal game state to the RBB internal game state when the winning combination "RBB" is determined in the winning type lottery. In addition, after the lottery result is determined according to the operation of the start switch 118, the command transmission means 316 generates a winning type command including the lottery result of the winning type lottery (winning type or not winning) and information on the game state. and transmits the generated winning type command to the sub control board 202 . The lottery processing S300 will be described in detail later.

(Step S400)
When the start switch 118 is operated, the reel control means 306 drives the stepping motor 152 to rotate the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b and right reel 110c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the start of rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c in the previous game (wait), the left reel in the game 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c start to rotate, and when all of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c rotate at a constant speed (steady speed), the process proceeds to step S500.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 activates the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and when the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c by the player is received, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110b corresponding to the operation are received. One of the reels 110c is controlled to stop. Further, when any one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is operated, the command transmission means 316 sends a stop command (first stop command, second A stop command, a third stop command) is generated each time an operation is performed, and the generated stop commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub control board 202 . The reel stop processing S500 will be described in detail later.

(Step S600)
Next, the judging means 308 judges which combination of symbols displayed on the activated line A shown in FIG. , according to the symbol combination, the net increase number counter is updated if it is in the advantageous period and if a small winning combination has been won. Further, the game state control means 312 changes the game state from the RBB inside game state if the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A corresponds to the winning combination "RBB" in the RBB inside game state. During RBB operation, shift to a game state. In addition, the command transmission means 316 generates a winning command including the number of medals to be paid out when the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A and the symbol combination corresponding to the minor winning combination are displayed on the activated line A. , and transmits the generated winning command to the sub control board 202 .

(Step S700)
Further, based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line A (stop mode of the reels 110), for example, when a symbol combination corresponding to a small win is displayed on the pay line A, the payout control means 310 When the medal payout process corresponding to the combination is executed and the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A, the process for betting the next game is automatically executed. Further, when the medal payout process is completed, the command transmission means 316 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been completed, and transmits the generated payout command to the sub control board 202 . The payout processing S700 will be detailed later.

(Step S800)
The game state control means 312 shifts the game state from the RBB active game state to the non-internal game state when the prescribed number of medals is paid out in the RBB active game state. In addition, the effect state control means 314 changes the effect state and changes between the advantageous section and the non-advantageous section. In addition, when the game state or the effect state is changed, the command transmission means 316 generates a game transition command including the changed game state or effect state, etc., and transmits the generated game transition command to the sub control board 202. do. As described above, the one game ends when the transition process S800 ends.

Here, when the transition to the pseudo-bonus effect state is determined, the effect state control means 314 causes the reel control means 306 to execute the first reel effect indicating the transition to the above-described pseudo-bonus effect state. From the next game, the pseudo bonus effect state is started.

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S800. Thereafter, steps S200 to S800 are repeated.

(Reel stop processing S500)
FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the reel stop processing in step S500. Here, the processing related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S501)
First, the reel control means 306 initializes temporary switch light emission flags (predetermined flags) for judging whether the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is valid or invalid. Here, the temporary switch light emission flag is composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit is associated with one of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, valid=1 (ON), invalid=0. (OFF). Therefore, the reel control means 306 sets all the bits of the temporary switch light emission flag to 0 as initialization of the temporary switch light emission flag. In this example, valid=1 (ON) and invalid=0 (OFF), but valid=0 (ON) and invalid=1 (OFF).

(Step S502)
Next, the reel control means 306 refers to the temporary switch light emission flags of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and updates the switch light emission flags based on the content of the temporary switch light emission flags (the contents of the switch light emission flags are changed to the temporary switch light emission flags). overwrite with the contents of the light emission flag). Here, the switch emission flag is composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit is associated with one of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, valid=1 (ON), invalid=0 ( OFF). The switch light emission flag operates according to the temporary switch light emission flag. Then, the reel control means 306 refers to the updated switch light emission flag in the interrupt processing every 1.49 msec, which operates in parallel, and if the switch light emission flag is 1 through the output port, that is, If the operation of the stop switch 120 is valid, the backlight of the stop switch 120 is illuminated in blue, and if the switch light emission flag is 0, that is, if the operation of the stop switch 120 is invalid, the stop switch The backlight of 120 is made to emit red light. By visually recognizing the backlight of the stop switch 120, the player can determine whether the operation of the stop switch 120 is valid or invalid. Here, the reason why the switch light emission flag is updated with the content of the temporary switch light emission flag is that the temporary switch light emission flag is once set in the interrupt of the relevant reel stop processing S500, and the backlight of the stop switch 120 is changed to light emission in the next interrupt. This is for the purpose of reflecting the change, and also as a countermeasure against the case where the stop switch 120 is kept being operated before the rotation of the reel 110 is started, as described above.

(Step S503)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 confirms whether or not an error has occurred. For example, the reel control means 306 confirms the abnormal states "discharge abnormality error", "reverse flow error", "insertion abnormality error", and "retention error". Here, the abnormal state "discharge abnormality error" occurs when the passage sensor of the dispensed medal detection unit (not shown) continues for a predetermined time (eg, 6 msec) or more, except for the dispensation of medals. The abnormal state "backflow error" occurs when the medal passing order is incorrect in the two passing sensors of the inserted medal detecting section 114b while the medal insertion is being accepted. The abnormal state "insertion abnormality error" occurs when the passing sensor of the inserted medal detection unit 114b is in the ON state after a predetermined time (for example, 269 msec) has passed since the blocker (not shown) was closed, or when the insertion of medals is accepted. This occurs when the difference between the number of medals passed in the correct order by the two passing sensors of the inserted medal detection unit 114b and the number of medals passing the R shoot sensor (not shown) exceeds a certain level. The abnormal state "retention error" occurs when the passing sensor of the inserted medal detection unit 114b has been in the ON state for a predetermined period of time (eg, 132 msec) or the insertion detection sensor of the medal slot 114a has been in the ON state for a predetermined period of time (eg, 533 msec). ) or more.

(Step S504)
Next, the reel control means 306 refers to the index flags and acquires the indices of the rotating reels 110a, 110b and 110c. Note that the index flag is set only after the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have reached the constant rotation speed. It also indicates that the speed has been reached.

(Step S505)
As a result of step S504, the reel control means 306 shifts the process to step S506 if indexes are detected for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, and if there are reels 110 whose indexes are not detected, step S501. Repeat the process from

(Step S506)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 refers to the stopped reel information, and specifies the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c for which stop processing has already been completed or started in accordance with the operation of the stop switch 120 by the player.

(Step S507)
Next, the reel control means 306 identifies the spinning reels 110a, 110b, and 110c that are not stopped from the result of step S506, and sets the spinning flag. Here, the spinning drum flag is composed of a 3-bit bit string, each bit corresponding to one of the three reels 110a, 110b, 110c, constant speed state=1, acceleration state, deceleration state. It is represented by state or stop state=0. The reel control means 306 also specifies the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c corresponding to the rotating reels 110a, 110b, 110c, that is, the operable stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c.

(Step S508)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 sets the temporary switch light emission flags corresponding to the operable stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c identified in step S507 to 1 (ON).

(Step S509)
Next, the reel control means 306 refers to a predetermined input port (for example, port number "0") and acquires the current state value of the input port. The value of such an input port functions as an operation flag. Here, the operation flag is composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit is associated with one of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. 0).

(Step S510)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 computes the AND of the spinning drum flag and the operation flag. Here, if the reel is rotating and the stop switch 120 corresponding to the reel is operated, that is, if the operated stop switch 120 corresponds to the effectively rotating reel 110, The logical product is 1.

(Step S511)
As a result of step S510, if there is even one bit whose AND is 1, that is, if the reel 110 is rotating and the stop switch 120 corresponding to the reel 110 is operated, step S512 , and if there is no bit whose logical product is 1, the processing from step S502 is repeated.

(Step S512)
Next, the reel control means 306 computes the AND of the switch light emission flag and the operation flag. Here, if the stop switch 120 is valid and the stop switch 120 is operated, the logical product is 1.

(Step S513)
As a result of step S512, if there is only one bit whose AND is 1, that is, if the stop switch 120 is valid and only one stop switch 120 is being operated, step S514 , and if there is no bit with a logical product of 1 or there are two or more bits with a logical product of 1, the process from step S501 is repeated.

Here, the reason why step S513 is provided in addition to step S511 is to validate the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c only when the permission conditions are satisfied, as described above. That is, if step S513 is not provided and the state in which the stop switch 120 is being operated is maintained before the reel 110 starts rotating, as soon as the index is detected (YES in S505), This is because the AND of the rotating drum flag and the operation flag becomes 1 (YES in S511), and the stop processing is immediately started.

Here, by providing step S513, the switch light emission flag does not become 1, so immediate start of stop processing can be avoided. Specifically, if the stop switch 120 is operated before the start switch 118 is operated, the operation flag becomes 1, and whether it is before or after the rotation of the reel 110 is started, all the reels If indexes are detected for 110a, 110b, and 110c, the AND of the spinning flag and the operation flag becomes 1 in step S510 (YES in S511). However, if the stop switch 120 is operated before the rotation of the reel 110 is started, although the temporary switch light emission flag is set to 1, the NO path in step S513 is not passed and the NO path in step S511 is not passed. is repeated, the temporary switch light emission flag is reset to 0 (OFF) in step S501, and the switch light emission flag never becomes 1 (ON). Then, in step S513, the AND of the switch light emission flag and the operation flag will not become 1, and the stop processing will not be started immediately.

On the other hand, if indexes are detected for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c while the stop switch 120 is not operated, the logical product of the spinning drum flag and the operation flag becomes 0 in step S510 (NO in S511). ), the process from step S502 is repeated without going through step S501. Then, the temporary switch light emission flag of 1 is updated to the switch light emission flag in step S502 without being reset in step S501. Therefore, the backlight of stop switch 120 emits blue light in step S502. After that, when the stop switch 120 is operated, the logical product of the rotating drum flag and the operation flag becomes 1 in step S510, and the logical product of the switch light emission flag and the operation flag becomes 1 in step S512 (S513). YES), the shutdown process is initiated appropriately. In this way, even if the stop switch 120 is maintained to be operated before the rotation of the reels 110 is started, stop processing is not performed, and the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are stopped after the indices are detected for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. If the switch 120 is operated, it becomes possible to appropriately perform the stop processing.

Looking at the above configuration from another point of view, it is as follows. First, at the timing of step S508 when the indices of all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are detected, the temporary switch light emission flag (predetermined flag) is turned ON. At this time, if the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is not released, NO will be returned in step S511, and the temporary switch light emission flag will be reset to 0 in step S501 through NO in step S513. Since the switch light emission flag is updated in step S502, the switch light emission flag never becomes 1 while the stop switch 120 is being operated. After all, step S501→step S502→step S508→step S513 are repeated, and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is not validated.

On the other hand, when the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is released, the following operations are performed. That is, in step S508, the temporary switch light emission flags corresponding to the operable stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are set to 1 (ON). If the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotating but the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are not operated even once, the process proceeds to step S502 through NO in step S511. Since the switch light emission flag can be updated with the provisional switch light emission flag of 1 without performing the process of S501, the state where the switch light emission flag is 1 (ON) can be created appropriately. Therefore, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c can be validated through the route of step S508→step S511→step S502.

Also, here, it is assumed that there is only one bit whose logical product is 1, and if there are two or more bits, that is, two or more of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are simultaneously operated. If so, the process from step S501 is repeated without performing the subsequent stop process. In this way, when a plurality of stop switches 120 are operated at the same time, the reel 110 corresponding to the stop switch 120 is not stopped at the same time, and if there is no difference of at least one interruption time (1.49 msec), it is effective operation will not be accepted. Here, by simultaneously stopping a plurality of reels 110, it is possible to avoid an event in which, for example, the process is not completed within the interrupt time and the interrupt process that should be executed is skipped.

Here, if any two or more of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are simultaneously operated, the processing from step S501 is repeated without performing subsequent stop processing, and any operation is invalidated. made it However, this is not the only case, and a plurality of simultaneously operated stop switches 120 may be stopped according to a predetermined rule. As a predetermined rule, for example, in the order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, the reel 110 corresponding to the stop switch 120 on the left side is preferentially stopped, or a so-called AT (assist time), which will be described later. , it is conceivable to preferentially stop the reel 110 corresponding to the stop switch 120 operated in the order in which it should be operated.

(Step S514)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 determines the number of sliding symbols of the reel 110 as a stop process for the reel 110 corresponding to the bit whose logical product is 1.

(Step S515)
Next, the reel control means 306 acquires the stop symbol number, which is the symbol number of the symbol to be stopped (see the symbol number in FIG. 3(a)) among the symbols of the 20 frames, and stores it in a predetermined storage area.

(Step S516)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 sets the stop request flag to 1. The stop request flag is a flag for requesting the stop processing of the target reel 110 to the programs that operate in parallel. By setting the stop request flag to 1, the symbol corresponding to the stop symbol number is enabled. It becomes possible to stop on line A. The stop request flag and the above stop symbol number are read out by a program that operates in parallel, and stop processing is performed. When the stop processing is completed, the program resets the stop request flag to 0 (OFF).

(Step S517)
Next, the reel control means 306 sets the temporary switch light emission flag corresponding to the stop switch 120 that has undergone the stop processing to 0 (OFF), and updates the switch light emission flag to 0 (OFF) according to the contents of the temporary switch light emission flag.

(Step S518)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 refers to the switch light emission flags of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and causes the backlight of the stop switch 120 whose bit is 0 in step S517 to emit red light.

(Step S519)
Next, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not all-phase excitation of the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 is open. As a result, if all-phase excitation is released, the process proceeds to step S520, and if all-phase excitation is not released, step S519 is repeated. Thus, here, the reel control means 306 disables the operation of all the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c in accordance with the operation of the stop switch 120, and all of the reels 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120. Do not enable operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c until the phase energization is released. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid a difference between the pressing order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c and the stopping order of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c.

(Step S520)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the stop processing (steps S514 to S519) of all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c has been completed. As a result, if the stopping process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S521, and if the stopping process has not been completed, the process from step S501 is repeated. Here, if there is a reel 110 that has not been stopped yet, the processing is shifted to step S501 so that the stop processing of the other reels 110 can be immediately executed, thereby shortening the playing time.

(Step S521)
Next, reel control means 306 determines whether or not all phase excitations of all reels 110a, 110b, 110c are open. As a result, if all-phase excitation is released, the process proceeds to step S522, and if all-phase excitation is not released, step S521 is repeated.

(Step S522)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 confirms whether or not an error has occurred. For example, the reel control means 306 confirms the abnormal states "discharge abnormality error", "reverse flow error", "insertion abnormality error", and "retention error".

(Step S523)
Next, reel control means 306 refers to a predetermined input port (for example, port number "0") and determines whether or not the current state values of the input ports are all zero. As a result, if all are 0, the reel stop processing S500 is terminated, and if any of them is 1, that is, if the stop switch 120 operated by the player has not been released, the processing of step S522 is repeated, wait for release. In this way, it is possible to wait until the stop switch 120 is released before starting the determination process S600.

After the reel stop processing S500 is completed, the determination processing S600 is performed, and then the payout control means 310 pays out the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination. Further, when the determination process S600 is performed, a command indicating the result of the winning determination is transmitted to the sub-control board 202, and the effect control means 334 transmits information related to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A to the liquid crystal display unit. 124 or through a reel backlight. In addition, the effect control means 334 may output a payout sound from the speaker 128 in accordance with (in conjunction with) the payout of medals by the payout control means 310 .

In this way, the stop completion post-processing is performed in response to release of all-phase excitation for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c and release of the operation of the last operated stop switch 120. Therefore, the player can surely recognize the symbol combination without feeling distrust or discomfort.

Also, here, the payout of medals is performed after all phase excitations are released for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Therefore, since the excitation timing (all-phase excitation) of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c and the timing at which the token payout device 142 is driven can be made different, the amount of current allowed for the entire device managed by the main control board 200 can be changed. will not exceed. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a power supply with a large current capacity for driving the token payout device 142 while the reel 110 is being excited, and the cost can be reduced.

Also, here, the player pays out medals by canceling the operation of the stop switch 120 . Such processing can eliminate the player's sense of distrust and discomfort. In addition, other persons who can see the entire slot machine 100 and other persons who can hear the payout sound can grasp the game result. Therefore, the player can grasp the game result by himself/herself before the process is executed, and can feel a sense of superiority.

In the above-described embodiment, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the other stop switch 120 only after all-phase excitation of the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 is released. mentioned and explained. However, the reel control means 306 may enable the operation of other stop switches 120 after all-phase excitation of the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 is started. In this case, it can be dealt with by setting all-phase excitation start as the determination target in steps S519 and S521 in FIG. When the medals are paid out from the medal payout device 142 or when the reels 110a, 110b, 110c of the next game start rotating (starting the acceleration state), waiting for the release of the excitation of all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c (determination) processing , step S521 in FIG. 14 can be omitted.

Also, here, an example will be given in which the reel control means 306 validates the operation of the other stop switch 120 only after all-phase excitation of the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 is released. did. However, not limited to this case, the operation of another stop switch 120 may be validated before the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 stops. For example, operation of any stop switch (eg, stop switch 120a) may not affect the enablement or disablement of other stop switches (eg, stop switches 120b, 120c). That is, regardless of whether another stop switch 120 has already been operated (whether another reel is rotating or stopped), and without waiting for the start of stop or completion of stop, it is still operated. All of the stop switches 120 that are not in the state are maintained in a valid operation state, and the operation of the stop switches 120 is permitted. Then, the player can continuously operate the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c (so-called slide push). In this case, the reel control means 306 does not need to wait for all-phase excitation of the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 to be released, so step S519 in FIG. 14 can be omitted. . Moreover, not only step S519 in FIG. 14 but also step S521 can be omitted. In this case, as described above, when the medals are paid out from the medal payout device 142 or when the reels 110a, 110b, 110c of the next game start rotating, the excitation release of all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is waited. is preferable.

Therefore, if all the indexes specifying the positions of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are detected, it is possible to determine whether the stop switch 120a has been operated or whether the rotation state of the left reel 110a is the constant speed state. Regardless, the operations of the stop switches 120b and 120c are enabled, so the player can operate the stop switches 120b and 120c to stop the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c.

In this case, the following events may occur. For example, at the timing when the stop switch 120 is operated, the pattern existing within the draw-in range is determined as the stop pattern, and the rotation is maintained for the number of sliding frames so as to draw the stop pattern onto the effective line A. - 特許庁Therefore, when the number of sliding frames is different, the time from the operation of the stop switch 120 to the start of the stop processing of the reel 110 is 0 to 189 msec (predetermined time within 190 msec). 110b and 110c are different. For example, the player operates the start switch 118, the indexes of all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are detected, and the player pushes the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c forward as shown in FIG. Suppose you operate in batting order. Then, when the numbers of sliding frames are the same, the reels 110a, 110a, 110b, and 110c are completely stopped in order. For example, the left reel 110a may be stopped first, the right reel 110c having a smaller number of sliding symbols may be stopped next, and the middle reel 110b having a larger number of sliding symbols may be stopped after the right reel 110c. Thus, here, the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are not necessarily stopped and completed in the same order as the operation order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Therefore, the stop completion condition in the slide push is that all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are released from all-phase excitation, and all-phase excitation is applied to the reel 110 corresponding to the third stopped (finally stopped) stop switch 120. is released, and the last operated stop switch 120 is released. Then, the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 execute post-stop completion processing when the stop completion condition is satisfied.

Further, as a stop completion condition in the slide push, it is possible to omit the determination of whether or not all-phase excitation is released for the third stopped reel 110 . As described above, as the stop completion condition, instead of determining whether or not all phase excitation has been released for all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c and the third stopped reel 110, whether or not 200 msec has elapsed since all phase excitation is determined. It may be determined whether In this case, it is possible to cope with this case by setting the timing of the timer as the determination target in steps S519 and S521 in FIG. Further, as the stop completion condition, it is determined whether or not all phase excitation is released for all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c while omitting the determination whether or not all phase excitation is released for the third stopped reel 110. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not 200 msec has elapsed since all-phase excitation.

12(d), when all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are stopped, the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A is the winning combination "small combination 1". is displayed, the effect control means 334 notifies, through the liquid crystal display section 124, the result of the game, that is, the winning combination "small combination 1" has been won. It is not limited to such a case, and a device other than the liquid crystal display unit 124 can be used. For example, the medal payout device 142 as a result informing means discharges the medals corresponding to the winning combination in accordance with the winning of the winning combination. Information related to the symbol combination is notified. In addition, the main payout display unit 132 and the sub payout display unit 136, which serve as result notification means, display the number of medals to be paid out as the result of the game, thereby reporting information related to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A. do. In addition, a reel backlight (not shown) as a result notification means illuminates (lights up, blinks, turns off, lights up, blinks, lights out, or lights up in a predetermined pattern) the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c corresponding to the symbol display window 108 as a result of the game. By flashing, information related to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A is reported. In addition, the speaker 128 as a result notification means outputs a winning sound (a mere sound effect, a sound corresponding to a winning combination, etc.) as a result of the game, thereby matching the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A. Notify relevant information. In addition, the effect lamp 126 as a result notification means emits light (simple light emission, light emission in a color corresponding to the winning combination, and blinking pattern corresponding to the winning combination) as a result of the game. etc.), information relating to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A is notified.

Further, here, as the stop completion condition, the release of the specific stop switch 120 has been described, but the specific stop switch 120 is not limited to the last operated (third stop) stop switch 120, and all or, as described above, it is not the stop switch 120 that was operated last, but at the time the stop switch 120 that was operated last is released, it maintains the pressed state, and the stop switch 120 that was operated last is maintained. Also included is the stop switch 120 that was released after the stop switch 120 that was released.

Further, here, an example is given in which the information related to the symbol combination displayed on the active line A is notified as the result of the game after all the reels have stopped. However, the information related to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A is not limited to the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination shown in FIG. Symbol combinations indicating that the winning combination has not been won are also included.

In addition, here, when the stop switch 120 is operated by the player, the symbols existing within the pull-in range are determined as the stop symbols, and the rotation is maintained for the number of sliding frames so as to simply draw the stop symbols onto the effective line A. However, the effect control means 334 may execute an arbitrary effect while the rotation for the number of sliding frames is maintained. However, as described above, the number of sliding symbols changes according to the timing at which the stop switch 120 is operated by the player. Therefore, the effect control means 334 changes the effect according to the number of sliding frames, for example, performs a relatively long effect when the number of sliding frames is large, and performs a relatively short effect when the number of sliding frames is small. You may let Also, depending on the number of sliding frames, the timing of effecting may be changed. For example, it is assumed that the effect control means 334 planned a predetermined effect at the time of the first operation of the stop switch 120 (at the time of the first stop). However, the number of sliding frames of the stop switch 120 is small, and the scheduled time for the performance cannot be sufficiently secured, or the time is short, so even if the performance is executed, the details of the performance cannot be sufficiently communicated to the player. If it is not possible, such an effect may be performed when another stop switch 120 is operated, for example, when the last stop switch 120 is operated (during the third stop). In this way, it is possible to secure the time for the performance and sufficiently convey the content of the performance to the player.

(Second embodiment: excitation release waiting process)
In the first embodiment, the rotation and stop processing of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c has been described in detail. In the second embodiment, based on the stop processing of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, the excitation release waiting process that waits until all the phase excitations of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are released will be described in detail.

(Lottery processing S300)
FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the lottery process in step S300. Here, the processing related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S301)
The winning combination lottery means 304 acquires a winning combination lottery random number, and based on the winning combination lottery tables shown in FIGS. winning combination lottery process for determining whether the winning combination corresponds to the winning area and determining the winning combination or non-winning combination of the determined winning area as a lottery result.

(Step S302)
The winning combination lottery means 304 performs symbol code setting processing for determining symbols that can be displayed on the activated line A among the symbols arranged on the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c based on the lottery results determined in step S301. to run.

(Step S1000)
The reel control means 306 executes an excitation release waiting process for waiting until all the phase excitations of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are released. The excitation release waiting process S1000 will be described later in detail.

(Step S303)
The reel control means 306 determines whether or not the one-game timer for measuring the wait time between one game is zero. As a result, if the 1-game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S304, and if the 1-game timer is not 0, the process of step S303 is repeated. In addition, the timer between one game is set in the following step S304, and in the interrupt process (every 5.96 msec) that is executed once every four times of the interrupt every 1.49 msec, which is operating in parallel, each time It is decremented by 1.

(Step S304)
The reel control means 306 sets a value corresponding to the wait time to the one-game timer, and terminates the lottery processing S300.

Thus, in the lottery process S300, all the phase excitations of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are released, and when the wait time for one game elapses, the lottery process S300 ends and the process shifts to the reel rotation process S400, and the reel 110a. , 110b and 110c will start to rotate.

(Payment processing S700)
FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the payout process of step S700. Here, the processing related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S701)
The payout control means 310 determines whether or not there is a payout of medals based on the determination result (winning combination) in step S600. As a result, if medals are paid out, the process proceeds to step S702, and if medals are not paid out, the payout process S700 is terminated.

(Step S702)
The payout control means 310 determines whether or not the number of stored medals (credited medals) is 50 (upper limit number). As a result, if the stored number is 50, the process proceeds to step S703, and if the stored number is not 50, that is, if the stored number is 49 or less, the process proceeds to step S704.

(Step S703)
The payout control means 310 executes medal payout device control processing for controlling the medal payout device 142 to pay out one medal from the medal discharge port 108a. The medal payout device control processing S703 will be described later in detail.

(Step S704)
The payout control means 310 adds 1 to the number of stored coins.

(Step S705)
The payout control means 310 adds 1 to the numerical value displayed on the main payout display section 132 .

(Step S706)
The payout control means 310 determines whether or not all medals have been paid out. As a result, if all the medals have been paid out, the process proceeds to step S707, and if all the medals have not been paid out, the process returns to step S702.

(Step S707)
The payout control means 310 stops the operation of the medal payout device 142 and ends the payout process S700. Incidentally, when the medal payout device 142 is not operating, the process of step S707 is omitted.

In this manner, in the payout process S700, when medals are to be paid out, the processes from step S702 to step S706 are repeated in order to pay out medals one by one. Therefore, for example, when there are 15 payouts, the processing from step S702 to step S706 is performed 15 times.

(Medal payout device control process S703)
FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the medal payout device control process in step S703. Here, the processing related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S1000)
When the medal payout device control process S703 is started, the payout control means 310 executes an excitation release wait process for waiting until all phase excitations of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are released. The excitation release waiting process S1000 will be described later in detail.

(Step S703-1)
The payout control means 310 operates the medal payout device 142 to pay out one medal from the medal payout device 142 (make it send out).

(Step S703-2)
The payout control means 310 sets an empty timer for detecting when the medals stored in the medal storage section 142a have run out to a predetermined value corresponding to the time when it is determined to be empty. The empty timer is decremented by 1 each time in interrupt processing (every 5.96 msec) that is executed once every four interrupts that operate in parallel every 1.49 msec.

(Step S703-3)
The payout control means 310 determines whether the empty timer is 0, that is, whether an empty error has occurred. As a result, if an empty error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S703-7, and if no empty error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S703-4.

(Step S703-4)
The payout control means 310 determines whether or not the payout medal detector 142c is off, that is, whether or not the medal payout device 142 has started to pay out medals. As a result, if the payout medal detection unit 142c is turned off, the process returns to step S703-3. , the process moves to step S703-5.

(Step S703-5)
The payout control means 310 determines whether or not a medal jam error has occurred. Note that a medal jam error is detected when the time during which the paid-out medal detecting section 142c is on is equal to or longer than a prescribed time for a medal jam error. As a result, if a medal clogging error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S703-7, and if no medal clogging error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S703-6.

(Step S703-6)
The payout control means 310 determines whether or not the payout medal detection section 142c is on, that is, whether or not the payout of medals by the medal payout device 142 has been completed. As a result, if the payout medal detection unit 142c is on, the process returns to step S703-5, and if the payout medal detection unit 142c is not on, that is, if the payout of medals has been completed by the medal payout device 142 , the medal payout device control processing S703 ends.

(Step S703-7)
The payout control means 310 stops the operation of the medal payout device 142 .

(Step S703-8)
The payout control means 310 displays an error code corresponding to the medal jam error on the main credit display section 152, and executes error wait processing for notifying the secondary control board 202 of the medal jam error. Further, the payout control means 310 waits until the cause of the error is removed and the error cancellation operation is performed, and when the cause of the error is removed and the error cancellation operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S703-1. to move.

Thus, in the medal payout device control processing S703, while the processing from step S702 to step S706 is looped in the payout processing S700, power is supplied to the medal payout device 142 when the processing of step S703-1 is executed for the first time. is supplied to activate the medal dispensing device 142, and then one medal is dispensed from the medal dispensing device 142. If no error occurs, the medal dispensing device 142 is stopped (power supply is stopped). never. After that, when the processing of step S703-1 is executed for the second time or later, since power is supplied to the medal dispensing device 142, one medal is dispensed from the medal dispensing device 142 as it is. Then, when all the processes from step S702 to step S706 in the payout process S700 are completed, the medal payout device 142 is stopped (power supply is stopped) at step S707.

(Excitation Release Waiting Process S1000)
FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the excitation release waiting process in step S1000. Here, the processing related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted. In the lottery process S300 described above, the reel control means 306 executes the excitation release waiting process S1000, and in the medal payout device control process S703, the payout control means 310 executes the excitation release waiting process S1000. , the excitation release waiting process S1000 executed by the reel control means 306 and the payout control means 310 are executed by the same subroutine (program).

(Step S1001)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 acquires the motor phase of the left reel 110a. Here, motor phases are set as the states of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. The motor phase indicates the operating state of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, that is, during acceleration, during steady rotation, during stop, and during standby, as will be described later in detail. Specifically, the 1-byte (storage unit) variable assigned to the motor phase is accelerated = 3, steady rotation = 2, stopped = 1, and waiting = It changes to a value such as 0. In this example, the storage unit is 1 byte, but it may be 2 bytes, for example. The excitation release waiting process S1000 is a determination process of waiting for the motor phases of all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c to become zero.

(Step S1002)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether the motor phase of the left reel 110a obtained in step S1001 is 0, that is, whether the left reel 110a is on standby. As a result, if the motor phase of the left reel 110a is 0, the process moves to step S1003, and if the motor phase of the left reel 110a is not 0, the process returns to step S1001. Therefore, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 repeats the process of determining whether the motor phase is 0 if the motor phase is not 0.

(Step S1003)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 acquires the motor phases of the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c.

(Step S1004)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether or not the motor phases of the reels 110b and 110c acquired in step S1003 are zero. As a result, if the motor phases of the reels 110b and 110c are 0, the excitation release waiting process S1000 is ended. Therefore, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 repeats the process of determining whether the motor phase is 0 if the motor phase is not 0.

Thus, in the excitation release waiting process S1000, first, it is determined whether or not the motor phase of the left reel 110a is 0. If the motor phase of the left reel 110a is 0, then the reels 110b and 110c are is 0 or not. When the motor phases of the reels 110b and 110c are 0, all the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are on standby, and all phase excitation of the stepping motors 152 corresponding to the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are completed. It is determined that there is, and the excitation release waiting process S1000 ends.

(State of reels 110a, 110b, 110c)
In this embodiment, a stepping motor 152 with a total of 252 steps is used to rotate the three reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. This is because, if the number of symbols is 21, since 252 is a multiple of 21, the number of steps for each symbol can be treated equally. In this embodiment, since the stepping motor 152 is operated by 1-2 phase excitation, the resolution can be increased and the number of steps can be counted by 504, which is twice 252. FIG. Therefore, the total number of steps is treated as 504 in the following examples.

Also, the states of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are represented by motor phases (parameters). The motor phase indicates the operating state of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c, that is, during acceleration, during steady rotation, during stop, and during standby. Specifically, the 1-byte variable assigned to the motor phase changes to a value such as during acceleration=3, during steady rotation=2, during stop=1, and during standby=0, depending on the operating state of the motor. . Here, the operations such as during acceleration, during steady rotation, during stop, and during standby are mentioned, but the operations may include during deceleration.

When the start switch 128 is operated, the reel control means 306 excites the stepping motors 152 corresponding to the reels 110a, 110b and 110c in 1-2 phases to start rotating the reels 110a, 110b and 110c. At this time, the reel control means 306 shifts the motor phase to 3. Then, when the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c reach a predetermined speed (less than 80 rpm/min) after, for example, 167 msec after the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have passed through the acceleration state, the reel control means 306 continues the 1-2 phase excitation, transition to state. At this time, the reel control means 306 shifts the motor phase to 2.

After that, for example, when the stop switch 130a is operated, the reel control means 306 determines the symbol existing within the pull-in range at the time of operation as the stopped symbol (determines the number of sliding frames), and activates the stopped symbol. Maintain the rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to pull it on line A. Subsequently, when the left reel 110a reaches a stop position where the determined stop symbol can be stopped on the effective line A, the reel control means 306 energizes the stepping motor 152 corresponding to the left reel 110a in all phases. Stop processing of the left reel 110a is started so that the phase is not switched. At this time, the reel control means 306 shifts the motor phase to 1. Thus, the rotation speed of the left reel 110a decreases, and the left reel 110a stops after about 13 msec from the start of the stopping process, and remains stopped. Such all-phase excitation is continued for a predetermined time (for example, 200 msec) and then released, and the reel control means 306 shifts the motor phase to zero.

(Excitation Release Waiting Process S1000 in Lottery Process S300)
Here, while the stepping motor 152 corresponding to one of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c to be stopped last among the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c is energized in all phases (no tokens are paid out), Assume that the next game is started and the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are started to rotate. In that case, the operation of any one of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c corresponding to the stepping motor 152 that is all-phase excited may become unstable. Specifically, any one of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c corresponding to the stepping motor 152 that is all-phase excited may be vibrating during all-phase excitation. Thus, if any one of the vibrating reels 110a, 110b, and 110c starts rotating, the initial operation of that reel will be affected.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the lottery process S300, after the winning combination lottery process S301 and the symbol code setting process S302 are executed and before the reel rotation process S400 is executed, the excitation release wait is performed. Processing S1000 is executed. In other words, before the reels 110a, 110b and 110c start rotating, all phase excitation of the stepping motors 152 corresponding to all the reels 110a, 110b and 110c is released.

As a result, for example, in the previous game, if the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is not aligned on the activated line A, resulting in a loss, the number of symbols required to start the game is equal to or greater than the specified number. When the start switch 128 can be operated in the next game while all-phase excitation of the stepping motor 152 performed in the previous game continues, as in the case where the credit is stored in the next game. It is possible to prevent the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c from starting to rotate in a game, and stabilize the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. This is a predetermined period of time from when one of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c is stopped until the next one of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c can be stopped. (For example, 200 ms) or the time until the stop of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c that have been stopped may occur even with specifications that wait, but more conspicuously, specifications that do not wait for these times, that is, one reel This is the case of the specification in which it is possible to stop the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c immediately after stopping the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c.

Further, the excitation release waiting process S1000 is executed after the winning combination lottery process S301 and the symbol code setting process S302 are executed. As a result, the time during which all phase excitation of the stepping motor 152 is continued can be passed by the time during which the winning combination lottery process S301 and the symbol code setting process S302 are executed, and the time required for the excitation release waiting process S1000 can be increased. can be reduced.

(Excitation release waiting process S1000 in payout process S700)
Further, in the payout process S700, when the medals are paid out from the medal payout device 142, the excitation release wait process S1000 is executed in the medal payout device control process S703. Therefore, when medals can be electrically stored inside the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c), the excitation release waiting process S1000 is not executed. As a result, when the medals are electrically stored in the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c), the medals are stored immediately, so that the game progresses quickly and the stress of the player is reduced. be able to.

On the other hand, when medals cannot be electrically stored inside the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c), that is, when the number of stored medals reaches 50, the payout control means 310 executes the medal payout device control process S703.

Here, it is necessary to supply a large current to drive the token payout device 142 . If the excitation timing (all-phase excitation) of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c and the timing of driving (activating) the medal payout device 142 overlap, the amount of current allowed for the entire device managed by the main control board 200 may exceed

Therefore, when paying out medals from the medal payout device 142, the payout control means 310 executes the excitation release waiting process S1000 before power is supplied to the medal payout device 142 to operate it (step S703-1).

As a result, the excitation (all-phase excitation) timing of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c and the timing at which the token payout device 142 is driven can be made different, so the amount of current allowed for the entire device managed by the main control board 200 will not be exceeded. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a power supply with a large current capacity for driving the token payout device 142 while exciting the reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and the cost can be reduced.

Also, the medal payout device control process S703 is executed each time one medal is paid out. Therefore, the excitation release waiting process S1000 is also executed each time one medal is paid out. Once the excitation release waiting process S1000 is executed, the excitation of the stepping motor 152 is released, so it seems unnecessary to execute it multiple times. However, if it is determined whether or not the excitation release waiting process S1000 has been executed each time one medal is paid out, the program capacity (memory capacity) will increase accordingly. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the program capacity is reduced by executing the excitation release waiting process S1000 each time one medal is paid out without determining whether or not the excitation release waiting process S1000 has been executed. can be done.

Further, in the lottery process S300 and the payout process S700, the same subroutine (program) executes the excitation release waiting process S1000. Capacity can be reduced.

(Memory management by main CPU 200a)
By the way, as described above, in the main control board 200, the main CPU 200a cooperates with the main RAM 200c based on the programs stored in the main ROM 200b to perform the initialization means 300, the betting means 302, and the winning combination lottery means 304. , reel control means 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, state transition means 312, command determination means 314, command transmission means 316, etc., and controls the progress of the game. Programs for executing these functional units are arranged in predetermined areas (used areas) of the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing memory maps of the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c. A memory space of 0000h to 2FFFh (12 kbytes) is allocated to the main ROM 200b, and memory spaces of F000h to F1FFh (512 bytes) and F200h to F3FFh (512 bytes) are allocated to the main RAM 200c. In addition, areas to be used are defined in both the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c.

A memory space from 0000h to 1DF3h of the main ROM 200b is allocated a usable area. Specifically, initialization means 300, betting means 302, winning combination lottery means 304, reel control means 306, determination means 308, payout control 1200h to 1DF3h (3.0 kbytes) for storing the instruction code of the program for executing the main process for controlling the progress of the game by making the means 310, the state transition means 312, the command determination means 314, and the command transmission means 316 function. The data used for the game control processing program is stored in the limited memory space (data area). A comment area is allocated to the memory space of 1E00h to 1EFFh, and a program management area is allocated to the memory space of 2FC0h to 2FFFh. Also, the instruction code of the program is written in assembler language. Here, the program is composed of instruction codes, is read by a computer, and can realize predetermined processing in cooperation with data and a work area.

In addition, the memory space of F000h to F1FFh of the main RAM 200c is allocated with a use area. Specifically, the memory space F000h to F13Fh is assigned a work area for the main processing, and is used for variable management such as timers, counters, and flags. A stack area for the main process is allocated to the memory space of F1C0h to F1FFh. Further, the main CPU 200a is provided with an internal register. The internal registers include, for example, 8-bit general-purpose registers A to H, which constitute 16-bit pair registers AF, BC, DE, and HL, respectively.

Under such an environment, the main CPU 200a follows the instruction code of the program in the used area, refers to the program data in the used area, and uses each internal register, the work area and the stack area in the used area to perform the initialization. Main processing is executed to cause the functioning means 300, betting means 302, winning combination lottery means 304, reel control means 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, state transition means 312, command determination means 314, and command transmission means 316 to function. .

Here, commands prepared for LEM50A-P (product name) sold by LETech are used as instruction codes. The LEM50A-P is a microprocessor equipped with a Z80 series CPU called NC80EX, which is widely used in the gaming machine industry (has a high market share).

Thus, in the main CPU 200a, the storage capacity of the used area is predetermined. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the control area is limited to 4.5 kbytes and the data area is limited to 3.0 kbytes. there is Therefore, when the main CPU 200a manages the AT effect state and the so-called reel effect that rotates the reels 110 in various modes, there is a possibility that the memory capacity for the game control process is further restricted in the control area. Here, by devising the array of variables, the capacity of the control area for performing the game control process is ensured.

In the following description, a part of the slot machine 100 such as the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, which are physically independently recognizable, may be referred to as a device. A value for controlling a device, such as a motor phase, is sometimes called a parameter.

Here, variables corresponding to parameters such as motor phases are placed in the work area for each of the three reels 110a, 110b, 110c (a plurality of devices).

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the program and work area of the excitation release waiting process S1000. Motor phases of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are successively arranged in the work area. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20B, the motor phase (_SMC_PHS+0) of the left reel 110a is assigned to F010H of the work area, the motor phase (_SMC_PHS+1) of the middle reel 110b is assigned to F011H, and the right reel 110b is assigned to F012H. Motor phase (_SMC_PHS+2) for reel 110c is assigned. Further, in motor phase (_SMC_PHS+0) to motor phase (_SMC_PHS+2), as shown in FIG. 20(c), any one of 0 to 3 is stored as a variable as the motor phase of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. .

The flowchart of the excitation release waiting process S1000 is implemented by, for example, the program of FIG. 20(a). "EXCFREE" on the first line of FIG. 20(a) indicates the start address of the subroutine. "JTQ NZ, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0), EXCFREE" in the second line is a command unique to the NC80EX to which "Q" is added. If the first zero flag (the zero flag that is set to 1 when all bits are 0) is not 0 when subtracting zero), it indicates to move to EXCFREE. The commands on the second line correspond to steps S1001 and S1002 in FIG. "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+1)" on the third line indicates that the contents of the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+1) of the middle reel 110b and the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+2) of the right reel 110c are set in the HL register. . Even if the value is simply called into the register, if the called value is 0, the second zero flag (a specific bit flag of extended specifications for gaming machines that is set to 1 when all bits are 0) becomes 0. This third line command corresponds to step S1003 in FIG. "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" on the fourth line indicates that if the second zero flag is not 0, it moves to EXCFREE. The command on the fourth line corresponds to step S1004 in FIG. Then, "RET" on the fifth line returns to the main routine.

In the example of FIG. 20(a), the command length when the command is in machine language is 4 bytes for "JTQ NZ, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0), EXCFREE", 2 bytes for "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+1)", "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" is 2 bytes, and "RET" is 1 byte. Therefore, the total command length of the program in FIG. 20(a) is 9 bytes. The total command length of the program in FIG. 20(a) is the JTQ command for each reel 110a, 110b, 110c when determining whether the motor phase of each reel 110a, 110b, 110c is 0. This is 4 bytes shorter than the case of performing 3 times and performing the RET instruction once (4 bytes x 3 + 1 = 13 bytes).

In the case of FIG. 20(a), the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 outputs one instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+1)”) or a plurality of continuous instruction commands (“JTQ NZ, ( LOW_SMC_PHS+0), EXCFREE” and “LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+1)”) access variables of different devices (reels 110a, 110b, 110c) corresponding to the same parameter (_SMC_PHS). , thereby reducing the number of commands and shortening the command length. More specifically, by reading the values of the motor phases of the two reels 110b and 110c with one command using the instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+1)”), the reels 110b and 110c are read and determined. This is because the total number of bytes can be reduced by executing an LDQ instruction and a JR instruction, each of which totals 4 bytes, once rather than executing a 4-byte JTQ instruction twice. In this way, it becomes possible to secure the capacity of the control area (program capacity) for performing the main processing.

Also, as can be understood with reference to FIG. 20(b), by continuously arranging parameters such as motor phase variables in storage units, when referring to variables for motor phases or when checking their values, This makes it easy to understand the changes, and avoids problems such as forgetting to rewrite some variables.

In this example, the number of reels is 3, and the total command length is shortened by 2 bytes by arranging variables. The total will increase further.

FIG. 21 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the number of reels and the number of stop switches are increased by one from the slot machine 100 of FIG. Therefore, in the slot machine 100 of FIG. 21, a fourth reel 110d and a stop switch 130d are added as compared with the slot machine 100 of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the excitation release waiting process S1800 when the number of reels is four (reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d), and a diagram for explaining the program and work area of the excitation release waiting process S1800.

(Step S1801)
As shown in FIG. 22(a), when the excitation release waiting process S1800 is started, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 acquires the motor phases of the reels 110a and 110b.

(Step S1802)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether or not the motor phases of the reels 110a and 110b obtained in step S1801 are zero. As a result, if the motor phases of the reels 110a and 110b are 0, the process moves to step S1803, and if the motor phases of the reels 110a and 110b are not 0, the process returns to step S1801. Therefore, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 repeats the process of determining whether the motor phase is 0 if the motor phase is not 0.

(Step S1803)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 acquires the motor phases of the reels 110c and 110d.

(Step S1804)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether or not the motor phases of the reels 110c and 110d obtained in step S1803 are zero. As a result, if the motor phases of the reels 110c and 110d are 0, the excitation release waiting process S1800 is ended. Therefore, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 repeats the process of determining whether the motor phase is 0 if the motor phase is not 0.

The flowchart of the excitation release waiting process S1800 is implemented by, for example, the program of FIG. 22(b). In the work area, as shown in FIG. 22(c), motor phases of reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d are successively arranged.

In the program of FIG. 22(b), compared with FIG. 20(a), "JTQ NZ, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0), EXCFREE" on the second line of FIG. 20(a) is "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0)" is replaced by "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" on the third line of FIG. 22(b), and "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+1)" on the third line of FIG. is changed to "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+2)" as in the fourth line of FIG. 22(b). "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0)" on the second line in FIG. 22B indicates the contents of the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+0) of the first reel 110a and the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+1) of the second reel 110b. Indicates to set in the HL register. Note that even when a value is simply called into a register, if the called value is 0, the second zero flag becomes 0. "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" on the third line in FIG. 22(b) indicates that if the second zero flag is not 0, it moves to EXCFREE. "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+2)" on the fourth line in FIG. 22B indicates the contents of the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+2) of the third reel 110c and the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+3) of the fourth reel 110d. Indicates to set in the HL register. Also, "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" on the fifth line in FIG. Here, with the commands on the 2nd and 3rd lines, it is determined whether or not both the motor phase of the first reel 110a and the motor phase of the second reel 110b are 0, and with the commands on the 4th and 5th lines, , the motor phase of the third reel 110c and the motor phase of the fourth reel 110d.

Compared to FIG. 20(a), the number of instruction code lines has been added, but the command length of "JTQ NZ, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0), EXCFREE" in the second line of FIG. 20(a) is 4 bytes. On the other hand, the command length of "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0)" on the second line in FIG. However, the command length only increases by 1 byte. Also, changing the description to "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+2)" on the fourth line in FIG. 22(b) does not affect the command length (the command length does not change). Therefore, the total command length of the program is 9 bytes.

Therefore, by reading the values of the motor phases of the two reels 110a and 110b with one command using the instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0)”), the 4-byte JTQ for each of the reels 110a and 110b is read and determined. The total number of bytes can be reduced by executing the LDQ instruction and the JR instruction, which are 4 bytes in total, once each, rather than executing the instruction twice. In addition, by reading the values of the motor phases of the two reels 110c and 110d with one command using the instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+2)”), a 4-byte JTQ for each reel 110c and 110d is read and determined. The total number of bytes can be reduced by executing the LDQ instruction and the JR instruction, which are 4 bytes in total, once each, rather than executing the instruction twice.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. be done.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 are arranged so as to share the function part for progressing the game, but the function part of the main control board 200 is transferred to the sub control board 202. Alternatively, the functional units of the sub-control board 202 may be arranged on the main control board 200, or all the functional units may be collectively arranged on one control board.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the bonus game was explained as the game profit, but this is not the only case. An RT (replay time) game or an ART game in which the above AT and RT games are played at the same time may be provided to increase the lottery chances of the winning combination for the consumption of medals by suppressing the consumption of medals.

Further, the excitation release waiting process S1000 in the lottery process S300 may be executed before the winning combination lottery process S301, may be executed before the symbol code setting process S302, or the one-game timer may become zero. It may be executed after (YES in S303), or may be executed after setting the 1-game timer. That is, the excitation release waiting process S1000 may be executed at any timing after the start switch 128 is operated and before the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c start rotating.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are used as devices, but the devices are not limited to these.

In the above-described embodiment, the motor phases are during acceleration=3, during steady rotation=2, during stop=1, and during standby=0, but for example during acceleration=2, during steady rotation=1, The state corresponding to 0 may be any state, such as stopping=0 and waiting=3.

In the above-described embodiment, the motor phase is used as an example of the device parameters, but the parameters are the step counter value, the currently appearing symbol number, the stop request flag, the previous value of the index, the sequence counter, and the rotation error. A detection counter, first detected edge type, or the like may be used.

In the above-described embodiment, the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are stopped by energizing the stepping motor 152 in all phases. 110b and 110c may be stopped.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. be done.

For example, the configurations of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above can be used in combination.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 are arranged so as to share the function part for progressing the game, but the function part of the main control board 200 is transferred to the sub control board 202. Alternatively, the functional units of the sub-control board 202 may be arranged on the main control board 200, or all the functional units may be collectively arranged on one control board.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, only one type of AT effect state is provided. good too.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game is played using medals as game value, but the game value may be electrical information (so-called medalless). In this case, when the winning combination wins, the amount of value corresponding to the winning combination may be given to the player as electrical information.

Further, each process performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above does not necessarily have to be processed in time series according to the order described as the flowchart, and may include parallel or subroutine processing.

Further, each process performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above does not necessarily have to be processed in time series according to the order described as the flowchart, and may include parallel or subroutine processing.

100 slot machine (gaming machine)
110a, 110b, 110c reel 116 bed switch 118 start switch 120a, 120b, 120c stop switch 124 liquid crystal display 152 stepping motor (motor)
200 Main control board 200a Main CPU (CPU)
202 sub-control board 306 reel control means 308 determination means 310 payout control means 312 game state control means 314 effect state control means 334 effect control means

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, a motor for rotating the reels, and a winning combination in response to the operation of a start switch. Winning combination lottery means for determining win/fail, starting rotation of the plurality of reels, and energizing the motor of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch in response to the operation of the activated predetermined stop switch. reel control means for stopping the reel and releasing the excitation when a predetermined time elapses after the reel is energized, wherein the reel control means causes the reel to start rotating after the start switch is operated. until the winning combination is determined by the winning combination lottery means, after the winning combination is determined, an excitation release waiting process is executed to wait for the release of the excitation of the motor when the reels are stopped in the previous game, When the indexes of all the reels are detected while any of the stop switches is operated, and if the state of any of the stop switches being operated is maintained, the operations of all the stop switches are validated. When the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated changes to the state in which the operation is released, the operation of all the stop switches is validated.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another gaming machine of the present invention provides a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged respectively, a motor for rotating the reels, and a winning game according to the operation of a start switch. Winning combination lottery means for determining the propriety of a combination, starting rotation of the plurality of reels, and energizing the motor of the reel corresponding to the activated stop switch in response to the operation of the activated predetermined stop switch. reel control means for stopping the reel by starting the excitation, and releasing the excitation when a predetermined time has passed since the excitation, wherein the reel control means rotates the reel after the start switch is operated. is started , after the winning combination lottery means determines whether or not the winning combination is appropriate, an excitation release waiting process is executed to wait for the release of the excitation of the motor when the reels are stopped in the previous game. However, when the acceleration state of all the reels ends with any of the stop switches being operated, if the state of any stop switch being operated is maintained, all of the stop switches are operated. is not validated, and the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated changes to the state in which the operation is released, the operation of all the stop switches is validated.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another gaming machine of the present invention provides a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged respectively, a motor for rotating the reels, and a winning game according to the operation of a start switch. Winning combination lottery means for determining the propriety of a combination, starting rotation of the plurality of reels, and energizing the motor of the reel corresponding to the activated stop switch in response to the operation of the activated predetermined stop switch. reel control means for stopping the reel by starting the excitation, and releasing the excitation when a predetermined time has passed since the excitation, wherein the reel control means rotates the reel after the start switch is operated. is started , after the winning combination lottery means determines whether or not the winning combination is appropriate, an excitation release waiting process is executed to wait for the release of the excitation of the motor when the reels are stopped in the previous game. Then, when the constant speed state of all the reels starts with any of the stop switches being operated, if the state of any of the stop switches being operated is maintained, all of the stop switches When the operation is not validated and the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated changes to the state in which the operation is released, the operation of all the stop switches is validated.

Claims (3)

a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
a motor for rotating the reel;
winning combination lottery means for determining whether a winning combination is appropriate or not according to the operation of the start switch;
After starting rotation of the plurality of reels and energizing the motor of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch in response to the operation of the activated predetermined stop switch, the reels are stopped and energized. reel control means for releasing the excitation when a predetermined time elapses;
with
The reel control means is
After the start switch is operated until the reels start rotating, an excitation release waiting process is executed to wait for the release of the excitation of the motor when the reels are stopped in the previous game,
When the indices of all the reels are detected while any of the stop switches is operated, and if the state of the arbitrary stop switch being operated is maintained, the operations of all the stop switches are validated. The game machine validates the operation of all of the stop switches when the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated changes to the state in which the operation is released. a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
a motor for rotating the reel;
winning combination lottery means for determining whether a winning combination is appropriate or not according to the operation of the start switch;
After starting rotation of the plurality of reels and energizing the motor of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch in response to the operation of the activated predetermined stop switch, the reels are stopped and energized. reel control means for releasing the excitation when a predetermined time elapses;
with
The reel control means is
After the start switch is operated until the reels start rotating, an excitation release waiting process is executed to wait for the release of the excitation of the motor when the reels are stopped in the previous game,
When the acceleration state of all of the reels is terminated while any of the stop switches is operated, and if the state of any stop switch being operated is maintained, the operations of all of the stop switches are valid. a game machine which validates the operation of all the stop switches when the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated changes to the state in which the operation is released. a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
a motor for rotating the reel;
winning combination lottery means for determining whether a winning combination is appropriate or not according to the operation of the start switch;
After starting rotation of the plurality of reels and energizing the motor of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch in response to the operation of the activated predetermined stop switch, the reels are stopped and energized. reel control means for releasing the excitation when a predetermined time elapses;
with
The reel control means
After the start switch is operated until the reels start rotating, an excitation release waiting process is executed to wait for the release of the excitation of the motor when the reels are stopped in the previous game,
When the constant speed state of all of the reels is started with any of the stop switches being operated, all of the stop switches are operated if the state of any of the stop switches being operated is maintained. A game machine which validates the operation of all the stop switches when the state in which the arbitrary stop switch is operated changes to the state in which the operation is released without being validated.

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