JP2023091980A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To appropriately determine presence or absence of operation of a switch.SOLUTION: A game machine having a main control part for progressing a game and a sub-control part for executing a performance on the basis of information of the main control part includes: reel control means for performing rotary control of multiple reels in which multiple kinds of patterns are disposed respectively, and for performing stop control of each of reels corresponding to operated stop switches according to operation of the stop switches; and switch determination means for executing switch determination processing for determining presence or absence of operation of a switch for inputting a signal to the main control part according to the operation. The switch determination means executes switch determination processing at either timing from the time when reels become a steady state to the time when at least stop switches are operated, and does not execute switch determination processing during one portion or entire portion from the time when start switches are operated to the time when reels start to be rotated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

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 gaming machine, a lottery for a winning combination is performed in accordance with a player's betting of medals (game media) and operation of a start switch, and rotation of a plurality of reels on which various symbols are marked is controlled. . 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.

Further, in the slot machine, a plurality of game states are provided in which the player's degree of advantage (game profit) differs during the progress of the game. For example, when a winning combination with a large gaming profit (hereinafter referred to as a correct combination) and another winning combination are won in a winning type (hereinafter referred to as a selected winning combination), a stop switch is used as a winning condition for the correct combination. (hereinafter referred to as the correct operation mode) (hereinafter referred to as the operation mode of the winning condition for such a predetermined winning combination (assisting the winning of the correct combination)) simply assists the effect. There are also slot machines that provide an AT effect state in which a so-called AT (assist time) is executed, in which the player can easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the correct combination on the activated line. be. In addition, an RT (replay time) game state in which the probability of winning a replay combination is set to be high may be used, or a so-called ART game state in which the AT effect state and the RT game state are progressed at the same time may be used (for example, patent Reference 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-010751

Switches such as a bet switch, a start switch, and a stop switch are connected to the main control board of the slot machine. When such a switch is operated, a command indicating that the switch has been operated may be transmitted from the main control board to the sub-control board.

However, regardless of the progress of the game, if a switch is randomly determined whether or not the switch has been operated and a command indicating that the switch has been operated is sent, there is a risk of hindering the smooth transmission of other highly important commands. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately determining whether a switch has been operated or not.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a main control unit that progresses a game, and a sub-control unit that executes an effect based on information from the main control unit, Reel control for controlling the rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged according to the operation of the start switch, and controlling the stop of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch according to the operation of the stop switch. and switch determination means for executing a switch determination process for determining whether or not a switch for which a signal is input to the main control unit according to the operation is operated, wherein the switch determination means determines whether the reel is in a steady state. The switch determination process is executed at any timing between at least the time when the stop switch is operated, and part or all of the time from when the start switch is operated to when the reel starts to rotate. During this period, the switch determination process is not executed.
In order to solve the above-described problems, another gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising a main control section that progresses a game, and a sub-control section that executes an effect based on information from the main control section. According to the operation of the start switch, rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged is controlled, and according to the operation of the stop switch, the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is controlled to stop. reel control means; and switch determination means for executing a switch determination process for determining whether or not a switch whose signal is input to the main control unit according to the operation is operated, wherein the switch determination means determines whether the reel is stationary. The switch determination process is executed at any timing after the state is established and at least until the stop switch is operated. The switch determination process is not executed for a part or all of the period until the operation of is validated.
In order to solve the above-described problems, another gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising a main control section that progresses a game, and a sub-control section that executes an effect based on information from the main control section. According to the operation of the start switch, rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged is controlled, and according to the operation of the stop switch, the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is controlled to stop. reel control means; and switch determination means for executing a switch determination process for determining whether or not a switch whose signal is input to the main control unit according to the operation is operated, wherein the switch determination means determines whether the reel is stationary. The switch determination process is executed at any timing between when the state is entered and at least until the stop switch is operated, and the stop switch that is operated after the stop switch is operated corresponds to the stop switch. The switch determination process is not executed until the reel to be played is stopped.
In order to solve the above-described problems, another gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising a main control section that progresses a game, and a sub-control section that executes an effect based on information from the main control section. According to the operation of the start switch, rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged is controlled, and according to the operation of the stop switch, the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is controlled to stop. reel control means; switch determination means for executing switch determination processing for determining whether or not a switch for which a signal is input to the main control unit according to the operation is operated; and winning determination means for determining a winning combination. The switch determination means executes the switch determination process at any timing between when the reels are in a steady state and at least until the stop switch is operated, and the winning determination means wins a prize. The switch determination process is not executed during one or both of the determination and the execution of the process associated with the winning determination.

According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not a switch has been operated.

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 a figure which shows a prize 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. It is a flow chart explaining CPU initialization processing in a main control board. 4 is a flowchart for explaining cold start processing in the main control board; It is a flow chart explaining error stop processing in a main control board. 4 is a flowchart for explaining set value switching processing in a main control board; It is a flow chart explaining initialization start processing in a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the state return processing in a main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the game start processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining game medal insertion processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining internal lottery processing in a main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the design code setting processing in the main control board. 4 is a flowchart for explaining execution flag setting processing in a main control board 200; It is a flow chart explaining the non-advantageous production state processing executed in the state-specific module execution processing. It is a flowchart explaining the distribution effect|presentation state process performed by the module execution process classified by state. It is a flowchart explaining the normal production|presentation state processing performed by module execution processing classified by state. FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining an indication effect state process executed in the state-specific module execution process; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining AT effect state processing executed in state-specific module execution processing; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining special precursor effect state processing executed in state-specific module execution processing; FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the special effect|presentation state process performed by the module execution process classified by state. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing during rotation of the drum in the main control board; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining a spinning drum stopping process in a main control board; FIG. It is a flow chart explaining display judging processing in a main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the payout process in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining the game transition processing in the main control board. FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining save processing at power-off in the main control board; FIG. It is a flow chart explaining timer interruption processing in a main control board. It is a timing chart for explaining the flow of processing of one game. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining processing of switch determination means and command transmission means; FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another process of the switch determination means and the command transmission means; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining electrical connections around a main CPU; 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a CPU core; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining the configuration of a register; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory map; 4 is a circuit diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of each display unit connected to the main control board; FIG. It is an explanatory view for explaining concrete lighting control of a throwing number indicator. 4 is a flowchart showing specific processing of a DYNMOUT module; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of specific commands of the DYNMOUT module; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a mode of deriving lighting information of an input number indicator based on the input number;

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.

(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 front lower 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 is a switch used when inserting (betting) a predetermined number of medals among the medals electrically stored (hereinafter simply referred to as credits) inside the slot machine 100 . The bet switch 116 includes a max bet switch that inserts (bets) the specified number of medals required for one game, and a 1 bet switch that additionally inserts one medal within the specified number. included.

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 front upper door 104 and at the left and right positions on the rear surface of the front lower 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 operation 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. In addition, a receiving tray portion 140 for storing medals dispensed from the medal discharge 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 rotated from the OFF position to the ON position, the power is turned on through the power switch 144, and the setting change mode is entered. , the setting value can be changed (simply referred to as setting change). The set value indicates the degree of advantage of the player (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). The set value is incremented by 1 each time the setting change switch is pressed in a state in which the setting can be changed. 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. Note that setting changes are possible only for a certain period of time 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 specified number of medals are betted, the activated line 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 displaying a replay combination, which will be described later in detail, on the activated line. Including any cases where medals are automatically inserted based on Also, the activated line is a line for judging the winning of the winning combination, and there is one activated line in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3(b), among the nine symbols (three reels×three rows of upper, middle and lower) facing the symbol display window 108, the effective line A is the middle row of the left reel 110a, the lower 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, six invalid lines B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, and D shown in FIG. 3B are assumed.

When the player operates the start switch 118, the game is started, the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c is controlled, 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 result 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, in the above-mentioned one game, a medal is inserted through the medal insertion section 114, a credited medal is inserted through operation of the bet switch 116, or a replay combination is 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 lottery 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 capable of receiving medals is won, the game is played until the medals are paid out. 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. In addition, in order to distinguish such a single game in which a winning type lottery is executed and one payout can be received from a pseudo-game (pseudo-game) to be described later, it may be referred to as a basic game. Here, even when the basic game is played alone or when the basic game is played in combination with a pseudo-game, completion of the basic game is regarded as completion of one game. Therefore, the completion of the pseudo-game does not affect the counting of the number of games in the slot machine 100. - 特許庁However, with respect to the number of games managed by a hall computer (not shown), the pseudo-game may be counted as the number of games, or may not be counted, depending on the specifications.

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 detector 414b that detects 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 in a variety of manners to control the rotation of the reels (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. Further, in this embodiment, as a reel performance, the basic game is interrupted in response to the operation of the start switch 118 in the basic game to delay the progress of the basic game, and during that time, the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are controlled to rotate. In some cases, a pseudo-game similar to the basic game is performed in which the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are temporarily stopped according to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. In addition, the pseudo game ends on condition that the start switch 118 is operated again or a predetermined time has passed since the temporary stop control, and the rotation control of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c in the basic game is resumed. In addition, as an example of a pseudo-game, in response to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, predetermined symbols in each reel 110a, 110b, 110c (e.g., symbols constituting a bonus combination), automatic temporary stop control You can also In such a pseudo-game, it is possible to execute an effect in a rotation control and stop mode similar to the basic game or in a different rotation control and stop mode, so that the interest in the game can be enhanced. Temporary stop means that the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c seem to be stopped at first glance, but by continuing to change the phase signals of the stepping motors 152 of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c within 500 msec, the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c indicate a state in which they are not completely stopped. Control indicates control for temporarily stopping the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. However, unless otherwise specified, both stop and temporary stop are simply treated as stop in the sense that the position is maintained without rotating in one direction. 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are controlled to rotate, and according to the operation of stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c corresponding to the rotating left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, the corresponding left reel is operated. Stop control and temporary stop control are simply treated as stop control in the sense of stopping 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c.

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 activated 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. Also, 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 game state transition information, 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, and resets the count value (determines the initial value by changing the numerical sequence) after a predetermined number of counts, thereby looping the count value within a predetermined numerical range. The main control board 200 obtains a random number by extracting a count value from the random number generator 200d at a predetermined time. The random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as the winning type lottery random number) is used to determine the game profit to be given to the player, for example, the winning type lottery means 304 to determine the winning type. be done.

(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. Mainly 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 a selected winning type in which a correct combination and an incorrect combination are duplicated is won, the auxiliary performance notifies the correct operation mode of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c which is a winning condition for the correct combination. It is a performance. With such an auxiliary effect, the player can easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the correct combination on the activated line A. The correct combination means a winning combination that is more advantageous than the incorrect combination, including not only the payout of medals due to the winning of the winning combination, but also all the game profits obtained by winning the winning combination. 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. In particular, in this embodiment, as the main notification means (instruction monitor), the main payout display section 132 displays a numerical value (instruction number) that can specify the operation mode (hitting order), and as other notification means, the liquid crystal display section. 124, an effect lamp 126, and a speaker 128 notify the operation order.

(Table used in main control board 200)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining winning combinations, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 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 easiness 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, a winning combination "RBB" is provided as a bonus combination. Also, as the replay combination, winning combinations "replay 1" to "replay 4" are provided. In addition, as the small winning combination, winning combinations “small winning combination 1” to “small winning combination 38” are provided. 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. In the following, the winning role of "small role 1" to "small role 6" is the winning role of "9-piece role", the winning role of "small role 7" is the winning role of "three-piece role", and the winning role of "small role 8". ~ A "small win 38" may be abbreviated as a winning win "one win".

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 an operation mode (operation order or operation timing) is set as a winning condition for a 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, the winning hands "replay 1" to "replay 3", the winning hands "small hand 1" to "small hand 6", "small hand 11", "small hand 12", "small hand 16" to "small hand The symbols forming the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination 19 and the small winning combination 38 are arranged on each reel 110 so that they can always be displayed on the activated line A by the stop control described above. Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB=1. On the other hand, for example, the winning role "RBB", the winning role "Replay 4", the winning roles "small role 7" to "small role 10", "small role 13" to "small role 15", "small role 20" to " The symbols forming the symbol combination corresponding to the "small win 37" are not necessarily arranged so as to be displayable on the effective line A by the above-described stop control on each reel 110, so that a so-called dropout may occur. be. Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB≠1.

As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of winning areas are defined in the winning type lottery table, and the winning type to be the lottery target differs depending on each game state, and the presence or absence of non-winning (losing) differs. In FIG. 6, a winning area (winning type) allocated for each game state (non-internal game state (non-internal), RBB internal game state (RBB internal), RBB active game state (RBB active)) is indicated by "⊚" or "○", 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 area 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 acquires 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 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” 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 prescribed number, or increases the probability of operating the conditional device related to winning for each prescribed number, It is activated at a predetermined time and can be continued until the result of the number of games not exceeding 12 is obtained. 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.

According to the winning type lottery table of FIG. 6, for example, the winning area 0 is associated with the winning type "lost". No combination is displayed on the activated line A, and medals are not paid out.

Further, the winning area 1 is associated with the winning type "Bell ALL" in which the winning hands "small hand 1" to "small hand 38" are overlapped, and the winning area 2 is associated with the winning hand "small hand 8". ” to “small win 38” are associated with the winning type “1 card ALL”.

In addition, the winning areas 3 to 13 are associated with winning types "reach 1" to "reach 11" in which any one of the winning combination "1-card combination" in which the number of payouts is 1 is duplicated. ing. In the following description, the 11 winning types in the winning areas 3 to 13 may be simply referred to as the winning type "reach".

In addition, in the winning area 14, a winning combination "small combination 14", a winning combination "small combination 32", a winning combination "small combination 33", a winning combination "small combination 36", and a winning combination "small combination 36" are provided. The winning type "Cherry A", which overlaps with the winning combination "small winning combination 38", is associated with the winning area 15, and the winning combination "small winning combination 7" with the number of payouts of 3 and the number of payouts of 1 is associated with the winning area 15. Winning type "Cherry B" including the winning combination "small win 36" in duplicate is associated with it. In addition, below, the two winning types of the winning areas 14 and 15 may be simply abbreviated as the winning type "cherry".

In addition, in the winning areas 16 to 31, there are either a correct combination (winning combination "small combination 1" to "small combination 6") in which the number of payouts is 9, and an incorrect combination (winning combination) in which the number of payouts is 1. "Small win 16" to "Small win 35") selected winning types (winning type "batting order bell A3" to "batting order bell A6", winning type "batting order bell B3" to "batting order bell B6", winning types "batting order bell C3" to "batting order bell C6", and winning types "batting order bell D3" to "batting order bell D6") are associated with each other. In the following description, the 16 winning types in the winning areas 16 to 31 may be abbreviated simply as the winning type "batting order bell".

In addition, the winning area 32 is associated with the winning type "common bell 1" in which the winning combinations "small winning combination 1", "small winning combination 17", and "small winning combination 18" are overlapped. , the winning type "common bell 2", which includes overlapping winning hands "small winning combination 2", "small winning combination 17", and "small winning combination 18". to "small win 13", "small win 15", and "small win 36" to "small win 38" in duplicate.

The winning area 35 is associated with the winning type "replay A" in which the winning combinations "replay 1" to "replay 4" are overlapped. Winning type "Replay B", which overlaps "Replay 2" and "Replay 4", is associated.

The winning area 37 is associated with the winning type "RBB" which includes the winning combination "RBB" alone, and the winning areas 38 to 40 are associated with the winning combination "RBB" and the payout number of 1. Winning types "RBB reach number 1" to "RBB reach number 3" in which any one of the roles "1-card role" is duplicated are associated, and the winning area 41 contains the winning role "RBB" and the number of payouts. There are 1 winning hand "small hand 14", winning hand "small hand 32", winning hand "small hand 33", winning hand "small hand 36", and winning hand "small hand 38" overlap. The winning type "RBB Cherry A" is associated with the winning type "RBB Cherry A" included in the winning area 42. The win type "RBB common 1 sheet" in which "small winning combination 36" to "small winning combination 38" are duplicated is associated.

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, and the operation timings of the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c (operating positions of the reel 110) are 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, if the winning type "Reach 1" in the winning area 3 is won and the operation is performed in the correct operation mode (batting order 1, 2), the winning combination "small win" is the correct combination with the number of payouts of 1. Stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to "13" is preferentially displayed on the activated line A. In addition, when the operation is performed in the batting order 3 to 6, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "1-card combination", which is an incorrect combination of the number of payouts of 1, is stopped so that it is always displayed on the activated line A. control is done. Also, when winning in each of the winning types in the winning areas 4 to 14, the number of payouts will be 1 if the correct operation mode (batting order 1, 2) is performed in the same way as the winning type "Reach 1" in the winning area 3. Stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the correct combination of 1 is preferentially displayed on the effective line A, and if the operation is performed in the batting order of 3 to 6, the incorrect combination of the payout number of 1 is performed. Stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to a certain winning combination "one-piece combination" is always displayed on the effective line A.例文帳に追加

In addition, if the winning type "Battering order bell A3" in the winning area 16 is won and an operation is performed in the correct operation mode (Battering order 3), the winning combination "Small win 3", which is the correct combination with the number of payouts of 9, is performed. Stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to is preferentially displayed on the activated line A. In addition, when the operation is performed in the batting order 1, 2, 4 to 6, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "1-card combination", which is an incorrect combination of the number of payouts of 1, is 1/1 on the effective line A. , 1/2 or 1/4.

It should be noted that the winning probability (set number) of each winning type in the winning areas 16 to 31 is set to be equal. Since the player usually cannot know which type of winning has been won, the winning areas 16 to 31 as described above are provided to make it difficult for the correct combination to win. Further, as described above, even if the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated in an operation mode in which the incorrect combination is preferentially displayed, the symbol combination corresponding to the incorrect combination is necessarily displayed on the activated line A. Therefore, depending on the operation mode, there is a possibility that a missing item may occur (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 small 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. The internal win flag is turned off after it is displayed and the processing required to play the next game without medals is performed.

(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. Winning types that can be won in each game state are represented by "⊚" and "◯" in FIG.

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, about 1/30). The game state control means 312 changes the game state according to 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).

In the RBB active gaming state, the probability of winning the replay combination is set to zero. In this RBB active gaming state, the winning type "Bell ALL" is set in the winning area 1 and the "1 card ALL" is set in the winning area 2 as the winning types that can be won. When the winning type "Bell ALL" is won, the symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning hands "Small hand 1" to "Small hand 38" is displayed on the activated line A, and when the winning type "1 sheet ALL" is won. , and stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to any one of the winning combination “small combination 8” to “small combination 38” is displayed on the activated line A. Here, the expected winning number per unit game in the RBB-activated game state is lowered by such a configuration of the small combination.

When the conditions for ending the RBB-activated game state are met, that is, when the number of winning coins exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 22), the game state control means 312 shifts the game state to the non-internal game 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 the middle game state (3).

In the RBB internal gaming state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to about 1/7.3. 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 hand "RBB" cannot be displayed on the activated line A in the winning game of the winning hand "RBB", after that, the winning hand "RBB" is replaced by a smaller combination or a smaller combination. 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 game state shifts to the RBB inside game state, the RBB inside game state is maintained without any transition of the game 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 types of correct hands are won in duplicate, there are few opportunities for winning the correct hands, so the correct hands are awarded more than in the AT presentation state in other game states. This reduces the number of chances that players can play, making it difficult for players to increase the number of medals they own. 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. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the effect state. Below, the effect states transitioned by the effect state control means 314 in the main control board 200 will be described in detail.

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 a player, including a game section, is defined as an advantageous 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 information indicating the contents of instructions may be transmitted to peripheral boards such as the sub-control board 202 only when it is displayed on the means. Also, unlike the advantageous section, the game section in which the auxiliary effect (instruction function) cannot be executed is defined as the non-advantageous section. Therefore, the plurality of effect states 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 production states (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 selected winning type in which the correct answer role has the maximum payout (here, 9), an assistance that assists the correct answer win When effecting (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 change 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. Also, regardless of such management, the advantageous section is forcibly terminated when the following termination conditions are satisfied. For example, in the slot machine 100, the value counted in the advantageous section reaches a predetermined value (for example, the number of staying games reaches 1500 games or 3000 games, or MY exceeds 2400). Interval ends forcibly. Note that MY indicates the difference number of sheets when 0 is the lowest difference number of sheets. In the case of a medal-less game machine, which is capable of progressing the game without the intervention of real medals while maintaining the playability of the slot machine, there is no need to set a limit on the number of staying games. The advantageous section is forcibly terminated based on exceeding the In either case, the effect state control means 314 resets all the information updated in the advantageous section (all variables affecting the performance related to the instruction function) by shifting from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section. .

(Non-advantageous section, advantageous section)
In the non-advantageous section, since the auxiliary effect is not executed, the number of medals that can be obtained is limited. Here, a non-advantageous production state is provided as the production state of the non-advantageous section.

In the advantageous section, it is possible to obtain a large number of medals while suppressing the consumption of medals by causing the auxiliary performance execution means to execute the assistance performance when the selected winning type is won. Therefore, by shifting to the advantageous section, the player can progress the game more advantageously than in the non-advantageous section. Here, as the effect state of the advantageous section, there are provided a normal effect state, a sign effect state, an AT effect state, a distribution effect state, a special sign effect state, and a special effect state, each of which has a different playability. Each effect state will be individually described below.

(Normal production state)
The normal effect state belongs to the advantageous section, and is the effect state in which the player is likely to stay at the start of the game among the plurality of effect 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 a probability corresponding to the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. When the AT lottery is won, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to a portent performance state corresponding to the preceding stage of the AT performance state (1), and raises the degree of expectation that the shift to the AT performance state is decided. A performance control means 334 is caused to execute a portent performance. In addition, even if the AT lottery is not won, the effect control means 314 may cause the effect control means 334 to execute the precursor effect while maintaining the normal effect state, and the player is instructed to enter the AT effect state. It can be expected that the migration has been decided. In addition, the performance state control means 314 executes a so-called chance zone (CZ) in which the probability of winning an AT lottery is increased over a plurality of games each time a predetermined number of games are played in the normal performance state. Also when the AT lottery is won in such a chance zone, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the precursor effect state (1).

(Omen production state)
The portent effect state belongs to the advantageous section and is a state of effect in which the portent effect is executed for a predetermined number of games (here, for example, a predetermined number of games equal to or less than 32 games). The sign effect executed in the sign effect state (main sign effect) and the sign effect (fake sign effect) executed in the normal effect state are similar in display mode and the number of continuous games. Therefore, the player cannot distinguish which effect state the player is staying in just by viewing the precursor effect. However, the portent performance executed in the portent performance state is different from the portent performance executed in the normal performance state in that the result that the transition to the AT performance state is finally determined is reported. Therefore, the player desires to be in the foreshadow effect state in which the result of the decision to shift to the AT effect state is notified in the foreshadow effect. Then, when the precursor effect state ends, the effect state control means 314 always shifts the effect state to the AT effect state (2). That is, when the portent effect is being executed in the portent effect state, the state is certainly shifted to the AT effect state. In this respect, the portent effect state is more advantageous to the player than the normal effect state. Further, the determination of the transition to the portent effect state is synonymous with the subsequent determination of the transition to the AT effect state. As another example, a transition to a specific effect state may be expressed in conjunction with a direct transition to an AT effect state.

(AT production state)
The AT effect state belongs to an advantageous section, and until a predetermined end condition is satisfied, for example, the difference number, which is the difference between the number of inserted medals (number of bets) and the number of payouts, is a predetermined difference number (300 or 100). ) is reached, the auxiliary effect is executed. An effect state control means 314 performs an extra lottery for the difference number with a probability corresponding to the winning type determined by the winning type lottery in the AT effect state. When the extra lottery is won, the performance state control means 314 adds the winning difference number to the predetermined difference number which is the end condition. In this way, the termination condition of the AT effect state changes. Then, when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the normal effect state (3).

Thus, in the present embodiment, the player expects to shift to the AT effect state while staying in the normal effect state. It is hoped that it is an omen production in the production state. Here, when the transition to the AT effect state is not notified in the precursor effect, the normal effect state is continued, and when the transition to the AT effect state is notified in the precursor effect, the AT effect state is changed after the end of the precursor effect state. executed.

When the AT effect state ends, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the normal effect state (3), shifts the effect state to the non-advantageous effect state (4), and resets the advantageous section. There is When the advantageous interval is reset, as described above, the information updated in the advantageous interval (all variables affecting the performance of the pointing function) is cleared. However, the player does not know whether the effect state has shifted to the normal effect state or to the non-advantageous effect state, depending on the effect mode at the time of transition.

(Unfavorable production state)
The non-advantageous production state belongs to the non-advantageous section and is the initial state of production. Effect state control means 314, in the non-advantageous effect state, for example, every game, with a probability of about 1/2 to determine the transition to the advantageous interval, when the transition to the advantageous interval is determined, the effect state without fail , to shift to a distribution performance state (5). Therefore, the number of staying games in the non-advantageous effect state is often short (several games).

(Distribution state)
The apportionment effect state belongs to the advantageous section, and is a state of effect in which, for example, only one game is passed through when shifting from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section. In the distribution production state, the production state is distributed to either the normal production state or the precursor production state. Specifically, the effect state control means 314, for example, determines the transition to the portent effect state with a probability of 1/10 and shifts the effect state to the portent effect state (6), or normally with a probability of 9/10. A shift to the performance state is determined and the performance state is shifted to the normal performance state (7). However, the distribution ratio is not limited to the premonition effect state: normal effect state=1:9, and can be arbitrarily determined.

If the foreshadowing effect state is determined in the distribution effecting state, the effecting state is certainly shifted to the AT effecting state through the predicting effecting state that is continued for a predetermined number of games (through the predicting effect). . In addition, when the premonitory effect state is not determined in the distribution effect state, the effect state becomes the normal effect state. However, in the normal performance state, the probability of winning the AT lottery is varied depending on the route to the normal performance state. For example, as described above, when the production state directly transitions from the AT production state to the normal production state (3), the production state control means 314 shifts from the AT production state (shifts from the non-advantageous production state). AT lottery is performed with a low probability (for example, 1/4000) in the normal effect state.

On the other hand, when the production state shifts from the non-advantageous production state and the distribution production state to the normal production state due to the transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section (7), the production state control means 314 controls the non-advantageous section. AT lottery is performed with a high probability (for example, 1/8) in the normal performance state shifted from . Therefore, in the normal effect state (through the non-advantageous section) shifted from the non-advantageous effect state, the AT lottery will be won eventually. Here, two patterns of low probability (for example, 1/4000) and high probability (for example, 1/8) have been described as the winning probability of AT lottery, but three or more patterns are provided for the winning probability, In the normal effect state shifted from the non-advantageous effect state, the AT lottery may be performed with a relatively high winning probability. In addition, the winning probability is not limited to 1/8, 1/4000, etc., and the normal production state that has shifted from the non-advantageous production state is more likely to enter the AT production state than the normal production state that has not shifted from the non-advantageous production state. It is sufficient if the transition is easy to determine, for example, the AT lottery winning probability in the normal performance state shifted from the non-advantageous performance state is set higher than the AT lottery winning probability in the normal performance state not shifted from the non-advantageous performance state. If so, the winning probability can be arbitrarily set.

However, the performance state control means 314 does not immediately shift to the precursor performance state even if the AT lottery is won in the normal performance state shifted from the non-advantageous performance state, and after the distribution performance state ends, for example, During the block period of 96 games, the player is made to stay in the normal performance state and prohibited from shifting to the AT performance state. Concretely, the production state control means 314 turns on the present sign permission flag when the AT lottery is won in the normal production state shifted from the non-advantageous production state. This portent permission flag is a flag indicating whether or not the transition to the portent effect state can be performed, and when it is turned ON, the transition to the portent effect state is permitted. Once the omen permission flag is turned on, the on state is maintained until transition to the omen effect state, so even if the AT lottery is won after that, the omen permission flag remains on. Note that the effect state control means 314 determines the number of games within 96 games by lottery at the time of transition from the distribution effect state to the normal effect state, and sets it as a block period. However, the block period is set so that 96 games are often selected.

The effect state control means 314 counts the number of games played after the distribution effect state ends, and shifts the effect state to the portent effect state during the block period, regardless of whether or not the sign permission flag is turned ON. don't let Then, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the portent effect state ( 8), reset this precursor permission flag. Therefore, in the normal performance state shifted from the non-advantageous performance state, even if the AT lottery is won early, the state does not shift to the portent performance state unless at least 96 games corresponding to the block period are completed.

In this way, the player can obtain the following benefits through the non-advantageous effect state (non-advantageous section). That is, with a probability of 1/10, it immediately shifts to the portent effect state, and then shifts to the AT effect state through the portent effect state, or, with a probability of 9/10, it shifts to the normal effect state and the block period elapses. Afterwards, the portent performance is executed, and the state is shifted to the AT performance state through the portent performance state. Then, after the non-advantageous production state and the distribution production state are ended, for example, after 0 to 96 games have elapsed, the sign production starts, and after the sign production ends, that is, the non-advantageous production state and the distribution production state are ended. Therefore, for example, after 32 to 128 games have been played, the state is almost shifted to the AT effect state. Winning an AT lottery with a high probability during a predetermined number of games is sometimes referred to as "heaven" or "heaven mode". Therefore, the player wishes to shift to a non-advantageous effect state (non-advantageous section), that is, to reset the advantageous section.

Here, when passing through a non-advantageous production state, that is, when transitioning from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section, a block period is provided while adopting a normal production state that easily shifts to the AT production state with a high probability. , the start opportunity is biased to 128 games after the end of the non-advantageous presentation state and the apportionment presentation state. In other words, even if the AT effect state ends and the player is demoted to the normal effect state, there is a high possibility that the AT effect state will be executed again (pulled back) until 128 games have been played. Therefore, the player continues the game in anticipation of the return of the AT effect state after the end of the AT effect state, so that the operating rate of the slot machine 100 can be improved.

In addition, the performance state control means 314 increases the winning probability of the AT lottery each time a predetermined number of games are played, even in the normal performance state shifted from the non-advantageous performance state, similarly to the normal performance state shifted from the AT performance state. A chance zone is executed over a plurality of games. When the AT lottery is won in such a chance zone, regardless of whether it is the block period or not, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the precursor effect state. In addition, in the normal effect state that has shifted from the non-advantageous effect state, it should be possible to shift to the precursor effect state after the block period has elapsed. Then, by deciding to shift to the AT performance state by itself, the AT performance state that should have been originally acquired is lost instead, and the player's desire to play may decrease. Therefore, when the AT lottery is won by itself in the chance zone in the normal performance state shifted from the non-advantageous performance state, the performance state control means 314 changes the performance state to the non-advantageous performance state again after the subsequent AT performance state ends. Move (4). In this way, the player can fully receive the game profit from going through the non-advantageous presentation state. In addition, the player expects that the chance zone will be won before the 96 games that are likely to be selected as the block period, so that the AT lottery will be won in the chance zone, that is, the AT effect state will be executed at least twice. can do.

In the present embodiment, as described above, when the AT effect state ends, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state directly to the normal effect state (3) and the effect state to the non-advantageous effect state. There is case (4). Here, as a condition for shifting the effect state to the non-advantageous effect state, winning in the AT lottery to shift to the AT effect state having a predetermined game profit can be mentioned. For example, in the AT effect state, there are a plurality of types of AT effect states with different odds of adding the number of continuous games and the difference number. When a specific AT performance state among them is won, the performance state control means 314 always shifts the performance state to a non-advantageous performance state after the end of the AT performance state (4). Also, even if a specific AT effect state is not won, the effect state control means 314 may change the effect state to a non-advantageous effect state with a predetermined probability after the end of the AT effect state (4).

Here, the advantageous section is reset once. Therefore, the player can shift to an AT effect state with a high game profit with a relatively small number of games from the start of the number of games allowed in the advantageous section, for example, 1500 games or 3000 games, and It is possible to obtain a game profit by effectively using the number of staying games allowed in the advantageous section.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, after the AT effect state ends, when the AT lottery is won in the normal effect state, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the precursor effect state (1). However, after the number of staying games in the normal effect state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 600 games) without shifting to the AT effect state, when the AT lottery is won in the normal effect state, the effect state control means 314 Finally, it decides to shift to a non-advantageous performance state, and informs that the performance state is not shifted to the portent performance state, but the portent performance (fake portent performance) is performed and the direct transition to the AT performance state is not performed. After that, first, the state is shifted to a special portent presentation state (9). In addition, here, as a predetermined transition condition for determining the transition to the non-advantageous effect state (non-advantageous section), after the number of staying games in the normal effect state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 600 games), the normal The AT lottery is won in the production state, but not limited to this case, as a predetermined transition condition, after the number of staying games in the advantageous section reaches the predetermined number of games, the AT lottery is performed in the normal production state. may be elected. Further, as a predetermined transition condition, instead of or in addition to the above, the number of staying games in the normal effect state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 871 games) (so-called ceiling function), and the chance zone It is also possible to win the AT lottery again based on the fact that the AT lottery was not won in (CZ).

(Special omen production state)
The special portent performance state belongs to an advantageous section and is a state of performance in which a predetermined predetermined number of games (for example, 10G) is played, and a special performance state lottery is performed and a portent performance indicating the degree of expectation of transition to the special performance state. to run. Here, the special effect state lottery is a lottery for adding the number of difference, and when the difference number is added one or more times, the transition to the special effect state is determined. A performance state control means 314 performs a special performance state lottery with a probability corresponding to the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Here, the special effect state lottery is designed so that the game profit is stable and varies step by step according to the set value. For example, with two arbitrarily extracted set values, the one with the higher set value is designed to have a higher probability that the difference number will be added by the special effect state lottery than the one with the lower set value. Therefore, for example, the expected winning number to be added is 100 at setting 1 and 200 at setting 6, and the higher the set value, the more likely it is to obtain a game profit. When the special performance state lottery is won, the performance state control means 314 sets the accumulated difference number (finished number) as the end condition of the special performance state, and shifts the performance state to the special performance state (10). . If the special performance state lottery is not won, the performance state control means 314 directly shifts the performance state to the non-advantageous performance state (11). Here, in the special effect state, the difference number is added by the special effect state lottery. The difference number may be added by a lottery when a so-called rare combination such as "reach eye" or winning type "cherry" is won. Also, here, an example of adding the difference number in the special effect state has been described, but this is not the only case, and the winning number (payout number) or the number of continuous games may be added.

(Special production state)
A special effect state (special state) belongs to an advantageous section, and an auxiliary effect is executed until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. Such an end condition is, for example, that the award of the game profit determined before the start of the special effect state is completed during the special effect state, such as when the acquired difference number reaches the end number. . For example, at the end of the special portent effect state (at the start of the special effect state), the end number (cumulative total of added differential number) is determined by the special effect state lottery in the special portent effect state. Then, in the special effect state, when the ending number is given to the player (when the obtained difference number reaches the ending number), the end condition is considered to be satisfied, and the special effect state ends. Here, the ending number of coins is not changed in the special effect state (the special effect state is not extended). Then, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to a non-advantageous effect state when a predetermined end condition is satisfied (12).

When the player wins the AT lottery after the number of staying games in the normal effect state exceeds a predetermined number of games (for example, 600 games), the player is sure to shift to the non-advantageous effect state via the special predictive effect state ( 11), (12) As a result, it is possible to shift to the AT effect state. Here, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to a non-advantageous effect state and once resets the advantageous section, so that the player can play the number of staying games allowed in the advantageous section, such as 1500 games or 3000 games. From the start of the game, it is possible to shift to an AT performance state with a high game profit, and to obtain a game profit by effectively using the number of staying games allowed in the advantageous section.

In addition, in the normal effect state through the special effect state, the non-advantageous effect state, and the distribution effect state, the probability of winning the AT lottery is higher than in the normal effect state directly transferred from the AT effect state. A predetermined display is made on the liquid crystal display unit 124 to suggest that there is a high possibility of shifting to the AT effect state so that the player can grasp it.

However, when the AT lottery is won after the number of staying games exceeds the predetermined number of games (for example, 600 games) in the normal production state, and when the AT lottery is won before the predetermined number of games, the advantageous section is Although it has been reset, the game profit does not change much from the viewpoint that the AT effect state can be executed once. In the latter, the AT effect state is started after the precursor effect state ends, that is, within 32 games, but in the former case, the AT effect state is often started after the block period has elapsed. Then, it can be said that the game profit is smaller in the former in that the medals are consumed in the normal game state until the shift to the AT effect state. Therefore, when the AT lottery is won after the number of staying games in the normal performance state exceeds the predetermined number of games, the state is shifted to the special portent performance state, the special performance state lottery is executed, and when the lottery is won, the special performance is performed. Additional game profit is given depending on the state. In this way, if the AT lottery is won after the number of staying games in the normal effect state exceeds the predetermined number of games, the gaming profit is higher than if the AT lottery is won while the number of staying games has not reached the predetermined number of games. The size increases, and the player can get a sense of satisfaction. Therefore, when the number of staying games in the normal effect state increases, the player can expect that the game profit will increase, and will continue the game. Thus, the operating rate of the slot machine 100 can be improved.

In the special effect state executed here, as described above, the higher the set value, the easier it is to stably obtain a game profit. Further, only the game profit determined before the start of the special performance state is given in the special performance state, and the game profit is not added (added) during the special performance state. Therefore, in the special effect state, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation range of the expected winning number according to the set value. Then, it becomes possible to increase the design value of the expected number of winning coins in the AT effect state.

In addition, since the special effect state shifts after the number of staying games in the normal effect state exceeds the predetermined number of games, the number of times is less likely to fluctuate compared to the AT effect state, and the special effect state is executed at a stable frequency. . Then, even if the fluctuation range of the expected winning number in the AT effect state becomes large, in this special effect state, the fluctuation range of the expected winning number is further suppressed according to the set value, and the AT It is possible to increase the design value of the expected number of winning tokens in the effect state.

Also, after the end of the AT effect state, it directly shifts to the normal effect state (3), and when the number of staying games in the normal effect state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 871 games) without shifting to the AT effect state ( A so-called ceiling function), the effect state control means 314 resets the advantageous section and shifts the effect state to the non-advantageous effect state (13). Then, as described above, after the end of the non-advantageous production state and the distribution production state, for example, after 0 to 96 games have elapsed, the precursor production starts, and after the completion of the precursor production, that is, the non-advantageous production state and the distribution production state After finishing, for example, after 32 to 128 games have been played, it is possible to shift to the AT effect state. Therefore, if the game is continued in the normal effect state without shifting to the AT effect state, the AT effect state is shifted to within a predetermined number of games (for example, 999 games). With such a ceiling function, the player can obtain a sense of security that he can receive relief measures even if he is unlucky enough to consume a large amount of medals. In addition, when the normal effect state is consumed to some extent, the expected number of winnings when the game is continued increases, and the game continues to the ceiling (for example, 999 games), so that the operating rate of the slot machine 100 can be improved. can.

Incidentally, the predetermined number of games (for example, 96 to 871 games) in such ceiling function is determined at the following timing. For example, when the AT production state directly transitions to the normal production state (3), the production state control means 314, when shifting from the AT production state to the normal production state, determines the predetermined number of games of the ceiling function in the normal production state ( For example, 96-871 games) are determined. In addition, when shifting to the normal effect state via the non-advantageous effect state and the distribution effect state (7), the effect state control means 314, at the time of transition from the distribution effect state to the normal effect state, in the normal effect state A predetermined number of games for the ceiling function (for example, 96 to 871 games) is determined. However, unlike the case of shifting from the AT production state to the normal production state, in the case of shifting to the normal production state via the non-advantageous production state and the distribution production state, the AT lottery is won with a high probability, so the block period Waiting for the elapse of, it often shifts to an omen production state, and the ceiling function is rarely executed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the probability of winning the AT lottery in the normal effect state is high (for example, 1/8) when the non-advantageous effect state is changed to the normal effect state, and the AT effect state is changed to the normal effect state. When directly transitioning to, low probability (eg, 1/4000) has been described as an example, but not limited to this case, for example, when directly transitioning from the AT production state to the normal production state, the normal production state starts The probability of winning the AT lottery at that time is low, but it may shift to a high probability by a promotion lottery, and may shift to a low probability by a demotion lottery. In addition, when the AT performance state is directly shifted to the normal performance state, the winning probability of the AT lottery may become high from the start of the normal performance state by satisfying predetermined conditions such as winning the lottery.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, assuming that the number of staying games allowed in the advantageous section is 1500 games, the number of staying games in the normal production state that can be shifted to the special production state is set to 600 games, or the ceiling The functional ceiling was set at 871 games. However, not limited to this case, when the number of staying games allowed in the advantageous section is 3000 games, the number of staying games and the ceiling of the ceiling function in the normal effect state that can be shifted to the special effect state are set to a higher value, For example, 1200 games or 2000 games may be used to increase the expected winning number in the AT effect state. In addition, as described above, in the medal-less gaming machine, it is not necessary to set a limit on the number of staying games (1500 games or 3000 games), and the advantageous section is forcibly based on MY exceeding 2400 in the advantageous section. finish. Therefore, in the medalless game machine, the value of the advantageous section MY counter that counts the difference number (MY) in the advantageous section does not reach 2400, for example, the difference number in the normal effect state that can be shifted to the special effect state is 900. The number of sheets may be set, or the ceiling of the ceiling function may be set to 1200 sheets. In this way, the number of games to be played as a condition can be arbitrarily determined.

Specific processing in the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 will be described below with reference to flowcharts.

(CPU initialization processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining CPU initialization processing in the main control board 200. FIG. When power is supplied from the power board, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 200a, and the main CPU 200a performs the following CPU initialization processing (S100).

(Step S100-1)
When the power is turned on, the main CPU 200a reads a startup program from the main ROM 200b as an initial setting process, and performs setting processes necessary for executing various processes.

(Step S100-3)
The main CPU 200a sets the wait processing time in the timer counter.

(Step S100-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether a power-off warning signal is detected. A power interruption detection circuit is provided in the main control board 200, and when the power supply voltage drops below a predetermined value, the power interruption detection circuit outputs a power interruption warning signal. If the power-off notice signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S100-3, and if the power-off notice signal is not detected, the process proceeds to step S100-7.

(Step S100-7)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the wait processing time set in step S100-3 has elapsed. As a result, when it is determined that the wait processing time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100-9, and when it is determined that the wait time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100-5.

(Step S100-9)
The main CPU 200a executes necessary processing to permit access to the main RAM 200c.

(Step S100-11)
The main CPU 200a executes checksum confirmation processing. Here, the main CPU 200a calculates the checksum and determines whether the calculated checksum does not match the checksum saved at the time of power failure (abnormality) and whether the backup is abnormal. The main CPU 200a turns on the backup abnormality flag when determining that one or both of the backup and the checksum are abnormal, and turns on the backup abnormality flag when determining that both the backup and the checksum are not abnormal. Turn off.

(Step S100-13)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the backup abnormality flag is on. As a result, when it is determined that the backup abnormality flag is on, the process proceeds to step S110, and when it is determined that the backup abnormality flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S120.

(Step S110)
The main CPU 200a executes cold start processing. This cold start processing will be described later.

(Step S120)
The main CPU 200a executes setting value switching processing for switching setting values. This set value switching process will be described later.

(Step S130)
The main CPU 200a executes a state recovery process for returning to the state immediately before the power was turned off. This state return processing will be described later.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the cold start process (S110) in the main control board 200. FIG.

(Step S110-1)
The main CPU 200a clears the used area in the main RAM 200c and executes a used area RAM check process for detecting an abnormality in the used area.

(Step S110-3)
The main CPU 200a clears another area (unused area) in the main RAM 200c, and executes another area RAM check process for detecting an abnormality in the other area. If an abnormality is detected in another area in the separate area RAM check process, the main CPU 200a turns on the RAM read/write error flag.

(Step S110-5)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "EA" indicating an abnormality in the main RAM 200c.

(Step S110-7)
The main CPU 200a determines whether an abnormality is detected in step S110-1. As a result, if it is determined that an abnormality has been detected in step S110-1, the process proceeds to step S112, and if it is determined that an abnormality has not been detected in step S110-1, the process proceeds to step S110-9. transfer processing.

(Step S110-9)
The main CPU 200a acquires a RAM read/write error flag that is turned on when an abnormality is detected in step S110-3.

(Step S110-11)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the RAM read/write error flag is on. As a result, when it is determined that the RAM read/write error flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S112, and when it is determined that the RAM read/write error flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S120.

(Step S120)
The main CPU 200a executes setting value switching processing for switching setting values. This set value switching process will be described later.

(Step S110-13)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "E7" indicating a backup error.

(Step S112)
The main CPU 200a executes error stop processing for stopping the progress of the game due to an error. This error stop processing will be described later.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the error stop processing (S112) in the main control board 200. FIG.

(Step S112-1)
The main CPU 200a sets the initial stack pointer value as the address of the stack pointer.

(Step S112-3)
The main CPU 200a executes error setting processing for setting error display and warning sound.

(Step S112-5)
The main CPU 200a sets the external signal 1-3 output bit off to turn off the output image of the bit corresponding to the external signal 1-3.

(Step S112-7)
The main CPU 200a executes output port image setting processing for updating the output image for the bit set in step S112-5.

(Step S112-9)
The main CPU 200a shifts to an endless loop. As a result, the progress of the game is stopped.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the setting value switching process (S120) in the main control board 200. As shown in FIG.

(Step S120-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires the signal of the input port 1, and determines whether or not the set value switching condition is satisfied based on the acquired signal of the input port 1. FIG. As a result, if it is determined that the set value switching condition is not satisfied, the set value switching process is terminated, and if it is determined that the set value switching condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S120-3. . Here, the signal of the input port 1 includes a signal indicating whether or not the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 are open, and a signal indicating whether or not the setting key is turned on. Here, when a signal indicating that the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 are open and a signal indicating that the setting key is turned on are obtained, the setting value switching condition is established. It is determined that

(Step S120-3)
The main CPU 200a executes a RAM clearing process for clearing a used area to be cleared when changing settings in the main RAM 200c.

(Step S120-5)
The main CPU 200a executes a table content setting process for transferring the table data of the setting value switching time data table to the main RAM 200c.

(Step S120-7)
The main CPU 200a sets, in the transmission buffer, a setting change start command indicating to start changing setting values.

(Step S120-9)
The main CPU 200a executes edge check processing to detect the falling edge (on-edge) of the signal of the input port.

(Step S120-11)
The main CPU 200a acquires setting value data indicating the current setting value.

(Step S120-13)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the ON edge of the setting change switch is detected in step S120-9. As a result, if it is determined that the ON edge of the setting change switch has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S120-17, and if it is determined that the ON edge of the setting change switch has been detected, the process proceeds to step S120-15. .

(Step S120-15)
The main CPU 200a increments the set value data by one.

(Step S120-17)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the set value data is within the range (1 to 6) that can be set as the set value. As a result, if it is determined that the set value data is within the range, the process moves to step S120-21, and if it is determined that the set value data is not within the range, the process moves to step S120-19.

(Step S120-19)
The main CPU 200a sets the set value data to zero.

(Step S120-21)
The main CPU 200a updates the set value data to the value incremented or set in step S120-15 or step S120-19.

(Step S120-23)
The main CPU 200 a executes a display data conversion process for displaying the set value on the main credit display section 130 .

(Step S120-25)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the ON edge of the setting change switch is detected. As a result, if it is determined that the ON edge of the setting change switch has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S120-31, and if it is determined that the ON edge of the setting change switch has been detected, the process proceeds to step S120-27. to move.

(Step S120-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the setting change switch is on. As a result, when it is determined that the setting change switch is on, the process proceeds to step S120-27, and when it is determined that the setting change switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S120-29.

(Step S120-29)
The main CPU 200a sets a setting change switch interval timer.

(Step S120-31)
The main CPU 200a executes timer wait processing to wait until the setting change switch interval timer reaches zero.

(Step S120-33)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the ON edge of the start switch 118 is detected. As a result, if it is determined that the ON edge of the start switch 118 has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S120-9, and if it is determined that the ON edge of the start switch 118 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S120-35. to move.

(Step S120-35)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the setting key is off. As a result, when it is determined that the setting key is off, the process proceeds to step S120-35, and when it is determined that the setting key is not off, the process proceeds to step S120-37.

(Step S120-37)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the setting key is on. As a result, when it is determined that the setting key is on, the process proceeds to step S120-37, and when it is determined that the setting key is not on, the process proceeds to step S122.

(Step S122)
The main CPU 200a executes initialization start processing for starting initialization. This initialization start process will be described later.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining the initialization start process (S122) in the main control board 200. FIG.

(Step S122-1)
The main CPU 200a sets, in the transmission buffer, a setting change end command indicating that the change of the setting value has ended.

(Step S122-3)
The main CPU 200a sets, in the transmission buffer, a setting change state command indicating the state when the change of the setting value is completed.

(Step S122-5)
The main CPU 200a sets a wait timer at the start of initialization.

(Step S122-7)
The main CPU 200a executes a timer wait process of waiting until the wait timer reaches 0 at the start of initialization.

(Step S122-9)
The main CPU 200a executes RAM clear processing at the time of setting change to clear another area of the main RAM 200c.

(Step S122-11)
The main CPU 200a executes a RAM clearing process for clearing a used area to be cleared when changing settings in the main RAM 200c.

(Step S122-13)
The main CPU 200a sets a game state command indicating the current game state in the transmission buffer.

(Step S200)
The main CPU 200a executes a game start process for starting a game. Note that this game start processing will be described later.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for explaining the state return processing (S130) in the main control board 200. As shown in FIG.

(Step S130-1)
The main CPU 200a restores the stack pointer.

(Step S130-3)
The main CPU 200a executes unused area clearing processing for clearing unused areas in the main RAM 200c.

(Step S130-5)
The main CPU 200a clears the stack pointer save buffer.

(Step S130-7)
The main CPU 200a sets (turns on) a flag after recovery from power failure.

(Step S130-9)
The main CPU 200a executes port input processing for updating the image of the input port.

(Step S130-11)
The main CPU 200a executes operation target bit extraction processing for extracting information on the operation target bit based on the image of the input port updated in step S130-9.

(Step S130-13)
The main CPU 200a sets the operation target bit extracted in step S130-11 as the operation target bit of the previous state.

(Step S130-15)
The main CPU 200a acquires the motor phases of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. 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, 110c, that is, during acceleration, during steady rotation, during stop, and during standby. 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.

(Step S130-17)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not any of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotating normally and accelerating based on the motor phase obtained in step S130-15. As a result, if it is determined that none of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are in steady rotation or acceleration, the process proceeds to step S130-21, and any one of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c is in steady rotation or acceleration. If it is determined to be in the middle, the process moves to step S130-19.

(Step S130-19)
The main CPU 200a executes rotation error processing for setting when an error is detected for the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c.

(Step S130-21)
The main CPU 200a restores the saved register group.

(Step S130-23)
The main CPU 200a permits the interrupt and terminates the state return processing. As a result, the main CPU 200a returns to the state immediately before the power was turned off.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for explaining the game start process (S200) in the main control board 200. As shown in FIG.

(Step S200-1)
The main CPU 200a executes a replay state identification signal output setting process for outputting a replay state identification signal indicating whether or not it is a replay.

(Step S200-3)
The main CPU 200a sets an input number display output bit OFF for turning off (turning off) the bit corresponding to the input number display indicating the number of inserted medals (number of bets).

(Step S200-5)
The main CPU 200a executes output port image setting processing for updating the output image for the bit set in step S200-3.

(Step S200-7)
The main CPU 200a sets a game start wait timer.

(Step S200-9)
The main CPU 200a executes timer wait processing for waiting until the game start wait timer reaches zero.

(Step S200-11)
The main CPU 200a executes a 1-game RAM clearing process for clearing an area to be cleared for each game out of the used area in the main RAM 200c.

(Step S200-13)
The main CPU 200a executes bonus signal setting processing for setting a bonus signal.

(Step S200-15)
The main CPU 200a executes edge clear processing for clearing the edge information of the input port image.

(Step S210)
The main CPU 200a executes a game medal insertion process for accepting insertion of medals. This game medal insertion process will be described later.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining the game medal insertion process (S210) in the main control board 200. As shown in FIG.

(Step S210-1)
The main CPU 200a executes error confirmation processing for confirming detection results of various errors.

(Step S210-3)
The main CPU 200a executes edge check processing to detect the falling edge (on-edge) of the signal of the input port.

(Step S210-5)
The main CPU 200a acquires a door open error detection flag that is set to 1 when the front upper door 104 or the front lower door 106 is open.

(Step S210-7)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 are closed based on the door open error detection flag acquired in step S210-5. As a result, when it is determined that the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 are closed, the process is shifted to step S210-17, and at least one of the front upper door 104 or the front lower door 106 is not closed. If so, the process moves to step S210-9.

(Step S210-9)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "E8" indicating that at least one of the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 is open.

(Step S210-11)
The main CPU 200a performs error display, request for warning sound, and error wait processing for waiting for error recovery.

(Step S210-13)
The main CPU 200a executes setting value confirmation processing for confirming the setting values.

(Step S210-15)
The main CPU 200a executes edge clear processing for clearing the edge information of the input port image.

(Step S210-17)
The main CPU 200a executes credit button check processing for withdrawing accumulated medals when a credit switch (not shown) for withdrawing accumulated (credited) medals is pressed.

(Step S210-19)
The main CPU 200a executes game medal insertion button related processing for betting medals. Here, when the bet switch 116 is pressed, a prescribed number of accumulated (credited) medals is betted, and the number of accumulated medals is subtracted by the number of bets. Also, when medals are inserted through the medal slot 114a, the medals are bet up to a specified number, and if more than the specified number of medals are inserted, that amount is added to the number of stored medals.

(Step S210-21)
The main CPU 200a executes game medal acquisition processing for confirming whether the number of inserted coins is a specified number.

(Step S210-23)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the number of inserted coins is not the specified number based on the confirmation result of step S210-21. As a result, if it is determined that the number of inserted coins is not the specified number, the process proceeds to step S210-1, and if it is determined that the number of inserted coins is the specified number, the process proceeds to step S210-25.

(Step S210-25)
The main CPU 200a sets a start indicator output bit for turning on (illuminates) a start indicator (not shown) that indicates whether the operation of the start switch 118 is effective.

(Step S210-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the falling edge (depression) of the start switch 118 has been detected. As a result, if it is determined that the falling edge of the start switch 118 has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S210-1, and if it is determined that the falling edge of the start switch 118 has been detected, step S210. -29 is processed.

(Step S210-29)
The main CPU 200a clears the main payout display portion buffer in order to clear the display of the main payout display portion 132. FIG.

(Step S210-31)
The main CPU 200a executes re-gaming state identification signal clear processing for clearing the re-gaming state identification signal.

(Step S210-33)
The main CPU 200a executes blocker blocking preprocessing for turning off (extinguishing) the start indicator.

(Step S210-35)
The main CPU 200a sets a lever depression command indicating that the start switch 118 has been depressed in the transmission buffer.

(Step S220)
The main CPU 200a executes an internal lottery process for performing a winning type lottery. This internal lottery process will be described later.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the internal lottery process (S220) in the main control board 200. FIG.

(Step S220-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires set value data.

(Step S220-3)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "EC" indicating a setting value abnormality error.

(Step S220-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the set value data obtained in step S220-1 is abnormal. As a result, when it is determined that the set value data is abnormal, the process proceeds to step S112, and when it is determined that the set value data is not abnormal, the process proceeds to step S220-7.

(Step S220-7)
The main CPU 200a acquires the winning type lottery random number updated by the random number generator 200d.

(Step S220-9)
The main CPU 200a executes a state offset acquisition process for acquiring an offset value related to the game state.

(Step S220-11)
The main CPU 200a sets the address of the internal lottery area definition table (winning type lottery table).

(Step S220-13)
The main CPU 200a sets, as the initial value of the winning area, the value indicated by the address obtained by adding the offset value obtained in step S220-9 to the address set in step S220-11. Here, the first winning area in the winning type lottery table in the current gaming state is set as the initial value.

(Step S220-15)
The main CPU 200a acquires lottery data, which is a numerical value indicating the winning range of the winning area, and executes a lottery data acquisition process for shifting the winning area by one.

(Step S220-17)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the winning type lottery is performed. As a result, when it is determined that the winning type lottery will not be performed, the process moves to step S220-21, and when it is determined to perform the winning type lottery, the process moves to step S220-19.

(Step S220-19)
The main CPU 200a subtracts the lottery data from the random number value.

(Step S220-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the result of the subtraction in step S220-19 is negative, that is, whether the winning region has been won by the winning type lottery. As a result, when it is determined that the winning type lottery has been won, the process moves to step S230, and when it is determined that the winning type lottery has not been won, the process moves to step S220-23.

(Step S220-23)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the winning type lottery has ended. As a result, when it is determined that the winning type lottery has not ended, the process moves to step S220-15, and when it is determined that the winning type lottery has ended, the process moves to step S220-25.

(Step S220-25)
The main CPU 200a clears the trigger role type.

(Step S230)
The main CPU 200a executes a symbol code setting process for setting a symbol code based on the winning area and the game state. This symbol code setting process will be described later.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart for explaining the symbol code setting process (S230) in the main control board 200. FIG.

(Step S230-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires the winning area that was won in step S220, and executes a game state setting process of setting the game state to the internal middle game state when the acquired winning area includes a bonus combination.

(Step S230-3)
The main CPU 200a sets the winning area obtained in step S230-1 as a stop control number.

(Step S230-5)
The main CPU 200a determines (sets) a winning combination group based on the winning area acquired in step S230-1. The main CPU 200a may turn on the pseudo-game execution flag depending on the determined winning combination group. In addition, the pseudo-game execution flag indicates that the pseudo-game is executed when it is on, and indicates that the pseudo-game is not executed when it is off.

(Step S230-7)
The main CPU 200a executes a symbol code initial setting process for setting a symbol code indicating a symbol that can be displayed and a symbol to be drawn based on the stop control number set in step S230-3.

(Step S230-9)
The main CPU 200a executes display symbol bit initial value setting processing for setting display symbol bits.

(Step S231)
The main CPU 200a executes an execution flag setting process for setting an execution flag, various processes related to the effect state, processing related to the auxiliary effect, and the like. This execution flag setting process will be described later.

(Step S230-13)
The main CPU 200a sets an effect command, which is a command relating to the advantageous section, in the transmission buffer.

(Step S230-15)
The main CPU 200a sets a winning information command indicating the winning type in the transmission buffer.

(Step S230-17)
The main CPU 200a checks the one-game timer.

(Step S230-19)
The main CPU 200a sets a reel before rotation command indicating that the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are before rotation in the transmission buffer.

(Step S230-21)
The main CPU 200a executes an excitation release waiting process for waiting for the excitation release of the stepping motor 152. FIG.

(Step S236)
The main CPU 200a executes a reel effect process for executing a pseudo game. Specifically, according to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, predetermined symbols (for example, symbols constituting a bonus combination) on the respective reels 110a, 110b, 110c are automatically controlled to temporarily stop, and all When the reels 110a, 110b, 110c temporarily stop, or when they start rotating through random delay processing after the temporary stop, the pseudo-game execution flag is turned off.

(Step S230-23)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the one-game timer is not zero. As a result, when it is determined that the one-game timer is not 0, the process moves to step S230-23, and when it is determined that the one-game timer is 0, the process moves to step S230-25.

(Step S230-25)
The main CPU 200a executes reel start processing for starting rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Here, the motor phases of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are set during acceleration to start the rotation of each reel, and the one-game timer is set to a value corresponding to 4.1 seconds.

(Step S230-27)
The main CPU 200a sets a reel start command indicating that the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have started rotating in the transmission buffer.

(Step S240)
The main CPU 200a executes processing during reel rotation, which is processing during rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Note that this process during rotation of the drum will be described later.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the execution flag setting process (S231) in the main control board 200. FIG.

(Step S231-1)
The main CPU 200a executes AT state update processing for updating (transitioning) the effect state based on the next AT flag. It should be noted that the next AT flag indicates the effect state to be set in the next game, and is set by the following processing.

(Steps S232 to S238)
The main CPU 200a executes state-specific module execution processing for executing a module for each effect state and game section, and ends the execution flag setting processing. In addition, in the state-specific module execution process, a module (process) corresponding to the transferred effect state and game section is read from the main ROM 200b and executed. In the following, modules related to features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and descriptions of modules unrelated to features of this embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the non-advantageous effect state processing (S232) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The non-advantageous production state processing is executed when the production state is the non-advantageous production state.

(Step S232-1)
The main CPU 200a performs a lottery for transition to an advantageous section based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery.

(Step S232-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the advantageous section is won in step S232-1. As a result, when it is determined that the advantageous section has been won, the process proceeds to step S232-5, and when it is determined that the advantageous section has not been won, the non-advantageous effect state process is terminated.

(Step S232-5)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the distribution effect state, turns on the advantageous section flag indicating the advantageous section, and ends the non-advantageous effect state processing.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the distribution effect state processing (S233) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The distribution effect state processing is executed when the effect state is the distribution effect state.

(Step S233-1)
The main CPU 200a, for example, performs a lottery to assign the premonitory effect state with a probability of 1/10 and the normal effect state with a probability of 9/10.

(Step S233-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the normal effect state is won in step S233-1. As a result, when it is determined that the normal performance state has been won, the process is shifted to step S233-5, and when it is determined that the normal performance state has not been won (the sign performance state has been won), step S233-13. to process.

(Step S233-5)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the normal effect state.

(Step S233-7)
The main CPU 200a determines the number of games for executing the ceiling function in the normal effect state with the upper limit of 871 games, and sets the determined number of games in the ceiling game number counter. The ceiling game number counter is a counter that counts the number of games played until the ceiling function is executed.

(Step S233-9)
The main CPU 200a determines the number of games in the block period during which the transition to the AT effect state is prohibited in the normal effect state shifted from the non-advantageous effect state, with an upper limit of 96 games, and sets the determined number of games in the block game number counter. . The block game number counter is a counter that counts the number of games for which execution (setting) of the AT effect state is prohibited.

(Step S233-11)
The main CPU 200a sets a high probability (for example, 1/8) as the winning probability of the AT lottery in the normal effect state, and ends the distribution effect state process.

(Step S233-13)
In step S233-3, when it is determined that the normal effect state has not been won (the portent effect state has been won), the main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the portent effect state.

(Step S233-15)
The main CPU 200a determines the number of games for which the precursor effect state is to be continued, with an upper limit of 32 games, sets the determined number of games in the precursor game number counter, and ends the distribution effect state processing. The portent game number counter is a counter that counts the number of games played until the portent effect state ends.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the normal effect state processing (S234) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The normal effect state processing is executed when the effect state is the normal effect state.

(Step S234-1)
The main CPU 200a conducts an AT lottery based on the winning probability (low probability or high probability) of the AT lottery and the winning type determined by the winning type lottery.

(Step S234-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the AT lottery has been won or whether this portent permission flag is ON. As a result, if it is determined that the AT lottery has been won or the omen permission flag is ON, the process is shifted to step S234-5, and the AT lottery has not been won and the omen permission flag is set. If it is determined to be OFF, the process moves to step S234-21.

(Step S234-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the block game number counter is zero. As a result, when it is determined that the block game number counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S234-9, and when it is determined that the block game number counter is not 0 (still in the block period), step S234. -7 is processed.

(Step S234-7)
The main CPU 200a turns on the present warning permission flag regardless of whether the present warning permission flag is ON or OFF at that time.

(Step S234-9)
In step S234-5, when it is determined that the number-of-block-games counter is 0, the main CPU 200a turns off this precursor permission flag.

(Step S234-11)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the ceiling game number counter exceeds 271 or not. As a result, when it is determined that the ceiling game number counter exceeds 271, that is, the staying game number in the normal effect state is less than 600 games, the process is shifted to step S234-13, and the ceiling game number counter is 271. That is, when it is determined that the number of staying games in the normal effect state is 600 games or more, the process proceeds to step S234-19.

(Step S234-13)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the precursor effect state.

(Step S234-15)
The main CPU 200a determines the number of games for which the portent effect state is to be continued, with an upper limit of 32 games, and sets the determined number of games in the portent game number counter.

(Step S234-17)
Regardless of whether the winning probability of the AT lottery in the normal effect state is low or high, the main CPU 200a sets the winning probability of the AT lottery to a low probability (for example, 1/4000) for the next normal effect state. ).

(Step S234-19)
In step S234-11, when it is determined that the ceiling game number counter is 271 or less, that is, the number of staying games in the normal effect state is 600 or more, the main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to the special precursor effect state. set to a value corresponding to

(Step S234-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the block game number counter is greater than zero. As a result, when it is determined that the block game number counter is greater than 0, the process proceeds to step S234-23, and when it is determined that the block game number counter is not greater than 0 (is 0), the process proceeds to step S234-25. transfer processing.

(Step S234-23)
The main CPU 200a decrements the block game number counter by one.

(Step S234-25)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the ceiling game number counter is zero. As a result, when it is determined that the ceiling game number counter is 0, the process moves to step S234-27, and when it is determined that the ceiling game number counter is not 0, the process moves to step S234-29.

(Step S234-27)
In order to execute the ceiling function, the main CPU 200a turns off the advantageous section flag, sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the non-advantageous effect state, and ends the normal effect state processing.

(Step S234-29)
The main CPU 200a decrements the ceiling game number counter by 1, and terminates the normal effect state processing.

Although detailed description is omitted here, in the normal effect state, every time a predetermined number of games are played, a chance zone (CZ) with an increased probability of winning an AT lottery is executed over a plurality of games. Also, the probability of winning the AT lottery is low at the start of the normal presentation state, but may shift to a high probability by promotion lottery.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the precursor effect state processing (S235) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The portent effect state processing is executed when the effect state is the portent effect state.

(Step S235-1)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the precursor game number counter is zero. As a result, when it is determined that the precursor game number counter is 0, the process is shifted to step S235-3, and when it is determined that the precursor game number counter is not 0, the process is shifted to step S235-5.

(Step S235-3)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the AT effect state, and terminates the precursor effect state processing.

(Step S235-5)
The main CPU 200a decrements the number-of-prediction game counter by 1, and terminates the premonition effect state processing.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the AT effect state processing (S236) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The AT effect state processing is executed when the effect state is the AT effect state.

(Step S236-1)
The main CPU 200a conducts a lottery for adding a predetermined difference in the number of sheets, which is an end condition in the AT effect state, and adds the won difference number to the predetermined difference in number when winning the addition lottery.

(Step S236-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the AT effect state satisfies the end condition. As a result, when it is determined that the end condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S236-5, and when it is determined that the end condition is not satisfied, the AT effect state process is terminated.

(Step S236-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the transition to the normal effect state has been decided. As a result, when the transition to the normal effect state is determined, the process is shifted to step S236-7, and the transition to the normal effect state is not determined, that is, the transition to the non-advantageous effect state is determined. If so, the process proceeds to step S236-11.

(Step S236-7)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the normal effect state.

(Step S236-9)
The main CPU 200a determines the number of games for executing the ceiling function in the normal effect state with the upper limit of 871 games, sets the determined number of games in the ceiling game number counter, and terminates the AT effect state processing.

(Step S236-11)
When it is determined in step S236-5 that the transition to the normal effect state has not been determined, the main CPU 200a turns off the advantageous section flag, sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the non-advantageous effect state, and End the AT effect state processing.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the special portent effect state processing (S237) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The special portent effect state processing is executed when the effect state is the special portent effect state.

(Step S237-1)
The main CPU 200a conducts a lottery for adding a predetermined number of difference numbers, which is a game profit that can be received in the special effect state, and adds the winning difference number to the predetermined number of difference numbers when winning the additional lottery.

(Step S237-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the special precursor effect state satisfies the end condition (here, the completion of the predetermined number of games). As a result, when it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S237-5, and when it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied, the special portent effect state process is terminated.

(Step S237-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the additional lottery is won in step S237-1. As a result, when it is determined that the additional lottery has been won, the process proceeds to step S237-7, and when it is determined that the additional lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S237-9.

(Step S237-7)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the special effect state, and ends the special precursor effect state processing.

(Step S237-9)
When it is determined in step S237-5 that the additional lottery has not been won, the main CPU 200a turns off the advantageous zone flag, sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the non-advantageous effect state, and sets the value corresponding to the non-advantageous effect state. End the process.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the special effect state processing (S238) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The special effect state processing is executed when the effect state is the special effect state.

(Step S238-1)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the special effect state satisfies the end condition. As a result, when it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S238-3, and when it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied, the special effect state process is terminated. Incidentally, the condition for ending the special effect state is that the predetermined difference number added in step S237-1 is obtained.

(Step S238-3)
The main CPU 200a turns off the advantageous section flag, sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the non-advantageous effect state, and ends the special effect state processing.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the process during drum rotation (S240) in the main control board 200. As shown in FIG.

(Step S240-1)
The main CPU 200a sets the stop indicator output bit off (output image) to turn off (light off) the bit corresponding to the indicator (not shown) of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. Here, the stop indicator output bit is composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit is associated with the emission color of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and is represented by blue=1 and red=0. be done.

(Step S240-3)
The main CPU 200a executes output port image setting processing for updating the output image for the bit set in step S240-1.

(Step S240-5)
The main CPU 200a executes error confirmation processing for confirming detection results of various errors.

(Step S240-7)
The main CPU 200a refers to the index flags and obtains the indices of the spinning reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Note that the index flag is set only after the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have reached the steady rotation speed. It will also show that it has been reached.

(Step S240-9)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the index flags of all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have been detected. As a result, if it is determined that all index flags have not been detected, the process proceeds to step S240-1, and if it is determined that all index flags have been detected, the process proceeds to step S240-11.

(Step S240-11)
The main CPU 200a acquires a stop spinning reel bit indicating the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c that are stopping or starting to stop. Here, the stop spinning reel bit is composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit is associated with one of the three reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Stopped state=0.

(Step S240-13)
The main CPU 200a saves the stop reel bit obtained in step S240-11 as a reel rotating flag.

(Step S240-15)
The main CPU 200a sets the stop indicator output bit ON (output image) to turn on (light off) the bit corresponding to the indicator (not shown) of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c.

(Step S240-17)
The main CPU 200a acquires an image of the input port 0 and executes an operation target bit extraction process for extracting an operation target bit from the acquired image. Here, the operation target bit 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 S240-19)
The main CPU 200a performs a logical product operation between the spinning drum flag acquired in step S240-13 and the operation target bit extracted in step S240-17. Here, if the reel 110 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 AND is 1.

(Step S240-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the logical product calculated in step S240-19 is 0, that is, whether the stop switch 120 corresponding to the spinning reel 110 has been operated. As a result, when it is determined that the stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110 has not been operated, the process is shifted to step S240-3, and the stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110 is operated. If it is determined that there is, the process moves to step S240-23.

(Step S240-23)
The main CPU 200a acquires the output image including the stop indicator output bit, and computes the logical product of the acquired output image and the logical product computed in step S240-19. Here, the logical product bit is 0 when the operated stop switch 120 is lit in red, and the logical product bit is 1 when it is lit in blue.

(Step S240-25)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the logical product calculated in step S240-23 is 0, that is, whether the operated stop switch 120 is lit in red. As a result, if it is determined that the operated stop switch 120 is lit in red, the process proceeds to step S240-1, and if it is determined that the operated stop switch 120 is not lit in red, step S240- 27 is processed.

(Step S240-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the operated stop switch 120 is valid. As a result, if it is determined that the operated stop switch 120 is not valid, the process proceeds to step S240-1, and if it is determined that the operated stop switch 120 is valid, the process proceeds to step S240-29. Move. Here, it is determined whether or not the number of stop switches 120 that have been operated is one. If it is determined that one stop switch 120 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S240-29, and if it is determined that there are two or more stop switches 120 operated to step S240-1.

(Step S240-29)
The main CPU 200a executes a stop control reel setting process for acquiring various parameters for stopping the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120. FIG.

(Step S240-31)
The main CPU 200a prohibits interrupts.

(Step S240-33)
The main CPU 200a executes a depression reference position acquisition process for deriving the symbol number of the symbol positioned on the activated line A as the depression reference position.

(Step S240-35)
The main CPU 200 a executes a sliding frame number acquisition process for determining the number of sliding frames of the reel 110 .

(Step S250)
The main CPU 200a executes reel stop processing for stopping the reel 110 corresponding to the stop switch 120 that has been operated. Note that this spinning drum stop processing will be described later.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart for explaining the spinning drum stopping process (S250) in the main control board 200. As shown in FIG.

(Step S250-1)
The main CPU 200a obtains the depression reference position derived in step S240-35.

(Step S250-3)
The main CPU 200a calculates the stop request number by correcting the number of sliding frames determined in step S240-37 with respect to the depression reference position obtained in step S250-1.

(Step S250-5)
The main CPU 200a sets (sets to 1) a stop request flag. 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 request number is enabled. It becomes possible to stop on line A. The stop request flag and the stop request number are read out by a program running in parallel, and the reel 110 is stopped. When the stop processing is completed, the program resets the stop request flag to 0 (OFF).

(Step S250-7)
The main CPU 200a permits interrupts.

(Step S250-9)
The main CPU 200a sets a stop information command indicating the stop order of the reels 110 in the transmission buffer.

(Step S250-11)
The main CPU 200a sets the stop indicator output bit off (output image) to turn off (light off) the bit corresponding to the indicator (not shown) of the stop switch 120. FIG.

(Step S250-13)
The main CPU 200a executes output port image setting processing for updating the output image for the bit set in step S250-11.

(Step S250-15)
The main CPU 200a executes display symbol bit setting processing for setting display symbol bits.

(Step S250-17)
The main CPU 200a executes the next cylinder setting preprocessing for stopping the next reel 110. FIG.

(Step S250-19)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the stop processing of all the reels 110 has been completed. As a result, if it is determined that the stop processing for all the reels 110 has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S240, and if it is determined that the stop processing for all the reels 110 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S250-21. transfer processing.

(Step S250-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the stop request flag is ON for any reel 110, that is, whether all the reels 110 have stopped. As a result, if it is determined that all the reels 110 have not stopped, the process moves to step S250-21, and if it is determined that all the reels 110 have stopped, the process moves to step S250-23.

(Step S250-23)
The main CPU 200a executes error confirmation processing for confirming detection results of various errors.

(Step S250-25)
The main CPU 200a executes an operation target bit extraction process for extracting information on the operation target bit.

(Step S250-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the stop switch 120 is pressed based on the operation target bit obtained in step S250-25. As a result, if it is determined that the stop switch 120 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S250-23, and if it is determined that the stop switch 120 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S260.

(Step S260)
The main CPU 200a executes a display determination process for determining a winning winning combination. Note that this display determination processing will be described later.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart for explaining the display determination process (S260) in the main control board 200. FIG.

(Step S260-1)
The main CPU 200 a clears the buffer of the main payout display section 132 .

(Step S260-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not a display determination abnormality has occurred, depending on whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A matches the symbol combination permitted to be displayed on the activated line A. Execute the detection process.

(Step S260-5)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "EE" indicating display determination abnormality (error).

(Step S260-7)
The main CPU 200a determines whether display determination is abnormal based on the determination result of step S260-3. As a result, when it is determined that the display determination is abnormal, the process proceeds to step S112, and when it is determined that the display determination is not abnormal, the process proceeds to step S260-9.

(Step S260-9)
The main CPU 200a executes display symbol identification and generation processing for determining a winning combination based on the symbol combination stopped (displayed) on the activated line A.

(Step S260-11)
The main CPU 200a sets 0 as the initial value of the payout number.

(Step S260-13)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not a minor winning combination has been won. As a result, when it is determined that a minor winning combination has been won, the process proceeds to step S260-15, and when it is determined that a minor winning combination has not been won, the process proceeds to step S260-35.

(Step S260-15)
The main CPU 200a turns on a winning flag indicating that a minor winning combination has been won.

(Step S260-17)
The main CPU 200a executes payout number setting processing for setting the number of payouts according to the winning minor combination.

(Step S260-19)
The main CPU 200a determines whether it is an advantageous section. As a result, if it is determined that it is not an advantageous section, the process moves to step S270, and if it is determined that it is an advantageous section, the process moves to step S260-21.

(Step S260-21)
The main CPU 200a acquires the value of the advantageous section MY counter that counts MY during the advantageous section.

(Step S260-23)
The main CPU 200a adds the payout number to the value of the advantageous section MY counter obtained in step S260-23.

(Step S260-25)
The main CPU 200a acquires the inserted number of the game.

(Step S260-27)
The main CPU 200a subtracts the inserted number from the value added in step S260-23.

(Step S260-29)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the subtraction result in step S260-27 is negative. As a result, if it is determined that the subtraction result is not negative, the process moves to step S260-33, and if it is determined that the subtraction result is negative, the process moves to step S260-31.

(Step S260-31)
The main CPU 200a clears (sets to 0) the value of the advantageous section MY counter.

(Step S260-33)
The main CPU 200a updates the value of the advantageous section MY counter to the value subtracted in step S260-27 or the value cleared in step S260-31.

(Step S260-35)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the replay combination has won. As a result, when it is determined that the replay combination has not won, the process proceeds to step S270, and when it is determined that the replay combination has won, the process proceeds to step S260-37.

(Step S260-37)
The main CPU 200a sets the inserted number as the payout number.

(Step S260-39)
The main CPU 200a turns on the replay flag.

(Step S260-41)
The main CPU 200a sets the number of sheets automatically inserted.

(Step S270)
The main CPU 200a executes payout processing for paying out medals. This payout process will be described later.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart for explaining the payout process (S270) in the main control board 200. As shown in FIG.

(Step S270-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires the replaying flag.

(Step S270-3)
The main CPU 200a sets a payout start command indicating that the payout of medals has started in the transmission buffer.

(Step S270-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the replay combination has been won, based on the replay operation flag acquired in step S270-1. As a result, when it is determined that the replay combination has won, the process moves to step S270-41, and when it is determined that the replay combination has not won, the process moves to step S270-7.

(Step S270-7)
The main CPU 200 a executes a main indicator display process for displaying 0 on the main payout display section 132 .

(Step S270-9)
The main CPU 200a determines that there is no payout (the number of payouts is 0). As a result, when it is determined that there is no payout, the process proceeds to step S270-35, and when it is determined that there is payout, the process proceeds to step S270-11.

(Step S270-11)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the number of stored coins is 50 or more. As a result, if it is determined that the stored number of sheets is 50 or more, the process moves to step S270-13, and if it is determined that the stored number is not 50 or more, the process moves to step S270-15.

(Step S270-13)
The main CPU 200a executes medal payout device control processing to pay out one medal from the medal payout device 142, and shifts the processing to step S270-23.

(Step S270-15)
The main CPU 200a sets a payout start interval timer.

(Step S270-17)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the payout start timer is not 0, that is, whether it is the first payout. As a result, when it is determined that it is the time of the first payout, the process moves to step S270-21, and when it is determined that it is not the time of the first payout, the process moves to step S270-19.

(Step S270-19)
The main CPU 200a executes timer wait processing for waiting until the payout start interval timer reaches zero.

(Step S270-21)
The main CPU 200a increments the stored number by one.

(Step S270-23)
The main CPU 200a sets a payout execution command indicating that one medal has been paid out in the transmission buffer.

(Step S270-25)
The main CPU 200a executes main display pre-display processing for displaying the number of payouts that have already been paid out on the main payout display section 132. FIG.

(Step S270-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether it is in the bonus game state. As a result, when it is determined that the game is not in the bonus game state, the process is shifted to step S270-31, and when it is determined that it is in the bonus game state, the process is shifted to step S270-29.

(Step S270-29)
The main CPU 200a increments, by one, the number of medals paid out during bonus operation, which is the number of medals paid out in the bonus game state.

(Step S270-31)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the payout of the number of payout medals has been completed. As a result, when it is determined that the payout has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S270-11, and when it is determined that the payout has been completed, the process proceeds to step S270-33.

(Step S270-33)
The main CPU 200a executes payout end processing for ending the payout of medals.

(Step S270-35)
The main CPU 200a determines whether an over error has been detected. As a result, if it is determined that no over error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S270-41, and if it is determined that an over error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S270-37.

(Step S270-37)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "E5" indicating an over error.

(Step S270-39)
The main CPU 200a performs error display, request for warning sound, and error wait processing for waiting for error recovery.

(Step S270-41)
The main CPU 200a sets a payout end command indicating that the payout of medals has ended in the transmission buffer.

(Step S280)
The main CPU 200a executes a game transition process for transitioning a game state, managing an advantageous interval, and the like. This game transition processing will be described later.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart explaining the game transition process (S280) in the main control board 200. As shown in FIG.

(Step S280-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires a replay flag and turns on or off a bit corresponding to a replay indicator (not shown) indicating that the next game is a replay based on the acquired replay flag. For this purpose, the stop indicator output bit off (output image) is set, and replay indicator control processing is executed to update the output bit of the set output image.

(Step S280-3)
When a bonus combination is won, the main CPU 200a executes a role product actuation symbol display process for setting various parameters for controlling the bonus game state.

(Step S281)
The main CPU 200a executes state-specific module execution processing for executing modules for each effect state and section state. In addition, in the state-specific module execution process, the module (process) corresponding to the transferred effect state is read from the main ROM 200b and executed.

(Step S280-5)
The main CPU 200a executes a bonus operation end process for shifting the game state to a non-internal game state when the number of coins acquired during bonus operation reaches a predetermined number in the bonus game state.

(Step S280-7)
The main CPU 200a executes advantageous section update processing for managing advantageous sections.

(Step S280-9)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the next game is in the AT effect state. As a result, when it is determined that the next game is not in the AT effect state, the process is shifted to step S280-15, and when it is determined that the next game is in the AT effect state, the process is shifted to step S280-11.

(Step S280-11)
The main CPU 200a determines whether it is in the bonus game state. As a result, when it is determined that the game is not in the bonus game state, the process proceeds to step S280-15, and when it is determined that the bonus game state is in effect, the process proceeds to step S280-13.

(Step S280-13)
The main CPU 200a sets on an advantageous lamp flag for lighting the section indicator 160. FIG.

(Step S280-15)
The main CPU 200a executes an effect command setting process for setting an effect command, which is a command relating to the advantageous section, in the transmission buffer.

(Step S280-17)
The main CPU 200a sets a game end command indicating that one game has ended in the transmission buffer.

(Step S280-19)
The main CPU 200a executes terminal board signal output processing for outputting an external signal.

(Step S280-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the effect wait timer set when ending the advantageous section in step S280-7 is zero. As a result, when it is determined that the effect wait timer is not 0, the processing is shifted to step S280-21, and when it is determined that the effect wait timer is 0, the processing is shifted to step S280-23.

(Step S280-23)
The main CPU 200a sets a game state command indicating the game state in the transmission buffer.

(Step S280-25)
The main CPU 200a sets a game start command indicating the start of the next game in the transmission buffer, and shifts the process to step S200.

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S280. Thereafter, steps S200 to S280 are repeated.

Next, save processing and timer interrupt processing in the main control board 200 will be described.

(Evacuation processing when main control board 200 is powered off)
FIG. 32 is a flow chart for explaining the power-off saving process in the main control board 200 . The main CPU 200a monitors the power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage drops below a predetermined value, it interrupts and executes the saving process at power-off.

(Step S300-1)
When the power-off warning signal is input, the main CPU 200a saves the register.

(Step S300-3)
The main CPU 200a checks for a power-off warning signal.

(Step S300-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether a power-off warning signal is detected. As a result, when it is determined that the power cut warning signal is detected, the process is moved to step S300-11, and when it is determined that the power cut warning signal is not detected, the process is moved to step S300-7. .

(Step S300-7)
The main CPU 200a restores the register.

(Step S300-9)
The main CPU 200a performs processing for permitting an interrupt, and terminates the power-off save processing.

(Step S300-11)
The main CPU 200a executes output port clear processing to stop the output of the output port.

(Step S300-13)
The main CPU 200a executes save processing for the separate area when the power is turned off.

(Step S300-15)
The main CPU 200a executes RAM protection setting processing necessary to prohibit access to the main RAM 200c.

(Step S300-17)
The main CPU 200a sets the counter value of the loop counter to the predetermined number of power failure detection signal detections in order to set the power failure occurrence monitoring time.

(Step S300-19)
The main CPU 200a subtracts 1 from the value of the loop counter set in step S300-17.

(Step S300-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the counter value of the loop counter is zero. As a result, if it is determined that the counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S300-19, and if it is determined that the counter value is 0, the above-described CPU initialization process (step S1000) is performed.

It should be noted that if the power is actually cut off, the operation of the slot machine 100 is stopped during the loop of steps S300-19 to S300-21.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining timer interrupt processing in the main control board 200. FIG. The main control board 200 is provided with a reset clock pulse generation circuit that generates a clock pulse at a predetermined cycle (1.49 milliseconds in the simultaneous rotation reference example, hereinafter referred to as "1.49 ms"). Then, when a clock pulse is generated by the reset clock pulse generation circuit, it interrupts and the following timer interrupt processing is executed.

(Step S400-1)
The main CPU 200a saves the register.

(Step S400-3)
The main CPU 200a clears the interrupt flag.

(Step S400-5)
The main CPU 200a reads various input port images and executes port input processing for accurately acquiring the latest switch status.

(Step S400-7)
The main CPU 200a outputs the set output image to the output port, the main credit display section 130, the main payout display section 132, the input number display, the start display, the display of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and the replay display. dynamic port output processing for controlling the lighting of the section indicator 160.

(Step S400-9)
The main CPU 200a updates the timer interrupt processing phase. The timer interrupt processing phase is one of 0 to 3. Here, when the timer interrupt processing phase is 0, 1, or 2, 1 is added, and when the timer interrupt processing phase is 3, is changed to 0.

(Step S400-11)
The main CPU 200 a performs sub-command transmission processing for transmitting the command stored in the transmission buffer to the sub-control board 202 .

(Step S400-13)
The main CPU 200 a executes stepping motor control processing for controlling the stepping motor 152 .

(Step S400-15)
The main CPU 200 a executes output port image output processing for outputting an output image to be output to the medal payout device 142 .

(Step S400-17)
The main CPU 200a executes random number update processing for updating various random numbers.

(Step S400-19)
The main CPU 200a executes fraud monitoring processing for detecting errors in order to output external signals (external signals 4 and 5) corresponding to errors to the outside.

(Step S400-21)
The main CPU 200a executes a module (subroutine) corresponding to the timer interrupt processing phase updated in step S400-9. Here, the timer interrupt processing phase is set to one of 0 to 3, and one module corresponding to each of the timer interrupt processing phases 0 to 3 is provided (four in total). One module will be executed once every four timer interrupt processing (every 5.96 ms). For example, a module that executes time monitoring processing for subtracting various timers is associated with one timer interrupt processing phase.

(Step S400-23)
The main CPU 200a executes test signal output processing for outputting the test signal to the outside.

(Step S400-25)
The main CPU 200a reads various input port images and executes port input processing for accurately acquiring the latest switch status.

(Step S400-27)
The main CPU 200a restores the register.

(Step S400-29)
The main CPU 200a permits the interrupt and terminates the timer interrupt process.

<Switch determination processing and switch transmission processing>
As described with reference to FIG. 4, the main control board 200 is connected with a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, a stop switch 120, and a settlement switch (not shown) as switches that can be operated by the player. The switches (bed switch 116, start switch 118, stop switch 120, checkout switch, etc.) that are connected to such a main control board 200 and receive signals input to the main control board 200 may be collectively referred to as main switches. The main CPU 200a performs switch determination processing for determining whether or not the main switch has been operated. Note that the functional means of the main CPU 200a that performs switch determination processing may be referred to as switch determination means.

For example, when a predetermined number or more of medals have been credited but no bets have been placed and the switch determination means detects the operation of the bet switch 116 by the player, the betting means 302 bets medals. Here, in the slot machine 100, an example of betting medals stored as credits is given, but this is not the only case. The held electronic medals are betted. Further, when the switch determination means detects the player's operation of the start switch 118 after the betting is completed, the reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Further, when the switch determination means detects the operation of the stop switch 120 by the player while the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are rotating, the reel control means 306 controls the corresponding reels 110a, 110b and 110c to stop. Such use of the main switch on the main control board 200 for the purpose of progressing a game (one game) of the slot machine 100 may be called an intended use. For such purposes, the main control board 200 can complete the processing.

However, depending on the operation of the main switch, the effect control means 334 may perform the effect. For example, the effect control means 334 changes the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124 according to the operation of each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. In this case, the command transmitting means 316 of the main control board 200 transmits a command (hereinafter simply referred to as "main operation command") accumulated in the buffer indicating that the main switch has been operated to the sub control board 202. Perform transmission processing. The command receiving means 332 of the sub control board 202 receives the main operation command, and the effect control means 334 executes the effect corresponding to the operated main switch.

Further, the operation information of such main switches (bed switch 116, start switch 118, stop switch 120, checkout switch, etc.) can be used for purposes other than intended use (unintended use). For example, from the end of one game to the start of the next game, that is, while waiting for a customer, through the menu screen of the liquid crystal display unit 124, the player is informed of the volume of the BGM, the amount of light of the liquid crystal display unit 124, and the appearance of the game. In some cases, the player may be prompted to make a selection of a song, a production, or the like that the user wants to increase the frequency of. Also, after the decision to shift to the bonus game state or AT effect state is made, the player may be urged to select some kind of effect mode, music, etc. in the bonus game state or AT effect state through the menu screen of the liquid crystal display unit 124 . In such a case, the switch determination means performs the switch determination process, and the command transmission means 316 performs the switch transmission process. A selection effect can be executed. Here, the selection effect is a effect of determining (selecting) at least one option from a plurality of options shown in the selection image on the liquid crystal display section 124 according to the operation of the main switch.

However, irrespective of whether it is intended use or non-intended use, the switch determination means determines not only switches that are effectively waiting for operation due to intended use, but also switches whose operation is invalidated. The switch determination processing is also performed for other main switches that are used for purposes other than the intended use, and the command transmission means 316 performs switch transmission processing for all of the main switches.

For example, in a state in which no bets are placed, operation waiting of the bet switch 116, which is intended use, is performed. Here, the switch determination means performs switch determination processing not only for the bed switch 116 that is used for the intended purpose, but also for other main switches that are not used for the intended purpose and whose operation is invalidated. Then, the betting means 302 bets medals for use within the purpose according to the operation of the bet switch 116 . In parallel with this, the command transmission means 316 performs switch transmission processing not only for the bed switch 116 but also for other main switches that are not used for the intended purpose. Similarly, when the betting is completed, the player waits for the operation of the start switch 118, which is used for the intended purpose. Here, the switch determination means performs the switch determination processing not only for the start switch 118 that is used for the intended purpose, but also for other main switches that are not used for the intended purpose and whose operation is invalidated. Then, according to the operation of the start switch 118, the reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c as intended use. In parallel with this, the command transmission means 316 performs switch transmission processing not only for the start switch 118 but also for other main switches that are not used for the intended purpose. Similarly, while the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotating, the operation of the stop switch 120, which is intended use, is awaited. Here, the switch determination means performs switch determination processing not only for the stop switch 120 which is used for the intended purpose, but also for other main switches for which the operation is invalid and which is not used for the intended purpose. Then, the reel control means 306 stops and controls the rotating reels 110a, 110b, and 110c corresponding to the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c as intended use according to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. In parallel with this, the command transmission means 316 performs switch transmission processing not only for the stop switch 120 but also for other main switches that are not used for the intended purpose. It should be noted that when the stop control of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c corresponding to the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is started, the stop switch 120 corresponding to the reel 110 for which the stop control is performed ends the intended use, so the switch The judging means performs a switch judging process on the stop switch 120 corresponding to the reel 110 on which the stop control is performed as being used for an unintended purpose.

Here, in the slot machine 100, regardless of whether it is used for the intended purpose or not, there is a state (executable state) in which the switch determination process and the switch transmission process can be executed, and a switch determination process and the switch transmission process. is not executed (non-execution state). Here, the period in the executable state may be called the executable period, and the period in the non-executable state may be called the non-executable period. Here, first, the flow of one game explained using the above flowchart will be explained in chronological order using a timing chart. (non-execution period) will be explained.

FIG. 34 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of processing for one game. Here, regardless of whether or not another stop switch 120 has already been operated, for the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120, stop start to start stop processing by all-phase excitation, stop As a result of the start, the operation of the stop switch 120 that has not yet been operated is effectively permitted without waiting for the completion of the stop when the reel 110 stops due to the decrease in rotational speed. Also, for convenience of explanation, a 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, in the order of hitting in order will be described. It goes without saying that any of the possible batting orders (six here) can be applied.

At time (a) in FIG. 34 during preparation for starting one game (while waiting for a customer), the player operates (depresses) the bet switch 116 and bets medals, thereby completing preparations for starting one game. Next, assume that the player operates the start switch 118 at time (b) in FIG. When the start switch 118 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. 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. After the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are in a constant speed state, at time (d) in FIG. , 120c.

When the player operates the stop switch 120a at time (e) in FIG. 34 in response to activation of the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, the reel control means 306 controls the operated stop switch 120a and Operation of the stop switches 120b, 120c corresponding to the reels 110b, 110c for which stop processing has not yet been performed (that is, operation of all the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c) is invalidated. Then, the reel control means 306 acquires the depression reference position, and performs stop processing (determines the number of sliding frames) to determine symbols existing within the pull-in range at the time of operation as stop symbols. At time (f) in FIG. 34, when the stop processing is completed, the reel control means 306 keeps spinning for the number of sliding frames so as to draw the stop symbol onto the activated line A. FIG. Therefore, it may take 0 to 189 msec (predetermined time within 190 msec) including reaction time of operation detection and interrupt processing to rotate the stop switch 120a by the number of sliding frames. Subsequently, when the left reel 110a reaches a stop position where the determined stop symbol can be stopped on the activated 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 (starting the stop processing by all-phase excitation is called stop start). In this way, the rotation speed of the left reel 110a decreases (hereinafter, the state in which the rotation speed is decreasing is referred to as a deceleration state), and the left reel 110a stops after about 13 msec from the start of the stop process (the rotation speed decreases as a result of the start of the stop process). The stopping of the reel 110 is called stop completion), and the stopped state is maintained (the state where the reel 110 is kept stopped is called the stopped state). Such all-phase excitation is continued for 200 msec and then released at time (h). 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 (i) 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 performs stop processing. At time (j) in FIG. 34, when the stop processing is completed, the reel control means 306 keeps spinning for the number of sliding frames so as to draw the stop symbol onto the activated line A. FIG. 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. Thus, the middle reel 110b stops after about 13 msec from the start of the stopping process. However, all-phase excitation continues for 200 msec and is released at time (l). 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.

Next, when the player operates the stop switch 120c at time (m) in FIG. 34, 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 performs stop processing. At time (n) in FIG. 34, when the stop processing is completed, the reel control means 306 keeps spinning for the number of sliding frames so as to draw the stop symbol onto the activated line A. FIG. 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 approximately 13 msec after the start of the stopping process. Such all-phase excitation continues for 200 msec and is released at time (p).

Then, when all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are stopped and a predetermined stop completion condition is satisfied, the determination means 308 determines that all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are released from all phase excitation and finally When the condition that the operation of the stop switch 120 (here, the stop switch 120c) that has been operated (third stop) is released is satisfied, the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A will be any predetermined combination It is determined whether it corresponds to (a winning combination that won a prize). Then, according to the judgment result of the judgment means 308, at time (q), the payout control means 310 pays out the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination. In addition, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state and the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state according to the completion of stopping of all the reels 110a, 110b and 110c. Furthermore, depending on the completion of stopping of all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c, there are cases where calculation regarding the role ratio monitor is performed, or calculation regarding the advantageous section MY counter is performed. Then, one game ends upon completion of the processing reflecting the game results, such as determination processing, payout processing, transition processing, etc., at time (r) in FIG.

An executable state (executable period) and a non-executable state (non-executable period) will be described with reference to FIG.

First, at time point (r) in FIG. The period until the (effective) start switch 118 is operated in a new (current) one game at time (b) is an executable period (first executable period). It should be noted that the operation of the start switch 118 here is an operation that can effectively start one game after the specified number of medals required for one game has been inserted. During the first executable period, the processing load is small during the waiting for the customer who waits for the operation of the bet switch 116 . Also, during the first executable period, bet processing is executed by operating the bet switch 116, but the bet processing itself has a small processing load, and some processing is executed in real time according to the operation of the bet switch 116. Since there is no necessity, strict time management (real-time property) is not required. In this case, even if the switch determination process or the switch transmission process is executed, it does not affect the progress of the game. Therefore, it is possible to execute the switch determination process and the switch transmission process during the first executable period. In addition, during the first executable period from the end of the predetermined processing related to the previous game to the operation of the start switch 118 related to the current game, the current game is started after the predetermined processing related to the previous game is completed. and a period from when the bet regarding the current game is executed until the start switch 118 regarding the current game is operated.

With such a configuration, for example, the selection effect by the effect control means 334 becomes possible during the first executable period. The effect control means 334 displays a demo screen, a menu screen, a volume adjustment screen, a light amount adjustment screen, and a character change screen on the liquid crystal display unit 124 to execute selection effects. For example, the effect control means 334 displays on the liquid crystal display unit 124 a volume adjustment screen and a light amount adjustment screen indicating that the volume and the amount of light can be adjusted by the stop switch 120, and adjusts the volume according to the operation of the stop switch 120a by the player. is decreased, the amount of light is decreased, the volume is increased according to the operation of the stop switch 120c by the player, the amount of light is increased, and the volume or the amount of light is increased according to the operation of the bet switch 116 or the start switch 118 by the player. confirm. In addition, the effect control means 334 displays on the liquid crystal display unit 124 a character change screen indicating that the character that appears as the game progresses can be changed by the stop switch 120, and displays a character change screen in response to the operation of the stop switch 120a by the player. , among a plurality of characters arranged side by side, the focus is shifted to the character positioned to the left of the character being focused at that time, and in response to the operation of the stop switch 120c by the player, the character being focused at that time is shifted to the right. The focus may be shifted to the character positioned at , and the character focused in response to the operation of the bet switch 116 or the start switch 118 by the player may be determined as the character involved in the progress of the game. Here, instead of operating the bet switch 116 or the start switch 118 by the player, the effect control means 334 waits for a predetermined period of time after the player operates the stop switch 120 to determine the sound volume, the amount of light, and the character. You may When the player selects a predetermined option from the demo screen, menu screen, volume adjustment screen, and light amount adjustment screen through the switch (when the option is confirmed), the main operation command related to the switch is transmitted to the sub control board 202. . In this way, the effect control means 334 can acquire options desired by the player.

After the start switch 118 is operated at time (b) in FIG. 34, the acceleration state of the reels 110a, 110b and 110c is terminated at time (d) in FIG. , the rotation of all the reels 110 is stabilized) is a non-execution period (first non-execution period). A winning type lottery means 304 performs a winning type lottery for determining whether a winning combination including a winning combination is appropriate or not according to the operation of the start switch 118 . Further, the reel control means 306 starts rotating the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c in response to the operation of the start switch 118, and puts them in an accelerated state. In addition, the command transmission means 316, in response to the operation of the start switch 118, sends a command including the lottery result of such a winning type lottery and a command for transmitting the start of rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c to the sub control board 202. must be sent. Under such circumstances, if the switch determination means performs switch determination processing, or if the command transmission means 316 transmits a main operation command with low importance in the game, the lottery result of the winning type lottery with high importance in the game is determined. , or a command for transmitting the start of rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c. Therefore, the switch determination process and the switch transmission process are not executed in the first non-execution period. In the first non-execution period from when the start switch 118 is operated to when the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are accelerated, and part or all of the period from the start of rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c to the end of the accelerated state of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c. Here, during a part of the period from when the start switch 118 is operated to when the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c start rotating, the winning type lottery means 304 performs a winning type lottery according to the operation of the start switch 118 (winning Until the end of the type lottery), the command transmission means 316 responds to the operation of the start switch 118, and stores commands including the lottery result of the winning type lottery and commands to start rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c in the buffer. A period for setting (until the setting is completed) or a period for transmitting those commands to the sub-control board 202 (until the transmission is completed) is included. Further, here, the end of the first non-execution period (the end of the accelerated state of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c) is determined when all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are detected and the rotation of all the reels 110 is stabilized. However, not limited to this case, the index of any one of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c is detected, and the rotation of the reel 110 becomes steady rotation, or the rotation of the reel 110 It may be determined that the first non-execution period has ended when the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is stably validated.

Also, the period from the start of the steady state after the end of the acceleration state at time (d) in FIG. 34 to the time the stop switch 120 is operated at time (e) in FIG. is an executable period (second executable period). During the steady state, the reel control means 306 maintains a predetermined speed (less than 80 rpm/min) by 1-2 phase excitation, the processing load is small, and some processing is performed in real time according to the end of the acceleration state. Since there is no need for execution, strict time management (real-time property) is not required. In this case, even if the switch determination process or the switch transmission process is executed, it does not affect the progress of the game. Therefore, it is possible to execute the switch determination process and the switch transmission process during the second executable period.

However, even during the steady state, after the stop switch 120 is operated at times (e), (i), and (m) in FIG. The period until the stop processing of the reel 110 corresponding to the stop switch 120 operated in is completed (until it is stopped) is a non-execution period (second non-execution period). When the stop switch 120 is operated, the reel control means 306 acquires the depression reference position, and determines a symbol existing within the pull-in range at the time of operation as a stop symbol (determines the number of sliding frames). , the stop processing by all-phase excitation is started for the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 . In addition, the command transmission means 316 must transmit a command including the stop position at which the reel 110 stops to the sub control board 202 according to the operation of the stop switch 120 . Under such circumstances, if the switch determination means performs switch determination processing or the command transmission means 316 transmits a main operation command that is less important in the game, the reel 110 that is more important in the game stops. A delay in transmission of a command including a stop position or a delay in rendering on the sub-control board 202 may cause the player to feel uncomfortable. Therefore, the switch determination process and the switch transmission process are not executed during the second non-execution period.

Also, the period from when all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are completely stopped at time (p) in FIG. It is a non-execution period (third non-execution period). Here, various processes are executed according to completion of stopping of all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. For example, the determining means 308 determines to which predetermined combination the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A corresponds (the winning combination). Then, according to the determination result of the determination means 308, the payout control means 310 pays out the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination. Also, when the replay combination wins, the betting means 302 automatically inserts medals. In addition, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state and the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state according to the completion of stopping of all the reels 110a, 110b and 110c. Furthermore, depending on the completion of stopping of all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c, there are cases where calculation regarding the role ratio monitor is performed, or calculation regarding the advantageous section MY counter is performed. Also, the command transmission means 316 must transmit a command including the determination result of the determination means 308 to the sub control board 202 in response to completion of stopping of all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Under such circumstances, if the switch determination means performs switch determination processing, or if the command transmission means 316 transmits a main operation command that is less important in the game, the determination result of the determination means 308 that is more important in the game There is a possibility that the player may feel uncomfortable due to the delay in the transmission of the command including , or the delay in the performance on the sub control board 202 . Therefore, the switch determination process and the switch transmission process are not executed during the third non-execution period. During the third non-execution period from when the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are completely stopped until each process such as the determination process and the payout process is completed, the determination means 308 determines the winning combination. While doing, and the processing associated with the winning judgment (payout processing, game state transition processing, effect state transition processing, arithmetic processing, command transmission processing) either or both are included .

Although the description is omitted in FIG. 34, as described above, 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. In order to display the lottery result of the winning type lottery, the time until the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c by the player is validated is extended from the prescribed time, and during that time, the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are variously changed. A reel effect (freeze effect) that controls rotation in a manner may be performed. When such a freeze effect is executed, the period from when the start switch 118 is operated until the reel effect is completed is an executable period. Here, although the reel control means 306 performs various rotation controls, there is no need to perform a winning type lottery for determining the appropriateness of the winning type including the winning combination according to the operation of the start switch 118. Since there is no need to send a command including the lottery result to the sub control board 202, strict time management (real-time property) is not required. In this case, even if the switch determination process or the switch transmission process is executed, it does not affect the progress of the game. Therefore, it is possible to execute the switch determination process and the switch transmission process during the executable period. With such a configuration, in the above-described pseudo-game, the sub-control board 202 can receive the main operation command, and the effect control means 334 can execute the effect corresponding to the operation of the main switch.

Also, when an error occurs in the slot machine 100, the period from the start of the error to the end of the error is a non-execution period. Therefore, the switch determination process and the switch transmission process are not executed during the non-execution period during the error.

In this way, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 perform switch determination processing and switch transmission processing at any timing of the executable state (executable period), and perform switch determination processing in the non-executable state (non-executable period). and does not perform switch transmission processing. Techniques (first technique and second technique) for realizing such a combination of processes will be described below.

(First method)
FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the switch determination means and command transmission means 316. As shown in FIG. The switch determination means determines whether or not the main switch is operated in port input processing S400-5 in the timer interrupt processing S400 of FIG. 33, in the subcommand transmission processing S400-11 in the timer interrupt processing S400 of FIG. That is, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 always executes the switch determination process and the switch transmission process each time the timer interrupt process S400 is executed, as shown in FIG.

However, as shown in FIG. 35, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 do not execute (prohibit execution) the switch determination process and the switch transmission process in the first non-execution period. For example, the switch determination means determines whether or not the process currently in progress is the process of steps S240-1 to S240-9 in FIG. It is determined that it is the 1 non-execution period, and the switch determination process is not performed. Since the main operation command is not set unless the switch determination process is performed, the command transmission means 316 does not execute the switch transmission process.

Further, as shown in FIG. 35, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 do not execute (prohibit execution) the switch determination process and the switch transmission process in the second non-execution period. For example, the switch determination means determines whether or not the process currently in progress is the process of step S240-29 in the drum rotating process S240 in FIG. 27 to step S250-19 in the drum stopping process S250 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is the process of steps S240-29 to S250-19, it is determined that it is the second non-execution period, and the switch determination process is not performed. Since the main operation command is not set unless the switch determination process is performed, the command transmission means 316 does not execute the switch transmission process.

Further, as shown in FIG. 35, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 do not execute (prohibit execution) the switch determination process and the switch transmission process in the third non-execution period. For example, the switch determination means determines whether or not the process currently in progress is any one of the display determination process S260 of FIG. 29, the payout process S270 of FIG. If it is the process, it is determined that it is the third non-execution period, and the switch determination process is not performed. Since the main operation command is not set unless the switch determination process is performed, the command transmission means 316 does not execute the switch transmission process.

In this manner, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 always enable the switch determination process and the switch transmission process, while the non-execution period (first non-execution period, second non-execution period, third non-execution period) is set. period), it is possible to appropriately determine whether the switch is operated or not, and to transmit the main operation command to the sub control board 202 at an appropriate timing by not executing the switch determination process and the switch transmission process. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of malfunctions due to a simple main operation command. Further, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 are always in a state capable of executing the switch determination process and the switch transmission process, so that the program can be simplified and the memory capacity can be reduced.

(Second method)
FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining another process of the switch determination means and command transmission means 316. In FIG. The switch determination means does not determine whether or not the main switch is operated in port input processing S400-5 in timer interrupt processing S400 of FIG. At S400-11, the main operation command is not sent to the sub control board 202. Instead, switch determination means and command transmission means 316 individually execute switch determination processing and switch transmission processing in predetermined processing other than timer interrupt processing S400.

First, as shown in FIG. 36, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 executes switch determination processing and switch transmission processing in the first executable period. For example, the switch determination means calls a subroutine relating to command transmission at any timing between steps S210-1 to S210-27 in the game medal insertion process S210 of FIG. In the command transmission subroutine, the switch determination means determines whether or not the main switch is operated, sets the main operation command in the buffer according to the operation of the main switch, and the command transmission means 316 reads the main operation command from the buffer. and transmits the main operation command to the sub control board 202 .

Also, as shown in FIG. 36, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 executes switch determination processing and switch transmission processing in the second executable period. For example, the switch determination means calls the subroutine relating to command transmission at any timing between steps S240-11 to S240-27 in the process S240 during rotation of the drum in FIG. Thus, if at least one reel 110 is in the steady state, the switch determination process and the switch transmission process are executed.

Here, a subroutine relating to command transmission is called between steps S240-11 to S240-27 in the process S240 during rotation of the drum in FIG. With the configuration in which it is not called in step S250-19 in the stop processing S250, it is possible to execute the switch determination processing and the switch transmission processing except for only the non-execution period while in a steady state.

In this way, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 call the subroutine for command transmission only during the executable period (first executable period, second executable period) without using the timer interrupt processing S400 of FIG. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the switch is operated, to transmit the main operation command to the sub control board 202 at an appropriate timing, and to avoid problems caused by unnecessary main operation commands. In addition, since the subroutine for command transmission is always arranged at any timing of the executable period, the program can be simplified and the memory capacity can be reduced.

In the first method described above, the switch determination means and the command transmission means 316 always enable the switch determination process and the switch transmission process, and execute the switch determination process and the switch transmission process during the non-execution period. do not. In the second method, the switch determination means and command transmission means 316 call a subroutine for command transmission only during the executable period without using the timer interrupt processing S400 of FIG. Here, when the program capacity for prohibiting switch determination processing and switch transmission processing in a plurality of non-execution periods is small, the area occupied by the program can be reduced by using the first method. On the other hand, if the program capacity for calling subroutines related to command transmission in a plurality of executable periods is small, the area occupied by the program can be reduced by using the second method. Therefore, it is desirable to use the first method or the second method based on the relationship between the executable period and the non-executable period, which are in an exclusive relationship.

In the above-described embodiment, the bed switch 116, the start switch 118, and the stop switch 120 are described as the main switches. The switch determination process and the switch transmission process may be executed in the state, and the execution of the switch determination process and the switch transmission process may be prohibited in the non-execution state. Also, in the payment processing of credited medals using the payment switch, if the processing load is high or if a command of high importance is sent to the sub control board 202, the payment processing may be set as a non-execution period. On the other hand, if the processing load is low, such as when a command of high importance is not transmitted to the sub control board 202, the settlement process may be set as the executable period.

Here, in the above-described embodiment, switch determination means for executing switch determination processing for determining whether or not at least one of the bed switch 116, the start switch 118, and the stop switch 120 is operated, and the bed switch 116, the start In response to the operation of at least one of the switch 118 and the stop switch 120, command transmission means for executing a switch transmission process for transmitting a command to that effect to the sub control board 202, any timing of the executable period In the non-execution period, the switch determination means executes the switch determination process and the command transmission means 316 performs the switch transmission process. An example in which switch transmission processing is not executed has been described. However, the switch determination means executes the switch determination process and the command transmission means 316 performs the switch transmission process not only during the executable period but also during any period during which arbitrary processing (first processing) is being executed. This timing is sufficient, and the reason why the switch determination means does not execute the switch determination process and the command transmission means 316 does not execute the switch transmission process is not limited to the non-execution period, and is different from the first process. Arbitrary processing (second processing) is sufficient.

In the above-described embodiment, the switch determination means determines whether or not at least one of the bed switch 116, the start switch 118, and the stop switch 120 (main switch) is operated (operation determination). bottom. Here, the operation of the main switch determined by the switch determination means includes the state in which the main switch is not operated, the time when the main switch is operated (the timing at which the state changed from the state in which it is not operated to the state in which it is operated: when it is pressed), This includes the state in which the operation of the main switch is maintained, and the time when the operation of the main switch is released (the timing at which the operated state changes to the non-operated state: release). can judge.

By determining when the main switch is operated and when the main switch is released, the effect control means 334 that receives the main operation command counts the time during which the main switch is operated. becomes possible. Therefore, the effect control means 334 can, for example, determine whether the operation of the main switch is a short press (for example, less than 500 msec) or a long press (for example, 500 msec or more) (long press determination). It is possible to vary the production according to the. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the main switch is long pressed without increasing the program capacity of the main ROM 200b.

In addition, during the executable period, the switch determination process and the switch transmission process are executed each time the main switch is operated. It becomes possible to derive the operation frequency of the main switch operated within. Therefore, the effect control means 334 can determine, for example, that the main switch is being operated frequently within a predetermined time (continuous hit determination), and can determine whether or not repeated hits are being made, or whether or not repeated blows are being continued. It is possible to vary the production according to the. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the main switch has been repeatedly pressed without increasing the program capacity of the main ROM 200b.

Here, an example in which the effect control means 334 performs determination of operation of the main switch, determination of long press, and determination of repeated hits will be given. The effect control means 334 executes an operation effect for prompting the operation of the switch, and enters a standby state for the operation of the switch. Such a switch to be determined may be both or one of the effect switch 122 (for example, PUSH switch not shown) and the main switch (for example, max bet switch among bet switches 116). For example, in the case of a slot machine 100 not equipped with a PUSH switch, only the max bet switch may be subject to determination. In addition, the effect control means 334 performs operation determination, long press determination, repeated hit determination for one of the effect switch 122 and the main switch, and operation determination, long press determination, repeated hit determination of the effect switch 122 during the executable period. Then, determination of operation of the main switch, determination of long press, and determination of repeated hits can be performed in a predetermined order (for example, it can be determined that the effect switch 122 and the main switch are alternately operated). To give a specific example, the effect control means 334 executes the operation effect in a period (first executable period) from the end of the previous game until the start switch 118 in the new game is operated. to prompt the player to operate the effect switch 122 or the main switch, and the player's operation (main switch is not operated, when the main switch is operated, when the main switch is maintained, when the main switch is released) , short press, long press, repeated hits), operation determination, long press determination, repeated hit determination is performed, and an effect is executed according to the determination content. In addition, the production control means 334 executes the operation production during the period from the start of the steady state after the end of the acceleration state until the stop switch 120 is operated (second executable period), and the production switch 122 Or prompt the operation of the main switch, and the player's operation (state when the main switch is not operated, when the main switch is operated, when the main switch operation is maintained, when the main switch is released, short press, long Operation determination, long-press determination, and continuous-hit determination are performed in accordance with (press, repeated hits), and an effect is executed according to the content of the determination. Regarding the second executable period, since the start switch 118 is operated before the acceleration state, the effect control means 334 can execute the operation effect triggered by the operation of the start switch 118. - 特許庁For example, the effect control means 334 starts the operation effect in response to the operation of the start switch 118. However, until the second executable period is reached, that is, after the start switch 118 is operated, until the acceleration state of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c ends (first non-executable period), the effect control means 334 An image prompting the operation of the effect switch 122 or the main switch in the operation effect (for example, an image simulating the switch to be operated) is subjected to animation such as effects and fade-ins, and the operation of the effect switch 122 or the main switch is still valid. Indicates not accepted. Then, when the second executable period starts, the effect control means 334 deletes the animation applied to the image prompting the operation of the effect switch 122 or the main switch in the operation effect, and operates the effect switch 122 or the main switch. It indicates that it can be accepted effectively, and the operation of the effect switch 122 or the main switch is effectively accepted. Note that the effect control means 334 deletes the animation applied to the image prompting the operation of the effect switch 122 or the main switch in the operation effect before the second executable period starts, that is, during the first non-executable period. may indicate that the operation of the effect switch 122 or the main switch can be effectively accepted, and the operation of the effect switch 122 or the main switch can be effectively accepted after the second executable period is started.

<Configuration around the CPU of the main control board>
FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining electrical connections around the main CPU 200a. The main CPU 200 a includes a CPU core 700 and a bus controller 702 . The CPU core 700 controls the bus controller 702 through a bus control signal (Bus Cont) output from the BC terminal, reads data from the main ROM 200b, the main RAM 200c, or the input/output unit 704, or reads data from the main RAM 200c or the input/output unit 704. Data is written to portion 704 . Here, as the main CPU 200a, a microprocessor based on the Z80 series CPU sold by LETech is used.

For example, when reading data from the main ROM 200b, the main RAM 200c, or the input/output unit 704, the bus controller 702 outputs a 16-bit address (A[16]) signal and outputs the main ROM 200b, Either the main RAM 200c or the input/output unit 704 is specified, and the read (RD) signal is controlled to read the data (D[8]) signal from the main ROM 200b, the main RAM 200c, or the input/output unit 704. . When data is written to the main RAM 200c or the input/output unit 704, the bus controller 702 outputs an address (A[16]) signal and a data (D[8]) signal to the main RAM 200c through decoders 706b and 706c. , or specifies one of the input/output units 704 and controls the write (WR) signal to write the data (D[8]) signal to the main RAM 200 c or the input/output unit 704 .

Here, as will be described later, the address space of the input/output unit 704 is integrated with the address spaces of the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c. Therefore, conventionally, a memory request (MREQ) terminal and an I/O request (IORQ) terminal for outputting a signal for specifying whether to access memory or I/O are not provided. By reassigning these two terminals to arbitrary other signals, the degree of freedom in program development can be increased.

The CPU core 700 also includes an interrupt/wait (INT/WAIT) signal that triggers the start of interrupt processing, a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) signal that allows interrupt processing to be executed with the highest priority, and bus signals that are set to high impedance. An external signal such as a transitionable bus request (BUSREQ) signal is also input.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the CPU core 700. As shown in FIG. CPU core 700 includes external input unit 710 , state control unit 712 , central control unit 714 , register unit 716 and arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 718 . The external input unit 710 receives external signals and outputs control information based on the external signals to the state control unit 712 and the central control unit 714 .

State control unit 712 manages and transitions internal states (RESET, instruction fetch, instruction decode, operation, memory load, memory store, HALT, etc.) based on input control information to change the operating state of CPU core 700. It determines and outputs control information to the central control unit 714 based on its operating state.

Central control unit 714 extracts an operation code (instruction) from input data (DI[8]) input via bus controller 702 and controls ALU 718 based on the command decoded by the instruction decoder. Also, the central control unit 714 acquires necessary information from each register of the register unit 716 and updates each register according to the decoded command.

Register unit 716 includes selector ports 722 a , 722 b , 722 c , input bank selector 724 , first register bank 726 , second register bank 728 , output bank selector 730 , address port 732 and individual registers 734 . The individual register 734 includes a 16-bit program counter (PC) indicating the address of the next program to be executed, an 8-bit interrupt (I) register used in interrupt mode, and an 8-bit counter for counting opcode fetch cycles. It includes a bit refresh (R) register and an 8-bit interrupt enable (IFF) register that controls interrupt enable/disable.

In addition, the register unit 716 has a random number generator for obtaining various random numbers (jackpot determination random number, winning pattern random number, reach group determination random number, reach mode determination random number, variation pattern random number, winning determination random number) related to the big win lottery. A device (not shown) is associated with the input port (FE73h to FE9Ch) to obtain a latched random value.

The random number generator operates with a system clock (a clock obtained by dividing an external input by two) and generates random numbers less than a predetermined maximum value. The random number generator is a random number generator capable of setting the maximum value of random numbers. A configurable random number generator is provided with eight channels. Here, the 16-bit maximum value setting random number generator can select the random number update period within the range of 32 to 47 clocks, and the maximum value setting range can be set within the range of 256 to 65,535. In addition, the 8-bit maximum value setting random number generator can select the random number update period in the range of 16 to 31 clocks, and the maximum value setting range can be set in the range of 16 to 255 for 4 channels. It can be set in the range of 64-255. In addition, as a random number generator with a fixed maximum value of random numbers, a random number generator capable of setting a maximum value of 16 bits has four channels and a random number generator capable of setting a maximum value of 8 bits. The instrument is prepared for 8 channels. Here, the 16-bit fixed maximum value random number generator has a fixed random number update period of 1 clock and a maximum value of 65,535. The 8-bit fixed maximum value random number generator has a fixed random number update cycle of 1 clock and a maximum value of 255.

If the number of types of random numbers is insufficient, the random number obtained from the hardware random number generator (random number generator) is multiplied by a predetermined number in the program, or divided to generate another random number (software random number generator).

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of registers. The register unit 716 is provided with a first register bank (bank 0) 726 and a second register bank (bank 1) 728 paired with the first register bank 726 . The first register bank 726 is provided with a main register group (front register group) 726a and a sub-register group (back register group) 726b paired with the main register group 726a. A main register group 728a and a sub-register group 728b paired with the main register group 728a are provided. The main register group 726a and sub-register group 726b of the first register bank 726 and the main register group 728a and sub-register group 728b of the second register bank 728 are both 8-bit registers (Q, A, F, B, C, D, E, H, L) and 16-bit registers (IX, IY). However, unlike the sub-register groups 726b and 728b, the main register groups 726a and 728a further include an 8-bit register (U) and a 16-bit register (SP). The main CPU 200a switches between the first register bank 726 and the second register bank 728 and can access only one of the register banks indicated by the register bank designation register RB in the F register, which will be described later. The other register bank cannot be accessed simultaneously.

Among the registers shown in FIG. 39, the Q registers are 8-bit registers provided as extension registers in each register bank in two sets for storing the high-order bytes of addresses used in some commands. If, for example, F0h is set as the value of the Q register, the main CPU 200a can use the Q register to access F000h to F0FFh of the main RAM 200c. The U register is an 8-bit register that is provided in each register bank as an extension register and stores the upper byte of the address used in some commands. If, for example, FEh is set as the value of the U register, the main CPU 200a controls internal devices (timers, random number generators, external input/output circuits, etc.) connected to the input/output unit 704 of FE00h to FFFFh. A U register is available for access. The A register is a general-purpose register that also functions as an 8-bit accumulator used for arithmetic processing and data transfer. The F register is an 8-bit flag register that holds various calculation results. Here, as shown in FIG. 39, each bit of the F register is, from the most significant bit (MSB: Most Significant Bit) to the least significant bit (LSB: Least Significant Bit), S is 1 when the operation result is negative. , Z is a zero flag (first zero flag) that is set to 1 when all bits are 0 as a result of the operation, and TZ is a data transfer instruction (LD; load) executed by , is a specific bit flag (second zero flag) of extended specifications for gaming machines, which is set to 1 (value changes) when all bits are 0, and is sometimes called a teeze flag. H is a half-carry flag that cannot be touched by the programmer, and RB (register bank designation register) is a register bank monitor that indicates the current register bank (first register bank 726=0, second register bank 728=1). , P/V is a parity overflow flag, N is an addition/subtraction flag that cannot be touched by the programmer, and C is a carry flag that is set to 1 when a carry or borrow occurs as a result of an operation. The F register constitutes the A register and the pair register AF.

The B register, C register, D register, E register, H register, and L register are two sets of 8-bit general-purpose registers provided in each register bank, each of which is a predetermined combination of 16-bit pairs. Registers (eg, registers BC, DE, HL, and multiple combinations exist) are configured and utilized. The IX and IY registers are 16-bit general-purpose registers used for index addressing. The SP (stack pointer) register is 16 bits and stores an address that serves as a stack pointer. Q' register, A' register, F' register, B' register, C' register, D' register, E' register, H' register, L' register, IX' register, IY' register are Q register, A register , F register, B register, C register, D register, E register, H register, L register, IX register, and IY register. Possible sub-register groups 726b, 728b, where the A' and F' registers form a pair register AF', the B' and C' registers form a pair register BC', and the D' and E' registers. constitute a pair register DE', and the H' register and L' register constitute a pair register HL'. Note that the pair registers are not limited to BC', DE', and HL', and there are other combinations. On the other hand, one set of U register and SP register is provided for each register bank.

By the way, as described above, in the main control board 200, the main CPU 200a controls the progress of the game in cooperation with the main RAM 200c based on the programs stored in the main ROM 200b. Programs for executing these functional units are arranged in predetermined areas (used areas) of the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory map. The main ROM 200b is allocated a memory space of 0000h to 3FFFh (12 kbytes), the main RAM 200c is allocated a memory space of F000h to F3FFh (1 kbyte), and the input/output unit 704 is allocated FE00h to FEFFh (256 bytes). Allocated memory space. 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.

A memory space from 0000h to 1DF3h of the main ROM 200b is allocated a usable area. The use area is an area for storing programs and data for executing game control processing for controlling the progress of the game. Specifically, initialization means 300, betting means 302, winning type lottery means 304, reel control means 306, determination means 308, payout control The instruction code of the program for executing the game control process that controls the progress of the game by making the means 310, the game state control means 312, the effect state control means 314, and the command transmission means 316 function is stored, and 1200h to 1DF3h (3 0 kbytes), data used for the game control processing program is stored in the memory space (data area). A comment area is allocated to the memory space of 1E00h to 1FFFh, and a program management area is allocated to the memory space of 3FC0h to 3FFFh. Another area (unused area) is allocated to the memory space from 2000h to 3FBFh. The separate area is an area for storing programs and data that are not specified to be stored in the use area, as will be described later. Specifically, in the memory space from 2000h to 3FBFh, some or all of the gaming machine test processing and security-related processing that do not affect the progress of the game (hereinafter simply referred to as non-game control processing) is stored) and the instruction code and program data of the program that executes the

In addition, the memory space of F000h to F1FFh of the main RAM 200c is allocated with a use area. Specifically, the memory space of F000h to F13Fh is assigned a work area for the game control process, and is used for variable management such as timers, counters, and flags. A stack area for the game control process is assigned to the memory space of F1C0h to F1FFh. Another area is allocated to the memory space of F200h to F3FFh of the main RAM 200c. More specifically, the memory spaces F210h to F22Fh are allocated work areas for some or all of the security-related processes, and are used for managing variables such as timers, counters, and flags. A stack area for part or all of the security-related processing is allocated to the memory spaces F230h to F246h.

An input/output unit 704 is assigned to the memory space of FE00h to FEFFh. Conventionally, in order to access the device corresponding to the input/output unit 704, an I/O space of 256 bytes was provided independently of the memory space. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the MREQ and IORQ signals are eliminated, and access to the memory and the input/output unit 704 is made common and performed by the RD and WR signals. A U register is provided as hardware for designating the upper 8-bit address for accessing the device connected to the input/output unit 704, and the 8-bit upper address is designated in advance. As a result, the I/O space provided independently of the memory space is integrated into the memory space to form one address space. On the other hand, the upper 8 bits are specified by the U register, and the lower 8 bits can be accessed using the lower 8 bits specified by the operands of the IN and OUT instructions.

In this embodiment, the LDQ instruction uses the value of the Q register to access the memory space (mainly the data area and work area), and the IN and OUT instructions use the U register to access the device (timer, random number generator, external It becomes possible to describe a program so as to access I/O of an input/output circuit, etc.). Such a configuration makes it easier to grasp the program at the time of design. In addition, memory and I/O that have been accessed by specifying them with 16-bit addresses can now be accessed with lower 8-bit operands, and the program capacity can be compressed. Furthermore, by having a plurality of high-order designated registers such as the Q register, Q' register, and U register, the number of exchanges due to reuse of the high-order register is reduced compared to when there is only one high-order register, and the program capacity is further compressed. be able to.

Although the memory space corresponding to the I/O space is accessed by the IN instruction and the OUT instruction in the above example, the memory space may be directly accessed by the IN instruction and the OUT instruction. For example, when accessing three 256-byte areas on the memory, the upper 8 bits are specified in the Q register, Q' register, and U register, respectively, and the LDQ instruction, the IN instruction, and the OUT instruction respectively This can be achieved by accessing the area of

(Lighting control of input number indicator 133)
FIG. 41 shows each display unit (main credit display unit 130, main payout display unit 132, input number display (display means) 133, start display, insert display, replay display) connected to the main control board 200. 2 is a circuit diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of . Here, the main CPU 200a uses a plurality of control signals (common signals C4-C0 and data signals D7-D0) to control lighting states of the collective light emitters L1-L5.

Among the collective light bodies L1 to L5, the collective light bodies L1 to L4 are seven segments, and the collective light body L5 is composed of six LEDs. Each of the collective light emitters L1 to L5 has a common terminal (C) in which the anode terminal or cathode terminal of a plurality of LEDs is shared, and the common terminal (C) and segment terminals (a to g, dp) When a potential difference is applied to (a current flows through) the corresponding segment emits light.

In the example of FIG. 41, the main CPU 200a switches and outputs common signals C4 to C0 specifying the collective light emitting bodies to be emitted from the collective light emitting bodies L1 to L5 in a time division manner. In parallel, the main CPU 200a also outputs data signals D7 to D0 indicating data for light emission to the collective light emitters L1 to L5 specified by the common signals C4 to C0. In this way, five pieces of data are switched and displayed on each of the collective light emitters L1 to L5 in a time division manner according to the common signal (dynamic lighting method). Specifically, the main CPU 200a activates only the common signal C0 of the collective light emitters L1 (low potential) at an arbitrary timing, and outputs the data signals D7 to D0 to be displayed on the collective light emitters L1 during this time. Then, although the data signals D7 to D0 are supplied to all the collective light emitters L1 to L5, the common signal C0 is supplied only to the collective light emitter L1, so only the collective light emitter L1 corresponds to the data signals D7 to D0. display the data that Next, the main CPU 200a switches the common signal from the common signal C0 of the collective light emitter L1 to the common signal C1 of the collective light emitter L2, and similarly outputs the data signals D7 to D0 to be displayed on the collective light emitter L2. . In this manner, the common signals C4 to C0 are sequentially switched to the collective light emitters L1 to L5 at a predetermined cycle (for example, 1.49 msec), and each time the corresponding data signals D7 to D0 are output, the collective light emission is performed. It is possible to make it appear as if the data are simultaneously displayed on the bodies L1 to L5. Since the light emission time is the same among the collective light emitters L1 to L5, the luminance is also uniform. In this way, it is possible to control the lighting states of the five collective light emitters L1 to L5 with as few control signals as five common signals and eight data signals.

In addition, collective light emitters L1 to L5 are associated with respective display units. For example, the collective light emitter L1 indicates the tens digit of the main credit display section 130, the collective light emitter L2 indicates the ones digit of the main credit display section 130, and the collective light emitter L3 indicates the main payout display section 132. The 10's place is indicated, and the collective luminous body L4 indicates the 1's place of the main payout display portion 132 . In addition, of the six LEDs of the collective light emitter L5, three LEDs indicate the input number indicator 133, and the other three LEDs are respectively a start indicator (lights up when the start switch 118 is operable) and an insert indicator. device (lights up when a medal can be inserted) and a replay display (lights up when a replay role wins a prize).

If the data signal D0 is "1" (HIGH potential) at the timing when the common signal C4 is supplied, the number-of-throwing-in indicator 133 lights up, and the number-of-throwing-in 1BET indicator 133 lights up. If it is "0" (LOW potential), the 1-BET insertion number display 133 is turned off. If the data signal D1 is "1" (HIGH potential), the 2-BET number display 133 lights up, and if the data signal D1 is "0" (LOW potential), the 2-BET number display 133 lights up. goes off. If the data signal D2 is "1" (HIGH potential), the 3BET number indicator 133 lights up, and if the data signal D2 is "0" (LOW potential), the 3BET number indicator 133 lights up. goes off. In this way, lighting control of the input number indicator 133 becomes possible.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram for explaining specific lighting control of the input number indicator 133. As shown in FIG. Here, the lighting modes of the input number indicator 133 according to the data signals D7 to D0 will be described. In addition, in FIG. 42, the solid black indicates lighting, and the white indicates non-lit. Here, the main CPU 200a (insertion number acquisition means) is executed when the medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot 114a, the bet is placed by the bet switch 116, or the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A in the previous game. To obtain the number of automatically inserted medals used for one game. Then, while no bet is placed, that is, when the number of insertions is "0", the main CPU 200a outputs the lighting information "00xxx000B" to the data signals D7 to D0. Here, the lighting information (specifying information) is 1-byte information for specifying the lighting mode (display mode) of the input number indicator 133, the start indicator, the insert indicator, and the replay indicator. The "x" in the lighting information indicates that the values of the start indicator, the insert indicator, and the replay indicator are undefined values (0 or 1). Here, among the lighting information, mainly the lower 3 bits related to the number-of-throwing-in display 133 will be described. By outputting the lighting information "00xxx000B", the data signal D2 corresponding to bit 2=0, the data signal D1 corresponding to bit 1=0, and the data signal D0 corresponding to bit 0=0. Therefore, none of the 3BETs, 2BETs, and 1BETs in the number-of-bets-in display 133 are illuminated. The player can understand that no bets have been placed because the number-of-insertions display 133 is not illuminated.

Also, if the number of inputs is "1", the main CPU 200a outputs the lighting information "00xxx001B" to the data signals D7 to D0. By outputting the lighting information "00xxx001B", the data signal D2 corresponding to bit 2=0, the data signal D1 corresponding to bit 1=0, and the data signal D0 corresponding to bit 0=1. Therefore, 3BET and 2BET of the number-of-bets display 133 are not lit up, but 1BET is lit up. Since one insertion number display 133 is lit, the player can understand that the number of insertions is "1".

Further, if the input number is "2", the main CPU 200a outputs the lighting information "00xxx011B" to the data signals D7 to D0. By outputting the lighting information "00xxx011B", the data signal D2 corresponding to bit 2=0, the data signal D1 corresponding to bit 1=1, and the data signal D0 corresponding to bit 0=1. Therefore, 3BET does not light up in the number-of-insertions display 133, but 2BET and 1BET light up. The player can understand that the number of inserted coins is "2" because the two inserted number indicators 133 are lit.

Also, if the input number is "3", the main CPU 200a outputs the lighting information "00×××111B" to the data signals D7 to D0. By outputting the lighting information “00×××111B”, the data signal D2 corresponding to bit 2=1, the data signal D1 corresponding to bit 1=1, and the data signal D0 corresponding to bit 0=1. Therefore, all of the 3BET, 2BET, and 1BET of the number-of-bets display 133 are lit. The player can understand that the number of inserted coins is "3" because three of the inserted number indicators 133 are lit. In this way, the input number indicator 133 can display the lighting information in lighting modes corresponding to the input numbers "1", "2", and "3".

Here, focusing on the lower 3 bits of the lighting information, the main CPU 200a outputs lighting information "000B" when the number of inputs is "0" ("000B"), and outputs "1" ("001B") when the number of inputs is "1" ("001B"). ”), the lighting information “001B” is output, the number of inputs is “2” (“010B”), the lighting information “011B” is output, and the number of inputs is “3” (“011B”), the lighting information is output. "111B" must be output. Then, it becomes necessary to convert the number of inputs into lighting information. For example, when a bet has not yet been placed, ``000B'' representing the input number in binary is converted to ``000B'', and when one bet is made, ``001B'' representing the input number in binary is converted to ``001B''. ”, and if two cards are bet, “010B”, which represents the number of inputs in binary, is converted to “011B”, and when three cards are bet, “011B”, which represents the number of inputs in binary, is converted to “011B”. It must be converted to "111B".

Such conversion cannot be derived by simple addition and subtraction, and requires complicated calculations. Therefore, it is conceivable that the main ROM 200b is provided with a table that associates the number of put-in items with the lighting information on a one-to-one basis, and the lighting information is extracted by referring to the table. However, since the table occupies a large amount of memory capacity, there is a risk that the available area (control area) of the main ROM 200b of the main control board 200 will be squeezed. In addition, even if a simple addition/subtraction program is attempted, when a bet has not yet been placed, the program becomes complicated, such as having to provide a branch to exclude "000B", which represents the input number in binary. Again, there is a risk that the usable area (control area) of the main ROM 200b will be squeezed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main CPU 200a (arithmetic processing means) efficiently converts the number of inputs into lighting information (specific information) while suppressing the capacity of the control area for performing game control processing. I do. Here, dynamic port output processing S400-7 in timer interrupt processing S400 shown in FIG. 31 is shown as an example of a program for converting the number of inputs into lighting information.

(Dynamic port output processing S400-7)
In the dynamic port output processing S400-7, the main CPU 200a outputs the set output image to the output port, and displays the main credit display section 130, the main payout display section 132, the input number display 133, the start display, and the insert display. , replay indicators, indicators of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, and the section indicators 160 are controlled to be illuminated. Here, for convenience of explanation, a part of the dynamic port output processing S400-7, that is, the processing for updating the input number of the main display data buffer will be described in detail. Here, the main display device data buffer stores 1-byte lighting information to be transmitted to the collective light emitter L5. The main CPU 200a reads a program from the main ROM 200b and executes the DYNMOUT module in the program.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing specific processing of the DYNMOUT module, and FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of specific commands of the DYNMOUT module. The numerical values of step S in the description of FIG. 43 are used only in the description of this figure. "_SIR_DAT" indicates a 2-byte address indicating the main display data buffer, and "_INS_MDL" indicates a 2-byte address storing the number of inputs.

As shown in FIG. 43, the main CPU 200a acquires the values (lighting information) stored in the main indicator data buffer (S1). The lighting information of the device and the replay display is saved (S2). Specifically, the index "DYNMOUT:" on the first line in FIG. 44 indicates the start address of the DYNMOUT module. By the command "LDQ A, (LOW_SIR_DAT)" (command size=2) on the second line, the value of the Q register is set to the upper 1 byte of the address, and the value of the lower 1 byte of the address "_SIR_DAT" itself is set to the lower 1 byte of the address. The value stored in the memory area indicated by the byte address, that is, the lighting information stored in the main display data buffer is set in the A register. The command "AND 00111000B" (command size = 2) on the third line masks the upper 2 bits and lower 3 bits, and among the lighting information, only the lighting information of the start indicator, insert indicator, and replay indicator is stored in the A register. remain in The value of the A register (part of the lighting information) is saved in the D register by the command "LD D, A" (command size=1) on the fourth line.

Next, as shown in FIG. 43, the main CPU 200a acquires the number of inserted medals (S3), and derives the lighting information of the inserted number indicator 133 (S4). Specifically, the command "LDQ A, (LOW_INS_MDL)" (command size=2) on the fifth line in FIG. The value stored in the memory area indicated by the address with the value of . A command "LD E, A" (command size=1) on the 6th line saves the value of the A register, ie, the number of inputs, to the E register. The value of the A register is right-shifted by 1 bit by the command "SRL A" (command size=2) on the 7th line. Such a command "SRL A" corresponds to division with a divisor of 2, and the quotient (division result) remains in the A register. The E register value (saved number of inputs) was added to the A register value (division result) by the command "ADD A, E" (command size = 1) on the 8th line, and was added to the A register. The result (addition result) remains. A command "OR E" (command size=1) on the ninth line calculates the logical sum of the value of the A register (result of addition) and the value of the E register (saved input number). In this way, the lighting information of the input number indicator 133 is set in the A register.

Next, as shown in FIG. 43, the main CPU 200a restores the lighting information of the start indicator, the insert indicator, and the replay indicator, which were saved in step S2 (S5), and stored in the main indicator data buffer. Update the value (S6). Specifically, the command "OR D" (command size=1) on the 10th line in FIG. , lighting information of the insert indicator and the replay indicator) are calculated, and the calculation result is held in the A register. By the command "LDQ (LOW_SIR_DAT), A" (command size = 2) on the 11th line, the value of the A register, that is, the lighting information of the input number indicator 133, the start indicator, the insert indicator, and the replay indicator. , the value of the Q register is the upper 1 byte of the address, and the lower 1 byte of the address "_SIR_DAT" itself is the lower 1 byte of the address. be done.

Here, the number of inputs is shifted to the right by 1 bit (divided by 2), the number of inputs is added to the calculation result, and the logical OR operation of the calculation result and the number of inputs is performed to display the display of the number of inputs 133. Lighting information is derived. It can be understood that the total command size of the commands on the 7th to 9th lines in FIG. 44, which implement such processing, is 4 bytes, and hardly occupies the memory capacity. A manner of deriving the lighting information of the input number indicator 133 based on the input number will be described below.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the lighting information of the input number display 133 is derived based on the input number. As shown by input number "0" in FIG. 45, if the input number is binary "000B", shifting the input number "000B" to the right by 1 bit (division by 2) yields an operation result (division result). becomes "000B". When the input number "000B" is added to the calculation result "000B", the calculation result (addition result) becomes "000B". When the logical sum of the calculation result "000B" and the input number "000B" is performed, the calculation result becomes "000B". Therefore, the lighting information of the input number indicator 133 becomes "000B".

As shown by input number "1" in FIG. 45, if the input number is binary "001B", shifting the input number "001B" to the right by 1 bit (division by 2) yields an operation result (division result). becomes "000B". When the input number "001B" is added to the calculation result "000B", the calculation result (addition result) becomes "001B". When the logical sum of the calculation result "001B" and the input number "001B" is performed, the calculation result becomes "001B". Therefore, the lighting information of the input number indicator 133 becomes "001B".

As shown by input number "2" in FIG. 45, if the input number is binary "010B", shifting the input number "010B" to the right by 1 bit (division by 2) yields an operation result (division result). becomes "001B". When the input number "010B" is added to the calculation result "001B", the calculation result (addition result) becomes "011B". When the logical sum of the calculation result "011B" and the input number "011B" is performed, the calculation result becomes "011B". Therefore, the lighting information of the input number indicator 133 is "011B".

As shown by input number "3" in FIG. 45, if the input number is binary "011B", shifting the input number "011B" to the right by 1 bit (division by 2) results in an operation result (division result). becomes "001B". When the input number "011B" is added to the calculation result "001B", the calculation result (addition result) becomes "100B". When the logical sum of the calculation result "100B" and the input number "011B" is performed, the calculation result becomes "111B". Therefore, the lighting information of the input number indicator 133 is "111B".

According to this configuration, even when the bet has not yet been made, it is possible to uniformly derive the lighting information of the put-in number display 133 from the put-in number without providing a branch for excluding the put-in number "000B". Therefore, while suppressing the capacity of the control area for performing the game control process, it is possible to efficiently convert the number of insertions into the lighting information of the number-of-throwing-in display 133 .

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.

In addition, 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.

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.

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.

In the above-described embodiment, the number of reels 110 is three (the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c). It can also be applied to the case of one (first reel, second reel, third reel, fourth reel) or five or more.

In addition, 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.

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, in the above-described embodiment, an example applied to the slot machine 100 has been described. Execution of a big prize game including a big prize opening, an opening/closing member for opening/closing the big prize opening, and a plurality of round games in which the opening/closing member is controlled to open/close the big prize opening when a predetermined condition is established. It can also be applied to a game machine, a so-called pachinko machine.

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 a flowchart, and may include parallel or subroutine processing.

100 slot machine (gaming machine)
110 reel 118 start switch 120 stop switch 304 winning type lottery means 306 reel control means 314 effect state control means 334 effect control means

Claims (4)

A gaming machine comprising a main control unit that progresses a game and a sub-control unit that executes an effect based on information from the main control unit,
Reel control for controlling the rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged according to the operation of the start switch, and controlling the stop of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch according to the operation of the stop switch. means and
switch determination means for executing switch determination processing for determining whether or not a switch whose operation causes a signal to be input to the main control unit is operated;
with
The switch determination means is
executing the switch determination process at any timing between when the reel is in a steady state and at least when the stop switch is operated;
A game machine that does not execute the switch determination process for a part or all of the period from when the start switch is operated to when the reels start rotating. A gaming machine comprising a main control unit that progresses a game and a sub-control unit that executes an effect based on information from the main control unit,
Reel control for controlling the rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged according to the operation of the start switch, and controlling the stop of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch according to the operation of the stop switch. means and
switch determination means for executing switch determination processing for determining whether or not a switch whose operation causes a signal to be input to the main control unit is operated;
with
The switch determination means is
executing the switch determination process at any timing between when the reel is in a steady state and at least when the stop switch is operated;
A game machine that does not execute the switch determination process for a part or all of a period from the start of rotation of the reel until the reel becomes a steady rotation or until the operation of the stop switch is validated. A gaming machine comprising a main control unit that progresses a game and a sub-control unit that executes an effect based on information from the main control unit,
Reel control for controlling the rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged according to the operation of the start switch, and controlling the stop of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch according to the operation of the stop switch. means and
switch determination means for executing a switch determination process for determining whether or not a switch whose operation causes a signal to be input to the main control unit is operated;
with
The switch determination means is
executing the switch determination process at any timing between when the reel is in a steady state and at least when the stop switch is operated;
The game machine does not execute the switch determination process from when the stop switch is operated until the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped. A gaming machine comprising a main control unit that progresses a game and a sub-control unit that executes an effect based on information from the main control unit,
Reel control for controlling the rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged according to the operation of the start switch, and controlling the stop of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch according to the operation of the stop switch. means and
switch determination means for executing switch determination processing for determining whether or not a switch whose operation causes a signal to be input to the main control unit is operated;
Winning determination means for determining a winning combination that has won a prize;
with
The switch determination means is
executing the switch determination process at any timing between when the reel is in a steady state and at least when the stop switch is operated;
A gaming machine that does not execute the switch determination process during one or both of the time the winning determination means is determining the winning and the process associated with the determination of winning is being performed.

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