JP4425884B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to a relationship between a display result of a variable display device and occurrence of a gaming state advantageous to a player.

  A slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of (usually three) reels having a plurality of types of symbols as identification information drawn on the outer periphery, and each reel has a start lever by a player. Rotation is started by operating, and when the player operates a stop button provided corresponding to each reel, the rotation is stopped within a range of a predetermined maximum delay time from the operation timing. . Then, a prize is generated according to the display mode derived when the rotation of all the reels is stopped.

  The types of winning combinations include small roles, bonuses, and replays. Here, in the winning of a small role, the player can obtain a profit that a predetermined number of medals are paid out for each type of small role. In the bonus winning, the player can obtain a profit that the next game is shifted to a gaming state advantageous to the player, such as a regular bonus or a big bonus. In the replay winning, it is possible to obtain a profit that the next game can be performed without consuming new medals for setting the number of bets.

  In order for a winning combination including a bonus combination to occur, generally, a winning flag must be set by winning an internal lottery performed in advance (usually when a start lever is operated). Here, using the fact that the player can obtain the benefit of not having to consume medals for setting the number of bets by winning a replay, the normal game state is a role other than replay by a predetermined number of games. There was a slot machine that defined RT (Replay Time) that increases the replay winning probability without changing the winning probability as a specific gaming state other than a special gaming state called a bonus such as a big bonus or a regular bonus (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

  The occurrence of a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, such as a bonus or RT, is of most interest to the player. On the other hand, the original game play in the slot machine is that the player gains profits according to the display result derived to the variable display device. This profit is not limited to a medal payout in one game, but includes a profit obtained by changing the gaming state every time a predetermined condition is satisfied after a predetermined display result is derived. It is a concept.

  However, if the display result of the variable display device completely corresponds to the occurrence of an advantageous gaming state, the profit itself is rather than giving the player a sense of the occurrence of an advantageous gaming state by the display result. Will be given. That is, there is no scene in which the player can have an appropriate expectation (that is, an expectation that cannot be 100% certain) by the display result derived to the variable display device, and the entertainment of the game cannot be sufficiently improved.

  Therefore, in a slot machine that stocks a bonus prize called a so-called stock machine and releases the corresponding selection when a predetermined condition is established, there is a stock machine that performs a stock release lottery when three replays continue (for example, Patent Document 2). In this slot machine, the 3 consecutive replays and the occurrence of bonuses do not correspond completely, so the 3 consecutive replays give a reasonable expectation for the occurrence of bonuses and aim for the fun of the game. It is possible to do.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-131323 (paragraph 0035) JP 2004-194756 A

  However, in the slot machine of Patent Document 1, since the RT symbol derivation completely corresponds to the occurrence of RT, it is impossible to give the player an appropriate expectation and to promote the game. On the other hand, in the slot machine of Patent Document 2, even if it is said that an appropriate expectation is given to the occurrence of bonuses in three consecutive replays, the display result indicating the occurrence of bonuses is a bonus symbol to the last, and variable display Since a lottery that is unrelated to the display result of the device is required, it is no longer based on the original gaming characteristics of the slot machine.

  The present invention provides a slot machine that follows the original gaming characteristics of the slot machine, gives the player an appropriate expectation for the occurrence of a gaming state advantageous to the player, and improves the interest of the game. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention includes:
A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using the gaming value, and each of the variable display units (reels 3L) for variably displaying the plurality of types of identification information. 3C, 3R) , the display result is derived to the variable display device (variable display device 2), one game is completed, and a winning can be generated according to the display result derived to the variable display device. In slot machines,
A means for determining whether or not derivation of a winning display result is permitted before a display result of the variable display device is derived for each game, and a plurality of types of small combination displays accompanied by the addition of the gaming value A small role determination means for determining that the derivation of the result (watermelon, bell, cherry) is permitted, and a determination that the derivation of the specific small role display result (watermelon) among the plural types of small character display results is permitted. The combination of different types of identification information (bell -Predetermining means (step S403) including special deciding means for deciding to permit the derivation of the special display result (big bonus (2)) constituted by -JAC-watermelon) ,
Derivation control means (step S404) for deriving the display result of the variable display device according to the determination result of the prior determination means;
Means for controlling the gaming state to the special gaming state when the special display result is derived, so that an expected value of the number of games continuously controlled in the special gaming state becomes a predetermined number of games. (Step S1012) Special gaming state control means (Step S910) for controlling the gaming state to the special gaming state;
Specific game state control means (step S1013) for controlling the game state to a specific game state (RT) that is more advantageous for the player than the normal game state after the special game state is ended;
In addition to the display result derived to the variable display device, the game state notification control means (effect control board 102) for controlling the notification means (liquid crystal display 4) for notifying information related to the control of the gaming state,
The small combination determining means determines with the highest probability that the derivation of the specific small combination display result is permitted among the plurality of types of small combination display results in the normal gaming state (FIG. 6),
The gaming state notification control means includes
The player specifies that the game is controlled to the special game state except for the special display result derived from the variable display device after the special display result is derived until the special game state ends. Special gaming state specifying disable control means for controlling the notification means so as to be disabled (step S1110: at the time of winning the big bonus (2), the same mode as the lose is derived to the virtual reel);
In the normal game state or the special game state that cannot be specified by the special game state specifying disable means, the specific game is displayed when the specified small combination display result is derived continuously for the predetermined number of games (3 games). And a predetermined continuous time notification control means (step S1116) for notifying the notification means of information (RT possibility notification) for notifying the possibility of control to a state.

  Here, the special gaming state identification disabling control means provides information that can specify that the special gaming state is controlled between the time when the special display result is derived and the time when the special gaming state ends. The player specifies that the game is controlled to the special game state by notifying the notification unit of not being notified from the notification means or notifying the information means that it is impossible to specify that the special game state is being controlled. The informing means may be controlled so that it becomes impossible. In addition, although the said alerting | reporting means shall alert | report the information regarding control of a gaming state by any of an image, a sound, and light, these can also be combined and applied.

  In the above slot machine, it may be determined that derivation of the specified small role display result is permitted even when controlled to the normal gaming state, but when the special display result is derived, the specific small role display is determined. The gaming state is controlled to a special gaming state in which the probability of allowing the derivation of the display result is higher than the normal gaming state. This special game state is expected to end by digestion of a predetermined game. After the special game state ends, the game state is controlled to a specific game state that is advantageous to the player, which is different from the special game state. In the special game state that is controlled before being controlled to the specific game state, the probability that it is determined that the derivation of the specific small role display result is permitted increases, so the specific small role display result continues for a predetermined number of games. Things will also increase.

Here, when the notification means is controlled by the special gaming state disabling means, no information regarding the control to the special gaming state is notified to the player except that the special display result is derived on the variable display device. It will be a thing. On the other hand, the information for notifying the possibility of control to the specific gaming state is not only when the special gaming state is controlled but also when the normal gaming state is controlled, the derivation of the specific small role display result Is notified if the predetermined number of games continues.
For this reason, assuming that the player misses the derivation of the special display result, when the derivation of the specific small combination display result continues for the predetermined number of games, the player is not actually controlled to the specific gaming state. In this case, that is, even when the game state is controlled to the normal game state, the player can be expected to control the specific game state, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, it is possible to draw attention to the derivation of a specific small role display result with relatively little value that can only be given game value without changing the game state, and to improve the interest of the game Can do.

  Furthermore, the notification of the information for notifying the special gaming state and the control to the specific gaming state and the possibility of the control to the specific gaming state continues for the derivation of the special display result and the predetermined small number display result for the predetermined number of games. Derivation is performed in relation to the display result of the variable display device. Regardless of the display result derived to the variable display device, the control of the gaming state and the notification of information are not determined. For this reason, the player's interest can be directed to the derivation of the specific small role display result and the control to the specific game state while following the gaming nature inherent in the slot machine.

  Also, even in the normal gaming state, the specified small role display result is a small role display result having a high appearance frequency among a plurality of types of small role display results, so that it is actually in the normal gaming state and controlled to the specific gaming state. Even when there is no such thing, there are many cases where the player can be expected to control to the specific gaming state, and a moderate expectation can be given to the player. In addition, when there are a plurality of types of specific small role display results, the sum of the probabilities determined to permit the derivation of the plurality of types of specific small role display results allows the derivation of other small role display results. What is necessary is just to become higher than the probability that an effect is determined.
  Furthermore, by configuring the special display result by a combination of different types of identification information, it becomes difficult for the player to identify whether the special display result has been derived, making it difficult for the player to notice the special display result. be able to.

  Note that there may be a plurality of types of the specific small combination display results. In this case, it is only necessary that the total probability of determining that the derivation of the plurality of types of specific small combination display results is permitted is higher in the special gaming state than in the normal gaming state. For example, the probability that it is determined that the derivation of the first specific small role display result is permitted does not change between the special game state and the normal game state, but it is determined that the derivation of the second specific small role display result is permitted. The probability may be higher in the special gaming state than in the normal gaming state.

  Further, the special gaming state may be made unidentifiable to the player by the control of the notification means by the specification disable control means, and is specified by a specification enable control means separate from the specification disable control means. It may be possible to identify the player at a predetermined rate by the control. Even when information that can be specified to the player that the player is controlled to the special game state is notified, when the specified small role display result is continuously derived for a predetermined number of games, the control of the specific game state is concerned. Information may be notified to the notification means. In this case, even if information that can specify that the game is controlled to the special game state (that is, control to the specific game state after the completion) is notified, the specific small role display result is the predetermined number of games. By continuously deriving information about the specific gaming state, the player can be surely notified of the control to the specific gaming state.

In the above slot machine,
The gaming state notification control means is configured to provide the specific gaming state at a predetermined rate when the specific small role display result is continuously derived for a specific number of games (two games) less than the predetermined number of games in the special gaming state. It may further include specific continuous time notification control means (step S1114) for notifying the notification means of information for reporting the possibility of control.

In this case, even if the predetermined number of games is not continuous, information indicating the possibility of control to the specific gaming state is notified when the specific small role display result continues for a specific number of games less than the predetermined number of games. As a result, unexpectedness occurs in the notification of information, and the interest of the game can be improved.

The slot machine is
An effect display that is provided separately from the variable display device, is provided more easily than the variable display device, and variably displays a plurality of types of effect identification information that can be individually identified by a plurality of effect variable display units. A variable display device (liquid crystal display 4 (virtual reel));
It is further possible to further include effect variation display control means (step S1110) for causing the effect variable display device to derive an effect display result corresponding to the display result derived to the variable display device. In this case,
The effect variation display control means is derived when a display result other than the winning display result is derived to the variable display device when the special display result is derived as a display result of the variable display device. An effect specific deriving means for deriving the same effect specific small role display result as the effect display result (step S1110: deriving the same mode as the lose to the virtual reel when winning the big bonus (2)) can be included. .

  In this way, the display result for the same effect as the specific display result for the effect can be derived even when the specific display result is derived to the variable display device, so that the player can display the variable display device for the effect. In many cases, the game can proceed even if only the result is seen and the variable display device is not seen. Thus, even if the special display result is derived to the variable display device, it can be made difficult for the player to notice it. Since the production variable display device is provided so as to be more visible than the variable display device, the special display result derived to the variable display device is configured by a combination of identification information of the same type. However, although it is not limited to such a case, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to notice the specific display result.

  In this way, it is made difficult for the player to notice the derivation of the special display result in the variable display device even by the display result for the effect that is derived to the variable display device for the effect. It becomes difficult to understand. The fact that it is not known that the game is controlled to the special game state means that it may not be understood that the game is not controlled to the special game state if it is reversed. For this reason, even in the normal game state that is not controlled to the special game state, the player can have a sense of expectation for the transition to the specific game state, and the interest of the game can be improved. Note that the notifying means for notifying information related to the control of the specific gaming state and the effect variable display device may be combined.

In the above slot machine,
The variable display device rotates display bands (reels 3L, 3C, and 3R) each having a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by driving a stepping motor (reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR). A display result may be derived from each of a plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying. in this case,
The stop operation means is provided in correspondence with each of the plurality of variable display sections, and is operated by a plurality of stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) that are respectively operated when deriving display results in the corresponding variable display sections. ).

Here, the derivation control means is
In a situation where a display result has not yet been derived for any of the plurality of variable display units, a variable display unit for which a display result has not yet been derived is displayed at the time when the stop operation means corresponding to the variable display unit is operated. From a plurality of control patterns (FIG. 8: stop control table) that uniquely specify the display result derived with respect to the number of steps of the stepping motor, a control pattern corresponding to the determination result of the predetermining means is uniquely set Control pattern selection means (step S805) for specifying
When the stop operation unit corresponding to the variable display unit for which the display result has not yet been derived is operated, the control pattern selected for the variable display unit by the control pattern selection unit is the step at the time of operation of the stop operation unit The display result uniquely specified for the number can be derived as the display result in the variable display unit (step S811).

  In this case, the step of the stepping motor at the time when the stop operation means is operated for the variable display unit for which the display result has not been derived yet in the situation where the display result has not yet been derived for all of the plurality of variable display units. The control pattern corresponding to the combination of the determination results of the predetermining means of the game is uniquely selected from the plurality of control patterns that uniquely specify the display result derived for the number, and the corresponding variable display unit Control for deriving the display result is performed. That is, there is only one control pattern that is applied to one determination result of the prior determination means. For this reason, there is no need to further select any one control pattern from a plurality of control patterns with respect to one determination result of the prior determination means as in the prior art by lottery or the like different from the prior determination means. The control for deriving the display result is not complicated.

The derivation control means includes
In a situation where a display result is derived to at least one of the plurality of variable display sections and a display result is not derived to another variable display section, the variable display section for which the display result has not been derived yet From a plurality of control patterns (FIG. 8: stop control table) that uniquely specify a display result derived with respect to the number of steps of the stepping motor at the time when the stop operation means corresponding to the unit is operated Control pattern selection means (step S805) for uniquely specifying the control pattern corresponding to the number of steps when the corresponding stop operation means is operated in the variable display unit for which the determination result of the determination means and the display result has already been derived. Including
When the stop operation unit corresponding to the variable display unit for which the display result has not yet been derived is operated, the control pattern selected for the variable display unit by the control pattern selection unit is the step at the time of operation of the stop operation unit The display result uniquely specified for the number can be derived as the display result in the variable display unit (step S811).

Alternatively, the derivation control means includes
In a situation where a display result is derived to at least one of the plurality of variable display sections and a display result is not derived to another variable display section, the variable display section for which the display result has not been derived yet From a plurality of control patterns (FIG. 8: stop control table) that uniquely specify a display result derived with respect to the number of steps of the stepping motor at the time when the stop operation means corresponding to the unit is operated Control pattern selection means (step S805) for uniquely identifying the control pattern corresponding to the combination of the determination result of the determination means and the display result in the variable display unit from which the display result has already been derived,
When the stop operation unit corresponding to the variable display unit for which the display result has not yet been derived is operated, the control pattern selected for the variable display unit by the control pattern selection unit is the step at the time of operation of the stop operation unit The display result uniquely specified for the number can be derived as the display result in the variable display unit (step S811).

  In these cases, the display results are still derived in any one of the plurality of variable display sections, and the display results are not yet derived in the other variable display sections. From the plurality of control patterns that uniquely specify the display result derived with respect to the number of steps of the stepping motor at the time when the stop operation means is operated for the variable display unit from which the stop operation means is operated, The control pattern corresponding to the combination of the display results of the variable display section from which the display results have already been derived (or the number of steps when the corresponding stop operation means is operated in the variable display section from which the display results have already been derived) is unique. Control is performed so that the corresponding variable display unit derives the display result. That is, the combination of the determination result of the predetermining means and the display result of the variable display section for which the display result has already been derived (or the number of steps when the corresponding stop operation means is operated in the variable display section for which the display result has already been derived) ) Has only one control pattern applied. For this reason, it is not necessary to further select any one of the plurality of control patterns, and the control for deriving the display result of the variable display device is not complicated.

The slot machine is
Predetermined for a special game (regular bonus) in which, when a predetermined special condition is established, the pre-determining means determines with higher probability than the game in the normal gaming state that the derivation of the small role display result is allowed Special game control means for controlling the period (steps S703 and S912);
When a predetermined special state display result (big bonus (1)) is derived on the variable display device, the special state is repeatedly provided until the predetermined end condition is satisfied (big bonus ( 1)) may include special state control means for controlling the gaming state (step S908).

Here, the slot machine further includes special game determination means (step S702) for determining, for each game, whether or not the special game is controlled in the special state.
The special game control means may start control of the special game as establishment of the special condition when it is determined by the special game determination means that the special game is not controlled (step) S703).

  In this case, whether to control to a special game for the first time after derivation of the special state display result, or to control to a special game again when the special game period has ended and the special state has not ended yet, The same processing can be performed.

  Further, the special game control means starts controlling the special game as the special condition is satisfied when the special condition is controlled, and starts the control of the special game in the special state. When the predetermined period expires and the control of the special game is finished, the special game can be resumed as the special condition is satisfied (variation: at the end of the big bonus, the regular bonus Set regular bonus medium flag at the end).

  In this case, when the special game period ends and the special state has not ended yet, the special game can be immediately returned to.

In the above slot machine,
The pre-determining means determines whether to allow the derivation of both the special display result (and / or the special state display result, the display result that causes the special condition) and the small role display result in one game. Determination means (FIGS. 5B and 5C: regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1) + cherry, big bonus (2) + cherry) may be included.

  If it is determined that the derivation of both the special display result and the small role display result is allowed in this way, the special display result is derived by deriving the small role display result as the display result of the variable display device. It is possible to cause the player to expect that it is determined that the game is permitted, and the interest of the game can be improved.

The slot machine is
Based on the operation of predetermined setting operation means (setting key switch 92, setting switch 91), a plurality of types of permissible stages (settings) with different probabilities that the predetermination means determines that the derivation of the winning display result is permitted. Value), an allowable stage setting means (steps S201 to S210) for selecting and setting one of the allowable stages,
Data storage means (RAM 112) for storing data for controlling the progress of the game including data indicating the allowable stage set by the allowable stage setting means in a readable and writable manner;
Stored data determination means (steps S105 and S106) for determining whether or not the data stored in the data storage means is normal;
Disabling means (step S106 (NO), step S301) for disabling the progress of the game when the stored data determination means determines that the data stored in the data storage means is not normal;
In a state where the progress of the game is disabled by the disabling means, the progress of the game is performed on the condition that the allowable stage is newly set by the allowable stage setting means based on the operation of the setting operation means. It is possible to further include disabling canceling means (step S111, FIG. 10) that cancels the disabled state and enables the game to proceed.

  Conventionally, when the data stored in the data storage means (RAM) in the slot machine is broken, the game cannot be progressed. The data in the data storage means is initialized by a predetermined reset operation. It was released above and the game progress was resumed. Here, when the data in the data storage means is initialized by a reset operation, the default permissible stage (usually the permissible stage with the lowest probability of being determined to permit the derivation of the winning display result) is automatically performed. Was to be selected. For this reason, the pre-determining means may not be determined with the probability that the amusement store has intended, and it is disadvantageous to the player especially when it is automatically selected at the allowable stage with the lowest probability. There was a problem that would become larger.

  On the other hand, when the data stored in the data storage means is not normal, the game cannot be progressed because the proper game cannot be progressed. It is necessary to initialize the data stored in the data storage means in order to cancel the state where the game cannot be progressed here. In this case, the data indicating the allowable stage is also initialized. End up. However, in the slot machine, the state in which the game cannot be progressed based on the data in the data storage means being normal is canceled unless a new allowable stage is set based on the operation of the setting operation means. There is nothing. For this reason, since it is ensured that the game is played based on the newly set allowable stage, the fairness of the game can be achieved.

In this case,
The pre-determining unit reads out data indicating the allowable level stored in the data storage unit when determining whether to permit the derivation of the winning display result, and indicates the read allowable level Permissible stage data determining means (steps S706 and S707) for determining whether or not the data is appropriate data indicating an allowable stage that can be set by the allowable stage setting means may be included. here,
The disabling means can disable the progress of the game even when the allowable stage data determination means determines that the data indicating the allowable stage read from the data storage means is not appropriate data ( Step S707 (NO), step S301).

  Here, even when the determination is made by the prior determination means, the allowable stage stored in the data storage means is read to determine whether the allowable stage is appropriate. If the allowable stage is not appropriate, the game cannot be progressed properly because the game cannot be progressed properly. Here, in a state where the progress of the game is disabled based on the fact that the allowable stage stored in the data storage means is not within an appropriate range, a new allowable stage must be set based on the operation of the setting operation means. It will not be released. For this reason, since it is ensured that the game is played based on the newly set allowable stage, the fairness of the game can be achieved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to this embodiment. The front door of the slot machine 1 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 and rotating it clockwise. On the upper front side of the slot machine 1, a variable display device 2 including three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR (see FIG. 3), respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, a plurality of mutually distinguishable types such as “7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, and “bell”, respectively. Are drawn in a predetermined order. “7” and “BAR” are larger than “JAC”, “Watermelon”, “Cherry”, “Bell”, and have a particularly wide width, even when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating. The player can recognize the symbols relatively easily. “JAC”, “Watermelon”, “Cherry”, and “Bell” are difficult for the player to recognize when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating.

  For any of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, “JAC” and “Bell” are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less at the maximum. The “watermelons” for the middle and right reels 3C and 3R are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less. For the right reel 3R, “Cherry”, “7” or “BAR” is arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less at the maximum. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in the upper, middle, and lower three stages.

  In the reel unit 3, for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR (see FIG. 3) for detecting the reference position, and a reel lamp 3LP (see FIG. 3) for irradiating light from the back surface. 3). The variable display device 2 is set with a total of five pay lines including three upper, middle, and lower rows and two diagonal lines. The symbols drawn on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R will be described in more detail later.

  On the lower side of the variable display device 2 and at a substantially central position on the front surface side of the slot machine 1, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as an effect unit. The liquid crystal display 4 is larger than the variable display device 2 in terms of size, and when the player (assuming an average height) sits in front of the slot machine 1, the height of the player's line of sight Therefore, the variable display device 2 is also easily visible.

The liquid crystal display 4 displays various effect images according to the gaming state, the setting status of the winning flag, and the like. As an effect by displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4, there is a variable display / stop of effect symbols by a virtual reel in accordance with the rotation / stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R of the variable display device 2. Further, in the liquid crystal display 4, when the watermelon is won for three consecutive games according to the display result of the variable display device 2, RT possibility notification described later is performed. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game.

  On the left side of the liquid crystal display 4, from the top, a payout display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, a bonus notification unit 36, a replay display unit 32, a start display unit 30, a insertion instruction display unit 29, and a hit display Part 34 is provided. The payout display unit 21 includes a 7-segment display payout display 53 (see FIG. 3), and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning a small role described later. The credit display unit 22 is constituted by a credit display 52 (see FIG. 3) using a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out coins as will be described later.

  The bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that the bonus bonus lamp 66 (see FIG. 3) is in a lit state, so that a regular bonus winning and a big bonus winning, which will be described later, are possible. The insertion instruction display unit 29 indicates that a medal can be inserted by turning on the insertion instruction lamp 59 (see FIG. 3). The start display unit 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 (see FIG. 3) is turned on, so that the start can be started, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted. The replay display unit 32 indicates that a replay winning that will be described later has been made when the replay lamp 62 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. The hit display unit 34 indicates that the gaming state is a regular bonus or a big bonus, which will be described later, by turning on the HIT lamp 54 (see FIG. 3).

  On the right side of the liquid crystal display 4, winning display portions 25a to 25d are provided. The winning display units 25a to 25d indicate that winning display results corresponding to the variable display device 2 are derived by the blinking of the winning display lamps 45a to 45d (see FIG. 3).

  A medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a checkout button 16 are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the liquid crystal display 4. The BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 3), which are turned on when the number of bets can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data, are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15. Has been.

  The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when insertion of a medal is detected by the insertion medal sensor 44 (see FIG. 3) when the insertion instruction display unit 29 is lit, A bet number is set or credits are stored as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When it is detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 3) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 3), the bet number from the credit is set.

  The number of bets that can be set in each game by inserting a medal from the medal slot 13 and operating the single BET button 14 or the MAXBET button 15 is 3 in any game state. When the bet number is set, the start lever 11 can accept the operation, and the game can be started. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing to pay out credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 3), medals corresponding to the credits accumulated as data are paid out.

  On the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion, there are provided a start lever 11, stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R, and a medal clogging elimination button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when the medal is jammed. ing. The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 3), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are started to be driven. 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate. When the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R can be operated when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate, operation enable lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R (FIG. 3) provided therein are provided. (See) is lit, and the player is informed.

  The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at a desired timing, respectively, and the operations are stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 3). Is detected, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. The maximum stop delay time from the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R to the stop of rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R is 190 milliseconds. The reels 3L, 3C and 3R rotate 80 times per minute and change the design of 80 x 21 (number of symbols per reel) = 1680 frames, so a maximum of 4 symbols in 190 milliseconds Can be pulled in. In other words, the symbols that can be selected as the stop symbols are the symbols that are displayed when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated, and the symbols that are four frames ahead of them, for a total of five symbols.

  On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 (see FIG. 3) to the outside. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 3) installed therein.

  Speakers 7L and 7R are provided on the left and right sides of the variable display device 2 as production means. The speakers 7L and 7R output sound effects at the time of winning, big bonus entry, and regular bonus entry, and output of alarm sound at the time of abnormality, and output of sound for various effects according to the gaming state I do.

  Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, an effect by light is performed by light emission of game effect lamps 75 </ b> A to 75 </ b> E (see FIG. 3) as effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. Game effect display sections 5A to 5E are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5E perform effects with light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. Note that the light emission colors of the game effect display portions 5A to 5E may be a single color or a plurality of colors. The game effect display units 5A to 5E may emit light according to the type of winning combination.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of the slot machine 1. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the slot machine 1 includes a power supply board 100, a game control board 101, an effect control board 102, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, an external output board 105, and an effect relay board 106. It is divided roughly.

  The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 3, it is shown that only the game control board 101, the hopper 80, and each of the switches 91 to 94 are connected, but the power supply board 100 also supplies power to other parts. The power supply board 100 is provided in the slot machine 1 and is connected to a hopper 80 that includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation and a payout sensor 81 that detects a medal payout operation.

  The power supply board 100 sets a winning probability for an internal lottery to be described later, and a setting switch 91 and a setting switch 91 for changing setting values (setting 1 to setting 6) of medal payout rates calculated based on the probability. Are connected to a setting key switch 92 for enabling the operation, a second reset switch 93 for resetting the internal state (RAM 112), and a main switch 94 for switching on / off of the power supply. Is sent to the game control board 101. These switches 91 to 94 are provided inside the slot machine 1.

  The game control board 101 is a control board on the main side that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1, and includes a control unit 110 including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. It is installed. A random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, and other circuits are mounted.

  The CPU 111 has an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibition function) such as a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt, and executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and in the slot machine 1 Control each part of the control circuit directly or indirectly. One word of data handled by the CPU 111 is 8 bits (1 byte), and the addresses of the RAM 112 and the ROM 113 are also assigned in units of 8 bits.

  The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The allocation of the addresses of the RAM 112 and the ROM 113 is different between the development model in the manufacturer and the mass production model delivered to the hall. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.

  The random number generation circuit 115 is configured by a counter that counts up and updates the value every time a predetermined number of pulses are generated, as will be described later, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 115. . The random number generation circuit 115 is provided for each type of random number used for the progress of the game, and a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number is determined. The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 according to the processing to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function). As a random number for internal lottery described later, a numerical value obtained by processing a numerical value extracted by the hardware random number function by software is used.

  The CPU 111 also has a function of updating the numerical value of the specific address in the RAM 112 by timer interrupt processing and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function). The CPU 111 transmits various commands to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114. Each of these commands consists of 8 bits. Note that information (commands) is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 only in one direction, and no information (commands) is sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101.

  Connected to the game control board 101 are a single BET switch 45, a MAXBET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a throw-in medal sensor 44. Detection signals from the switches / sensors are input. In addition, detection signals of the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR are input via the reel relay substrate 103. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.

  The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a payout display 53, a credit display 52, a loading instruction lamp 59, a start lamp 60, a replay lamp 62, a HIT lamp 54, BET button lamps 70a and 70b, an operation. Valid lamps 63L, 63C, 63R and winning display lamps 45a to 45d are connected, and the CPU 111 controls these operations according to the progress of the game.

  The game control board 101 is connected to reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR via a reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 refers to the winning flag set in the RAM 112 and controls the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR via the reel relay board 103 to stop the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. An effect control board 102 is further connected to the game control board 101 via an effect relay board 106.

  The effect relay board 106 is a board provided to ensure one-way information transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. The effect relay board 106 does not check the game control board 101 and the effect control board 102 by checking this state, and an illegal signal (especially an external input to the effect control board 102 is input to the control unit 110 of the game control board 101). It is possible to check whether or not a modification has been made such that a signal is input).

  The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of effects in the slot machine 1, and is equipped with a control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124. Yes. In addition, the random number generation circuit 125 and the sampling circuit 126 are mounted, and the CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126, so that the hardware random number function similar to that of the game control board 101 is obtained. Is forming. It also has a software random number function by interrupt processing.

  The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform processing related to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The performance is performed based on a command received from the game control board 101 via the I / O port 124. The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.

  The effect control board 102 is connected with game effect lamps 75A to 75E, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L and 7R, a fluorescent lamp 6, and a bonus notification lamp 66. A reel lamp 3LP is connected via a reel lamp relay substrate 104. The control unit 120 of the effect control board 102 performs these effects by controlling these parts.

  The reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105 and the reel unit 3. The reel relay substrate 103 is also connected with a full sensor 90, and its detection signal is input. The full tank sensor 90 is provided inside the slot machine 1 and detects that the medals in the overflow tank storing the medals overflowed from the hopper 80 are full.

  The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer, and receives a big bonus medium signal, a regular bonus medium signal, a medal IN signal, and the like input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. The medal OUT signal is output to the external device. In addition, a winning status signal, a reel control signal, and a stop switch signal may be output to an external device.

  Next, the configuration of the RAM 112 of the game control board 101 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the storage area of the RAM 112. As shown in the figure, the RAM 112 stores an important work 112-1, a general work 112-2, a special work 112-3, a set value work 112-4, a non-saved work 112-5, a stack area 112-6, and a parity storage. A plurality of storage areas including the area 112-7 are provided.

  Among these storage areas, in particular, the set value work 112-4 is an area for storing a set value for determining a winning probability of internal winning to be described later, and the parity storage area 112-7 is a RAM parity at the time of power-off. Is an area for storing The RAM 112 is supplied with power from a backup power source even in the event of a power failure, and stores stored data. The general work 112-2 is an area that is cleared at the end of each game, and a winning combination and a winning flag setting area for the small role and replay are provided here. The special work 112-3 is not cleared for each game, and a regular bonus, a big bonus (1) or a big bonus (2) winning flag setting area, which will be described later, is provided here.

  In the slot machine 1, the medal payout rate changes according to the set value, and the winning probability of the internal lottery described later is determined according to the set value. The medal payout rate is calculated by the ratio of the expected value of the number of medals that will be paid out to the small role won in the internal lottery described later to the number of medals that the player inserts to set the number of bets Is done. It is not calculated based on the number of medals that will be paid out for the small role that is actually won. As will be described later, when the gaming state is different, the medal payout rate also changes.

  Here, a setting value changing operation by the setting switch 91 will be described. In order to change the setting value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the slot machine 1 by the main switch 94 after the setting key switch 92 is turned on. When the slot machine 1 is started without changing the setting value, the setting key switch 92 is turned off and the power is turned on by the main switch 94.

  When the setting key switch 92 is turned on and the power is turned on, a setting change mode in which a setting value can be changed is entered. When the setting switch 91 is operated in the setting change mode, the setting value is updated one by one (when further operation is performed from the setting 6, the setting is returned to the setting 1). Then, when the setting key switch 92 is turned OFF after the start lever 11 is operated, the changed set value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 112. Then, the state shifts to a state in which the game can proceed.

  In the slot machine 1, a winning is awarded when the winning symbols are arranged on any winning line of the variable display device 2. The types of winning combinations are determined according to the gaming status, but can be broadly divided into special roles with transition to special gaming status (regular bonus, big bonus) and small roles with payout of medals. There is a re-player who can start the next game without setting the bet amount. FIG. 5A is a view for explaining the combination of the types of winning combinations in the slot machine 1 and the symbols in the variable display device 2.

  The regular bonus is awarded when the combination of “BAR-Watermelon-JAC” is aligned on either the winning line in the normal gaming state or RT. When the regular bonus is won, the gaming state shifts from the normal gaming state to the regular bonus. The regular bonus ends when 12 games are consumed, or when 8 games are won (any kind of combination is possible), whichever comes first. While the game state is in the regular bonus, the regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 (including the case where it is provided during the big bonus described below).

  The big bonus (1) is won when a combination of “7-Bell-JAC” is arranged on either the winning line in the normal gaming state or RT. The big bonus (2) is won when a combination of “BELL-JAC-Watermelon” is arranged on either the winning line in the normal gaming state or RT. When the big bonus (1) and the big bonus (2) are won, the gaming state shifts to the big bonus (1) and the big bonus (2), respectively. In the big bonus (1) and the big bonus (2), there is a difference between the upper limit of the number of paid-out medals and whether or not to shift to RT after the end. Other processes are the same for the big bonuses (1) and (2).

  In the big bonus (1) and the big bonus (2), the regular bonus described above is repeatedly provided until the end. While the gaming state is the big bonus (1) and the big bonus (2), the big bonus (1) medium flag and the big bonus (2) medium flag are set in the RAM 112, respectively. The big bonus (1) ends when the number of medals paid out to the player exceeds 465. After the big bonus (1) is completed, all operations of the player are invalidated except for the payment of credits, and the freeze state in which the game cannot be progressed is controlled for a certain period of time.

  On the other hand, the big bonus (2) ends when the number of medals paid out to the player exceeds 30. That is, the big bonus (2) is terminated without satisfying the prescribed number of times of the first regular bonus, though the control is performed such that the regular bonus is repeatedly provided. After the end of the big bonus (2), the gaming state is controlled to RT only for 100 games. However, when the regular bonus, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won, even if the prescribed number of games remains, the RT is terminated at that time.

  Even if the regular bonus or the big bonus (1) is won in the internal lottery to be described later, if the stop button 12L, 12C, 12R is not operated according to an appropriate operation procedure that makes it possible to win these combinations, There will be no winnings. Of course, if you don't win any of these roles without being operated in the proper operating procedure, you will be able to derive a chance that you can derive when you win or not win these roles ( From a point of view, there may be cases where a loss) is derived. The display result of the losing includes a losing eye that can be derived only when the regular bonus or the big bonus (1) is not won.

  On the other hand, the “bell” for the reel 3L, the “JAC” for the reel 3C, and the “watermelon” for the reel 3R are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less. When winning, you must win the big bonus (2).

  The watermelon is awarded when a combination of “Bell-Watermelon-Watermelon” is aligned on any winning line in any gaming state, and 15 medals are paid out. The “bell” for the reel 3L and the “watermelon” for the reels 3C and 3R are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less. Therefore, when a watermelon is won in an internal lottery to be described later, the watermelon is always won. ing.

  The bell is awarded when a combination of “bell-bell-bell” is arranged on any winning line in any gaming state, and nine medals are paid out. Since the “bells” are arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less for all of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, when a bell is won in an internal lottery to be described later, the bell is always won.

  Cherry is awarded when the symbol “cherry” is derived to any of the winning lines for the left reel 3L in any gaming state, and two medals are paid out per winning line. When “cherry” is stopped at the upper or lower stage of the left reel 3L, the derivation is made on two pay lines, so that a total of four medals are paid out.

  Replay is awarded when the combination of “JAC-JAC-JAC” is aligned on either the winning line in the normal gaming state or RT. With regular bonuses (including those inside big bonuses), even if this combination is complete, no replay prize will be awarded. When winning a replay, there is no payout of medals, but the next game can be started again without setting the number of bets, so three medals corresponding to the number of bets 3 that became unnecessary in the next game are paid out. This is essentially the same as. Since “JAC” is arranged with an interval of 5 frames or less for all of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, when a replay is won in an internal lottery described later, the replay is always won.

Hereinafter, the internal lottery will be described. The internal lottery is to determine whether or not the winning of each of the above combinations is permitted before the display result of the variable display device 2 is derived and displayed (actually, when the start lever 11 is operated). . In the internal lottery, a random number for internal lottery (an integer from 0 to 16383 ) is acquired from the random number generation circuit 115. Then, for each combination determined according to the gaming state, according to the acquired random number for internal lottery, the gaming state, and the number of determination values of each combination determined according to the setting value set by the setting switch 91 Done. Winning in the internal lottery is exclusive.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a winning combination table by gaming state. The winning combination table according to gaming state is stored in advance in the ROM 113 and is used to determine the winning combination determined in the internal lottery. The registered content of the winning combination table according to gaming state depends on the gaming state. It shows the role that has been determined. In the game state of each game, a combination that is a lottery target is referred to. Here, a plurality of winning combinations may be subject to lottery at the same time.

  When the gaming state is a regular bonus (including the case where the bonus is provided during the big bonus (1) and the big bonus (2)), the watermelon, bell, and cherry are sequentially read out as the internal lottery target roles. In normal gaming state, regular bonus + cherry, regular bonus, big bonus (1) + cherry, big bonus (1), big bonus (2) + cherry, big bonus (2), watermelon, bell, cherry, Replays are sequentially read out as a target combination for internal lottery. When the game state is RT, regular bonus + cherry, regular bonus, big bonus (1) + cherry, big bonus (1), big bonus (2) + cherry, big bonus (2), watermelon, bell, cherry, Replays are sequentially read out as a target combination for internal lottery.

  In the internal lottery, the number of judgment values determined for the target part of the internal lottery is sequentially added to the random number for the internal lottery, and when the result of the addition overflows, it is determined that the target part is won. Is done. If the winning combination is determined, the winning flag of the combination is set in the RAM 112. The number of determination values is read in accordance with the storage address of the number of determination values registered in the role table stored in advance in the ROM 113. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of the role-specific table. Watermelon, bell, and cherry are subject to internal lottery in any gaming state, and the storage address of the judgment value number corresponding to the regular bonus and the storage address of the judgment value number corresponding to the normal gaming state and RT are registered. Has been. The number of determination values may be 256 or more, and cannot be stored for one word. Therefore, each determination value number is registered using a storage area for two words.

  The number of determination values of the combination to be a lottery target is registered corresponding to the gaming state. Even if the winning combination is the same, the winning probability in the regular bonus (including the case where the big bonus (1) and big bonus (2) are provided) is different from the winning probability in other gaming states Because there is. In addition, the number of determination values corresponding to the game state of the combination to be a lottery target may be common regardless of the set value, and may be different depending on the set value. If the number of determination values is common regardless of the set value, a common flag is set (value is set to “1”).

  Regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1) + cherry, big bonus (2) + cherry are subject to internal lottery in the normal gaming state or RT, and the storage address of the number of judgment values corresponding to the normal gaming state and RT Is registered. The value of the common flag for these roles is 1, and the storage addresses for the common number of determination values are registered regardless of the set value. The regular bonus, the big bonus (1), and the big bonus (2) are subject to internal lottery in the normal gaming state or RT, and the storage addresses for the number of determination values corresponding to the normal gaming state and RT are registered. . For these combinations, the value of the common flag is 0, and the storage address for the number of determination values is individually registered according to the set value.

  Watermelon, bell and cherry are subject to internal lottery in any gaming state, and the storage address for the number of judgment values corresponding to the regular bonus and the storage address for the number of judgment values corresponding to the normal gaming state and RT are registered. ing. Among these small roles, the common flag value of watermelon and bell is 1, and the storage address of the common number of judgment values is registered regardless of the set value in any gaming state. The common flag for cherry is 0, and the storage address for the number of determination values is individually registered according to the set value in any gaming state.

  Replay is a target of internal lottery in the normal gaming state or RT, and the number of determination values is registered corresponding to each of the normal gaming state and RT. For both the replay in the normal gaming state and the replay in RT, the common flag is 1, and a common storage address for the number of determination values is registered regardless of the set value.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a storage area for the number of determination values acquired based on the addresses registered in the role-specific table. The storage area for the number of determination values is provided in the RAM 112 for the development model and in the address area allocated to the ROM 113 for the mass production model.

  For example, the address ADD + 0 is an address that is referred to when the target part of the internal lottery is regular bonus + cherry and the set value is 1-6. The address ADD + 14 is an address that is referred to when the target combination of the internal lottery is big bonus (1) + cherry and the set value is 1-6. The address ADD + 28 is an address that is referred to when the target combination of the internal lottery is big bonus (2) + cherry and the set value is 1-6.

  The address ADD + 2 is an address that is referred to when the target character of the internal lottery is a regular bonus and the set value is 1, and at this time, the value 11 stored here is acquired as the number of determination values. Addresses ADD + 4, ADD + 6, ADD + 8, ADD + 10, and ADD + 12 are addresses that are referred to when the target character of the internal lottery is a regular bonus and the set value is 2 to 6, respectively. Regarding the regular bonus, the number of judgment values is individually stored according to the set value, but since the same number of judgment values is stored, the winning probability of the regular bonus is the same at any set value. Yes. Since the regular bonus + cherry has the same number of determination values as the setting values 1 to 6, the winning probability of the regular bonus is the same regardless of the setting value even when the case of overlapping winning with the cherry is included.

  The addresses ADD + 16, ADD + 18, ADD + 20, ADD + 22, ADD + 24, and ADD + 26 are addresses that are referred to when the internal lottery target role is the big bonus (1) and the set value is 1 to 6, respectively. Addresses ADD + 30, ADD + 32, ADD + 34, ADD + 36, ADD + 38, and ADD + 40 are addresses that are referred to when the internal lottery target is the big bonus (2) and the set value is 1 to 6, respectively. With regard to the big bonuses (1) and (2), the number of determination values is individually stored according to the set value, and a different number of determination values is stored, so that the big bonus (1), ( The winning probabilities in 2) will be different.

  The address ADD + 42 is an address that is referred to regardless of the set value when the target part of the internal lottery is a watermelon in the normal gaming state or RT. The address ADD + 44 is an address that is referred to regardless of the set value when the target part of the internal lottery is a watermelon in the regular bonus. Since different values are registered for the watermelon according to the gaming state, the winning probability of the watermelon differs depending on whether the gaming state is in the regular bonus or the normal gaming state or RT. It will be.

  The address ADD + 46 is an address that is referred to regardless of the set value when the target combination of the internal lottery is a bell in the normal gaming state or RT. The address ADD + 48 is an address that is referred to regardless of the set value when the target part of the internal lottery is a bell in the regular bonus. The number of determination values for the bell is registered in accordance with the gaming state, but since the same value is registered, the winning probability of the bell is the same in any gaming state.

  Addresses ADD + 50, ADD + 52, ADD + 54, ADD + 56, ADD + 58, and ADD + 60 are addresses that are referred to when the target character of the internal lottery is cherry and the set value is 1 to 6 in the normal gaming state or RT. In the normal gaming state or RT, the number of determination values is individually stored according to the set value, and the number of different determination values is stored, so that the winning probability of the cherry differs according to the set value. It becomes.

  Addresses ADD + 62, ADD + 64, ADD + 66, ADD + 68, ADD + 70, and ADD + 72 are addresses that are referred to when the target character of the internal lottery is cherry and the set value is 1 to 6 in the regular bonus. In the case of a regular bonus (including the case where the bonus is provided with the big bonus (1) and the big bonus (2)), the number of determination values is individually stored according to the set value. Is stored, the winning probability of cherry is the same at any set value.

  The addresses ADD + 74 and ADD + 76 are addresses that are referred to regardless of the set value when the target of the internal lottery is replay in the normal gaming state and RT, respectively. 12652 is acquired as the number of determination values. In RT, the number of replay determination values is larger than in the normal gaming state, and the replay winning probability is higher than in the normal gaming state.

  In the normal gaming state, the medal payout rate is smaller than 1 (that is, the number of medals to be paid out for the small role won in the internal lottery with respect to the number of medals inserted for setting the bet number. Is smaller). In RT, the replay winning probability is higher and the medal payout rate is higher than in the normal gaming state, and is larger than 1 (that is, internal to the number of medals inserted for setting the bet number). The number of medals that will be paid out for the small role won in the lottery is larger). In the regular bonus and the big bonus, the medal payout rate is larger than that of the RT. The relation of the medal payout rate according to the gaming state described here is the same when the set value is any one of 1-6.

  Next, stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described. The CPU 111 refers to the table index and table creation data stored in the ROM 113 when the reel starts rotating and when the reel is stopped and the reel that is still rotating still remains. Create a stop control table for each reel. When any of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R corresponding to the rotating reel is effectively detected, the stop control table of the corresponding reel is referred to, and the referred stop control table is drawn. Based on the number of frames, control is performed to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the operated stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a table index stored in the ROM 113. As shown in the figure, the table index stores the top address of the area where the data for table creation is stored for each internal winning situation.

  Even if the internal winning situation is different, if the same control is applied, the same address is stored as the start address of the area where the data for table creation is stored. In this case, the stop control table is created with reference to the same table creation data. Here, the table creation data is made up of drawn-in frame number data indicating the number of drawn-in frames corresponding to the stop operation position, and the address of the drawn-in frame number data to be referred to according to the reel stop status.

  The number-of-drawing frame data referred in accordance with the reel stop status indicates whether all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating, only the left reel 3L is stopped, only the middle reel 3C is stopped, or the right reel Depending on whether only 3R is stopped, left and middle reels 3L and 3C are stopped, left and right reels 3L and 3R are stopped, and middle and right reels 3C and 3R are stopped. In addition, in a situation where any of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, it may differ depending on the stop position of the stopped reel.

  In the table creation data, the address of the drawing frame number data to be referred to is registered for each reel being rotated for each situation. The address of the number of frames to be drawn that should be referred to according to each situation can be specified based on the top address of the table creation data. From this specified address, the number of frames to be drawn that are necessary for each situation can be obtained. It can be specified. Even if the reel stop status and the stop position of the stopped reel are different, the same address is registered as the address of the number of frames to be drawn when the same number of frames to be drawn is applied. In such a case, the same data for the number of drawn frames is referred to.

  Further, the number of drawn frames data is data that can specify the number of drawn frames for each timing when the stop operation is performed. For the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR, stepping motors that make one round with a cycle of 168 steps (0 to 167) are used. That is, when the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven in 168 steps, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R make one round. 21 areas (frames) divided every 8 steps (the number of steps in which one symbol moves) are defined for one reel. These areas are areas 1 to 21 from the reel reference position. A number is assigned (see FIG. 8).

  On the other hand, the number of symbols arranged on one reel is 21, and symbol numbers 1 to 21 from the reel reference position are assigned to symbols on each reel, so symbols 1 to 21 are assigned to symbols. , Area numbers 1 to 21 are assigned in order. The number of drawn frames by area number is compressed and stored according to a predetermined rule in the number of drawn frames data so that the number of drawn frames by area number can be acquired by expanding the number of drawn frames data. It has become.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the stop control table. As described above, the stop control table is created with reference to the table index and the table creation data. In the stop control table, as shown in FIG. 8, the area corresponding to each area number is positioned at the stop reference position (in this embodiment, the lower symbol area in the fluoroscopic window 3). The number of frames to be drawn when the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is detected at the timing (the timing at which the number of steps from the reel reference position is included in the range of the number of steps of each area number) is set.

  Next, the procedure for creating the stop control table will be described. First, at the start of reel rotation, the top address of the table creation data corresponding to the internal winning situation in the game is acquired. Then, the table creation data is specified based on the acquired head address, and the address of the drawing frame number data of each reel corresponding to the state in which all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating is acquired from the specified table creation data. Then, the drawing frame number data of each reel stored at the acquired address is developed to create a stop control table for all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Also, when any one of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped or when any two are stopped, a table is created according to the top address acquired at the start of reel rotation, that is, the internal winning situation in the game. The table creation data is identified based on the start address of the data, and the address of the number of frames to be drawn in the unreacted reel corresponding to the stopped reel and the area number of the stop position of the reel is obtained from the identified table creation data. Then, the drawing frame number data of each reel stored at the acquired address is expanded to create a stop control table for the unstopped reels.

  Next, when the CPU 111 effectively detects any one of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R corresponding to the rotating reel, the control when the display result is derived to the corresponding reel will be described.

  When any of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R corresponding to the rotating reel is detected effectively, the area number of the stop operation position is based on the number of steps from the reel reference position when the stop operation is detected. And the number of drawn frames corresponding to the area number of the specified stop operation position is acquired by referring to the stop control table of the reel where the stop operation is detected. Then, control is performed to rotate and stop the reel by the number of acquired frames. Specifically, from the number of steps from the reel reference position at the time when the stop operation is detected, the number of steps from the acquired number of drawn frames until it is stopped is calculated, and the reel is rotated and stopped by the calculated number of steps. Take control. As a result, an area (stop point in the figure) corresponding to the area number corresponding to the stop position ahead of the number of frames to be drawn in from the area (stop operation point in the figure) corresponding to the area number of the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected. The vehicle stops at the stop reference position (in this embodiment, the lower symbol area).

  Further, the table index stores only one address as the start address of the table creation data storage area corresponding to one internal winning situation, and one table creation data contains one reel. Only one address is stored as the address of the storage area for the number of drawn frame data corresponding to the stop status (and the stop position of the stopped reel). In other words, the table creation data corresponding to one internal winning situation and the number-of-drawing frame data corresponding to the reel stop situation (and the stop position of the stopped reel) are uniquely determined. The created stop control table is also unique with respect to one internal winning status and the reel stop status (and the stop position of the stopped reel). Therefore, when all of the internal winning status and the reel stop status (and the stop position of the stopped reel) are the same, the reel stop control is performed based on the same stop control table, that is, the same control pattern. Will be performed.

  In addition, a value of 0 to 4 is determined as the number of drawn frames, and it is possible to stop the reel by drawing a maximum of four symbols after detecting a stop operation. In other words, the stop position of the symbol can be designated from a range of a maximum of 5 frames including the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected. In addition, since it is necessary to move one frame to move the reel for one symbol, it is possible to stop the reel by pulling in a maximum of four symbols after detecting the stop operation. The symbol stop position can be designated from a range of up to five symbols including the operation position.

  In addition, in the table index, the number of drawn-in frames is drawn so that the winning combination is drawn to the maximum in the range of 4 frames and no winning combination is arranged, corresponding to the case where any combination is won. A predetermined table creation data address is stored. Corresponding to the case of a loss, a table creation data address is stored in which the number of frames to be drawn is determined so that none of the roles can be obtained. Therefore, if any winning combination is won, there will be a stop control table in which the winning combination is drawn to the maximum in the range of 4 frames and the number of drawing frames to be drawn is set so that the winning combination is not aligned. It is created and reel stop control is performed. On the other hand, in the case of losing, a stop control table in which the number of frames to be drawn that do not have any combination is created, and reel stop control is performed. As a result, when the stop operation is performed, if the symbols of the winning combination can be stopped on the winning line in the drawing range of up to 4 frames, the control is performed to align them and stop. The symbol of the winning combination will be controlled to be stopped in a drawing range of a maximum of 4 frames.

  In the table index, when a special combination and a small combination are won at the same time, or when a special combination is won with the special combination carried over from the previous game (Big Bonus (1) + Cherry, Big Bonus ( In response to 1) + Bell, etc., the number of draws is determined so that the winning special role is drawn to the maximum in the range of 4 frames, and the winning special role is drawn in the range of up to 4 frames. For the non-stop operation position, the address of the table creation data in which the number of drawn frames is determined so that the selected winning combination is drawn to the maximum within the range of four frames is stored, and reel stop control is performed. As a result, when the stop operation is performed, if the symbols of the special roles that have been elected in the drawing range of up to 4 frames can be stopped on the winning line, the control is performed to stop them together. If you can't draw a special role that you have won in the drawing range of up to 4 frames on the winning line, you can align the symbols of the small role that has been won in the drawing range of up to 4 frames on the winning line. If they can be stopped, control is performed to stop them together, and the symbol of the winning combination is controlled to be stopped in the drawing range of 4 frames. That is, in such a case, priority is given to the control for aligning the special combination on the winning line over the small combination, and the small combination can be won only when the special combination cannot be drawn.

  Here, when the big bonus (2) and the small combination are simultaneously won, the big bonus (2) is derived with priority over the small combination, and the symbols constituting the display mode of the big bonus (2) From the arrangement of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, a stop control table that allows the big bonus (2) to be always won regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is created.

  In addition, the table index includes a range of 4 replays corresponding to the case where a replay player is elected with a special role carried over from before the previous game (such as big bonus (1) + replay). The address of the table creation data in which the number of frames to be drawn is determined so as to be pulled in as much as possible is stored, and reel stop control is performed. As a result, when a stop operation is performed, control is performed so that the symbols of the re-gamer are aligned and stopped on the winning line within a drawing range of up to four frames. “JAC” which is a symbol constituting the re-gamer is arranged at intervals of 5 frames or less for all of the reels 3L, 3C and 3R, and is always stopped at an arbitrary position within the drawing range of 4 frames. be able to. When a special game is carried over from before the previous game and a re-game player is elected, the re-game game will always be awarded regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R by the player. It will be. That is, in such a case, the control for aligning the re-games on the winning line has priority over the special game, and the re-games will always win.

  On the game control board 101 side, the internal lottery is performed as described above, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped according to the result and the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, and a prize is generated. It will be a thing. As a result of winning a prize, a medal is paid out or a game state is transferred as a payout. In this way, depending on the progress of the game on the game control board 101 side, an original effect is performed on the effect control board 102 side. Is called. In order to perform such an effect, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 must be able to recognize the progress of the game on the game control board 101 side. Is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102.

  The commands transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 include at least a BET command, a winning status notification command, a reel rotation command, a reel stop command, a winning information command, and a game state command. The commands transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 include other commands, but since they are not directly related to the present invention, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The BET command indicates the number of bets set at the present time, and is transmitted every time one bet value is added. The winning status notification command indicates the setting status of the winning flag in the RAM 112, and is transmitted when the start lever 11 is operated and an internal lottery is performed. The reel rotation command indicates the timing at which the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate, and is transmitted when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is actually started. The reel stop command indicates the number of symbols stopped at the middle and the other of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and is transmitted when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped.

  The winning information command indicates the type of winning generated according to the display result of the variable display device 2 and the number of medals to be paid out with the winning. The display result is derived to the variable display device 2 and the winning determination is made. Sent when done. The gaming state command indicates a gaming state applied in the next game, and is transmitted at the end of one game. When the gaming state command indicates that the gaming state is at RT, the number of remaining RT games is at least 4 games or more, and can be distinguished from three games, two games, and one game.

  The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs various effects based on the commands sent from the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 as described above. As an effect executed by the control of the CPU 121, particularly as an effect performed on the liquid crystal display 4, an effect of deriving a display mode corresponding to the symbol derived to the variable display device 2 by the change / stop of the virtual reel, and RT There is a possibility report. In addition, there are a freezing effect performed when the big bonus (1) is in a frozen state and a bonus notification as an effect in the bonus notification unit 36.

  First, bonus notification will be described. Bonus notice is relatively high when the regular bonus or big bonus (1) is won at the end of one game (the big bonus (2) is always won, so it is not won at the end of the game) It is performed with high probability (about 50 to 90%). In the bonus notification, the bonus notification unit 36 notifies that the regular bonus or the big bonus (1) is won by turning on the bonus notification lamp 66.

  Next, the freeze effect will be described. The freeze effect is an effect in which the display of the image on the liquid crystal display 4, the output of sound from the speakers 7L and 7R, and the lighting of various lamps are all stopped for a certain period, and the big bonus (1) ends and the game This is performed in a period during which the control board 101 is controlled to be in a frozen state. The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 can recognize that it is controlled in the freeze state with reference to two game state commands. That is, if the gaming state command received in the previous game indicates the big bonus (1) and the state command received in the current game indicates the initial gaming state, the big bonus (1) ends in the current game and freezes. It can be seen that the state is controlled.

  Next, the variation / stop of the symbol by the virtual reel will be described. For example, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the variable display device 2 are virtual reels in which symbols such as “BAR”, “7”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “bell”, and “cherry” are arranged in a predetermined arrangement. Three are displayed corresponding to. The arrangement of the symbols on the three virtual reels can be replaced according to the symbols derived to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the variable display device 2.

  The virtual reels start to change when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate, and stop changing when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R stop rotating. However, the stop of the virtual reel is not limited by the maximum stop delay time of 190 milliseconds like the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the variable display device 2. The virtual reels of the liquid crystal display 4 also display symbols in three stages, upper, middle and lower, respectively, and a total of five winning lines are provided, one in the horizontal direction in the upper, middle and lower sides and two on the diagonal. It has been. A symbol corresponding to the symbol derived on the winning line of the variable display device 2 is derived from the winning line on the virtual reel, with the exception of the big bonus (2).

  For example, when a replay winning is made according to the display result of the variable display device 2, “JAC” is aligned on the winning line of the virtual reel. There is no missed replay, and even if the replay and regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) are duplicated, the replay is given priority. In some cases, the symbols to be derived can be determined in advance, and the stop of the virtual reel can be controlled.

  Also, when winning the bell, “bell” is aligned on the virtual reel winning line. In the case of the single winning of the bell, since there is no missing, it is possible to control the stop of the virtual reel by determining the symbol to be derived in advance. In the case of double winning with regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2), it is decided in advance to make “Tel” and “7” or “BAR” double tempered (by replacing symbols) The symbols may be derived on the virtual reel in accordance with the symbols stopped on the third reel of the variable display device 2. The same applies when winning a watermelon. When winning a cherry, “cherry” is led to the left virtual reel.

  When the regular bonus and the big bonus (1) are won according to the display result of the variable display device 2, “BAR” and “7” are aligned on the virtual reel winning line in the game. On the other hand, when winning the big bonus (2), the same type of symbols in the game are not aligned on the virtual reel winning line. The symbol derived to the virtual reel of the liquid crystal display device 4 when winning the big bonus (2) is the same as the symbol derived to the virtual reel when the loss result is derived to the variable display device 2. Become.

  By the way, if you win regular bonus, big bonus (1), big bonus (2) other than cherry, watermelon, bell, or replay in normal gaming state or RT, you will win these roles without missing them. be able to. Therefore, there is almost no need for the player to push the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R (the stop operation is performed at a timing according to the symbols displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R). Absent.

  The regular bonus, the big bonus (1), and the cherry need to be pushed, but the cherry has a low winning probability and the number of medals to be paid out as a dividend is small. The design is also small and difficult to press. For the regular bonus and the big bonus (1), the winning probability is low, and when the gaming state is controlled to RT, the medal payout rate is larger than 1. There will be no prizes. When a regular bonus or a big bonus (1) is won, a bonus announcement is made at a high frequency.

  As long as there is no need to push the game, the player only needs to know what role he has won as a result, so that even if he only looks at the virtual reel, the game can proceed sufficiently. Become. Even if the big bonus (2) is won based on the display result of the variable display device 2, the medal is not paid out, and the same result as the losing is derived to the virtual reel, so it is easy to miss these winnings. Further, even when the display mode of the big bonus (2) is derived on the variable display device 2, since the same type of symbols are not lined up here, the player misses the derivation of these display modes. It is easy. Then, even if the gaming state is controlled to the big bonus (2), the player may not recognize that fact.

Next, RT possibility notification will be described. This is performed on the liquid crystal display 4 when three games are won in succession in a game state other than the regular bonus or the big bonus (1). Then, when the player sets the number of bets for the next game, the liquid crystal display 4 notifies whether or not the gaming state is actually controlled to RT. Winning probability of watermelon in a big bonus (2) Since the 14801/16384, with more than 70% of the big bonus (2), watermelon three consecutive winning occurs. On the other hand, since the winning probability of a watermelon in the normal gaming state or RT is 2015/16384 , the probability of three consecutive watermelon winnings is about 1/540 . This is lower than the probability of winning either the regular bonus or the big bonus (1).

  In the effect control board 102, a stop symbol table for determining the display mode of the variable display device 2 based on the reel stop command is provided in the RAM 122. However, since the reel stop command includes only the type of the stopped reel and the number of the symbol stopped in the middle as information, it is impossible to determine what symbol is stopped by this alone. Tables indicating all symbols arranged in 3C, 3R are stored in advance, and symbols stopped on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are registered in the stop symbol table with reference to this table.

  In addition, the RAM 122 has an area for storing the winning status (for one game) of each combination indicated by the winning status notification command received from the game control board 101, the winning status indicated by the winning information command (for three games), a game An area (for four games) for storing the gaming state indicated by the state command is also provided. An area for setting an RT possibility notification flag indicating that the RT possibility notification is being performed and a bonus notification flag indicating that the bonus notification is being performed is also provided. The RT possibility notification is performed on the liquid crystal display 4 together with the change display of the design symbol for the virtual reel in a manner that does not hinder the visual recognition of the virtual reel.

  Hereinafter, processing in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the slot machine 1, the game is progressed by repeatedly performing the game process one game at a time. For this purpose, the game must be in a state where the game can be progressed. In order to be able to advance the game, the setting value of the normal range is stored in the setting value work 112-4 with the control unit 110 including the CPU 111 activated, and the data stored in the RAM 112 is stored in the data stored in the RAM 112. The condition is that there is no abnormality.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a startup process executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. This activation process is a process performed when a reset signal is input from the reset circuit 118 of the game control board 101 and the control unit 110 is activated. Since the reset signal is a signal that is output when the power is turned on and when the operation of the control unit 110 is stagnant, the activation process is accompanied by a malfunction of the control unit 110 when the control unit 110 is activated when the power is turned on. This process is performed when restarting.

  In the startup process, first, the built-in device, peripheral IC, stack pointer, and the like are initialized (step S101), and access to the RAM 112 is permitted (step S102). Then, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 92 is in an ON state (step S103). If the setting key switch 92 is not ON, the RAM parity is calculated based on all the data stored in the RAM 112 except the parity storage area 112-7 (step S104).

  Next, the RAM parity calculated here is compared with the RAM parity stored in the parity storage area 112-7, that is, the RAM parity calculated and stored at the previous power-off (step S105). Whether or not the data stored in the RAM is normal (step S106). In this embodiment, whether or not the RAM 112 is normal based on the RAM parity is determined only in the startup process.

  If the RAM parities do not match in step S106, the data stored in the RAM 112 is not normal, and the routine proceeds to the RAM abnormality error processing shown in FIG. If the RAM parities match, the data stored in the RAM 112 is normal, so the register stored in the stack area 112-6 is restored (step S107), and the interrupt prohibition is canceled (step S107). S108), the process returns to the state before the power is turned off.

  If the setting key switch 92 is ON in step S103, all the data stored in the RAM 112 is initialized except for the area in use in the stack area 112-6 (other than the setting value work 112-4). Is rewritten to 0 and the set value work 112-4 is rewritten to 0) (step S109), the prohibition of interruption is canceled (step S110), and the process proceeds to the setting change process shown in FIG. Then, after the setting change process is completed, the game can be progressed and the process proceeds to the game control process.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the setting change process executed by the CPU 111 in step S111. In the setting change process, first, a setting changing flag indicating that the setting changing mode is being set is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 112 (step S201), and the setting value (setting change) stored in the setting value work 112-4 is set. Before shifting to the processing, the value of the set value work 112-4 has been rewritten to 1, so it is 1 here) (step S202).

  Thereafter, the operation waits for detection of the operation of the setting switch 91 and the start switch 41 (steps S203 and S204). When the operation of the setting switch 91 is detected in step S203, 1 is added to the setting value read in step S202 (step S205), and whether or not the setting value after the addition is 7, that is, whether the normal range has been exceeded. It is determined whether or not (step S206). If the set value after addition is not 7, the process returns to the state of waiting for detection of the operation of the setting switch 91 and the start switch 41 in steps S203 and S204. If the set value after addition is 7, the set value is corrected to 1 (step S207), and the process returns to the state of waiting for detection of the operation of the setting switch 91 and the start switch 41 in steps S203 and S204.

  When the operation of the start switch 41 is detected in step S204, the changed set value selected at that time is stored in the set value work 112-4 and the set value is confirmed (step S208). Thereafter, the process waits until the setting key switch 92 is turned off (step S209). If it is determined in step S209 that the setting key switch 92 has been turned off, the setting changing flag set in step S201 is cleared (step S210). Then, when returning to the flowchart of FIG. 9, the game can be progressed and the game control process is started.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail the RAM abnormality error process executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. In the RAM abnormality error process, the payout display 53 is controlled to display the RAM abnormality error code on the payout display unit 21 (step S301), and then the process proceeds to a loop process in which no process is performed.

  As described above, in the startup process, when the setting key switch 92 is not in the ON state, the data stored in the RAM 112 is compared by comparing the RAM parity calculated at the time of power-off with the RAM parity calculated at the time of startup. It is determined whether or not it is normal, and the routine proceeds to RAM abnormality error processing. In the RAM abnormality error process, since the RAM abnormality error code is displayed on the payout display unit 21, the process proceeds to a loop process in which no process is performed, so that the progress of the game is disabled.

  If the RAM parity does not match, the interrupt is not permitted. Therefore, once the process proceeds to the RAM abnormality error process, the setting key switch 92 is activated in the ON state until the interrupt prohibition is canceled. Even if the power is cut off, no power interruption processing is performed. In other words, since no new RAM parity is calculated and stored in the power interruption process, the RAM parity is always set except when the setting key switch 92 is activated even when the control unit 110 is activated. Since they do not match, the control unit 110 cannot be activated to start (resume) the game.

  Once the RAM abnormal error state is entered, the setting key switch 92 is turned on, the setting key switch 92 is turned on, setting change processing is performed, and a new set value is selected and set by operating the setting switch 91 until the game is played. It becomes impossible to progress. In other words, in the state that has shifted to the RAM abnormal error state, the state in which the game cannot be progressed is released on the condition that a new set value is selected and set by operating the setting switch 91, and the game is started (resumed). It becomes possible to make it. In the error state other than the RAM abnormal error, there is no problem of the RAM parity mismatch, so that the state where the game cannot be progressed is canceled only by the operation of the first reset switch 48 or the second reset switch 93, and the game is resumed. Can be made.

  As described above, when the game can be progressed, the game processing is repeated one by one in the slot machine 1. Hereinafter, each game in the slot machine 1 will be described. The “game” in the slot machine 1 is, in a narrow sense, from the operation of the start lever 11 to the stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Since the bet number before the operation is set, the medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped, these accompanying processes are also included in the “game” in a broad sense. . It should be noted that the transmission of commands from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 will be described only for those necessary for the description of the present invention, and the description of the transmission of other commands will be omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a game control process performed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 for each game. This process is also executed after the power is turned on and a predetermined boot process is performed, or immediately after the setting is changed by operating the setting switch 91. When the process of one game is started, first, an initial process including a process of clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 112 is performed (step S401).

  Next, the number of bets is set by operating one BET button 14 or MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and operating the start lever 11 to substantially change the game. BET processing for instructing start is performed (step S402). If the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same number of bets as in the previous game (3 in this embodiment) is automatically set by the replay game flag (the replay game flag is erased at this stage). ). Details of the BET process will be described later.

  When the number of bets is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, a random number for internal lottery is extracted, and winning to each combination determined according to the gaming state is allowed based on the extracted random number value A lottery process for determining whether or not to perform is performed (step S403). In the lottery process, a winning status notification command indicating the setting status of the winning flag in the RAM 112 is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Details of the lottery process will be described later.

  When the lottery process is completed, a reel rotation process is performed (step S404). In the reel rotation process, the reel motor is operated on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the previous game. 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to start rotation of all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. When predetermined conditions (detection of the reference position by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed) from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are satisfied, the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R Is enabled. Thereafter, when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated by the player, the driving of the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR is stopped according to the setting state of the winning flag, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped. . When the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started and stopped, a reel rotation command and a reel stop command are transmitted to the effect control board 102, respectively. Details of the reel rotation process will be described later.

  When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped, a winning determination process is performed for determining whether any of the above-described role symbols is derived and displayed on the winning line in the display mode at the time of stopping (step S405). ). If it is determined in this winning determination process that a winning combination has been won, various processes corresponding to the winnings generated on the game control board 101 are performed. Here, a winning information command indicating a winning determination result is sent to the effect control board 102. Details of the winning determination process will be described later.

  When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step S406). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of payouts set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the hopper motor 82 is driven to pay out an excess number of medals from the medal payout slot 71. In addition, various processes that are not related to winning (for example, a process related to the end control of the big bonus and the deletion of a winning flag that does not carry over) are also performed. At the end of the payout process, that is, at the end of one game, a game state command indicating the game state of the next game is sent to the effect control board 102. Details of the payout process will be described later. Then, the process for one game ends, and the process for the next one game starts.

  Next, the BET process in step S402 will be described in detail. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing in detail the BET process executed by the CPU 111 in step S402. In the BET process, the value of the BET counter in which the value of the bet number is stored in the RAM 112 is cleared (step S501). Next, it is determined whether or not the game is a replay game based on whether or not a replay game flag based on the previous game replay winning is set in the RAM 112 (step S502).

  If it is determined that the game is a replay game, the value of the BET counter is incremented by 1 (step S503), and a BET command indicating the current value of the BET counter is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102. (Step S504). Further, it is determined whether or not the value of the BET counter is a specified number (that is, 3) (step S505). Steps S503 and S504 are repeated until the value of the BET counter reaches the specified number. When the value of the BET counter reaches the specified number, the start switch 41 waits for detection of the operation of the start lever 11. (Step S506). When the operation of the start lever 11 is detected, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the game is not a replay game, it is determined whether or not the value of the BET counter is a specified number (that is, 3) (step S507). If the value of the BET counter is a specified number, it is determined whether or not the value of the credit counter in which the credit value is stored in the RAM 112 is 50 (step S508). If the value of the credit counter is 50, the flow path switching solenoid 49 is turned off, and the insertion of a new medal is prohibited with the medal flow path set as the payout side (step S509). Then, the process proceeds to step S511. When the value of the BET counter is not a specified number or when the value of the credit counter is not 50, the flow path switching solenoid 49 is turned on, and the medal flow path is set to the hopper 80 side so that a medal can be inserted. (Step S510). Then, the process proceeds to step S511.

  In step S511, it is determined whether or not both the value of the credit counter and the value of the BET counter are zero. If neither the value of the credit counter or the value of the BET counter is 0, it is determined whether or not an operation of the settlement button 16 is detected by the settlement switch 47 (step S512). If the operation of the checkout button 16 is detected, a checkout process is performed to control paying out medals for the values stored in the credit counter and the BET counter (step S513). Details of the settlement process will be described later. Then, the process returns to step S507.

  If both the value of the credit counter and the value of the BET counter are 0, or if the operation of the settlement button 16 is not detected, it is determined whether or not the inserted medal sensor 44 detects passage of the inserted medal (step S514). . If the passage of the inserted medal is detected, it is determined whether or not the value of the BET counter is a specified number (ie, 3) (step S515). If the value of the BET counter is not a specified number, the value of the BET counter is incremented by 1 (step S516), a BET command indicating the current value of the BET counter is generated, and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S516). S517). Then, the process returns to step S507.

  If the value of the BET counter is a specified number, it is determined whether or not the value of the credit counter is 50 (step S518). If the value of the credit counter is 50, the process returns to step S507 as it is. If the value of the credit counter is not 50, the value of the credit counter is incremented by 1 (step S519).

  If the passage of the inserted medal is not detected, it is determined whether or not the value of the BET counter is a specified number (that is, 3) (step S520). If the value of the BET counter is a specified number, it is determined whether or not the start switch 41 detects the operation of the start lever 11 (step S521). If the operation of the start lever 11 is not detected, the process returns to step S507. If the operation of the start lever 11 is detected, the flow path switching solenoid 49 is turned off, and the insertion of a new medal is prohibited with the medal flow path as the payout side. Further, the operations of the single BET button 14, the MAXBET button 15, and the settlement button 16 are invalidated (step S522). Then, the BET process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the value of the BET counter is not a specified number, it is determined whether or not the value of the credit counter is 0 (step S523). If the value of the credit counter is 0, the process returns to step S507. If the value of the credit counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not an operation of the 1-sheet BET button 14 is detected by the 1-sheet BET switch 45 (step S524). If the operation of the single BET button 14 is not detected, it is determined whether or not the operation of the MAXBET button 15 is detected by the MAXBET switch 46 (step S525). If the operation of the MAXBET button 15 is not detected, the process returns to step S507.

  If the operation of the single BET button 14 is detected, the credit counter value is decremented by 1 (step S526), the BET counter value is incremented by 1 (step S527), and the current BET counter value is calculated. The BET command shown is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S528). Then, the process returns to step S507.

  If the operation of the MAXBET button 15 is detected, it is determined whether or not the value of the credit counter is 0 (step S529). If the credit counter value is not 0, the credit counter value is decremented by 1 (step S530), the BET counter value is incremented by 1 (step S531), and a BET command indicating the current BET counter value is issued. It produces | generates and transmits to the production | presentation control board 102 (step S532). Here, it is determined whether or not the value of the BET counter has reached a specified number (that is, 3) (step S533). If the value of the BET counter is a specified number, the process returns to step S507. If the value of the BET counter is not the specified number, the process returns to step S529. If it is determined in step S529 that the value of the credit counter is 0, the process returns to step S507.

  Next, the payment process in step S513 will be described in detail. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing in detail the settlement process executed by the CPU 111 in step S513. In the settlement process, the flow path switching solenoid 49 is turned off, and the insertion of a new medal is prohibited with the medal flow path set as the payout side (step S601). Further, the hopper motor 82 is driven in an ON state (step S602).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the credit counter is 0 (step S603). If the value of the credit counter is 0, it is determined whether or not the value of the BET counter is 0 (step S604). If either the credit counter value or the BET counter value is not 0, it is determined whether or not the payout sensor 81 detects the payout of medals (step S605). If no medal payout is detected, the process returns to step S603.

  If a medal payout is detected, it is further determined whether or not the value of the credit counter is 0 (step S606). If the value of the credit counter is not 0, the credit counter value is decremented by 1 (step S607), and the process returns to step S603. If the value of the credit counter is 0, the value of the BET counter is decremented by 1 (step S608), and the process returns to step S603.

  If the value of the credit counter and the value of the BET counter are both 0 in steps S603 and S604, the hopper motor 82 is turned off to stop driving (step S609). Then, the settlement process is terminated and the process returns to the original process.

  Next, the lottery process in step S403 will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the lottery process executed by the CPU 111 in step S403. In the lottery process, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) depending on whether the big bonus (1) flag or the big bonus (2) flag is set in the RAM 112. (Step S701). If the gaming state is neither the big bonus (1) nor the big bonus (2), the process proceeds to step S704 as it is.

  If the gaming state is the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), whether or not the gaming state is the regular bonus is determined based on whether or not the regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S702). If the game state is not in the regular bonus, it is the first game of the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), or the regular bonus for one set in the big bonus (1) ends and the big bonus ( Since it is a game when 1) is not finished, a regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 and the gaming state is controlled to the regular bonus (step S703). Then, the process proceeds to step S704. If the gaming state is a regular bonus, the process proceeds to step S704 as it is.

  In step S704, the bet number set in the current game is read. Next, it is determined whether or not the read bet number is 3 (step S705). When the read bet number is not 3, a RAM abnormality error occurs, and the RAM abnormality error process shown in FIG. 11 is performed. When the read bet number is 3, the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, the setting value stored in the setting value work 112-4 of the RAM 112 is read. Here, it is determined whether or not the read set value is in a range of 1 to 6 that is a value that should be originally taken (step S707). If the read set value is not in the range of 1 to 6, a RAM abnormality error occurs and the RAM abnormality error process shown in FIG. 11 is performed.

  If the read set value is in the range of 1 to 6, random number acquisition processing is performed, and a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 115 is extracted by outputting a sampling command, and the random number generation circuit 115 extracts the random number. Store in the random number storage area. The random numbers for the internal lottery may be used after being processed in a predetermined procedure by software instead of using the random numbers extracted from the random number generation circuit 115 as they are (step S708).

  Next, in correspondence with the current gaming state, the lottery target combination registered in the winning combination table according to gaming state in FIG. 5B is sequentially read (step S709). Next, the common flag setting status registered in the role-specific table of FIG. 5C for the read lottery target role is acquired (step S710). As a result, it is determined whether the common flag is set (step S711).

  If the common flag is set, the number of determination values stored in the address registered in the role-specific table of FIG. 5C corresponding to the gaming state is acquired for the read lottery target character (step S712). ). Then, the process proceeds to step S714. If the common flag is not set, the setting value set in the RAM 112 is read, and the determination value stored at the address registered in the role-specific table corresponding to the gaming state and the setting value for the lottery target role The number is acquired (step S713). Then, the process proceeds to step S714.

  In step S714, the number of determination values acquired in step S712 or S713 is added to the random number value for internal lottery stored in the determination area of the RAM 112, and the result of addition is used as a new random number value for internal lottery. Here, it is determined whether or not an overflow has occurred when the number of determination values is added to the value of the random number for internal lottery (step S715).

  If no overflow has occurred, it is determined whether there is a combination that has not yet been processed among the lottery targets in the gaming state (step S716). If there is something that has not yet been processed, the process returns to step S709, and the process continues with the next lottery target registered in the winning combination table according to gaming state as the processing target. If there is nothing not to be processed, the process proceeds to step S724.

  If an overflow occurs, it is determined whether or not the lottery target combination read in the previous step S709 is any of regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1) + cherry or big bonus (2) + cherry ( Step S717). In the case of regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1) + cherry or big bonus (2) + cherry, at least the game state in the current game is a regular bonus (if provided during the big bonus) Not included).

  Here, it is determined whether the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, or the big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S718). If none of the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag and big bonus (2) winning flag is set, the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag or The big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112, and the cherry winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S719). Then, the process proceeds to step S724.

  If the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag or the big bonus (2) winning flag is already set in the RAM 112 in step S718, only the cherry winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S720). Then, the process proceeds to step S724.

  In step S717, if the lottery target is neither regular bonus + cherry, big bonus (1) + cherry or big bonus (2) + cherry, the lottery target is regular bonus, big bonus (1) or big It is determined whether the bonus is (2) (step S721). If the lottery target combination is neither the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), nor the big bonus (2), the process proceeds to step S723.

  When the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2) is selected, the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, or the big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112. It is determined whether or not (step S722). If any of the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag, and the big bonus (2) winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S724 as it is. If none of the regular bonus winning flag, big bonus (1) winning flag and big bonus (2) winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S723.

  In step S723, the winning flag of the lottery object combination is set in the RAM 112. Here, the lottery is not a regular bonus, a big bonus (1), or a big bonus (2), and is already a regular bonus winning flag, a big bonus (1) winning flag or a big bonus (2) winning flag. Is set, the winning flag of the current lottery target role is set over the regular bonus winning flag, the big bonus (1) winning flag or the big bonus (2) winning flag already set. Then, the process proceeds to step S724.

  In step S724, a winning status notification command is generated according to the setting status of the winning flag in the RAM 112 and transmitted to the effect control board 102. Then, the lottery process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the reel rotation process in step S404 will be described in detail. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing in detail the reel rotation process executed by the CPU 111 in step S404. In the reel rotation process, first, it is determined whether or not a wait time (for example, about 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the reel rotation start time of the previous game (step S801). If the wait time has not elapsed, Wait until the wait time has elapsed. If the wait time has elapsed, the timing of the wait time is newly started (step S802).

  Next, a work initialization code at the time of starting the rotation of the reel motor is set in the register, and the rotation of the reel is started (step S803). Here, a reel rotation command indicating that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have started rotating is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S804). Then, with reference to the table index, the table creation data is identified, and based on the identified table creation data, a stop control table corresponding to the game state of the game, the internal winning situation, and the other reels stop situation is created. Then, it is created for each reel that is rotating (step S805), and the work initialization code at the time of completion of stop preparation is set in the register (step S806). Thereby, the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R becomes valid.

  Next, it is determined whether any one of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R has been detected (step S807). If no stop button operation is detected, it is determined whether a reel rotation error (an error determined when the reel reference position is not detected by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR for a certain period or more) has occurred. (Step S808). If no reel rotation error has occurred, the process returns to step S807.

  If it is determined in step S808 that a reel rotation error has occurred, an error code indicating a reel rotation error is set in the register (step S809), and the process proceeds to a predetermined error process (step S810). Along with this, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is also temporarily stopped. When the error is released, the process returns to step S803 again, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is resumed.

  If the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is detected in step S807, the reel motor (any of 3ML, 3MC, 3MR) corresponding to the operated stop button from the reel reference position at that time is detected. The number of steps (the number of steps at the stop operation position) is acquired and set to the work corresponding to the stop reel (step S811). Here, a reel stop command indicating the type of reel to be stopped and the symbols to be stopped for the reel is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S812). After that, it waits until the rotation of the reel (3L, 3C, 3R) corresponding to the operated stop button stops (step S813).

  When the rotation of the reel (3L, 3C, or 3R) corresponding to the operated stop button stops, it is determined whether or not all of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped (step S814). If the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is not stopped, the process returns to step S805. If the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped, the reel rotation process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, in the reel rotation process, after the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is started, the rotation of the reels for which the stop operation has not been detected is continued until the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is detected. Then, on the condition that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is detected, control for stopping the display result on the corresponding reel is performed. Even if the reel rotation temporarily stops due to the occurrence of a reel rotation error, the stop operation is still detected until the operation of the stop button 12L, 12C, 12R is detected after the reel rotation is restarted. Control is performed to stop the display result on the corresponding reels on the condition that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is detected by continuing the rotation of the unreeled reels. This is not the case when the data in the RAM 112 is destroyed and cannot be restored to the original state.

  Next, the winning determination process in step S405 will be described in detail. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing in detail the winning determination process executed by the CPU 111 in step S405. In the winning determination process, the winning combination corresponding to the gaming state is read in order from the beginning (step S901). Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination of the read combination is aligned with any of the five winning lines of the variable display device 2 (step S902).

  If the combination of symbols for the combination is complete, a winning flag for the combination is set in the RAM 112 (step S903), and the process proceeds to step S904. If the symbol combination of the combination is not complete, the process proceeds to step S904 as it is. In step S904, it is determined whether there is a combination that has not yet been determined as a winning determination among the combinations corresponding to the gaming state. If there is a winning combination that has not yet been determined for winning, the process returns to step S901, and the next winning combination corresponding to the gaming state is read out.

  If all of the winning combinations corresponding to the gaming state are targeted for winning determination, it is next determined whether or not a replay winning is made based on whether or not a replay winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S905). If a replay prize has been won, a replay game in-progress flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S906). The replay game in-progress flag is deleted when the bet number is automatically set in the next game. Then, the process proceeds to step S913.

  If no replay winning is made, it is determined whether or not the big bonus (1) is won according to whether or not the big bonus (1) winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S907). If the big bonus (1) has been won, the big bonus (1) medium flag is set in the RAM 112 and the big bonus (1) winning flag set in the RAM 112 is erased. Further, the RT counter value of the RAM 112 is initialized to 0 (step S908). Then, the process proceeds to step S913.

  If the big bonus (1) has not been won, it is determined whether or not the big bonus (2) has been won depending on whether or not the big bonus (2) winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S909). If the big bonus (2) is won, the big bonus (2) medium flag is set in the RAM 112 and the big bonus (2) winning flag set in the RAM 112 is deleted. Further, the RT counter value of the RAM 112 is initialized to 0 (step S910). Then, the process proceeds to step S913.

  If the big bonus (2) has not been won, it is determined whether or not the regular bonus has been won depending on whether or not the regular bonus winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S911). If the regular bonus is won, the regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 and the regular bonus winning flag set in the RAM 112 is erased. Further, the RT counter value of the RAM 112 is initialized to 0 (step S912). Then, the process proceeds to step S913. If the regular bonus is not won, the process proceeds to step S913.

  In step S913, winning information indicating the type of winning combination based on the winning flag set in the RAM 112 (however, in the case of losing, the winning flag is not set) and the number of medals to be paid out with the winning. A command is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102. Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the payout process in step S406 will be described in detail. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout process executed by the CPU 111 in step S406. In the payout process, it is determined whether or not there has been a small role winning accompanied by paying out medals depending on whether or not a winning flag of watermelon, bell, or cherry is set in the RAM 112 (step S1001). If the small role is not won, the process proceeds to step S1003.

  If the small role winning is achieved, the number of medals is sequentially paid out by controlling the hopper 80. However, until the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, instead of paying out medals, the number of credits is increased (step S1002). Then, the process proceeds to step S1003.

  Here, it is determined in step S1001 that the small role has not been won, or it is determined that one game has been completed by finishing the medal payout in step S1002. That is, when the small role is won, it is determined that the game is over when the payout of the medal is completed. When the small role is not won, the variable display device 2 displays the medal without paying out the medal. This is the same as determining that the game is over when the result is derived. The operation of the checkout button 16 is effective here, but the operations of the single BET button 14 and the MAXBET button 15 are not yet effective.

  In step S1003, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a regular bonus (including those provided during the big bonus) depending on whether or not the regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112. If the current gaming state is not a regular bonus, the process proceeds to step S1007. If the current gaming state is a regular bonus, the number of games and winnings in the regular bonus are counted using the counter of the RAM 112 (step S1004).

  As a result of the counting, it is determined whether or not a regular bonus end condition has been met (step S1005). If the regular bonus end condition is satisfied, the regular bonus medium flag in the RAM 112 is deleted. Also, a counter value for counting the number of games and the number of winnings in the regular bonus is initialized (step S1006). Then, the process proceeds to step S1007. If it is not a regular bonus end condition, the process directly proceeds to step S1007.

  In step S1007, whether the current gaming state is the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) depending on whether the big bonus (1) medium flag or the big bonus (2) medium flag is set in the RAM 112. Determine. If the current gaming state is not the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), the RT counter value in the RAM 112 is decremented by 1 (however, until it becomes 0) (step S1008). Based on the values of the big bonus (1) flag, the big bonus (2) flag, the regular bonus flag, and the RT counter in the RAM 112, a gaming state command indicating a gaming state applied in the next game is generated. And transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S1009). Then, the process proceeds to step S1023.

  If the current gaming state is the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) in step S1007, the number of payout medals in the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is counted using the counter of the RAM 112. (Step S1010). Here, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the big bonus (2), the counted number of payout medals exceeds 30 and the end condition for the big bonus (2) is satisfied (step S1011).

  If the big bonus (2) end condition is satisfied, the big bonus (2) flag in the RAM 112 is erased. If the regular bonus medium flag is set, it is also deleted. Also, a counter value for counting the number of payout medals in the big bonus is initialized. Also, a counter value for counting the number of games and the number of winnings in the regular bonus is initialized (step S1012). Further, 100 is set as the initial value of the RT counter of the RAM 112 (step S1013). Then, the process proceeds to step S1022.

  If the big bonus (2) termination condition is not satisfied, the current gaming state is the big bonus (1), the counted number of payout medals exceeds 465, and the big bonus (1) termination condition Is determined (step S1014). If the end condition of the big bonus (1) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1022 as it is.

  If the big bonus (1) termination condition is satisfied, the big bonus (1) flag in the RAM 112 is erased. If the regular bonus medium flag is set, it is also deleted. Also, a counter value for counting the number of payout medals in the big bonus is initialized. Also, a counter value for counting the number of games and the number of winnings in the regular bonus is initialized (step S1015).

  Further, based on the values of the big bonus (1) flag, the big bonus (2) flag, the regular bonus flag, and the RT counter in the RAM 112, the gaming state to be applied in the next game (here, the big bonus must be ) Is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S1016). Here, timing of the wait time is started using the internal timer of the CPU 111 (step S1017).

  When the timing of the wait time is started, it is determined whether or not the value of the credit counter in the RAM 112 is 0 (step S1018). If the value of the credit counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S1021. If the value of the credit counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not an operation of the settlement button 16 is detected by the settlement switch 47 (step S1019). When the operation of the settlement button 16 is detected, the settlement process shown in FIG. 15 is performed (step S1020). Then, the process proceeds to step S1021. In step S1021, it is determined whether or not the time being measured has reached the specified wait time. If the specified time has not been reached, the process returns to step S1018. If the specified time has been reached, the process proceeds to step S1023.

  In step S1022, based on the values of the big bonus (1) flag, the big bonus (2) flag, the regular bonus flag, and the RT counter in the RAM 112, a gaming state command indicating a gaming state applied in the next game. Is transmitted to the effect control board 102, and the process proceeds to step S1023.

  In step S1023, the winning combination and winning flags for the small role and replay are all deleted from the RAM 112. This process is realized by a process of clearing the general work 112-2 for each game. Even if the regular bonus winning flag or big bonus (1) winning flag is set in this game and the regular bonus or big bonus (1) is not won, the special role work 112-2 is not cleared. The regular bonus winning flag or the big bonus (1) winning flag is carried over to the next game. Since the big bonus (2) is won without missing, the big bonus (2) winning flag is not carried over.

  Further, when the general work 112-2 is cleared in step S1023, the operation of the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 is also valid here. Then, the payout process is ended, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. Here, when returning to the flowchart of FIG. 12, the processing in this one game is completed.

  In the repetition of the game as described above, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 shifts the game state among the normal game state, RT, big bonus, and regular bonus, and issues a command according to the progress of the game. It is transmitted to the production control board 102. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an original effect including the RT possibility notification based on the command received from the game control board 101. Hereinafter, the process of the effect performed by the control on the effect control board 102 side will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. On the side of the effect control board 102, it is determined whether or not a command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S1101). When any command is received from the game control board 101, it is determined what kind of the received command is (step S1102).

  If the type of the received command is the BET command transmitted in step S504, S517, S528 or S532, it is determined whether or not the BET command indicates that the currently set bet number is 1 (Step S1103). If the currently set bet number indicates that it is not 1, the process directly returns to step S1101.

  If it is indicated that the currently set bet number is 1, it is determined whether or not the RT possibility notification flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S1104). If the RT possibility notification flag is not set, the process directly returns to step S1101. If the RT possibility notification flag is set, the game state stored in the RAM 122 in step S1121 is referred to the game state of the current game and the game state of the previous game, and the big bonus (2 ) Is determined (step S1105).

  When the big bonus (2) is completed in the previous game, information indicating that the gaming state is controlled to RT is further notified on the liquid crystal display 4. Further, the RT possibility notification flag set in the RAM 122 is deleted (step S1106). Then, the process returns to step S1101. On the other hand, if the big bonus (2) has not ended in the previous game, information indicating that the gaming state is not controlled by RT is further notified on the liquid crystal display 4. Further, the RT possibility notification flag set in the RAM 122 is deleted (step S1107). Then, the process returns to step S1101.

  If the received command type is the winning status notification command transmitted in step S724, the winning status indicated by the received winning status notification command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S1108). Then, the process returns to step S1101.

  If the received command type is the reel rotation command transmitted in step S804, the liquid crystal display 4 starts the variation of the symbols by the three virtual reels (step S1109). Then, the process returns to step S1101.

  If the type of the received command is the reel stop command transmitted in step S812, the symbol variation on the virtual reel corresponding to the reel indicated by the received reel stop command is stopped and stored in the RAM 122 in step S1108. A symbol corresponding to the winning status and the symbol indicated by the reel stop command is derived to the virtual reel (step S1110). Then, the process returns to step S1101.

  If the received command type is the winning information command transmitted in step S913, the winning information stored in the RAM 122 up to the previous game is shifted and stored by one game, and the received winning information command is received. Is stored in the storage area for the latest game winning information (step S1111).

  Next, with reference to the gaming state saved in step S1121 until the previous game and the winning information saved in step S1111 until the current game, games other than the regular bonus or big bonus (1) until the current game In the state, it is determined whether or not the watermelon has been won three times in succession (step S1112). If the watermelon is won three times in a gaming state other than the regular bonus or the big bonus (1), the process proceeds to step S1116.

  If you have not won 3 consecutive watermelons in a gaming state other than the regular bonus or big bonus (1), you will win 2 consecutive watermelons in a gaming state other than the regular bonus or big bonus (1). It is determined whether or not (step S1113). If the watermelon is won twice consecutively in a gaming state other than the regular bonus or the big bonus (1), for example, an RT possibility notification lottery is performed based on the random number value extracted by the software random number function (step S1114).

  As a result of the RT possibility notification lottery, it is determined whether or not it is determined to perform the RT possibility notification (step S1115). If it is not determined that the RT possibility notification is to be performed, the process returns to step S1101. When it is determined that the RT possibility notification is performed, the liquid crystal display 4 performs the RT possibility notification. At the same time, an RT possibility notification flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S1116). Then, the process returns to step S1101.

  If it is determined in step S1113 that the watermelon has not been won twice consecutively in a gaming state other than the regular bonus or the big bonus (1), the received prize information command indicates that the regular bonus or the big bonus (1) has been won. It is determined whether or not it is shown (step S1117). If neither the regular bonus nor the big bonus (1) is shown, the process returns to step S1101.

  If the winning of either the regular bonus or the big bonus (1) is indicated, it is determined whether or not the bonus notification flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S1118). If the bonus notification flag is not set, the process directly proceeds to step S1120. If the bonus notification flag is set, the bonus notification lamp 66 is turned off to end the bonus notification, and the bonus notification flag set in the RAM 122 is deleted (step S1119). Then, the process proceeds to step S1120. In step S1120, a predetermined bonus winning effect is performed by displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4, outputting sound from the speakers 7L and 7R, lighting the game effect LEDs 75A to 75E, and the like. Then, the process returns to step S1101.

  If the received command type is the gaming state command transmitted in step S1009, S1016 or S1022, the gaming state saved in the RAM 122 up to the previous game is shifted and saved one game at a time. The gaming state indicated by the gaming state command (that is, the gaming state applied in the next game) is stored in the storage area for the latest gaming state (step S1121).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the gaming state applied in the next game is a regular bonus or a big bonus (1) (step S1122). When the game state applied in the next game is either the regular bonus or the big bonus (1), the process directly returns to step S1101. If the gaming state applied in the next game is neither the regular bonus nor the big bonus (1), it is determined whether or not the big bonus (1) has ended in the current game (step S1123).

  If the big bonus (1) has not ended in the current game, whether the regular bonus or the big bonus (1) has been won in the current game with reference to the winning situation stored in the RAM 122 in step S1108. Is determined (step S1124). If neither the regular bonus nor the big bonus (1) has been won in the current game, the process directly returns to step S1101.

  If the regular bonus or the big bonus (1) is won in this game, it is determined whether or not the bonus notification flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S1125). If the bonus notification flag is set, the process directly returns to step S1101. If the bonus notification flag is not set, for example, a bonus notification lottery is performed based on the random number value extracted by the software random number function (step S1126).

  As a result of the bonus notification lottery, it is determined whether or not it has been decided to perform the bonus notification (step S1127). If it is not determined that the bonus notification is to be made, the process directly returns to step S1101. When it is determined that the bonus notification is to be performed, the bonus notification lamp 66 is turned on, and the bonus notification unit 36 performs the bonus notification. At the same time, a bonus notification flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S1128). Then, the process returns to step S1101.

  When the big bonus (1) is ended in the current game in step S1123, the game control board 101 is controlled to be in a freeze state, so that the image display on the liquid crystal display 4 and the speakers 7L and 7R are controlled. The sound output from the player and the lighting of the lamps such as the game effect LEDs 75A to 75E are all stopped, and all the effects currently being executed on the effect control board 102 side are stopped (step S1129). Next, the timing of the wait time is started using the internal timer of the CPU 121 (step S1130). Then, it is determined whether or not the time being counted has reached the specified wait time (step S1131). If the specified time has not been reached, the process of step S1131 is repeated. If the specified time has been reached, the process returns to step S1101.

  If the received command type is another command, processing corresponding to each command type is executed (step S1132). Since the processing executed when other types of commands are received is not related to the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1101.

  As described above, according to the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a watermelon may be won in the internal lottery in any game state (the player always wins without missing), but the normal game state or RT When the player is in the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus (2), the winning probability (that is, the winning probability) of the watermelon is higher.

  Big Bonus (2) can be ended by paying out more than 30 medals, but the chances of winning 15 watermelons are very high. In this case, it is expected to finish in 3 games. Since the maximum number of medals paid out in one game is 15 when winning a watermelon, the gaming state of the big bonus (2) does not end in a period shorter than three games. Because of the high probability of watermelon winning, in many cases, the big bonus (2) wins the watermelon for 3 consecutive games. However, even in a normal gaming state or RT, three games may be won in the watermelon continuously.

  On the other hand, after the big bonus (2) ends, the gaming state is controlled to RT for the subsequent 100 games. RT is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state as much as the replay winning probability is high, and the gaming state is controlled to RT based on the big bonus (2) winning when in RT Even so, it is a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than the RT before winning the big bonus (2) from the viewpoint of a large number of remaining games.

  Here, the fact that the gaming state has been controlled by the big bonus (2) means that no player until the end of the game except that the combination of “bell-JAC-watermelon” is derived on the winning line of the variable display device 2. Is not shown. On the other hand, if there is a three-game consecutive win of watermelon that is likely to occur in the big bonus (2) but also occurs in the normal gaming state or RT, the liquid crystal display 2 will notify the possibility of RT. .

  Even if the RT possibility notification is made, if the player has missed whether or not the display result before winning 3 games for the watermelon was the big bonus (2), the player actually controls to a new RT. In the case where the game is not performed, that is, when the game is originally RT or in the normal game state, the player can be expected to be newly controlled to the RT of 100 games. In addition, the player can be made to pay attention to the derivation of a small role (especially a watermelon) having a relatively low value as compared with the special role of only paying out medals for one game. Thereby, the interest of the game is improved.

  Further, control of the gaming state such as control to the regular bonus, control to the big bonus (1), and a series of control from the big bonus (2) to RT is performed according to the display result of the variable display device 2. Also, since the end of these gaming states is performed based on the number of medals paid out and the number of winning or digesting games, it can be said that it is performed according to the display result of the variable display device 2. In addition to this, the RT possibility notification is also performed by watermelon three-game continuous winning, and is not irrelevant to the display result of the variable display device 2. In this way, since the lottery that is not included in the original gaming nature of the slot machine is not separately performed, the player's interest is directed to the derivation of the watermelon and the control to the RT while following the original gaming nature. Can do.

  In addition, the watermelon applied as an opportunity to notify the possibility of RT has a high winning probability in the normal gaming state or RT, compared to other small roles, and has a high appearance frequency without being missed. For this reason, even if the player is not actually controlled by the big bonus (2) and is not controlled by the new RT, the player can often be expected to control the new RT. Thus, it is possible to give a player a reasonable sense of expectation for control over RT.

  In addition, the RT possibility notification is performed at a predetermined rate even if only two games are won for watermelon. For this reason, unexpectedness arises in the RT possibility notification, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, when the possibility of RT is notified when the winning of watermelon continues in the first two games of the big bonus (2), it is not controlled by RT when the bet number is set in the next game. Informed. However, there is a high possibility that the third game will win a watermelon, and if the third game also wins a watermelon, it will be notified that the RT is controlled after the RT possibility notification.

  In addition, the result of each game in the slot machine 1 is shown by the display mode derived to the variable display device 2 composed of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, except when the big bonus (2) is won. The symbol corresponding to the display result of the variable display device 2 is derived on the winning line of the virtual reel displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. The liquid crystal display 4 is larger than the variable display device 2 and is close to the height of the player's line of sight and is easy to visually recognize. From the relationship between the winning probability of each role and the presence or absence of missing, the player With this display, the game can be advanced even when the variable display device 2 is hardly seen.

  Here, in order to stop the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R constituting the variable display device 2, there is a restriction that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R must be stopped within a range of a maximum stop delay time of 190 milliseconds from the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R. Although imposed, such a restriction is not imposed on the stop of the virtual reel displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. For this reason, when stopping the virtual reel of the liquid crystal display 4, it becomes possible to perform various effects impossible when stopping the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R of the variable display device 2, and to improve the entertainment of the game. Can do.

  Further, even if the big bonus (2) is won, only the display mode of losing is derived to the virtual reel. In the big bonus (2) winning, no medals are paid out. Therefore, when the player plays a game by looking only at the virtual reel of the liquid crystal display 4, the gaming state is controlled to the big bonus (2). It is possible to prevent the player from being detected. On the other hand, the display mode of the big bonus (2) derived to the variable display device 2 that is more difficult to visually recognize than the liquid crystal display 4 on which the virtual reel is displayed is configured by any different kinds of symbol combinations. . For this reason, even if the display result of the variable display device 2 is viewed, it is difficult for the player to recognize the big bonus (2).

  By the way, the big bonus (1) and the big bonus (2) are ended when the payout number of medals exceeds 30, 465, regardless of the number of digest games. Here, in a game with a big bonus (including a small role game and a regular bonus), since replay is not defined as a target character for internal lottery, no replay is won. Replay does not reduce the number of medals held by the player, but does not accompany the payout of medals, and therefore does not affect the number of payout medals, which is a condition for ending big bonus (1) or big bonus (2). In other words, even if a replay prize is awarded during the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), the number of games of the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is unnecessarily increased. Since it is not determined as an internal lottery target in the big bonus, the gaming state of the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is not unnecessarily prolonged and the game can be efficiently advanced.

  When the gaming state is controlled to the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), if the regular bonus medium flag is not set in the RAM 112 when the start lever 11 is operated, the regular bonus medium flag is set at this time. Is newly set to control the gaming state to a regular bonus. Thus, the big bonus can be provided by repeating the regular bonus until the number of payout medals reaches the specified number, and the player can obtain the maximum profit in the big bonus. Moreover, even when the regular bonus is controlled for the first time after winning the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), the regular bonus is completed once and the regular bonus is not completed yet. The same process may be performed when controlling to a bonus.

  In addition, all the reels rotate among a plurality of stop control tables in which stop positions (display results) are uniquely determined with respect to stop operation positions (areas assigned to the number of steps from the reel reference position) In the middle, a stop control table uniquely determined for the internal winning state for each gaming state is selected, and reel stop control is performed according to the selected stop control table. On the other hand, if any of the reels has already stopped, select a stop control table uniquely defined for the internal winning state for each gaming state, the stop position of the stopped reel, The reel stop control is performed according to the selected stop control table, and all of the gaming state, the internal winning state, and the reel stop state (and the stop position of the stopped reel (display result)) are the same condition. When this happens, reel stop control is performed based on the same stop control table, that is, the same control pattern. Therefore, as in the prior art, one stop control table is further selected from a plurality of stop control tables for one internal winning state by a lottery different from the internal lottery (for example, a lottery lottery for reel control, etc.). This is unnecessary, and the control for stopping the reel does not become complicated.

  As described above, the storage address of the judgment value number of each lottery target role registered in the role-specific table for each gaming state may differ depending on the set value, but regardless of the set value. For the combination having the same winning probability, the number of determination values is stored in common regardless of the set value. By storing the number of determination values in common in this way, the storage capacity required for that is reduced. However, in the role-specific table, the number of determination values stored at different addresses is the same even if the target state of the internal lottery is the same as the game state and the addresses storing the number of determination values referenced according to the set value are different. May be the same.

  In general, in the development stage, the simulation is performed while adjusting the number of determination values according to the set values for at least some of the combinations (that is, adjusting the winning probability of internal lottery). As the initial number of determination values, a different number of determination values is registered according to the set value. However, as a result of adjustment by simulation, the number of determination values when the set values are different may be the same. Although the same number of judgment values was registered as the initial number of judgment values according to the set value, the number of judgment values registered from the beginning may be used as it is depending on the result of simulation (result of simulation). The number of judgment values different from the initial value, that is, the number of judgment values may differ depending on the set value). Then, the number of determination values obtained with an appropriate result in the simulation in each case is selected as the number of determination values to be set for the mass production model.

  Here, even if the number of determination values adjusted by the simulation is the same regardless of the set value, the determination value number is stored in the ROM 113 by the same address assignment as the address assignment in the development stage. It can be used as a model for mass production. For this reason, it is not necessary to change the method for storing the number of judgment values in the model for mass production from the model for development, so that development from the initial design stage to the model for mass production can be easily performed. Become.

  In addition, the internal lottery adds the number of judgment values of each role referred from the role-specific table to the acquired random number for internal lottery, and depending on whether or not the result of the addition overflows, Judgment is made on whether or not there is a win. For this reason, an internal lottery can be performed using the number of determination values of each combination as it is. It should be noted that when the winning determination table is generated before the actual winning determination is made, the loop processing is required twice, but according to this embodiment, the loop processing in the lottery processing is only required once. Thus, the processing efficiency in the entire lottery process is high.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the data stored in the RAM 112, it is controlled to the RAM abnormality error state, the progress of the game is disabled, and the setting change mode is set. If the setting value is not newly selected and set based on the setting change operation, the state where the progress of the game is disabled is not released. That is, even if an abnormality occurs in the data stored in the RAM 112, the setting value selected and set based on the setting change operation (in general, the setting value) is not set automatically by the slot machine 1. Since the change operation is performed by an employee of the game shop, it is ensured that the game is played based on the setting value selected by the game shop), so that the game can be fair.

  In addition, when determining whether or not to win the winning combination in the internal lottery, the set value stored in the set value work 112-4 must be an appropriate value (a value in the range of 1 to 6). For example, instead of deciding whether or not to win based on a probability based on a default setting value (for example, setting 1), in this case as well, the game is controlled to a RAM abnormal error state and the progress of the game is disabled. The state where the progress of the game is disabled is not canceled unless the setting change mode is entered and the setting value is newly selected and set based on the setting changing operation. Similarly, when the betting number is not an appropriate value, the RAM abnormal error state is controlled. In other words, even if it is not possible to properly determine whether or not to win the winning lot in the internal lottery, the game will be played again based on the setting value selected and set based on the setting change operation. Is secured, so that the fairness of the game can be achieved.

  Further, the data stored in the RAM 112 is abnormal in most cases when the control cannot be continued due to a malfunction in the control such as a power failure or the control unit 110 running away. Since it is determined whether or not the data is normal only when the control unit 110 is activated after recovering from these states, the determination whether or not the data stored in the RAM 112 is normal is abnormal. Can only be done in situations where there is a high probability that That is, in a situation where there is a low possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the data stored in the RAM 112, it is not necessary to perform the determination, and the load on the control unit 110 can be reduced.

  In particular, in the power interruption interrupt process executed by the input of the voltage drop signal generated when the power is cut off, the RAM parity is calculated based on the data stored in the RAM 112 and stored in the parity storage area 112-7. At the next startup, the RAM parity obtained by the calculation is compared with the RAM parity stored in the parity storage area 112-7 to determine whether the data in the RAM 112 is normal. is doing. In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the data in the RAM 112 is normal only by comparing the RAM parity at the time of input of the voltage drop signal generated when the power is shut off and at the time of startup, so that the determination is performed accurately and simply. Can do.

  In addition, when an abnormality occurs in the data of the RAM 112 and the progress of the game is disabled, a setting change mode in which a setting value changing operation that becomes a condition for releasing the disabled state of the game is enabled Along with the transition to (setting change process), the data stored in the RAM 112 is initialized. For this reason, the initialization of data associated with the occurrence of an abnormality in the data in the RAM 112 and the initialization of data associated with selection / setting of the set value can be performed at one time, so that useless processing can be omitted. .

  Further, when the control unit 110 is activated, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 92 is ON before determining whether or not the data in the RAM 112 is normal. At that time, the setting key switch 92 is If it is determined that the data is in the ON state, the process proceeds to the setting change mode without determining whether the data in the RAM 112 is normal. In this way, a new set value is selected and set without determining whether or not the data in the RAM 112 is normal, so that useless processing can be omitted.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the winning probability of watermelon in the big bonus (2) is 14801/16384 (≈1 / 1.1) as in the case of the regular bonus and the big bonus (1). However, the winning probability of the watermelon in the big bonus (2) may be different from the regular bonus and the big bonus (2). The winning probability of watermelon in the big bonus (2) may be 100% as long as it is higher than the winning probability of watermelon in the normal gaming state. However, it is preferable to have a winning probability of about 50% at least. In this case, since the winning of watermelon in the big bonus (2) often does not continue, the watermelon can be selected even if 3 games are not consecutive. Winning a player can increase the player's expectation for RT.

  In the above embodiment, the game state is controlled to RT after the big bonus (2) with the payout of more than 30 medals as the end condition ends. The gaming state may be controlled to RT after the bonus (a gaming state in which the maximum stop delay time of a predetermined reel is shortened and a small role winning is possible regardless of the result of the internal lottery) is completed. Alternatively, the gaming state may be controlled to RT after the regular bonus (which is different from the regular bonus described above) with the digestion of the three games as an end condition. In addition, instead of RT which makes the replay winning probability higher than that in the normal gaming state, the AT for notifying the type of the winning combination (or operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R for winning the winning combination) (Assist Time) or AR combined with AT and RT may be applied.

  In the above embodiment, except for the case where the RT possibility notification lottery is won, the RT possibility notification is performed on the condition that the watermelon has won three games in succession. Any possibility, for example, the possibility of RT on the condition that a predetermined number of games have been won consecutively in either watermelon or bell (for example, watermelon-watermelon-watermelon, watermelon-bell-bell, bell-watermelon-bell, etc.) It is good also as what performs.

  In this case, it suffices if the total winning probability of the type of small role subject to the RT possibility notification is higher than that in the normal gaming state in the big bonus (2). For example, in the example of the above embodiment, the winning probability of the bell does not change, but the winning probability of the watermelon is high in the big bonus (2), so the winning probability of the sum of the bell and the watermelon is the big bonus (2 ) Becomes higher than the normal gaming state.

  Thus, in the case where the RT possibility is notified by continuously winning one of a plurality of kinds of small roles, especially in the case of controlling to RT after a bonus that ends on the condition that a predetermined number of games are consumed, Even if the number of medals paid out varies depending on the type of combination, the effect appears without exception. In addition, by increasing the types of small combinations as conditions for continuous winnings, it is possible to give a player a sense of expectation for control over RT.

  In the above embodiment, from the winning of the big bonus (2) to the end of the gaming state of the big bonus (2), the display mode corresponding to the display result of the variable display device 2 is derived on the virtual reel of the liquid crystal display 4. Others did not notify the player of information related to the control of the big bonus (2). However, if the player cannot specify that the game is controlled by the big bonus (2), for example, when the game is controlled by the big bonus (2), the predetermined information is given at a higher rate than when the game is not controlled. You may perform things, such as reporting. In addition, if it is not notified in all the big bonuses (2), information that can be specified to be controlled by the big bonus (2) may be notified before the end of the big bonus (2). May be. However, it is preferable to suppress the notification of information that can be specified to be controlled to the big bonus (2) to a relatively low ratio of about 1/10 or less.

  In the above embodiment, the RT possibility notification is performed by displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4. However, by outputting sound in a predetermined form from the speakers 7L and 7U, or by using the reel lamp 3LP. Alternatively, the lamps such as the game effect lamps 75A to 75E may be turned on in a predetermined manner. It may be performed by a combination of image display, sound output, and lighting of lamps. Furthermore, in the slot machine including the fourth reel for production in addition to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R constituting the variable display device 2, the RT possibility may be notified using the fourth reel.

  In the above embodiment, the stop control table that determines the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is selected according to the setting status of the winning flag. For example, when only the watermelon winning flag is set The selected stop control table was the same regardless of the gaming state. On the other hand, even when only the same watermelon winning flag is set, the stop control table selected in the normal gaming state or RT and the stop control table selected in the big bonus (2) are: It may be different.

  For example, when only the watermelon winning flag is set, the stop control table in which “watermelon” symbols are aligned on the diagonal line in the normal gaming state or RT is not selected, but the big bonus ( In 2), a stop control table in which symbols of “watermelon” are aligned on the winning line in the diagonal direction may be selected (100% may be used). As a result, not only whether or not to win the watermelon, but also the player's interest can be directed to the winning line where “watermelon” symbols are arranged, and the interest of the game is further improved.

  Further, the same stop control table for determining the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is selected regardless of the gaming state if the winning flag setting status is the same (that is, the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R). Although the same display result is derived if the procedure is the same), the derivation of the symbols to the virtual reel of the liquid crystal display 4 differs depending on the game state even if the winning flag setting status is the same (on the winning line) Difference). In this case as well, not only whether or not the symbol corresponding to the watermelon is derived to the virtual reel, but also the player's interest can be directed to the derivation mode, and the interest of the game is further improved.

  In the above embodiment, the regular bonus and the big bonus (1) are not different from the big bonus (2) in the internal lottery winning probability and the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. However, the regular bonus and the big bonus (1) are different from the big bonus (2) in terms of the end conditions and the presence or absence of RT, and there is no notification of the possibility of RT even if winning a watermelon for 3 consecutive games. It was. On the other hand, in the regular bonus and the big bonus, the RT possibility notification may be performed when winning a watermelon for three consecutive games. When the player sets the number of bets for the next game after notifying the possibility of RT, continuation of regular bonus or big bonus (1), new RT, lost (ordinary RT or normal game It is good also as what reports the distinction of a state.

  The big bonus (1) has the same condition of paying out more than 30 medals as the big bonus (2). However, unlike the big bonus (2), the bonus may not be controlled by RT. Here, the RT possibility is notified when three games are won in succession in the normal gaming state, RT, big bonus (1) or big bonus (2), and the player bets for the next game. When the number is set, it means that it is newly controlled by RT (that it was a big bonus (2)) or that it is not controlled by RT (normal gaming state, that was RT or big bonus (1)) It is good also as what reports.

  Further, the RT controlled after the end of the big bonus (2) is controlled to an RT having a different number of continuous games, and three games are continued in the normal gaming state, RT, the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2). It is also possible to notify the RT possibility when winning a watermelon. Here, when the player sets the number of bets for the next game, the number of newly granted RT games (ordinary gaming state or 0 when 3 consecutive wins are made in watermelon in RT) is notified. It is good also as what to do.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the regular bonus or the big bonus (1) is won and the result of losing is obtained, the chance is derived to the variable display device 2. Of course, there are many types of chances compared to the display mode of winning, and in the slot machine 1 of the above embodiment, the game can proceed even if the player does not see the variable display device 2 so much. Players often miss eye derivation. Therefore, when a chance chance is derived in the variable display device 2, a predetermined chance effect may be performed. The chance effect can be performed at a predetermined ratio even when the losing eyes are actually derived.

  Even if the beginner is relatively unfamiliar with the game and cannot determine whether or not the display result of the variable display device 2 is the chance, the regular bonus, the big bonus (1), or the big bonus You will be able to know with certainty that you may have won (2). Since the chance is lost from the viewpoint of winning, it cannot be determined according to the winning information command. Therefore, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are referred to the stop symbols stored in the stop symbol table of the RAM 122 based on the reel stop command. It is sufficient to determine whether all of the above are stopped and a chance is derived from the variable display device 2.

  In the above embodiment, when changing the setting value, all the data in the RAM 112 is initialized except for the stack area being used. However, in order to initialize the data in the RAM 112, a separate initialization operation (for example, when the power is turned on with the setting key switch 92 turned on) is also performed when the set value is changed. It may be necessary to perform (operation). From the RAM abnormal error state, it may be possible to recover by initializing the data in the RAM 112 by performing not only a setting value changing operation but also an initialization operation.

  In the above embodiment, at the end of the big bonus (1), the freeze effect is controlled such that the progress of the game is disabled for a certain period and all the effects are stopped. It may be performed at the start of the big bonus (1), that is, immediately after winning the big bonus (1). Even when the freeze effect is performed at the start of the big bonus (1), only the settlement of credits can be performed, as in the case of performing the freeze effect at the end of the big bonus (1). Furthermore, it is also possible to perform stop control that disables the progress of the game until a predetermined operation (such as a reset operation) is performed after the big bonus has ended. Even when the stop control is performed, only the credit settlement can be performed as in the case where the freeze effect is performed.

  In the above embodiment, when some of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are already stopped, the internal winning state for each gaming state and the stop position of the stopped reel are unique. A stop control table that is determined in a specific manner is selected, and reel stop control is performed in accordance with the selected stop control table. Here, instead of the stop position of the stopped reel, the position when the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated to stop the reel (that is, the number of steps of the reel) may be applied. Good. Also in this case, similarly to the selection of the stop control table in the above embodiment, it is possible to obtain an effect that the control for stopping the reel does not become complicated.

  In the above embodiment, the number of determination values stored in the address registered in the role-specific table is added to the random number for internal lottery, and when an overflow occurs as a result of the addition, the winning combination is won. I was supposed to. On the other hand, the acquired number of determination values may be sequentially subtracted from the acquired internal lottery random value, and the result of the subtraction may be used as a new internal lottery random value. When the number of determination values is subtracted from the random number value for internal lottery, it can be determined whether or not an overflow has occurred in the subtraction result (here, the subtraction result becomes negative).

  In the above embodiment, the internal lottery sequentially adds the number of judgment values of each combination according to the game situation to the acquired random value for internal lottery, and when the addition result overflows, the winning combination is won. It was supposed to be judged. On the other hand, a winning determination table in which a determination value for determining each combination as winning is determined for each game in accordance with the number of determination values for each combination according to the game situation, and the internal random number for internal lottery acquired It is good also as what performs an internal lottery by comparing this value with the determination value of each combination.

  In the above embodiment, the determination value number storage area uses a 2-byte area to store the determination value number in each case. However, in a general slot machine, the number of judgment values for a combination such as a regular bonus, a big bonus (1), or a big bonus (2) may be set to exceed 255 in any gaming situation. Absent. Thus, for those that do not need to set the number of determination values exceeding 255, the number of determination values may be stored using only a 1-byte area.

  In the above embodiment, the number of determination values is stored in common for all of the setting values 1 to 6 or individually stored for each of the setting values 1 to 6. However, it is assumed that the number of determination values is not stored in common for all of the setting values 1 to 6 (the common flag for the setting value is not set). About 4-6, the number of judgment values can also be made common.

  In the above embodiment, in the game in which the gaming state is the big bonus and the big bonus medium flag (the big bonus (1) medium flag or the big bonus (2) medium flag) is set in the RAM 112, the operation of the start lever 11 is performed. It is sometimes determined whether or not the regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112, and if the regular bonus medium flag is not set, it is set and controlled to the regular bonus. Even when the regular bonus is controlled first after the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2) is won in this way, the regular bonus is again made when the regular bonus for one time has ended and the big bonus (1) has not yet ended. In the case of the control, the same processing should be performed.

  On the other hand, when the big bonus (1) or big bonus (2) is won, a regular bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 together with the big bonus (1) medium flag or the big bonus (2) medium flag. When the regular bonus end condition is satisfied, the regular bonus medium flag is deleted. Here, when the regular bonus medium flag is deleted, it is determined that the big bonus (1) end condition is not satisfied, and the big bonus (1) medium flag is set in the RAM 112. For example, the regular bonus medium flag may be set again in the RAM 112 and may be directly controlled to a new regular bonus. In this case, when the big bonus is controlled by winning the big bonus (1) or the big bonus (2), it can be controlled to the regular bonus at the same time. When the bonus (1) is not finished, the player can immediately return to the regular bonus.

  The gaming state of the big bonus (1) is that a small bonus game is provided by winning the big bonus (1), and further JACIN (for example, “Bell-JAC-JAC”) is based on JACIN winning in the small bonus game. It is also possible to provide a regular bonus in the big bonus (1) as a gaming state by winning a prize in an internal lottery during a small role game. If the regular bonus for one set is completed during the big bonus and the number of payout medals has not exceeded 465, it can be controlled again as a small role game.

  In the above embodiment, the reel control table is selected in advance based on the setting status of the winning flag, the stop position of the symbol is determined with reference to the reel control table when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, and the stop The slot machine that stops the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by the table system that stops the reel at the position has been described as an example. In contrast, based on the current symbol position when the stop condition is satisfied and the setting status of the winning flag, pull-in control is performed so that the symbol of the winning symbol is aligned, or the symbol of the symbol that is not winning The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine that stops the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by a control method in which the removal control is performed so as not to be aligned.

  In the control method, when the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is detected, the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R are within the range of the maximum stop delay time of 190 milliseconds from the symbol displayed at that time ( It is determined whether or not there is a winning symbol having a winning flag set in a range of a total of five frames including the displayed symbol and the amount drawn. If there is a symbol with a winning flag set (determined from the symbol of the role that is given priority for derivation in duplicate wins), select the symbol for winning the winning combination and select the winning line (already stopped) When there is a reel, the winning display mode can be derived along with the symbols on the stopped reel. Otherwise, a symbol for not winning any combination is selected and derived. That is, even when the stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled by this control method, it can be derived by stopping the symbols within the range of the maximum stop delay time after the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is detected. The display mode corresponding to the setting status of the winning flag is derived as the display result of the variable display device 2.

  In the above embodiment, the variable display device 2 includes the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order on the outer periphery, and the symbols are driven by rotational driving of these reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Was variably displayed. However, a device that virtually displays a symbol on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device may be used instead of the variable display device 2 described above.

  In the above-described embodiment, the slot machine to which medals are applied as a game medium used for setting the number of bets and giving game value associated with winning is described as an example. However, the slot machine embodying the present invention may be a slot machine (so-called parrot) to which a game ball used in a pachinko gaming machine is applied as a game medium. When game balls are used as game media, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls, and when three bets are set in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are used. This is equivalent to setting the number of bets using.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol on each reel which comprises a variable display apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the storage area of RAM in a game control board. (A) is a figure which shows the symbol combination of the winning combination, (b) is a figure which shows the example of the winning combination table according to gaming state, (c) is a figure which shows the example of the table according to the role It is. It is a figure which shows the example of the storage area of the number of judgment values. It is a figure which shows the structure of the table index stored in ROM in a game control board. It is a figure which shows an example of a stop control table. It is a flowchart which shows the starting process which the control part in a game control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the setting change process which the control part in a game control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the RAM abnormality error process which the control part in a game control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process which the control part in a game control board performs for every game. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the BET process of FIG. 12. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the BET process of FIG. 12. It is a flowchart which shows the payment process of FIG. 13 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process of FIG. 12 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the reel rotation process of FIG. 12 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the winning determination process of FIG. 12 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the payout process of FIG. 12 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in an effect control board performs.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Variable display device 4 Liquid crystal display 101 Game control board 111 CPU
112 RAM
113 ROM
102 Production control board 121 CPU
122 RAM
123 ROM

Claims (3)

The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using the game value, and each of the variable displays includes a plurality of variable display units for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information. In a slot machine in which one game is completed when a display result is derived to the device and a winning can be generated according to the display result derived to the variable display device,
A means for determining whether or not derivation of a winning display result is permitted before a display result of the variable display device is derived for each game, and a plurality of types of small combination displays accompanied by the addition of the gaming value The small role determining means for determining that the derivation of the result is permitted, and the probability that it is determined to permit the derivation of the specific small role display result among the plurality of types of small role display results is higher than that in the normal gaming state. Special deciding means for deciding to permit the derivation of a special display result composed of a combination of different types of identification information which is a winning display result that is accompanied by a transition to a special gaming state and that is not accompanied by the addition of the gaming value A pre-determining means including:
Derivation control means for deriving the display result of the variable display device according to the determination result of the prior determination means;
Means for controlling the gaming state to the special gaming state when the special display result is derived, wherein the expected value of the number of games continuously controlled in the special gaming state is a predetermined number of games. Special gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state to the special gaming state;
Specific game state control means for controlling the game state to a specific game state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal game state different from the special game state after the special game state has ended;
A game state notification control means for controlling notification means for notifying information relating to control of the gaming state separately from the display result derived to the variable display device;
The small role determination means determines with the highest probability that the derivation of the specific small role display result is permitted among the plurality of types of small role display results in the normal gaming state,
The gaming state notification control means includes
The player specifies that the game is controlled to the special game state except for the special display result derived from the variable display device after the special display result is derived until the special game state ends. Special gaming state identification disable control means for controlling the notification means so as to be disabled,
In the normal game state or the special game state that cannot be specified by the special game state specifying means, the control to the specific game state when the specified small role display result is derived continuously for the predetermined number of games. A slot machine, comprising: a predetermined continuous time notification control means for causing the notification means to notify the information notifying the possibility . The game state informing control means of the control to a particular game state at a predetermined ratio when the special said the gaming state for a predetermined number of games in the specific Small Win displayed continuously specified number of games is less than the result is derived The slot machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a specific continuous time notification control unit that notifies the notification unit of information for reporting the possibility . An effect display that is provided separately from the variable display device, is provided more easily than the variable display device, and variably displays a plurality of types of effect identification information that can be individually identified by a plurality of effect variable display units. A variable display device;
The display device further includes an effect variation display control means for causing the effect variable display device to derive an effect display result corresponding to the display result derived to the variable display device,
The effect variation display control means is derived when a display result other than the winning display result is derived to the variable display device when the special display result is derived as a display result of the variable display device. the slot machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a specific derivation means for directing to derive the effect display results the same effect for a specific small Win display the results.

Images