JP2022189590A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce player's stress.SOLUTION: When giving a game value, a game machine gives the game value to a credit until the credit reaches the upper limit, causes a putout device to put out the game value when the credit reaches the upper limit, gives the game value to the credit without waiting for the excitation of a motor when giving the game value to the credit, causes the putout device to put out the game value after executing an excitation release waiting process for waiting for the release of the excitation of the motor when causing the putout device to put out the game value, stops the operation of the putout device when a predetermined event occurs before the putout of the game value by the putout device is terminated, and re-operate the putout device without performing the excitation release waiting process if a predetermined condition is satisfied after the operation of the putout device is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines by lottery whether or not to give a game profit to a player.

2. Description of the Related Art In a slot machine as a game machine, a lottery for a winning combination is performed 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 motor corresponding to the reel to be stopped is energized and then deenergized 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

However, in slot machines, medals may be electrically stored inside the slot machine. When the medals are paid out, waiting for the release of the excitation of the motor until the medals are electrically accumulated inside the slot machine may delay the progress of the game and cause stress to the player. rice field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the stress of a player.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, a motor for rotating the reels, and a winning combination lottery means for determining whether a winning combination is appropriate. and start rotating the plurality of reels, and in response to the operation of a predetermined stop switch, energize the motor corresponding to the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch to stop the reel, and then energize the motor. Reel control means for releasing excitation when a predetermined time elapses, determination means for determining whether the winning combination has won a prize, game value giving means for giving a game value corresponding to the winning combination, and When the game value is awarded, the game value giving means gives the game value to the credit until the credit reaches the upper limit amount, and when the credit reaches the upper limit amount, the game value is given from the payout device. When the value is paid out and the game value is given to the credit, the game value is given without waiting for the excitation of the motor to be released, and when the game value is paid out from the payout device, the motor is excited. After executing the excitation release waiting process for waiting for the release of the payout device, if the game value is paid out from the payout device and a predetermined event occurs before the payout device finishes paying out the game value, the payout device is stopped, and if a predetermined condition is satisfied after the operation of the dispensing device is stopped, the dispensing device is operated again without performing the excitation release waiting process.

In order to solve the above problems, another 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 for determining whether a winning combination is appropriate. a lottery means for starting rotation of the plurality of reels, energizing the motor corresponding to the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch in response to the operation of a predetermined stop switch to stop and energize the reel; reel control means for releasing the excitation when a predetermined time elapses after the reel control, determination means for determining whether the winning combination has won a prize, and game value giving means for giving a game value corresponding to the winning combination. and, when imparting the game value, the game value imparting means imparts the game value to the credit until the credit reaches the upper limit amount, and when the credit reaches the upper limit amount, the payout device When the game value is paid out and the game value is given to the credit, the game value is given without waiting for the excitation of the motor to be released, and the game value is given from the payout device after the game value is given to the credit. When the value is to be paid out, the game value is paid out from the payout device after executing an excitation release waiting process for waiting for the release of the excitation of the motor regardless of the amount of value given to the credit. If a predetermined event occurs before the payout of the game value is completed, the operation of the payout device is stopped, and if a predetermined condition is satisfied after the payout device is stopped, the excitation release waiting process is not performed. , activates the dispensing device again.

According to the present invention, the player's stress can be reduced.

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 for explaining 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 an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the game state. It is a figure which shows a winning combination lottery table. It is the flowchart which showed the main processing of a 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 function and configuration are given 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.

In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the mechanical configuration and electrical configuration of a slot machine (gaming machine) in which a player can play will first be briefly described, and then the specifics of each board of the slot machine will be described. Typical processing (hand structure and transition of game state) and characteristic processing in this embodiment will be described, and a flowchart for realizing these will be described in detail.

(Mechanical Configuration of Slot Machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 100 includes a housing 102, which is a substantially rectangular box, and a front upper door attached to the front opening of the housing 102 so as to be openable and closable. 104, located below the front upper door 104, and similar to the front upper door 104, a front lower door 106 attached to the front opening of the housing 102 so as to be openable and closable, and located below the front lower door 106. , and a tray portion 108 for storing the medals dispensed from the medal discharge port 108a.

An operation unit installation table 122 is formed on the upper part of the lower front door 106, and a medal insertion unit 124, a bet switch 126, a start switch 128, a stop switch 130, and the like are arranged on the operation unit installation table 122.

A medal insertion unit 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation table 122 accepts insertion of medals as game value through a medal insertion port (input port) 124a, and a medal selector (not shown) provided on the back of the lower front door 106. send medals to The medal selector includes a blocker (not shown) that guides medals inserted outside the insertion period during which medals can be inserted and non-standard medals to the medal ejection port 108a, and a blocker (not shown) that guides medals inserted within the insertion period. and an inserted medal detection section 124b for detecting the passage of the . Here, the medals guided to the medal ejection port 108a are ejected to the receiving tray portion 108. As shown in FIG. When a player inserts more than the maximum specified number of medals (for example, 3) out of a plurality of specified numbers of medals required to start one game, the maximum specified number is exceeded. A predetermined number of medals (upper limit, for example, 50) is electrically stored (hereinafter simply referred to as credit) inside the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c). The number of credited medals is called the number of stored medals.

The bet switch 126 is a push-type button switch for betting the maximum specified number of medals out of credited medals. When the bet switch 126 is pressed in a state in which the maximum prescribed number of medals or more has been credited, the maximum prescribed number of medals is betted and the number of stored medals is reduced by the maximum prescribed number. If the bet switch 126 is pressed while less than the maximum specified number of medals have been credited, all of the stored medals are betted and the number of stored medals is reduced to zero.

A start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation unit installation base 122 is composed of a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a player's start operation of one game. Also, the start switch 128 can be configured by a button switch whose pressing operation can be detected.

A colorless and transparent pattern display window 136 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, and a reel A unit 134 is provided. In the reel unit 134, as shown in the pattern arrangement of the reels in FIG. The reels 134a, 134b, and 134c can be viewed through the symbol display window 136 by the player. When the start switch 128 is operated, the reel unit 134 starts rotating the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c.

A stop switch 130 positioned in the center of the operation unit installation base 122 is a button switch that is provided corresponding to each of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c and capable of detecting the pressing operation of the player. A player's stop operation to stop each is detected. The three button switches associated with the stop switch 130 are called stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c in order from the left according to their positions.

Thus, the reels 134a, 134b and 134c are stopped by the stop operation through the stop switches 130a, 130b and 130c. Here, an effective line is provided as shown in FIG. 3(b) so that the player can grasp the stop mode. There is one active line, and specifically, it corresponds to the symbols that stop in the middle of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c among the nine symbols (three reels x three stages of upper, middle, and lower) facing the symbol display window 136. A line connecting the positions of the winning combination is set as an effective line A for judging the winning of the winning combination.

A liquid crystal display section (image display section) 138 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 142 for effect, which are composed of, for example, high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, speakers for producing auditory effects such as sound effects and musical tones are installed at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display section 138 on the back surface of the upper front door 104 and at the left and right positions on the inner surface of the back surface of the lower front door 106. 140 are provided. Further, below the reel unit 134 in the housing 102, a medal dispensing device (medal hopper) 264 for dispensing medals from the medal ejection port 108a is provided. The medal payout device 264 includes a medal storage portion 264a for storing medals, a payout control portion 264b for ejecting the medals stored in the medal storage portion 264a from the medal ejection port 108a, and the medals ejected from the medal ejection port 108a. and a payout medal detection unit 264c for detecting the .

1 and 2, inside the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, among the symbols applied to them, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to the symbol display window 136 are provided. A reel backlight 144 (see FIG. 4) is provided for independently illuminating the upper, middle, and lower patterns from the back. Also, a reel upper light 146 is provided on the upper part of the rear surface of the symbol display window 136 to directly illuminate the front of all the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, on the substantially horizontal surface of the stepped portion 122a provided between the symbol display window 136 and the stop switch 130 in the operation unit installation table 122, a main credit display portion 152 and a main payout display portion are provided. 154 are provided. A sub-credit display section 156 and a sub-payout display section 158 are provided between the symbol display window 136 and the operating section installation table 122 . The main credit display portion 152 and the sub-credit display portion 156 display the internally stored number of medals, and the main payout display portion 154 and the sub-payout display portion 158 display the payout number of medals. It should be noted that the sub-credit display section 156 and the sub-payout display section 158 can also display various numerical values associated with the effects.

A power switch 148 is provided at an arbitrary position within the housing 102 . The power switch 148 is composed of a switch such as a rocker switch that can detect a pressing operation, and is operated by the administrator who manages the slot machine 100 to switch between two states, a power-off state and a power-on state. Used.

(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 is mainly controlled by a control board. Here, as an example of the control board, a main control board 200 and a sub control board 202 sharing the functions of the control board will be described. For example, among the programs related to the progress of the game, the main control board 200 executes particularly important processes such as the lottery of the winning combination to be used in the game and the winning of the prize, and the sub control board 202 executes other processes such as effects. running with In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is one-way from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention. Limited to direction only. However, if there are no such restrictions, two-way communication is technically possible electrically.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs and the like, and a main RAM (RWM) 200c that functions as a work area. Overall control. However, the main RAM 200c is connected to a backup power supply (not shown), and even if the power is turned off, the data will not be erased unless the settings are changed and the main RAM 200c is initialized. retained.

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 (game value giving means) 310, state transition means 312, command determination means 314, command transmission means 316 and other functional units.

The initialization means 300 executes initialization processing in the main control board 200 . The betting means 302 bets medals to be used for games. Here, bets are placed on the basis of inserting credited medals through the operation of the bet switch 126, inserting medals through the medal inserting unit 124, and displaying a replay combination on the activated line A. This includes both cases of automatically inserting medals. A winning combination lottery means 304 selects one of a plurality of types of winning combinations including minor combinations, replay combinations, and bonus combinations, and non-winning combinations by lottery based on medal bets and operation of the start switch 128. decide.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the plurality of reels 134a, 134b, 134c according to the operation of the start switch 128, and operates the plurality of stop switches 130a, 130b corresponding to the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c, respectively. In response to the operation of 130c, the reels 134a, 134b and 134c corresponding to the operated stop switches 130a, 130b and 130c are controlled to stop. In addition, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switch 130 in the previous game according to the operation of the start switch 128, and then the player presses the stop switch 130 to display the lottery result of the winning combination lottery. The time until the operation is validated (invalidated due to the completion of the operation of the stop switch 130 in the previous game) is extended beyond the specified time (waiting time, for example, 4.1 seconds). In some cases, a reel effect (freeze effect) is performed to control the rotation of 134b and 134c in various modes. 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 even if there is nothing.

A judging means 308 judges whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination decided by the winning combination lottery is displayed on the activated line A. - 特許庁Here, the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination lottery is displayed on the activated line A may simply be called winning. A payout control means 310 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination based on the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination lottery being displayed on the activated line A (winning). . The state transition means 312 transitions the game state based on the winning of the bonus combination and the prize winning.

The command determining means 314 sequentially determines game-related commands accompanying the operations of the betting means 302, winning combination lottery means 304, reel control means 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, state transition means 312, and the like. The command transmission means 316 sequentially transmits the commands determined by the command determination means 314 to the sub control board 202 .

The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from the inserted medal detection section 124b, the bet switch 126, the start switch 128, and the stop switch 130, and based on the received detection signals, the betting means 302 and the winning combination lottery means. 304, reel control means 306, and determination means 308 execute the various processes described above. A main credit display section 152 and a main payout display section 154 are connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 displays the number of accumulated medals and the number of payouts on both the display sections 152 and 154. Control.

A reel driving control section 258 is also connected to the main control board 200 . The reel drive control unit 258 drives the stepping motor 262 based on the rotation start signal of each of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 128, and also drives the stop switch. 130, the stepping motor 262 is stopped based on the stop signals of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c and the detection signal of the rotational position detection circuit 260, which are transmitted from the reel control means 306. FIG.

A medal payout device 264 is also connected to the main control board 200 . The main control board 200 receives a detection signal from the payout medal detection unit 264c, and the payout control means 310 counts the number of payout medals according to the detection signal. Controls the ejection of medals.

Also, the main control board 200 is provided with a random number generator 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops (0 to 65535) within a predetermined total number (eg, 65536), and extracts the count value at a predetermined point in time to generate (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 combination lottery random number) is used to give a game profit to the player, for example, the winning combination lottery means 304 determines the winning combination. .

(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 secondary control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator 202d, similar to the main control board 200. The random number generated by the random number generator 202d (hereinafter referred to as the effect lottery random number) mainly reflects the mode of effect. used to determine

In addition, the sub-control board 202 functions by the sub-CPU 202a 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 determines the effect of the game performed by each device of the liquid crystal display section 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142 based on the winning combination command. Specifically, the effect control means 334 controls the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub-credit display unit 156, the sub-payout display unit 158, and the like. Illumination data for performance through the illumination device is determined, and audio data constituting the audio to be output from the speaker 140 is determined. And the production|presentation control means 334 performs the production|presentation of the determined game.

Effects include effects executed by the main control board 200 such as the reel effects described above and effects executed by the sub control board 202 . The effects executed by the sub-control board 202 are the liquid crystal display portion 138, the speaker 140, the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub-credit display portion 156, and the sub-payout display portion as the game progresses. 158, etc., and can give a story to the game and suggest the result of the winning combination lottery with a more dynamic image. In such an effect, for example, an effect suggesting winning of the bonus game is performed over a plurality of games, and the player's sense of expectation can be heightened. In addition, even if none of the winning roles have been won, it is possible to make the player feel the expectation of a high payout through an effect as if the player had won, so that the player does not get bored. It becomes possible. By interlocking the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202, it is possible to construct various game features. Main game modes will be described in detail below.

(Table used in main control board 200)
A plurality of game states are provided in the slot machine 100, and the game state transitions according to the progress of the game. In the main control board 200, a plurality of winning combination lottery tables and the like corresponding to the game states managed by the state transition means 312 are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning combination lottery means 304 extracts and extracts the corresponding winning combination lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current game state stored in the main RAM 200c (game state based on whether or not a bonus combination is established, which will be described later). Based on the winning combination lottery table and the current set value, it is determined whether the winning combination lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal of the start switch 128 corresponds to which winning combination or non-winning in the winning combination lottery table. Here, the set value indicates the ease of obtaining a game profit in stages, and the higher the numerical value of the set value, the easier it is to obtain a game profit. The setting values are generally determined by the hall manager at least at the start of the game, and the player cannot obtain or change the setting values during the game.

Here, the winning combination extracted from the winning combination lottery table includes a replay combination, a small combination, and a bonus combination. Such a state in which the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is arranged on the activated line A is called display or winning, and the state from the winning of the winning combination to the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is internal. be elected. The replay combination among the winning combinations is a combination in which, when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the effective line A, one 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 the symbol combination corresponding to the minor combination on the activated line A. The bonus combination is a winning combination that can shift the game state managed by the state transition means 312 to the bonus game state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the activated line A. . The winning combination and the game profit given to the player will be described below.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the winning combination, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the game state.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the winning combinations "Replay", "Bell", and "Big Bonus (hereinafter referred to as "BB")" are provided as winning combinations. Of these, the winning combination "Replay" corresponds to the replay combination, the winning combination "Bell" corresponds to the small combination, and the winning combination "BB" corresponds to the bonus combination.

(role of replay)
As a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination "Replay" is won, the symbols "Replay" written on each of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, which are the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination "Replay" shown in FIG. When it becomes possible to display on the activated line A, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" is displayed on the activated line A, one game is played again (replay) without betting by the player, as described above. ) can be executed.

Here, in this embodiment, when the stop switch 130 is pressed by the player and the symbols forming the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are on the effective line A, the reel control means 306 , stop control is performed so that the symbol is stopped on the activated line A. Further, when the stop switch 130 is pressed, the symbols forming the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are not on the activated line A, but are in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. When the symbol exists within a range (pull-in range) corresponding to four symbols, the reel control means 306 controls the number of distant symbols to be the number of sliding symbols, and constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination. Stop control is performed so as to stop after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to pull the pattern onto the effective line A. - 特許庁Further, if there are a plurality of symbols corresponding to the winning combination in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, and all of them are present within the pull-in range of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, according to a predetermined priority. Which pattern is drawn onto the effective line A is determined, and stop control is performed to stop after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to draw the prioritized pattern onto the effective line A. - 特許庁When the stop switch 130 is pressed, if a symbol forming a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination other than the winning combination that has been won is on the effective line A, the reel control means 306 controls that symbol. A so-called kicking process is also executed in parallel to prevent the ball from stopping on the effective line A.

In each of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the symbols forming the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Replay" are arranged so that they can always be displayed on the activated line A by the above-described stop control ( 3 and 5). Specifically, since the symbols forming the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Replay" are separated by a maximum of four symbols in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, they are always on the effective line A by the stop control. can be displayed in In this way, when the winning combination “Replay” is won, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay” is always displayed on the activated line A. Thus, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" is displayed on the activated line A, the next game can be started without inserting medals.

(small role)
As a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination "Bell" is won, the symbol "Bell A" written on each of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, which is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Bell". can be displayed on the activated line A, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "bell" is displayed on the activated line A, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination (here, 9) is awarded to the player. paid out to Here, since the symbols "Bell A" constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Bell" are separated from each other only by a maximum of four symbols in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c (FIGS. 3 and 5). See), like the winning combination "replay", it can be displayed on the effective line A by the above-described stop control.

(Bonus role)
As a result of the winning combination lottery, if the winning combination "BB" is won, the symbol "red" written on each of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, which is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" shown in FIG. 7" can be displayed on the effective line A, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is displayed on the effective line A, the game state is set to the bonus game state, and the next game (hereinafter referred to as After that, the game can be executed in the bonus game state until a predetermined number of medals (for example, 297) are paid out. Note that the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are arranged so that the symbol "red 7" may not be displayed on the effective line A even by the stop control described above (see FIGS. 3 and 5). ). Therefore, even if the winning combination “BB” is won, the player is not necessarily displayed on the activated line A the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB”.

When one of the winning combinations described above is won, the internal winning flags corresponding to the respective winning combinations are established (ON), and depending on whether the internal winning flags are established, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are activated. Stop control is performed. At this time, if a minor winning combination is won but the symbol combination corresponding to the minor winning combination cannot be displayed on the effective line A within the one game, an internal winning flag is set after the end of the one game. is turned off. In other words, the right to win a minor winning combination is limited only within one game in which the minor winning combination has been won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. Further, when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning combination "Replay", which is a replay combination, is established, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Replay" is always displayed on the effective line A, and the next symbol combination is displayed without requiring medals. After the processing necessary for playing the game is performed, the internal winning flag is turned OFF. On the other hand, when the winning combination "BB" is won, the BB internal winning flag is established (ON), and until the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is displayed on the activated line A, The BB internal winning flag is carried over across games.

(Transition of game state)
Here, the BB internal winning flag will be specifically described together with the transition of the game state. When the BB internal winning flag is established, the gaming state managed by the main control board 200 changes to a winning combination "," which is a bonus combination, as shown in (1) of FIG. From the bonus non-establishment game state in which BB' is not won, the bonus establishment game state corresponding to the preparation state of the bonus game state is entered, and the reels 134a, 134b and 134c are respectively stopped and controlled based on the bonus establishment game state. At this time, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" cannot be displayed on the activated line A, the BB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game as it is (the bonus establishment game state is maintained). , it is possible to display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" on the activated line A in the next and subsequent games. Then, when the player causes the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" to be displayed on the activated line A, the game state shifts from the bonus establishment game state to the bonus game state as shown in FIG. 6(2). do. In the bonus game state, when a predetermined number of medals (for example, 297) are paid out, the game state shifts from the bonus game state to the bonus non-established game state, as shown in (3) of FIG. . However, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6(4), in the game in which the winning combination "BB" is established in the bonus non-established gaming state, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is placed on the activated line A. When displayed, the game state is directly shifted to the bonus game state without going through the bonus establishment game state.

(Winning role lottery table)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a winning combination lottery table used when determining a winning combination lottery random number. In the winning combination lottery table, a plurality of winning areas are defined, and the winning combination targeted for the lottery differs depending on each game state. In FIG. 7, winning areas (winning combinations) assigned to each game state (bonus non-established game state, bonus established game state, bonus game state) are represented by "○". Therefore, a winning area not marked with "o" indicates that it is not assigned to that gaming state. Each compartmentalized winning area is associated with a predetermined number (winning range value), which is a numerical value indicating a winning range, and a winning combination. , the total number of winning combination lottery random numbers (65536) is obtained. Therefore, the probability of each winning combination being determined is a value obtained by dividing the set number associated with the winning area by the total number of winning combination lottery random numbers. A winning combination lottery means 304 sequentially obtains set numbers from a plurality of winning areas in the winning combination lottery table in descending order of numbers based on the game state at that time, and uses the set numbers as winning combination lottery random numbers. , and when the subtracted value becomes less than 0, the winning combination associated with the winning area at that time is taken as the lottery result. The lottery procedure is also applicable to other lotteries.

Also, the winning combination to be selected by lottery differs depending on each game state. For example, in FIG. 7, comparing the bonus non-established gaming state and the bonus established gaming state, the former draws a lottery for the winning combination "BB", while the latter draws a lottery for the winning combination "BB". not This is because, in the latter case, the winning combination “BB” has already been won, so the winning combination “BB” cannot be won again. In addition, in the latter, the winning probability of the winning combination “Replay” is set higher than in the former. Further, according to the bonus game state of FIG. 7, the lottery for the winning combination "BB" is not performed again, and the lottery for the winning combination "Replay" is not performed. In addition, since the winning combination "Bell" is set to be won with a high probability, the expected winning number indicating the average value of the number of sheets that can be obtained in one game is higher than the bonus non-established gaming state and the bonus established gaming state. getting higher. The winning area 0 of the winning combination lottery table is associated with "not winning". is not displayed on the effective line A, and medals are not paid out. However, in the bonus establishment game state (the BB internal winning flag is ON), if the winning combination lottery determines "not winning", the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" can be displayed on the activated line A.

Specific processing in the main control board 200 will be described below based on a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 8 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. Also, although detailed description is omitted, when each process is executed, the switches used in each process (bed switch 126, start switch 128, stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d) are effective at the start of the process. and invalidated at the end of processing.

(Step S100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch 148 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 134a, 134b, and 134c are rotating, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c start rotating again after the recovery operation. Therefore, in the initialization process, basically the main RAM 200c is not initialized (RAM cleared).

(Step S200)
Further, when the number of bets is changed, the command determination means 314 generates an input command indicating the changed number of bets and the number of stored numbers. Send to

(Step S300)
Next, the winning combination lottery means 304 validates the game start operation for the start switch 128 and shifts to the operation waiting state for the start switch 128 . Here, the winning combination lottery means 304 selects the winning combination lottery random number updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 according to the operation of the start switch 128 by the player, and selects the winning combination lottery random number at the time when the start switch 128 is operated. A winning combination lottery random number of 1 is acquired. Then, the winning combination lottery means 304 determines which winning region the acquired winning combination lottery random number corresponds to based on the winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 7 and the currently set game state. , determines a winning combination or a non-winning combination in the determined winning area as a lottery result. In addition, after the lottery result is determined according to the operation of the start switch 128, the command determining means 314 generates a winning combination command including the lottery result of the winning combination lottery (won or not) and information on the game state. Then, the command transmitting means 316 transmits the generated winning combination command to the sub control board 202 . Further, the state transition means 312 shifts the game state from the bonus non-established game state to the bonus established game state based on winning the winning combination "BB" in the bonus non-established game state. The lottery processing S300 will be described later in detail.

(Step S400)
When the start switch 128 is operated, the reel control means 306 drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the reels 134a, 134b and 134c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the start of rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in the previous game (wait), the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in the game When the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c all rotate at a constant speed, the process proceeds to step S500. Also, the reel control means 306 may execute a reel effect.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 activates the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c, and when receiving the operation of the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c by the player, one of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to the operation is activated. stop control. Further, when any one of the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is operated, the command determining means 314 provides a stop command (first stop command, second A stop command, a third stop command) is generated for each operation, and the command transmission means 316 sequentially transmits the generated stop commands to the sub control board 202 .

(Step S600)
Next, the determining means 308 determines which predetermined combination the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A shown in FIG. Performs various operations required for modification and replay. In addition, the command determining means 314 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. , the command transmission means 316 transmits the generated winning command to the sub control board 202 . Further, the state transition means 312 shifts the game state from the bonus established game state to the bonus game state based on the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" being displayed on the activated line A in the bonus established game state. .

(Step S700)
Subsequently, based on the determination result in step S600, for example, when a symbol combination corresponding to a minor combination is displayed on the activated line A, the payout control means 310 executes the medal payout process corresponding to the minor combination. , when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A, processing for betting the next game is automatically executed. Further, the state transition means 312 shifts the game state from the bonus game state to the bonus non-established game state when a predetermined number of medals are paid out in the bonus game state. Thus, the payout control means 310 executes various processes corresponding to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A, and ends the game. Further, when the medal payout process is performed, the command determination means 314 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been performed, and the command transmission means 316 transmits the generated payout command to the sub control board 202. . The payout processing S700 will be described later in detail.

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S700. Thereafter, the main loop from step S200 to step S700 is repeated.

(Lottery processing S300)
FIG. 9 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 table shown in FIG. , and executes a winning combination lottery process for determining a winning combination or a non-winning combination in 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 134a, 134b, and 134c based on the lottery results determined in step S301. to run.

(Step S800)
The reel control means 306 executes an excitation release wait process for waiting until all the phase excitations of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are released. The excitation release waiting process S800 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 134a, 134b, and 134c 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 134a. , 134b and 134c will start to rotate.

(Payment processing S700)
FIG. 10 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 264 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 154 .

(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 264 and ends the payout process S700. It should be noted that if the medal payout device 264 is not in operation, 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. 11 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 S800)
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 134a, 134b, 134c are released. The excitation release waiting process S800 will be described later in detail.

(Step S703-1)
The payout control means 310 operates the medal payout device 264 to pay out one medal from the medal payout device 264 (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 264a have run out to a predetermined value corresponding to the time when it is judged 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 detection section 264c is off, that is, whether or not the payout of medals by the medal payout device 264 is started. As a result, if the paid-out medal detection unit 264c 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 264c 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 264c is on, that is, whether or not the payout of medals by the medal payout device 264 has been completed. As a result, if the paid-out medal detection unit 264c is turned on, the process returns to step S703-5. , the medal payout device control processing S703 ends.

(Step S703-7)
The payout control means 310 stops the operation of the medal payout device 264 .

(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 264 when the processing of step S703-1 is executed for the first time. is supplied to activate the medal dispensing device 264, and then one medal is dispensed from the medal dispensing device 264. If no error occurs, the medal dispensing device 264 is stopped (power supply is stopped). never. After that, when the process of step S703-1 is executed for the second time or later, since power is supplied to the medal dispensing device 264, one medal is dispensed from the medal dispensing device 264 as it is. Then, when the processing from step S702 to step S706 in the payout processing S700 is completed, the medal payout device 264 is stopped (power supply is stopped) at step S707.

(Excitation release waiting process S800)
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the excitation release waiting process in step S800. 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, the reel control means 306 executes the excitation release waiting process S800, and in the medal payout device control process S703, the payout control means 310 executes the excitation release waiting process S800. , the excitation release waiting process S800 executed by the reel control means 306 and the payout control means 310 are executed by the same subroutine (program).

(Step S801)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 acquires the motor phase of the reel 134a (shown as the left reel in the drawing). Here, motor phases are set as the states of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. The motor phase indicates the operating state of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 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 wait process S800 is a determination process for waiting for the motor phases of all the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c to become zero.

(Step S802)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether the motor phase of the reel 134a acquired in step S801 is 0, that is, whether the reel 134a is on standby. As a result, if the motor phase of the reel 134a is 0, the process moves to step S803, and if the motor phase of the reel 134a is not 0, the process returns to step S801. 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 S803)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 acquires the motor phases of the reel 134b (indicated as the middle reel in the figure) and the reel 134c (indicated as the right reel in the figure).

(Step S804)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether or not the motor phases of the reels 134b and 134c obtained in step S803 are zero. As a result, if the motor phases of the reels 134b and 134c are 0, the excitation release waiting process S800 is ended. If the motor phases of the reels 134b and 134c are not 0, the process returns to step S801. 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 S800, first, it is determined whether or not the motor phase of the reel 134a is 0. If the motor phase of the reel 134a is 0, then the motors of the reels 134b and 134c are Determine whether the phase is 0. If the motor phase of the reels 134b, 134c is 0, all the reels 134a, 134b, 134c are on standby, and all phase excitation of the stepping motors 262 corresponding to the reels 134a, 134b, 134c is completed. It is determined that there is, and the excitation release waiting process S800 ends.

(State of reels 134a, 134b, 134c)
In this embodiment, a stepping motor 262 with a total of 252 steps is used to rotate the three reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. 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 262 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 134a, 134b, and 134c are represented by motor phases (parameters). The motor phase indicates the operating state of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 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 262 corresponding to the reels 134a, 134b and 134c in 1-2 phases to start rotating the reels 134a, 134b and 134c. At this time, the reel control means 306 shifts the motor phase to 3. Then, when the reels 134a, 134b, 134c reach a predetermined speed (less than 80 rpm/min) after, for example, 167 msec after the reels 134a, 134b, 134c are accelerated, 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 reel 134a reaches a stop position where the determined stop symbol can be stopped on the effective line A, the reel control means 306 excites all the phases of the stepping motor 262 corresponding to the reel 134a, and the phase to be excited is Stop processing of the reel 134a is started so as not to switch. At this time, the reel control means 306 shifts the motor phase to 1. In this way, the reel 134a decreases its rotational speed, stops after about 13 msec from the start of the stopping process, and maintains the stopped state. 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 S800 in lottery process S300)
Here, while the stepping motor 262 corresponding to one of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c to be stopped last among the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is energized in all phases, (there is no payout of medals) Assume that the next game is started and the reels 134a, 134b and 134c are started to rotate. In that case, the operation of one of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to the stepping motor 262 that is all-phase excited may become unstable. Specifically, any one of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c corresponding to the stepping motor 262 that is all-phase excited may be vibrating while being all-phase excited. Thus, if any one of the vibrating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c starts to rotate, 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. Process S800 is executed. That is, before the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c start rotating, the stepping motors 262 corresponding to all the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are awaited for all-phase excitation to be 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 262 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 134a, 134b, and 134c from starting to rotate in the game, and stabilize the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. This is a predetermined period of time from when one of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is stopped until the next one of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c can be stopped. (For example, 200 ms) or the time until the stop of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c 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 134a, 134b and 134c immediately after stopping the reels 134a, 134b and 134c.

Further, the excitation release waiting process S800 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 262 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 S800 can be increased. can be reduced.

(Excitation release waiting process S800 in payout process S700)
In the payout process S700, when the medal payout device 264 pays out medals, the excitation release wait process S800 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 S800 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 264 . If the excitation timing (all-phase excitation) of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c overlaps with the timing at which the medal payout device 264 is driven (activated), 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 264, before power is supplied to the medal payout device 264 to operate it (step S703-1), the payout control means 310 executes the excitation release waiting process S800.

As a result, the excitation (all-phase excitation) timing of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c and the timing at which the medal payout device 264 is driven can be made different. 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 264 while exciting the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 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 S800 is also executed each time one medal is paid out. Once the excitation release waiting process S800 is executed, the excitation of the stepping motor 262 is released, so it seems unnecessary to execute it multiple times. However, if it is determined whether or not the excitation release waiting process S800 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 S800 each time one medal is paid out without determining whether or not the excitation release waiting process S800 has been executed. can be done.

In the lottery process S300 and the payout process S700, the same subroutine (program) executes the excitation release waiting process S800. 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. 13 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. 13, 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 reel unit 134 in various modes, there is a possibility that the memory capacity of the game control process will be further limited 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 reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, which are physically independently recognizable, may be referred to as a device, and may be referred to as a motor phase. A value for controlling a device is sometimes referred to as a parameter.

Here, variables corresponding to parameters such as motor phases are placed in the work area for each of the three reels 134a, 134b, 134c (a plurality of devices).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the program and work area of the excitation release waiting process S800. Motor phases of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are successively arranged in the work area. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14B, the motor phase (_SMC_PHS+0) of the reel 134a is assigned to F010H of the work area, the motor phase (_SMC_PHS+1) of the reel 134b is assigned to F011H, and the motor phase (_SMC_PHS+1) of the reel 134c is assigned to F012H. A motor phase (_SMC_PHS+2) is assigned. Further, in motor phase (_SMC_PHS+0) to motor phase (_SMC_PHS+2), as shown in FIG. 14(c), any one of 0 to 3 is stored as a variable as the motor phase of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. .

The flowchart of the excitation release waiting process S800 is realized by, for example, the program of FIG. 14(a). "EXCFREE" on the first line of FIG. 14(a) indicates the start address of the subroutine. "JTQ NZ, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0), EXCFREE" on the second line is a command unique to the NC80EX to which "Q" is added. ) is subtracted (zero flag set to 1 when all bits are 0) is not 0, it indicates to move to EXCFREE. The commands on the second line correspond to steps S801 and S802 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 reel 134b and the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+2) of the reel 134c 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. The command on the third line corresponds to step S803 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 S804 in FIG. Then, "RET" on the fifth line returns to the main routine.

In the example of FIG. 14A, 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. 14(a) is 9 bytes. The total command length of the program of FIG. 14(a) is the JTQ instruction for each reel 134a, 134b, 134c when determining whether the motor phase of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c 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. 14(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 134a, 134b, 134c) corresponding to the same parameter (_SMC_PHS). , thereby reducing the number of commands and shortening the command length. More specifically, by reading out the values of the motor phases of the two reels 134b and 134c with one command using an instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+1)”), the reels 134b and 134c are read out 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. 14(b), by arranging the parameter variables such as the motor phase continuously in storage units, when referring to the variables for the motor phase or when checking the value thereof, 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. 15 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. 15, a reel 134d and a stop switch 130d are added as compared with the slot machine 100 of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the excitation release waiting process S1800 when the number of reels is four (reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d), and a diagram for explaining the program and work area of the excitation release waiting process S1800.

(Step S1801)
As shown in FIG. 16(a), when the excitation release waiting process S1800 is started, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 controls the reels 134a and 134b (shown as first and second reels in the figure). Get the motor phase.

(Step S1802)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether or not the motor phases of the reels 134a and 134b obtained in step S1801 are zero. As a result, if the motor phases of the reels 134a and 134b are 0, the process moves to step S1803, and if the motor phases of the reels 134a and 134b 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 134c and 134d (shown as the third and fourth reels in the drawing).

(Step S1804)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether or not the motor phases of the reels 134c and 134d acquired in step S1803 are zero. As a result, if the motor phases of the reels 134c and 134d are 0, the excitation release waiting process S1800 is terminated. 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. 16(b). In the work area, as shown in FIG. 16(c), motor phases of reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d are successively arranged.

In the program of FIG. 16(b), compared with FIG. 14(a), "JTQ NZ, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0), EXCFREE" on the second line of FIG. 14(a) is "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0)" is replaced by "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" on the third line of FIG. 16(b), and "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+1)" on the third line of FIG. 14(a) is changed to "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+2)" as in the fourth line of FIG. 16(b). "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0)" on the second line in FIG. 16(b) sets the contents of the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+0) of the reel 134a and the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+1) of the reel 134b to the HL register. indicate that 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. 16(b) indicates that if the second zero flag is not 0, it moves to EXCFREE. "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+2)" in the fourth line of FIG. 16(b) sets the contents of the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+2) of the reel 134c and the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS+3) of the reel 134d to the HL register. indicate that Also, "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" on the fifth line in FIG. Here, the commands on the second and third lines determine whether the motor phase of the reel 134a and the motor phase of the reel 134b are both 0, and the commands on the fourth and fifth lines determine whether the motor phase of the reel 134c is zero. It is determined whether the motor phase and the motor phase of the reel 134d are 0 or not.

Compared to FIG. 14(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. 14(a) is 4 bytes. On the other hand, since 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 4th line in FIG. 16(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 134a and 134b with one command using the instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+0)”), a 4-byte JTQ for each of the reels 134a and 134b 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 134c and 134d with one command using the instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS+2)”), a 4-byte JTQ for each of the reels 134c and 134d 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 S800 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. In other words, the excitation release waiting process S800 may be executed at any timing after the start switch 128 is operated and before the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c start rotating.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c 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 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped by energizing the stepping motor 262 in all phases. 134b and 134c may be stopped.

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)
134a, 134b, 134c Reel 200a Main CPU (CPU)
200b Main ROM
200c Main RAM
262 stepping motor (motor)
304 winning combination lottery means 306 reel control means 308 determination means 310 payout control means (game value giving means)

Claims (2)

a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
a motor for rotating the reel;
a winning combination lottery means for determining the propriety of a winning combination;
The plurality of reels are started to rotate, and in response to the operation of a predetermined stop switch, the motor corresponding to the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is excited to stop the reel, and a predetermined time after the excitation. reel control means for releasing the excitation when elapses;
determining means for determining whether the winning combination has won a prize;
a game value imparting means for imparting a game value of a value amount corresponding to the winning combination that has won;
with
The game value imparting means is
When the game value is awarded, the game value is awarded to the credit until the credit reaches the upper limit, and when the credit reaches the upper limit, the game value is paid out from a payout device,
When the game value is added to the credit, the game value is added without waiting for the excitation of the motor to be released, and when the game value is paid out from the payout device, the excitation is released after waiting for the excitation of the motor to be released. causing the game value to be paid out from the payout device after executing the waiting process;
stopping the operation of the payout device when a predetermined event occurs before the payout of the game value by the payout device is completed;
A game machine which operates the payout device again without performing the excitation release waiting process if a predetermined condition is satisfied after the operation of the payout device is stopped. a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
a motor for rotating the reel;
a winning combination lottery means for determining the propriety of a winning combination;
The plurality of reels are started to rotate, and in response to the operation of a predetermined stop switch, the motor corresponding to the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is excited to stop the reel, and a predetermined time after the excitation. reel control means for releasing the excitation when elapses;
determining means for determining whether the winning combination has won a prize;
a game value imparting means for imparting a game value of a value amount corresponding to the winning combination;
with
The game value imparting means is
When the game value is awarded, the game value is awarded to the credit until the credit reaches the upper limit, and when the credit reaches the upper limit, the game value is paid out from a payout device,
When the game value is added to the credit, the game value is added without waiting for the release of the excitation of the motor, and after the game value is added to the credit, the game value is paid out from the payout device. paying out the game value from the payout device after executing an excitation release waiting process for waiting for the release of the excitation of the motor regardless of the amount of value given to the credit;
stopping the operation of the payout device when a predetermined event occurs before the payout of the game value by the payout device is completed;
A game machine which operates the payout device again without performing the excitation release waiting process if a predetermined condition is satisfied after the operation of the payout device is stopped.

Images