JP5046426B2 - Revolving machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a revolving game machine capable of performing various notice effects regarding whether or not a special game state advantageous to a player such as an assist time (AT) game occurs after a bonus game.

  Generally, a spinning-type gaming machine starts a unit game by starting to rotate a plurality of spinning cylinders with various designs of the spinning device, and a display mode of a combination of symbols when each of the spinning cylinders is stopped The unit game is completed by deriving and displaying as a game result. During this unit game, even if the winning combination is won by lottery, the winning is not immediately confirmed. The player is careful to perform the pushing operation carefully, and when the display mode that is the game result of the spinning device is changed to a special display mode determined in advance, the “big bonus game” or “regular bonus game” is not used for the first time. The game is controlled to a special game state advantageous to the player, such as a bonus game called "" or an AT (assist time) game for notifying a specific winning combination.

  For example, a plurality of types of bonus winning symbols are provided, and the gaming state is shifted to a bonus game in which the number of acquired game media varies depending on which of the bonus combination is won, and additional bonuses ( 2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine configured to grant (AT game) is known (Patent Document 1 below). In the state transition lottery to the AT gaming state (AT transition lottery) performed after the end of the bonus game, it is determined that the AT transition lottery is performed with a higher winning probability when the bonus game has a smaller maximum payout number. The combination of this maximum number of payouts and the winning probability value of the AT transition lottery can be determined by the player's selection of which bonus winning symbol to stop, so the gameability is highly strategic with regard to winning the bonus role Is supposed to be granted.

JP 2006-239061 A

  However, in the conventional spinning-type game machine, a lottery for giving an additional privilege such as an AT shift lottery is performed for the first time on condition that the bonus game is ended. The lottery result of the additional privilege grant cannot be reflected in the stage before the end of the bonus game, for example, the effect during the bonus game. This is because, on the time axis, it goes back to the past before the lottery is performed.

  In the case of Patent Document 1, it is possible to align a desired type of bonus winning symbol at the start of the bonus game, and indirectly participate in the winning probability of the AT shift lottery. Even under this form, since the AT transfer lottery is performed at the end of the bonus game, the AT transfer is performed after the bonus game ends, for example, during the bonus game, which is a stage earlier than that. It is basically impossible to notify the player in a definite way.

  Therefore, when performing an AT shift lottery according to the type of bonus winning symbol, the production control unit grasps the type of bonus winning symbol at the start of the bonus game, performs the AT shift lottery, and displays the result of the AT shift lottery. Accordingly, it is conceivable to determine an effect during the bonus game. According to this, in each unit game during the bonus game, it is possible to perform a notice effect that an AT transition occurs and a sign effect until the notice. However, the notice effect that can be performed on the effect control unit side is only the effect using the liquid crystal or the sound / lamp, and the effect using the rotating cylinder cannot be performed.

  In addition, for example, the main control unit performs a lottery on whether or not to generate a specific effect using a spinning drum for each unit game in the bonus game, and wins the lottery and performs a specific rendering using the spinning drum. It is also conceivable that a notification effect that an AT transition will occur after the bonus game is performed in the unit game at that time. However, when configured in this way, it is possible to perform a notice effect using a reel that notifies that AT transition will occur, but a sign effect that suggests to the player that the notice effect may occur Can not do.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and perform a notice effect using a spinning cylinder during a bonus game as to whether or not a special game state advantageous to a player such as an AT game occurs after a bonus game. The object is to provide a spinning machine.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) A spinning device (210) that displays a game result by combining a plurality of spinning cylinders with various symbols on the outer periphery and that displays a combination of symbols when each spinning cylinder is stopped, and the above-mentioned spinning device. In the main control unit (400) for controlling the progress of the game, an effect device (the liquid crystal display device 6, the decorative lamp unit 13, the speaker 16, etc.) for producing an effect corresponding to the progress of the game, and the effect device A game machine having a production control unit (410) that manages production control according to the progress of the game,
The main control unit is
A winning combination lottery means (S106) for performing lottery for a plurality of types of winning combinations including a bonus combination for each execution of a unit game by rotation of each cylinder;
Game value giving means (S108) for giving the player a game value corresponding to the winning combination when the game result in the spinning device is in a display mode corresponding to the winning combination of the lottery result by the winning combination lottery means. To S111),
In a gaming machine having
One of the types of game values includes bonus games that bring great benefits to the player,
The main control unit
Before starting the bonus game, the presence / absence of occurrence of the specific effect due to the spinning during the bonus game is determined by lottery, and information regarding the occurrence / occurrence time of the specific effect is sent to the effect control unit. Specific production setting means (S302 to S304) to be transmitted to,
When the generation of the specific effect and the generation time of the specific effect are set by the specific effect setting means, the generation of the specific effect that generates the specific effect based on the arrival of the specific effect during the progress of the bonus game. Means (S332),
The production control unit
When it is determined that the specific effect occurs during the bonus game based on the information on the occurrence and timing of occurrence of the specific effect received from the main control unit, the generation of the specific effect is expected. Bonus game effect control means (S731 to S734) for causing the effect device to display an effect for bonus game in which an effect appears,
When the information on the occurrence and timing of occurrence of the specific effect received from the main control unit means the occurrence of the specific effect, the effect-side gaming state after the bonus game ends is shifted to a state advantageous to the player. Effect side gaming state transition means (S751, S753, S755)
This is a spinning machine.

  (2) The revolving gaming machine according to (1) above, wherein the state advantageous to the player is an assist time (AT) gaming state for notifying a specific winning combination.

  (3) The specific effect setting means (S332) determines whether or not the specific effect has occurred and the generation time, the number of games in the bonus game in which the specific effect occurs or the number of bonus games in the bonus game in which the specific effect occurs. (1) or (2) above.

  (4) The bonus game effect control means (S731 to S734) compares the current number of digested games or acquired number in the bonus game with the number of generated games or acquired number of the specific effect, and stepwise according to the difference In addition, the spinning machine according to (3) above, wherein an appearance rate of an effect that expects the occurrence of the specific effect in the bonus game medium effect is changed (S753).

  (5) The effect control unit (410) enters the assist time (AT) game state after the bonus game is ended based on the information on the occurrence / non-occurrence time of the specific effect received from the main control unit. When it is known that the transition is made, during the wait time at the end of the bonus game, the end of the effect device for the effect during the wait time suggesting the state transition to the assist time (AT) gaming state is ended. The rotary gaming machine according to any one of (2) to (4), further including a production control means during weight (S751, S752, S754).

  (6) The specific effect includes a specific effect of a gaze that does not cause a state transition to the AT gaming state after the bonus game ends, in addition to a real specific effect that causes the state transition to the AT gaming state after the bonus game ends. The above described (2) to (5), characterized in that it is a swivel type gaming machine.

  According to the present invention, whether or not the state transition to a state advantageous to the player occurs after the bonus game is performed, the bonus is changed during the bonus game which is the previous stage on the time axis from the occurrence of the state transition. With the specific effect used, for example, it is possible to perform a notification effect informing that an AT shift will occur. In addition, for several games until the notice effect is made by the specific effect using the round drum, a sign effect that suggests to the player that the notice effect may occur can be performed.

  Since the spinning machine creates a game in which the player is relieved by the movement of the spinning cylinder, according to the present invention, by performing a specific effect using the spinning cylinder during the bonus game, liquid crystal, sound, As compared with the case where the notification effect is performed using the lamp, a notification effect effect having a large impact can be given to the player.

It is a perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the rotary type game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus of the rotary type game machine which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing circuit configurations of a main control board and an effect control board of the control device shown in FIG. 2. 6 is a flowchart showing main control side main processing according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the bonus game operation | movement start process based on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process during bonus game operation | movement which concerns on this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the rotating drum rotation start setting process based on this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the specific production process which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the normal game lottery table which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the production control side main process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception interruption process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the production control side timer interruption process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the game start command reception process based on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the winning information command reception process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the specific effect game number command reception process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the effect selection process in bonus game which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the waiting time command reception process for specific effects which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the waiting time command reception process at the time of MB completion | finish which concerns on this invention. It is the transition diagram which showed the specific example of the operation | movement based on the specific effect game number command which concerns on this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a rotating type gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<1. Mechanical configuration>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a rotating type gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the swivel type gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a gaming machine housing 1 for housing various gaming parts used for gaming, and a front side of the gaming machine housing 1. And a front door 2 attached to be freely opened and closed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 2 is provided with a first display window (rotating portion visual recognition part) 3 at substantially the center and a second display window (liquid crystal screen visual recognition part) 4 on the upper side. is there.

  The first display window 3 on the lower side is a rotator visual recognition unit, and the rotator 5a, 5b, and 5c (hereinafter referred to as “left” as necessary) are arranged on the side of the rotator device 210 and three. The spinning cylinder 5a ", the spinning cylinder 5b are referred to as" middle spinning cylinder 5b ", and the spinning cylinder 5c is referred to as" right spinning cylinder 5c ") so that they can be viewed from the player side by facing this spinning cylinder visualizing part 3. Is provided.

  This spinning cylinder 5a, 5b, 5c has a symbol arrangement band (not shown) with a plurality of types of symbols on its outer periphery, and the combination of the above symbols when each of the spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c is stopped. Constitutes a spinning device 210 for displaying game results. Regarding the symbol arrangement band, various symbol arrangement bands are already known, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted, but the symbol arrangement band displays symbols for constituting each winning combination, and this embodiment Then, 21 symbols are arranged in the rotation direction. There are no particular restrictions on the symbol, such as “7”, “Bell”, “Orange”, “Cherry”, “JAC”, “BAR”, “Person”, “Animal”, “Fish”, “Vehicle”, etc. Various designs can be adopted. The spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c are configured to be rotationally driven by the spinning cylinder drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c (see FIG. 2) each formed of a pulse motor, and the spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c rotate. Thus, the above symbols can be displayed in a variable manner. The rotating cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c are mechanically rotated or stopped using an electric drive source such as the rotating cylinder drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c as in this embodiment. The present invention is not limited to the cylinder, and it may be a revolving drum that is displayed on an image display device such as the liquid crystal display device 6 described later and rotated or stopped on the image. Further, the number of the rotating drums is not limited to three, and any number such as two or four may be provided.

  A total of five winning lines 3a are provided in the rotating cylinder visual recognition part 3 so as to cross here and obliquely. These winning lines 3a vary in the number of winning lines that are treated as valid in accordance with the number of game medals inserted per unit game (one game). The display pattern of the combination of the stopped symbols when the three spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c are stopped on the activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as "effective winning line") 3a is the winning winning combination. If it matches, the winning is confirmed, and a game value corresponding to the combination of the stop symbols is given to the player. For example, when a winning combination with payout of game medals stops on the pay line 3a, the hopper unit 500 (medal payout device: see FIG. 2) in the gaming machine housing 1 is operated, and a predetermined number of game medals are received. A payout is made. This game medal is necessary when the player starts the game and can be said to have game value.

  The second display window 4 is a liquid crystal screen visual recognition part, and is provided above the center of the gaming machine. The liquid crystal screen visual recognition unit 4 corresponds to a display screen 6a (abbreviated as a liquid crystal screen 6a) of a liquid crystal display device 6 (LCD unit) as an image display device mounted on the back side of the front door 2, for example, a rotary cylinder visual recognition. It is formed in a rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the portion 3. The player can visually recognize the liquid crystal screen 6 a from the front side through the liquid crystal screen visual recognition unit 4. On the liquid crystal screen 6a, an effect accompanying the game is displayed as an image. In a broad sense, the liquid crystal display device 6 functions as an effect device that produces an effect, and serves as a main means for informing the winning combination in the AT gaming state. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 6 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image display device using electronic paper, a plasma display (PDP), or the like may be used. An effect display device by 7, an effect display device by 7 segments, or a combination thereof.

  Decorative lamps with built-in LEDs on both the left and right sides of the swivel visual recognition part 3 and the effects of the game appearing by decorating the light according to the type of light emission color and the light emission mode (flashing / lighting, increase / decrease in light emission intensity, etc.) A portion 13 is provided. The decorative lamp unit 13 functions as an effect device that produces an effect in a broad sense, but also functions as part of means for notifying the winning combination in the AT gaming state.

  In the present invention, the presentation means for notifying the player of the winning combination while the AT gaming state is occurring may be a stimulus transmission means that can appeal to human perception such as sight, hearing, and touch. Can do. Typical examples include light generating means such as lamps and image forming devices or effect display devices, sound generating devices such as speakers, vibration devices that transmit vibration to the player's body, and wind pressure devices that apply wind pressure to the player's body. is there. The effect display device is a display device appealing to the eye like the image display device and the liquid crystal display device, but differs from the image display device in that it also includes a display device that does not depend on an image (such as a display device with 7 segments). The liquid crystal display device 6 is a typical example of an image display device. The term “liquid crystal display device” mainly refers to a type of image display, and a display device other than an image, such as a 7-segment display device, is included in the concept of the effect display device.

  In the stepped portion below the spinning cylinder visual recognition section 3, a medal slot 7 for inserting a game medal as a game medium to be used for a game and a storage device (a game medal inserted into the gaming machine or a prize acquired) A device that has a function of storing game medals and storing the number of stored medals by an electromagnetic method), that is, within a credit range, pseudo-injection of game medals at once with the maximum number of bets There are provided a MAXBET button 8 that can be stored, a stored medal insertion button 9 that can be added in a pseudo manner up to the maximum number of bets, and a stored medal settlement button 10 that performs settlement of credited game medals.

  Furthermore, a return button 15 for returning a medal clogged in the medal insertion slot 7 and a revolving cylinder 5a are provided on the operation panel 14 provided horizontally below the stepped portion of the revolving visual recognition part 3. 5b, 5c, and 3c rotation rotation stop levers 12a, 12b, 12c for individually stopping the rotation of the rotation cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c. Hereinafter, as necessary, the rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12a is set to “left rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12a”, the rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12b is set to “middle rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12b”, and the rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12c is set to “right”. The spinning cylinder rotation stop button 12c "is provided, and these spinning cylinder rotation stop buttons are collectively referred to simply as" rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12 ").

  Further, the buttons and levers are provided with light emitting means (LED) for notifying the player whether or not the operation is effective, and the light emission mode (light emission color, lighting, It is configured to notify whether the operation is valid or invalid by blinking, turning off, etc.). In the present embodiment, as the operation means, each of the spinning cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c and the MAXBET button 8 are used. Therefore, LEDs are provided inside these buttons, and in normal games and operation-type games, The player is notified of whether each button operation is valid or invalid by the light emission mode of the LED.

  The MAXBET button 8, the stored medal insertion button 9, the stored medal settlement button 10, the rotating cylinder rotation start lever 11, and the rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c are detected when they are operated. Switches (8a, 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a ′, 12b ′, 12c ′: see FIG. 2) for generating information are provided.

  Further, below the operation panel unit 14, a decoration panel unit 17 is provided with colors and pictures for appealing the appeal of the gaming machine.

  Below the decorative panel portion 17, a horizontally long medal tray 18 that is integrally attached to the front door 2 is provided. In the medal tray 18, game medals paid out from the game medal payout device and returned A game medal payout opening 19 for discharging the game medals to the front side is opened.

  Speakers 16 are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front door 2 and the lower part of the lower part of the front door 2 as sound output units that output the effect sound produced by the game to the outside. The speaker 16 functions as an effect means for producing an effect in a broad sense, but also functions as a part of means for notifying the winning combination in the AT gaming state.

<2. Control system>
Next, the control system of the rotary type gaming machine according to the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the spinning cylinder type gaming machine according to the present embodiment receives an effect control command from the main control board (main control unit) 400 that controls the overall game operation and the main control board 400, And an effect control unit 410 that performs effect control on light and sound, and a power supply board 440 that generates and supplies power necessary for the gaming machine from an external power source. Specifically, the effect control unit 410 includes an effect control board 420 for controlling the effect means, and a liquid crystal control board 460. The liquid crystal control board 460 includes a liquid crystal display device 6 as an image display device. Is connected.

  The main control board 400 has a medal detection sensor 7a for detecting a game medal from the medal insertion slot 7, a MAXBET switch 8a for detecting the operation of the MAXBET button 8, and a stored medal insertion button via the game relay board 370. A stored medal insertion switch 9a for detecting an operation, a stored medal adjustment switch 10a for detecting an operation of a stored medal adjustment button 10, a rotation rotation start switch 11a for detecting an operation of a rotation rotation start lever 11, and a stop switch board 360 are connected, and signals from these are input. Further, on the stop switch board 360, the inside of each of the rotating cylinder rotation stop switches 12a ′, 12b ′, 12c ′ for detecting the operation of the rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c, and each of the rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c. The LED provided in is mounted.

  Further, the main control board 400 includes a spinning cylinder drive motors 211 a, 211 b, 211 c for rotating the spinning cylinders 5 a, 5 b, 5 c of the spinning cylinder device 210 through the rotary relay board 330, and a spinning cylinder position detection sensor. 212a, 212b, and 212c are connected to the sensors (sensors provided in each of the spinning cylinders to detect the position of the symbol and the rotation of the spinning cylinder). The main control board 400 controls the rotating drum drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c to perform the rotating operation of the rotating drums 5a, 5b, and 5c and the stopping operation of stopping the rotating drums 5a, 5b, and 5c to the target positions. Realized.

  Further, the hopper unit 500 and the full detection sensor 600 are connected to the main control board 400 through a payout relay board 350. The hopper unit 500 is provided with a payout control board 450, a medal payout sensor 520, and a hopper motor 510. The payout control board 450 is based on a payout control command related to payout of game medals transmitted from the main control board 400. The hopper motor 510 is driven and controlled to pay out a desired number of game medals. The game medals that have been paid out are detected by a medal payout sensor 520.

  Further, the external control terminal board 310 is connected to the main control board 400. The external concentration terminal board 310 transmits predetermined game information to the hall computer HC that comprehensively manages the gaming machines in the entire hall. Further, a rotating drum setting board 430 is connected to the main control board 400. The reel setting board 430 is a setting key switch for inserting a setting key possessed by a person concerned with the hall, and changes the “setting” that changes the game play rate on condition that the setting key is inserted. A reset switch or the like is provided for canceling an abnormal state in the game operation. The rotating drum setting board 430 detects the operation of each of the switches and outputs the signal.

  An effect control board 420 and a liquid crystal control board 460 connected via the effect I / F board 340 are connected to the main control board 400.

  The effect control board 420 is a control board that receives the effect control command from the main control board 400 and mainly controls the speaker 16, the decorative lamp unit 13, and the LED. This effect control board 420 functions as part of the effect control means during the freeze period for controlling the contents of the effect being frozen.

  The effect control board 420 receives the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 400 and transmits the liquid crystal command associated therewith to the liquid crystal control board 460.

  The liquid crystal control board 460 receives the liquid crystal command from the effect control board 420, drives and controls the liquid crystal display device 6, displays an image according to the effect content, and realizes the effect by the image. Although not shown, the liquid crystal control board 460 includes a liquid crystal control CPU, a liquid crystal control RAM, a liquid crystal control ROM, an image ROM, a video RAM, an image IC, and the like. The liquid crystal control CPU determines the contents of the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 6 in accordance with the image control program stored in the liquid crystal control ROM based on the liquid crystal command. The liquid crystal control RAM is used as a work area for temporarily storing data (flags and variable values used in the program) when the liquid crystal control CPU executes the image control program. The image IC reads out image data in accordance with the effect determined by the liquid crystal control CPU from the image ROM, forms an image, and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 6. The video RAM is used as a work area for temporarily storing data generated when the image IC forms an image.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control board 420 and the liquid crystal control board 460 are provided in the gaming machine as separate boards. However, the effect control board 420 and the liquid crystal control board 460 are integrally configured as an effect section having the functions of these boards. It may be mounted on a substrate.

(2-1. Main control board 400)
Next, the circuit configuration of the main control board 400 and the effect control board 420 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the circuit configuration of the main control board 400 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 400 is a main control (main) control board that controls the overall gaming operation of the spinning-reel game machine, and the main control board 400 is centered on the one-chip microcomputer 401. An interface (I / F) that mediates the exchange of signals with the I / O port circuit 402 that inputs / outputs signals to / from each board connected to the PC, the counter circuit 403, and the external peripheral board connected to the main control board 400 ) Circuits 404 to 406, a motor drive circuit 407, and a switch input circuit 408. The game operation control in the spinning-type game machine is such that the above-described circuits cooperate with each other around the one-chip microcomputer 401, and the one-chip microcomputer 401 sends a control signal (including a control command) for controlling the game operation to the peripheral board. To control the overall game operation.

  The one-chip microcomputer 401 includes a main ROM 401a, a main RAM 401b, and a main CPU 401c. In addition, a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) 401d having a function of generating a pulse output with a fixed period and a function of time measurement, and an interrupt signal to the main CPU 401c. Is provided with an interrupt controller circuit 401e.

  The main CPU 401c uses the CTC 401d to perform a timekeeping function and the like, and executes a game operation control program (a program describing how to operate the entire revolving game machine) stored in the main ROM 401a. General processing related to the progress of the game. The main RAM 401b is used as a work area for temporarily storing data (flags and variable values used in the program) when the main CPU 401c executes the gaming operation control program. In the main ROM 401a, in addition to the above game operation control program, a plurality of types of stop tables for stop control (not shown) used in the stop control of the rotating cylinder, lottery used for determining a winning combination by lottery The main ROM 401a also stores a table (see FIG. 10) and a winning / dispensing determination table (not shown) for confirming the symbols stopped on the effective winning line 3a and determining the number of payouts.

  Although not shown, the counter circuit 403 includes a random number generation circuit that generates a random number in a certain range by hardware and a sampling circuit that samples a random value from the random number generation circuit at a predetermined timing. The main CPU 401c sends an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the processing state, thereby acquiring the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit as an internal lottery random value. This random number for internal lottery is mainly used for winning lottery. Here, the winning combination lottery is performed by the “winning combination lottery means”. The “winning combination lottery means” is the function of the one-chip microcomputer 401 of the main control board 400, and each of the cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c. Each time a unit game is executed by the rotation, a function unit that draws a plurality of winning combinations including a winning combination. More specifically, a lottery is executed for a lottery area in which a winning area associated with one or a plurality of winning combinations or losers is determined for each gaming state, and lottery result information indicating the lottery result is generated. . The lottery by the winning combination lottery means is performed based on the lottery table shown in FIG.

  This lottery table defines the types of winning combinations to be selected and the winning probabilities for each winning combination. The size of the lottery area of the normal game lottery table in this embodiment is 65536, and the winning area of each winning combination is determined within this range (the “winning probability” column in FIG. / Approximate value calculated by “lottery area”). FIG. 10 shows only the lottery table during the normal game, but the lottery table includes a plurality of lottery tables corresponding to each gaming state (normal game, bonus game, etc.). The lottery means selects a lottery table corresponding to each gaming state and performs a lottery regarding a winning combination.

  As the I / F circuit, an I / F circuit 404 with the effect control board 420, an I / F circuit 405 with the game relay board 370, and an I / F circuit 406 with other boards are arranged. Signals from various switches and sensors arranged in the gaming machine main body are input to the switch input circuit 408 of the I / F circuit 405.

  Further, the motor drive circuit 407 outputs a control signal for controlling the driving of the rotating drum drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c under the control of the one-chip microcomputer 401.

  Rotation control and stop control of each cylinder 5a, 5b, 5c are performed by a one-chip microcomputer 401 and a motor drive circuit 407, which constitute stop control means.

  Next, rotation control of the rotating drums 5a, 5b, and 5c by the stop control means will be described. The motor drive circuit 407 outputs drive pulse signals to the rotating drum drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c under the control of the one-chip microcomputer 401. The motor drive circuit 407 outputs the output phase pattern 504 times (one design step) to make one rotation by the 1-2 phase excitation method as the drive pulse signal necessary for making one rotation of the rotating drums 5a, 5b and 5c. The number is 24 counts, and there are 21 positions to advance the symbol by one frame), and the rotation of the spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c is controlled.

  Further, detection signals from the respective cylinder position detection sensors 212a, 212b, and 212c are input to the one-chip microcomputer 401. Detection signals from the respective cylinder position detection sensors 212a, 212b, and 212c are input to the one-chip microcomputer 401 as a reset signal indicating the reference position of each of the cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c. The one-chip microcomputer 401 clears the rotation excitation output counter that counts the number of outputs of the output phase pattern supplied to each rotation driving motor 211a, 211b, 211c when the reset signal is input. While sequentially updating the cylinder excitation output counter, the motor driving circuit 407 is controlled to realize the rotation operation of each cylinder. The one-chip microcomputer 401 grasps the number of symbol steps from the reference position by monitoring the count value of the rotation excitation output counter for each rotation, and at the reference position (in this embodiment, the lower position in the frame). Identify which symbol is moving.

  Next, stop control of the rotating drums 2a, 2b, and 2c will be described. The one-chip microcomputer 401 refers to a lottery result by the winning combination lottery means and a stop table (not shown) that defines a stop control pattern corresponding to the lottery result, and the spinning rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c The type of the symbol to be stopped on the effective winning line 3a every time it is operated (in this embodiment, the symbol to be stopped on the effective winning line 3a is determined by determining the symbol to be stopped at the reference position). decide. Then, the output phase pattern signal to the drum drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c is controlled so as to stop the determined symbol on the effective winning line 3a within a predetermined drawing frame number range, and the symbol is rotated to a target position. The operation of stopping the cylinders 2a, 2b and 2c is realized.

  Specifically, at the timing when each of the rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c is operated, the symbol information (stop operation symbol number) existing at the reference position at this time is acquired, and the stop operation symbol number and the lottery described above are acquired. Based on the stop control table corresponding to the result, the number of symbols to be drawn is determined, and the rotating drum is stopped. Although not shown in the stop control table, the stop table that determines the stop position (which symbol is to be stopped at the reference position) based on the stop operation timing and the stop operation order of the rotor Including a stop symbol stop table selection table used for alternatively selecting a stop table, each table is provided for each gaming state and winning combination. In the stop table, the number of sliding frames based on the stop operation number is determined within the range of the maximum number of drawn frames. Therefore, if the difference between the symbol that can constitute the winning combination and the stop operation symbol number is within a predetermined number of drawn frames (in this embodiment, the maximum number of drawn frames is set to four frames), The spinning cylinder stop control is performed in such a manner that a symbol that can form a winning combination is drawn onto a predetermined effective pay line 3a (so-called pull-in control). In addition, since the symbol stopped on the effective winning line 3a is naturally determined by which symbol is stopped at the reference position, which symbol is stopped on the effective winning line 3a of each cylinder 2a, 2b, 2c. It is possible to grasp each time the rotator stops.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in accordance with the timing of the stop operation of the spinning cylinder by the player, in order to match the winning combination as much as possible on the effective winning line 3a, each of the spinning cylinders 2a, 2b, and 2c is within the maximum drawing frame range. Stop control is performed. Therefore, if a symbol is placed in the symbol arrangement band of each of the reels based on the relationship between the characteristics of the pull-in control and the line drawing of the effective winning line, a specific winning combination is possible regardless of the timing of the player's stop operation of the reels. It is possible to make it possible to draw the winning combination 100%, or to prevent the winning combination from stopping on the effective winning line even if the maximum number of drawn frames is drawn according to the timing of the stop operation.

(2-2. Winner)
Next, the winning combination will be described. As the types of winning combinations in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a replay role, special replay role, cherry role, special cherry role, bell role, watermelon role, middle bonus (hereinafter referred to as MB) role, etc. are set. ing. In addition, although it does not illustrate about the combination of the stop symbol corresponding to each winning combination, there is no restriction | limiting in particular, The structure can be suitably changed with the symbol kind given to a symbol arrangement | sequence belt.

  The replay role is a winning role that gives the player a replay that allows the player to start the next game by simulating the same number of game medals inserted in the current game when the winning is confirmed. is there. In other words, it is a winning combination that allows a player to start a next game by giving a predetermined game start condition without inserting a game medal (including pseudo insertion from a credit). Therefore, it can be said that the re-game has a game value in the same manner as the game medal in that the player can play the next game without reducing the game medal.

  The cherry role, the bell role, and the watermelon role are winning combinations that involve paying out a predetermined number of game medals when the winning is confirmed, and are called so-called small roles. In the present embodiment, a prize of 2 game medals, 9 bells, and 15 watermelon medals are obtained.

  Among the bell combinations, three types of the left pressing bell combination, the middle pressing bell combination, and the right pressing bell combination are so-called AT combinations in which combinations of symbols that stop on the effective winning line differ depending on the pressing order. These AT combinations are defined in the order of pushing, and when the pushing order matches, the “bell symbol” stops on the effective pay line, and a predetermined number of game medals can be paid out. Specifically, in the case of the left push bell, the left rotating drum 5a is stopped first, in the case of the middle pressing bell, the middle rotating drum 5b is stopped first, and in the case of the right pressing bell, the right rotating drum 5c is set to the first stop. When one stop is made, each of the “bell symbols” stops on the effective winning line, and nine payouts can be obtained for each. When the spinning cylinder is stopped in a pressing order other than the specified pressing order, a combination of symbols that cannot obtain a payout stops on the effective winning line, and so-called winning combination occurs.

  Unlike the left-pressing bell, middle-pressing-bell, and right-pressing bell functions, the “bell design” stops on the effective winning line regardless of the pressing order and stop operation timing. It has become.

  The MB combination is a special winning combination referred to as a so-called bonus combination. When the winning is confirmed, the gaming state after the next time is shifted to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. When the winning combination for each MB combination is confirmed, the game from the next game is shifted to a special game state called a bonus game. In the bonus game according to the present embodiment, an accessory continuous operation device that continuously operates a special accessory (so-called regular bonus) operates so that a player can acquire a large number of game medals in a short time. It has become. In this bonus game, the bonus game is ended on condition that a predetermined end condition, for example, a predetermined number of game medals are paid out. Each MB combination can win a large number of game medals and is positioned as a winning combination having the highest gaming value among all winning combinations.

  The special replay role is a replay role and MB role, and the special cherry role is a winning combination (so-called duplicate winning role) that is won in duplicate for the cherry role and MB role. In the present embodiment, the “special replay role” is composed of a combination of the same symbols as the cherry role. When this winning combination is won, which winning combination is preferentially drawn into the effective winning line 3a is performed based on a predetermined priority order. In the present embodiment, the priority order is defined so that the pull-in control is performed in the order of “replay combination> small combination> MB combination”. As a result, the stop control is performed based on the priority order in the game in which the winning combination is made.

  In addition, each of the replay role, cherry role, bell role, and watermelon role will be invalid if the combination of symbols corresponding to this in the game won by lottery does not stop on the active winning line 3a, The winning right is set as an impossible carry-over winning combination that cannot be carried over to the next game. On the other hand, even if the combination of symbols corresponding to the MB combination is not stopped on the effective winning line 3a in the game won by lottery, the winning combination is not invalidated. It is set as a carry-over winning combination that can carry over the right to the game after the next time.

(2-3. Production control board 420)
The effect control board 420 of the effect control unit 410 will be described again with reference to FIG. The effect control board 420 is a control board on the sub-control (sub) side that controls the speaker 16, LED, and the like, and an effect I / F board 340 connected to the effect control board 420 with the one-chip microcomputer 421 as the center. And a counter circuit 423 having the same function as the counter circuit 403.

  The one-chip microcomputer 421 includes a sub-ROM 421a, a sub-RAM 421b, and a sub-CPU 421c. In addition, an interrupt signal is sent to the CTC 421d and the sub-CPU 421c having a function of generating periodic interrupts, a pulse output with a constant period, and a function of measuring time. Is provided with an interrupt controller circuit 421e.

  Although not shown, the effect control board 420 includes a sound LSI for controlling the speaker 16, a sound ROM, and a sound wave control circuit including a sound processing circuit. The sound ROM stores sound wave output data for generating various sound effects corresponding to the effect pattern. The sound LSI receives a sound control signal for controlling the speaker 16 from the sub CPU 421c, reads data from the sound ROM at a predetermined timing, performs a predetermined process, and outputs it to the sound processing circuit. The sound processing circuit D / A converts the data to generate an audio signal, amplifies the audio signal to a predetermined level, and supplies it to the speaker.

  Similar to the main CPU 401c, the sub CPU 421c uses the CTC 421d to exhibit a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, and produces an effect control program stored in the sub ROM 421a (mainly effect means for the revolving game machine (if necessary) , A liquid crystal display device 6, a speaker 16, an LED and other devices for producing an effect may be collectively referred to as “effect means”)) Then, various LEDs and the speaker 16 are controlled, and a liquid crystal command is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 460. The sub RAM 421b is used as a work area for temporarily storing data when the sub CPU 421c executes the effect control program. In addition to the above-described effect control program, the sub ROM 421a stores an effect pattern table (not shown) that defines effect contents accompanying the game (including effect contents during the freeze effect). The one-chip microcomputer 421 selects the desired effect pattern from the effect pattern table based on the effect control command from the main control board 400, and performs LED control necessary to display the selected effect pattern. Light emission control signal, sound control signal for controlling the speaker 16, liquid crystal command, and the like are output.

  Although not shown, the counter circuit 423 includes a random number generation circuit and a sampling circuit, like the counter circuit 403. The sub CPU 421c sends an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the effect processing state, thereby acquiring the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit as the effect random number value. This effect random number is mainly used to determine a target effect pattern from the effect pattern table.

  Here, a hardware configuration in an interface between the main CPU 401c of the main control board 400 and the sub CPU 421c of the effect control board 420 will be described.

  The main CPU 401c of the main control board 400 outputs various effect control commands (details will be described later) as control information that can specify the processing state. The output effect control command is output via an output buffer circuit 404 a included in the I / F circuit 404 with the effect control board 420.

  The output buffer circuit 404a of the main control board 400 functions to allow a signal on the main CPU 401c side to be output to the outside, while prohibiting a signal from being input to the inside on the main CPU 401c side. ing. Accordingly, the main CPU 401c side functions only as an output side in one-way communication. This is to prevent an illegal signal from an external goto action from being input to the main CPU 401c via the effect control board 420.

  The effect control command transmitted from the main control board 400 is input to the sub CPU 421c of the effect control board 420 via the I / O port circuit 422 through the input buffer circuit in the effect I / F board 340. The strobe signal from the main control board 400 is input as an interrupt signal for the sub CPU 421c through the effect I / F board 340 and the I / O port circuit 422.

  The input buffer circuit 424a of the I / F circuit 424 functions to allow a signal on the main CPU 401c side to be input while prohibiting a signal from being output to the inside on the main CPU 401c side. . Therefore, the sub CPU 421c side functions only as an input side in one-way communication.

(2-4. Production control command)
Here, various effect control commands that the main control board 400 transmits to the effect control board 420 when each game operation is executed will be described. The production control commands transmitted by the main control board 400 include the following. Note that these command names are named in consideration of the generation time or transmission time, and do not prompt the execution of the contents of the name.

  First, a “medal insertion command” generated every time a game medal is inserted, a “game start command (information relating to winning combination (lottery result information) and information relating to gaming state) generated when the rotation rotation start lever 11 is operated. Including) ”, there is a“ rotating cylinder start (rotating cylinder rotation start) command ”which is generated when the rotating cylinder rotation is started after the rotating cylinder rotation start lever 11 is operated. Here, the game start command includes information on the winning combination and gaming state, for example, the game starting command is composed of a 16-bit code, of which 6 bits are assigned to information indicating the winning combination (winning information), etc. 4 bits are assigned to information (game state information) indicating the game state at that time. “Game state information” included in the game start command includes “normal game”, “bonus game”, “bonus game end”, “winning information”, and the like. In addition, there is a “wait time command at the end of MB” that occurs at the start of bonus game operation.

  Furthermore, in the effect control command sent from the main control board 400 to the effect control board 420, the operation of the rotation rotation stop button 12a (when the operation is stopped to the left) and the operation of the rotation rotation stop button 12b (the operation of stopping the middle) are performed. ), “Stop button left”, “stop button middle”, and “stop button right” commands (including stop operation order information) respectively generated when the rotation rotation stop button 12c is operated (right stop operation). , “Left Circadian Stop”, “Medium Cylinder Stop”, “Right Cirrus Stop” commands that occur when the left swirl stop, middle swivel stop, or right swirl stop after pull-in control (Including “stop position information”). These “Stop button left”, “Stop button middle”, and “Stop button right” commands also have a 16-bit code, of which 3 bits are assigned to stop operation order information such as forward press, reverse press, and scissor press. The other 4 bits are assigned to game state information (including the freeze effect state) indicating the game state at that time.

  It can be known from the above-mentioned push order information that the first rotation rotation button is operated among the three rotation rotation rotation stop buttons, and the production control board 420 is used as the “first stop command”. And the effect control board 420 is used to execute the effect at the time of stopping the rotation at the first stop. Similarly, it is also possible to know from the above-mentioned push order information that the second and third operation of the rotating cylinder rotation stop button is performed, and effect control is performed as “second stop command” and “third stop command”. It is transmitted to the substrate 420 and used.

  Further, the effect control command sent from the main control board 400 to the effect control board 420 includes the “all-turn cylinder stop command (winning information command)” that is generated when the third rotation stop button is released. This all-rounding stop command is also composed of a 16-bit code, of which 4 bits are assigned to information (winning combination information) indicating the type of winning combination arranged on the effective winning line 3a, and the other 3 bits are winning lines. The information indicating 3a (winning line information) is allocated, and the other 4 bits are allocated to information indicating the gaming state at that time (gaming state information).

  This all-rotor stop command is generated at the time of stopping the turn after the third pull-in control when the finger is released from the stop button during the pull-in control. Here, the “winning line information” included in the all-cylinder stop command is information related to the winning line 3a in which the winning combination is arranged in the rotating cylinder, and “winning combination information” is information related to the actually arranged symbols. is there. In the “winning combination” information included in the game start command, the symbols that are actually aligned have not yet been determined, whereas the “winning combination” information included in this all-stop torso stop command is actually not missed. They are different in that they are information indicating the symbols arranged in the same manner. On the effect control board 420, based on the winning line information and the winning combination information, the contents of the effect to appear after the all-time cylinder is stopped and whether or not the winning is determined are determined.

<3. Control of main controller: FIGS. 4 to 10>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 4-10, the processing content regarding the game operation control of the swivel type gaming machine according to the present invention will be described.

(3-1. Main process on the main control side: FIG. 4)
First, the main process on the main control side executed by the main control board 400 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing on the main control side executed by the main control board 400 (main CPU 401c) in accordance with the game operation control program.

  First, when power is turned on from the outside to the main body of the gaming machine, a power-on signal indicating that the power is turned on is sent from the power board 440 to the main control board 400 and is sent to each board via the main control board 400. And a power-on signal is transmitted. Then, the main control board 400 performs necessary initial settings before starting the game operation (step S101). In this initial setting, the state of connection of various boards and game components (switches and sensors) is confirmed, internal registers including the CTC 401d and I / O are initialized, the work area of the main RAM 401b is allowed to be written, etc. Necessary initial settings before the start of operation are executed (if the game state before power-off can be restored, game return processing is executed).

  When the initial setting process (step S101) is normally completed, the processes of steps S102 to S117 described below are executed according to the processing state.

  The main control board 400 executes a RAM initialization process for clearing a predetermined work area and securing a work area necessary for starting the next game (step S102).

  Next, the main control board 400 performs a game state flag generation process (step S103). This game state flag generation process is a process for managing and controlling the transition of the game state. That is, as a flag corresponding to the gaming state, a gaming state status, an operating flag, a bonus flag, a general gaming flag, an RB2 operating flag, and the like are set.

    Next, a medal insertion process is executed (step S104). In this medal insertion process, game medals inserted into the gaming machine main body from the medal insertion slot 7 (including pseudo insertion from credit) are detected, the number of inserted game medals is counted, credited, etc. Processing related to the settlement of game medals is performed. In this medal insertion process, a “medal insertion command” is transmitted every time the number of inserted coins is incremented by one.

  Further, in this medal insertion process, when the game start condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not the spinning cylinder rotation start lever 11 has been operated by the player, specifically, the spinning cylinder rotation from the spinning cylinder rotation start switch 11a. Whether or not a start signal has been received is also monitored, and the process does not proceed to step S105 unless a rotation rotation start signal is received. Therefore, in the game in the spinning machine of this embodiment, the game start condition is set by the player inserting a game medal, and the spinning cylinder rotation start lever 11 is operated to start rotating the spinning cylinder. By operating the rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c to stop the spinning cylinder, until a game result is obtained by a combination of symbols determined by the stop position of each spinning cylinder (the game result here is the effective winning line 3a This is a game that is repeated as a single game (unit game: one game) of a series of steps in which a winning combination is aligned and a game value corresponding to this is given.

  Next, the main control board 400 extracts and acquires the internal lottery random number value based on the counter value of the counter circuit (step S105). The timing for extracting the random number for internal lottery is performed when the main control board 400 receives the rotation start signal from the rotation rotation start switch 11a when the rotation rotation start lever 11 is operated. The lottery random numbers are generated by the counter circuit of the main control board 400, and in the rotary gaming machine according to the present embodiment, two 8-bit binary counters are used and 16-bit hardware random numbers (0000H to FFFFH ( Hexadecimal))) is generated. The generation of the random number is not limited to the hardware random number, and a software random number generated by causing the CPU to execute a predetermined program may be used.

  Next, the main control board 400 performs a lottery (internal lottery process) regarding the winning combination based on the random number for internal lottery extracted in the process of step S105 (step S106). This internal lottery process is based on the internal lottery random value and the lottery table (see FIG. 10), determines whether or not the winning combination is successful, and the lottery result information (information indicating which winning combination is won) For example, an internal winning flag is applicable). In this internal lottery process, lottery result information is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 401b, and a “game start command” including winning combination winning information and game state information is transmitted. The lottery result information is cleared for each game. However, only the winning information for the MB role is carried over to the next and subsequent games until these winnings are confirmed.

  Next, after performing the initial setting process for stop in step S107, the process proceeds to the rotation rotation start setting process in step S108. Here, the main control board performs setting at the time of rotation rotation start for starting rotation of each rotation cylinder 5a, 5b, 5c (step S108). Specifically, the number of games required for the specific spinning effect to occur after the bonus game starts (the number of specific rendering games), the MB start wait time, etc. are set. A start command "is sent.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the above-mentioned specific spinning effect (hereinafter simply referred to as “specific rendering”) means that one or more spinning cylinders have a predetermined delay time (specific rendering waiting time) at the start of spinning rotation. This is a “rotation start delay effect” in which the rotation is started after placing the position, that is, a delay occurs in the rotation start. However, other specific effects may be used as long as the effect is obtained using a rotating drum. Details of the processing related to the specific effect will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Thereafter, when the spinning cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c are operated, a spinning cylinder stop process for stopping the spinning cylinder corresponding to each of the rotation cylinder rotation stop buttons is executed (step S109). In this spinning stop processing, a stop control table (hereinafter simply referred to as “stop table”) is referred to based on the lottery result information and the operation timing and operation sequence of the spinning rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c, Stop control data (such as the number of drawn frames) for stopping the symbol corresponding to the winning winning combination is generated. Based on the generated data, stop control of the rotating drum is performed. In this spinning stop process, a “stop information reception command” and a “stop result information command” relating to the stop position of the spinning cylinder are transmitted.

  Next, the main control board 400 executes a winning determination process (step S110). In this winning determination process, a process of creating a symbol flag based on the winning line buffer, a stop symbol determining process for determining whether or not the winning winning combination has been established on the active winning line 3a, A payout setting process for setting the number of game medals to be paid out is performed. In this winning determination process, a “winning information command (all-round trunk stop command)” having information related to these winnings is transmitted. This “winning information command” includes winning combination information, winning line information, and game state information.

  Next, the main control board 400 pays out game medals such as adding credits or paying out game medals by driving the hopper unit 500 based on the number of payouts set in the winning determination process (step S110). Processing is executed (step S111). In this game medal payout process, a “payout command” is transmitted.

  Next, the main control board 400 determines whether the winning combination, that is, the display combination established on the effective winning line is a replay symbol or a bonus symbol, and further determines whether or not a bonus game is in progress. Go (steps S112 to S114).

  First, the main control board 400 determines whether or not the display combination is a replay symbol (step S112). When the display combination is a replay symbol (step S112: YES), the process proceeds to the regame operation start process in step S115, and a process for starting the regame operation is executed (step S115). Then, after executing the re-game operation start process (step S117), the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (step S102).

  On the other hand, if the display combination is not a replay symbol (step S112: NO), then the main control board 400 determines whether or not the gaming state flag is set to “in bonus game” in step S301 of FIG. (Step S113). When the bonus game is in progress (step S113: YES), the main control board 400 executes a process for continuing or ending the bonus game (bonus game operating process: step S116), and then a RAM initialization process. Return to (Step S102). Details of the bonus game operating process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when the bonus game is not being played (step S113: NO), the main control board 400 determines whether or not the display combination is a bonus symbol (here, a middle bonus (MB) symbol) (step S114). If the display combination is a bonus (MB) symbol (step S114: YES), the bonus (MB) game is started (bonus operation start processing: step S117), and then the RAM initialization processing (step S102) is performed. Return. On the other hand, if the display combination is not a bonus symbol (step S114: NO), the process returns to the RAM initialization process (step S102) without doing anything.

(3-2. Timer interrupt processing on the main control side: Fig. 5)
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a timer interrupt process on the main control side executed in about 1.5 ms in the main process on the main control side will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing on the main control side that is activated by interruption at regular intervals from the CTC 401d.

  In the time constant register of the CTC 401d provided in the one-chip microcomputer 401, a value corresponding to 1.5 ms is set in the rotary type gaming machine according to the present embodiment. In the main process on the main control side (see FIG. 4) described above, a timer interrupt is generated every 1.5 ms. The timer interrupt process is executed based on a maskable interrupt signal from the CTC 401d.

  First, when a timer interrupt occurs, the main control board 400 executes a saving process for saving the register to a predetermined stack area (step S201).

  Next, the main control board 400 performs port input processing (step S202). This port input processing is to check the signals input from various switches and various sensors arranged in all of the spinning machine, create the data to manage the input signals, and create the input data Is stored and updated for each interrupt.

  Next, the main control board 400 executes a rotating rotation control process for performing rotation control and stop control of the rotating cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c (step S203). This spinning cylinder rotation control process is a process for executing the processes related to the rotation control and stop control of each of the spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c already described, in order to grasp the current position of each of the spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c. By a rotation excitation excitation counter (number of drive pulses) that counts the detection signal timings of the rotation position detection sensors 212a, 212b, and 212c and the number of outputs of the output phase pattern supplied to the rotation drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c. The current position is grasped. Further, in this spinning cylinder rotation control process, it is also detected whether or not each spinning cylinder has reached a constant rotational speed after the start of rotation of each spinning cylinder. Also, in this process, when the spinning process is stopped in the main process, the stop position is confirmed based on the stop control pattern, and the excitation pattern signal for stopping the spinning process is output. Stop at the position you want.

  Next, a periodic update process is executed (step S204). This periodic update process is a process of updating a timer necessary for various game operations for each interrupt, and periodically clearing a watchdog timer built in the one-chip microcomputer 401. When this periodic update process is not executed, for example, when an abnormality occurs in gaming operation control and the program enters a runaway state, when the watchdog timer expires, the main CPU 401c is automatically reset and the runaway state starts. Return.

  Next, command output processing is executed (step S205). This command output process is a process of transmitting the effect control command to the effect control board 420 in accordance with the processing state accompanying the progress of the game. In response to the effect control command, the effect control board 420 executes a predetermined effect process. The main control board 400 outputs the above-mentioned effect control command for one byte to the effect control board 420. Since one effect control command is 2 bytes long, one effect control command is transmitted by two successive timer interruptions.

  Next, medal information output processing is executed (step S206). This medal information output process is a process of outputting a medal insertion signal indicating that a game medal has been inserted, a medal payout signal indicating that a game medal has been paid out, and the like. Each signal is transmitted to the hall computer HC via the external concentration terminal board 310. The hall computer HC manages the number of game medals inserted into each gaming machine installed on the game island and the number of game medals paid out based on the medal insertion signal and the medal payout signal.

  Next, the main control board 400 executes a display output process for outputting a light emission control signal for controlling the light emission of the LEDs arranged in the gaming machine main body 100 (step S207). Then, an abnormality monitoring process (step S208) is performed.

  After executing the processing of step S201 to step S208, the contents of the saved register are restored (step S209), the main CPU 401c is set to the interrupt enabled state (step S210), and the timer interrupt processing is ended.

(3-3. Bonus game operation start processing: FIG. 6)
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the details of the bonus game operation start process described in step S117 of FIG. 4 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the bonus game operation start process, first, as various settings at the time of bonus game operation, the number of bonus games acquired and the bonus flag are set to zero, and the game state flag is set to “in bonus game”. Setting is made (step S301).

  Next, with respect to which game in the bonus (MB: middle bonus) game is set so that the specific effect is generated, the specific effect game number SGN in the MB game is determined by lottery (step S302). Information on the number of specified effect games is stored in a predetermined RAM area (step S303). Then, the “specific effect game number command” is set, and the command is transmitted to the effect control unit 410 (step S304).

  The “specific effect game number SGN” drawn in step S302 is either SGN = 0 or SGN = 2-17. The specific effect game number SGN = 0 is drawn when “no specific effect”, and the specific effect game number SGN = 2-17 is drawn when “specific effect exists”. The reason why the maximum value of the specific effect game number SGN is 17 games is that the bonus game reaches the maximum number acquired in 17 games and ends. Moreover, the reason why the minimum value of the specific effect game number SGN is 2 games is that it is better that the specific effect does not occur in the first game in order to achieve a game form in which various notice effects can be enjoyed during the bonus game. is there. For this reason, the specific effect game number SGN in which the specific effect due to the start of rotation of the spinning cylinder occurs is set between 2 to 17 games. However, depending on the circumstances, the specific effect game number SGN may be set to 0 or be drawn between 1-17 games, and the specific effect may be generated in the first game.

  After the above step S304, an “MB start wait start command” is set (step S305), a predetermined start wait time (opening time) is set (step S306), and the opening time ends. wait. When the opening time is over, an “MB start weight end command” is set (step S308), and the bonus game operation start processing is ended.

(3-4. Processing during bonus game operation: FIG. 7)
Next, the details of the above-described bonus game operating process (step S116 in FIG. 4) will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows details of the bonus game operating process (step S116 in FIG. 4). As shown in the figure, in the bonus game operating process, the number of game medals acquired during the bonus game is compared with the maximum number acquired in advance and allowed (step S311). While the number of bonus games acquired does not reach the maximum number of acquired games (step S312: NO), after various setting processes during the bonus game are continued (step S313), the bonus game operating process is exited.

  On the other hand, when the number of bonus games acquired exceeds the maximum number acquired (step S312: YES), the “MB end weight start command” is set for the wait time (ending time) at the end of the MB. It transmits with respect to the control part 410 (step S314). Also, a wait time at the end of MB (ending time) is set (step S315), waits for the end of the ending time (step S316), and if the ending time ends, various settings at the end of the bonus game are set. This is performed (step S317). Then, the “MB end weight end command” is set (step S318), and the command is transmitted to the effect control unit 410. Further, automatic settlement processing and stop processing are performed (steps S319 to S320), and the bonus game operation start processing is terminated.

(3-5. Cylinder rotation start setting process: FIGS. 8 to 9)
FIG. 8 shows details of the rotation rotation start setting process in step S108 of FIG.

  In this rotation rotation start setting process, the value of the weight timer is referred to and it is determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game started (step S331). The wait timer is a timer for managing the game start waiting time (wait time), and the operation input by the player to start the game is invalidated until 4.1 seconds of the wait time elapses. .

  In the rotation rotation start setting process of FIG. 8, it is determined whether the timer value of the weight timer is zero (step S331). At first, since the wait timer is not set and the timer value is zero, the process proceeds to the next step S332. If the timer value is not zero, the process waits for the timer time of the wait timer to elapse (step S331: ≠ 0), and proceeds to step S332 after the timer time elapses.

  In step S332, the specific effect process described with reference to FIG. 9 is performed next, and the process proceeds to step S333. In step S333, various settings at the start of rotation are performed. Here, 4.1 seconds is set in the wait timer, and “in full rotation” is set in the rotation state flag (step S333). Then, a rotation rotation start command is set (step S334), and the rotation rotation start setting process is ended.

  FIG. 9 shows the details of the specific effect process performed in step S332 of the above-described spinning cylinder rotation start setting process (FIG. 8).

  First, it is determined whether the specific effect game number is set to 0 game or 2 to 17 game (step S341). When the number of specific effect games is set to 0 (step S341: = 0), since it is a case where the lottery for the state transition to the AT gaming state is lost, the specific effect process is terminated without doing anything.

  When the number of specific effect games is set to other than 0 games (2 to 17 games) (step S341: ≠ 0), it is a case where a lottery for state transition to the AT gaming state is won, so a bonus The current number of digested games in the game is acquired and compared with the number of specific effect games (step S342). Until the two match as a comparison result (step S343: NO), the specific effect process is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if the two match (step S343: YES), the process proceeds to step S344, and a specific effect waiting time for executing the specific effect due to the rotation of the rotating cylinder is set (step S344). Next, in step S345, a specific effect waiting time command is set (step S345), and the command is transmitted to the effect control unit 410. And it waits for waiting time for specific production to pass (Step S346), and if the same time passes, specific production processing is ended.

  After the specific effect process is completed, the process returns to step S332 of FIG. 8 (rotating cylinder rotation start setting process), and step S333 (various settings at the start of rotation) and step S334 (rotating cylinder rotation start command set) are performed. It will be.

  Therefore, when the bonus game is digested up to the above-mentioned number of specific effect games during the bonus game, a specific effect that the rotation start of the rotating cylinder is delayed when the rotating cylinder of the game starts rotating. When this specific effect occurs in the middle of the bonus game, the player can guess or know definitely that the state will be shifted to the AT game state after the bonus game is ended. Therefore, the player can enjoy and enjoy the bonus game while expecting a specific effect to occur on the way.

<4. Control of production control unit: FIGS. 11 to 19>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 19, processing contents on the effect control side executed by the effect control unit 410 will be described.

(4-1. Main process on the production control side: FIG. 11)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main process on the effect control side executed by the effect control unit 410 according to the effect control program. The control subject of the effect control unit 410 includes the sub CPU 421c of the effect control board 420, the CPU of the liquid crystal control board 460, and the like. This will be described as 410. The CPU, RAM, and the like are represented by the sub CPU 421c and the sub RAM 421b of the effect control board 420.

  First, when power is turned on from the outside to the gaming machine main body, a power-on signal indicating that power is turned on to each control board is transmitted by the power board 440. And the presentation control part 410 which received the power-on signal starts the main process by the side of the presentation control shown in FIG.

  In the main process on the effect control side, first, the effect control unit 410 executes necessary initial settings before starting the game operation as the first process after the power is turned on (step S401).

  Next, an effect random number update process is executed as a process during normal operation (step S402). In this effect random number update process, the random number value for effect lottery used mainly for selecting effect contents is regularly updated.

  Next, an interrupt enable state permitting a command reception interrupt, a timer interrupt, an external INT, etc. is set (step S403), and then an interrupt disabled state is set (step S404). Then, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S405), and the process from step S402 to step S405 is executed in a loop process unless power interruption occurs.

(4-2. Command reception interrupt processing: FIG. 12)
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a command reception interrupt process executed when an effect control command from the main control board 400 is received in the effect control side main process executed by the effect control unit 410 will be described. . FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing command reception interrupt processing. This command reception interrupt process is a process that is preferentially executed when an effect control command is received from the main control board 400.

  First, when the effect control unit 410 receives an effect control command from the main control board 400, the effect control unit 410 performs a save process for saving the register to a predetermined stack area (step S501).

  Next, the effect control unit 410 temporarily stores the received effect control command in a predetermined effect control command storage area of the sub RAM 421b (step S502), restores the contents of the register (step S503), and receives the command. End interrupt processing.

(4-3. Timer interrupt processing on the production control side: FIG. 13)
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, an effect control side timer interruption process executed every about 2 ms with respect to the effect control side main process will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process on the effect control side that is activated by an interrupt from the CTC 421d every predetermined time (2 ms).

  First, the effect control unit 410 first saves the register in a predetermined stack area (step S601). Next, periodic random number update processing is performed (step S602).

  Next, command response processing is performed (step S603). This command handling process monitors for each interrupt whether or not an effect control command is stored in the effect control command storage area (step S502 in FIG. 12). If an effect control command is stored, this command is displayed. This is a process for performing various effect processes (FIGS. 14 to 15 and FIGS. 18 to 19) based on the read and read effect control commands.

  In this command handling process, the effect control command that is always updated to a new one in the command reception interrupt process is processed. In addition to the game start command, the spinning cylinder rotation start command, the stop command, and the all-rounding cylinder stop command (winning information command), the effect control command is transmitted at step S345 in FIG. Also included is a waiting time command for specific effects.

  Next, effect progress processing is performed to update the effect scenario and advance the effect (step S604). As the production progresses, the liquid crystal display device 6 displays the content of the production as video, and executes output processing (video, sound, light) for outputting light emission and sound from the LED and the speaker 16 (step S605). .

  Then, the contents of the saved register are restored (step S606), and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

(4-4. Game start command reception processing: FIG. 14)
FIG. 14 shows a game start command reception process which is one of the command handling processes (step S603) of FIG. This game start command reception process is performed when the game start command transmitted in the internal lottery process (step S106) in FIG. 4 is received.

  The game start command includes lottery result information that is information related to the winning combination and information related to the game state. When the game start command is received, the effect control unit 410 obtains the winning combination from the lottery result information included in the game start command (step S701), and the game state included in the command An effect state (effect side game state) at the time of winning is acquired from the information (step S702).

  Next, the effect control unit 410 sequentially determines whether the effect state at the time of winning is “in bonus game”, “in AT game”, or “in normal game” based on the game state information included in the game start command. (Steps S703 to S704).

  First, when it is “in bonus game” (step S703: YES), an effect for bonus game is selected and set (bonus game effect selection processing: step S706). In this bonus game effect selection processing, which will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 17, two systems of bonus game effect A or B are prepared, and it is assumed that the state transition to the AT game state is assumed. When one bonus game effect is selected from the effects A3 to A1 belonging to the bonus game in-game effect A of the other system, and the state transition to the AT game state is not premised, the bonus game of the other system The medium effect B is selected and set.

  Next, when the stage side gaming state is not in the bonus game and is “AT game” (step S704: YES), an effect for the AT game is selected and set (AT game stage effect selection process: step S707). . Here, the AT game is a gaming state in which information on a winning combination that is a lottery result is notified by an effect such as an image, sound, or light. In this AT game effect selection process, it is determined whether or not the AT role has been won, and if the AT role is won, for example, an effect for definitive notification of the small role symbol to be stopped and the stop operation procedure is selected. Also, if the AT role is not won, for example, an effect that abstractly shows the effect corresponding to the winning role in the AT game without such a definite notification is selected. Make a selection.

  Next, when the stage-side game state is neither bonus game nor AT game, that is, “normal game”, an effect for normal game is selected and set (normal game effect selection process: step) S705). Finally, the contents of the selected effects are set (step S708), and the game start command receiving process is terminated.

(4-5. Winning information command reception processing: FIG. 15)
FIG. 15 shows a winning information command receiving process which is one of the command corresponding processes (step S603) of FIG. This winning information command reception process is a process that is performed when the “winning information command (all cylinder stop command)” transmitted in the winning determination process in step S110 of FIG. 4 is received.

  When the winning information command is received, the production control unit 410 appears after the all-game cylinder is stopped and the winning of the winning is determined based on the winning line information and the winning combination information included in the winning information command. An effect at the time of all-stops torso stop is determined (all torso stop effect process: step S711). Then, the effect state on the effect control unit 410 side is acquired (step S712), and it is sequentially checked whether it is the effect state during the normal game or the effect state during the AT game (steps S713 to S714).

  First, in the effect state during the normal game (step S713: YES), a transition management process in the normal game state is performed (step S715).

  Next, when it is in the effect state during the AT game, a transition management process (step S716) in the AT game state is performed. In this AT gaming state transition management process, it is determined whether or not the bonus combination symbols have been prepared, and when the bonus combination symbols have been prepared, the gaming state is set to “in bonus game”. The winning information command reception process is thus completed.

(4-6. Command Process for Receiving Specific Effect Game Number: FIG. 16)
When the operation of the bonus game is started, the “specific effect game number command” is transmitted from the main control board 400 in the bonus game operation start process (step S304) in FIG. 6, and this is received by the effect control unit 410 side. The FIG. 16 shows a process (specific effect game number command reception process) executed when this “wait time command at the end of MB” is received. The command corresponding process (step S603) of FIG. Belongs to one.

  In FIG. 16, first, the effect control unit 410 sets the specific effect game number of the specific effect game number command received at the start of the bonus game operation (step S721), and determines whether or not the specific effect game number is zero. (Step S722). When the number of specific effect games is not 0, that is, when the AT transition lottery is won and one game value of 2 to 17 games is set as the time when the specific effect occurs (step S722: NO), “AT The flag is turned on (set state) (step S723). On the other hand, when the number of specific effect games is 0, that is, when there is no occurrence of the specific effect because the AT transition lottery is not performed (step S722: YES), the “AT flag” remains in the OFF state (non-set state), respectively. The “specific effect game number command reception process” in FIG. 16 is terminated.

  The “AT flag” is a flag for managing whether or not the state transition to the AT gaming state is performed at the end of the bonus game. When it is determined that the state transition to the AT gaming state is confirmed after the bonus game is finished, the “AT flag” is set to ON, and it is determined that the state transition is not performed to the AT gaming state. “AT flag” is set to OFF. This “AT flag” is used in the bonus game effect selection process of FIG. 17 and the MB end wait start command reception process of FIG.

(4-7. Effect selection process during bonus game: FIG. 17)
FIG. 17 shows the details of the bonus game effect selection process (step S706 in FIG. 14) for determining the effect during the bonus game described above. This bonus game effect selection process is executed when a game start command is received during the bonus game state (step S706 in FIG. 14).

  In this bonus game effect selection process, as shown in FIG. 17, the bonus game effect A or the bonus game effect is selected depending on whether or not the above-described “AT flag” is ON. Select one of the production systems of B. The “AT flag” is a flag that is turned on when the number of specific effect games is set to a value other than 0 (in this embodiment, a game value selected by lottery among 2 to 17 games).

  Therefore, the production control unit 410 first checks whether or not the “AT flag” is ON in step S731 in FIG. 17 (step S731). If the AT flag is ON (step S731: YES), the bonus game is being performed. The number of digested games is acquired and compared with the number of specific effect games (step S732). Then, a bonus game effect A according to the difference in the number of games between the digest game number and the specific effect game number, that is, the number of games up to the specific effect is selected (step S733). Here, the number of games until the specific effect (the difference in the number of games) is a plurality of game number bands 17 to 4G, 3 to 1G, and 0G (G is an abbreviation of the game) due to the difference in perspective with respect to the specific effect game number. It is divided into three stages. In addition, the bonus game effect A is an effect in which the height of the appearance rate (for example, the appearance rate of a specific character) indicating the degree of expectation of state transition to the AT game state is made different for the three game number categories. Three types of A3 to A1 are prepared. Note that the effect indicating the degree of expectation for the state transition to the AT gaming state is also an effect indicating the expected degree of occurrence of the specific effect. In step S733, one of the effects A3 to A1 is selected according to the number of games up to the specific effect (game number difference).

  In other words, when the number of games up to a specific effect (the difference in the number of games) is in the game number range of 17 to 4 games in a predetermined number of games, the effect indicating the degree of expectation to shift to the AT gaming state “Bonus game effect A3” having a relatively low appearance rate, for example, an effect in which a specific character does not appear much on the screen during the bonus game is selected. In addition, when the number of games up to a specific effect is in the game number range of 3 to 1 games in the game number category, the appearance rate for the effect indicating the degree of expectation for state transition to the AT gaming state is relatively high. For example, an effect in which a specific character frequently appears on the screen during the bonus game is selected. Then, when belonging to 0 games in the number of games category, that is, when the specific effect is generated with the difference in the number of games being zero, the “bonus game effect A1” prepared as the specific effect effect (notification effect) is selected. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S731 in FIG. 17 that the “AT flag” is OFF, that is, it is determined that there is no state transition to the AT gaming state (step S731: NO), the effect indicating the expectation of state transition to the AT gaming state. The “bonus game effect B” having a relatively low appearance rate is selected, for example, an effect in which a specific character does not appear much on the screen during the bonus game. This “bonus game effect B” is set to the same content as the “bonus game effect A3”, so that the player can distinguish whether or not there is a state transition to the AT game state after the bonus game ends. By setting so as not to be obvious, it can be configured that the interest in the effect during the bonus game lasts until the end of the bonus game.

  In any case, the type of effect that appears during the bonus game is determined by this bonus game effect selection process.

(4-8. Waiting command reception process for specific effect: FIG. 18)
FIG. 18 shows a specific effect waiting time command reception process which is one of the command handling processes (step S603) of FIG. When the “specific effect waiting time command” transmitted in step S345 of the specific effect process is received, the effect control unit 410 prepares an effect for specific effect (prepared in advance as an effect to appear while the specific effect is generated). In this embodiment, a rotation rotation delay effect) is set (step S741). As a result, at the start of rotation of the rotating cylinder, when a waiting time for the specific effect occurs regarding the rotation start of the rotating cylinder on the main control unit side, that is, when a delay (specific effect) occurs in the rotation start of the rotating cylinder. On the side of the production control unit 410, an effect for rotating the rotation of the spinning cylinder is set as an effect for the specific production in response to this, and the content of the production is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device during the waiting time when the rotation of the spinning cylinder is delayed. The corresponding sound and light are produced by the speaker and the LED group.

(4-9. Wait start command reception process at the end of MB: FIG. 19)
FIG. 19 shows an MB end wait start command reception process which is one of the command handling processes (step S603) of FIG. This command reception process is a process executed when the “MB end wait start command” transmitted in the MB end wait start command set process (step S314) in FIG. 7 is received at the end of the bonus game. .

  In step S751 of FIG. 19, the effect control unit 410 first checks whether or not the “AT flag” is ON (step S751). If the AT flag is ON (step S751: YES), the ending effect E1 that suggests a state transition to the AT gaming state is set (step S752), and then the effector side gaming state is set to “AT gaming” (step S752). Step S753).

  On the other hand, if the “AT flag” is OFF in step S751 of FIG. 19, that is, if it is determined that there is no state transition to the AT gaming state (step S751: NO), the occurrence of the state transition to the AT gaming state is suggested. The normal ending effect E2 that is not to be performed is set (step S754), and then the effect side gaming state is set to “during normal game” (step S755).

<5. Specific example: FIG. 20>
Next, a specific example shown in FIG. 20 will be described.

  In FIG. 20, a “specific effect game number command” is transmitted at time t1. Case 1 is a case where the specific effect game number command is a command having information of a specific effect game number SGN = 0 game, and Case 2 is a command having information of a specific effect game number SGN = 2 to 17 games. Show the case.

(5-1. Case 1)
(Time t1)
In case 1, at time t1, the bonus symbol is stopped and the bonus game operation start process is started (steps S114 and S117 in FIG. 4), and the game state flag is set to “in bonus game” (step S301 in FIG. 6). ), Indicates when the bonus game is activated. At this time t1, the “specific effect game number command” (here, the command of the specific effect game number SGN = 0, hereinafter referred to as the “SGN0 command”) is sent from the main control board 400 to the effect control unit 410 side in step S304 of FIG. ”) And a“ MB start wait start command ”is transmitted in step S305 of FIG.

  The effect control unit 410 receives this “specific effect game number command” in the “specific effect game number command reception process” of FIG. 16, but when the received command is an SGN0 command, the AT flag remains OFF. Yes (step S731: NO in FIG. 17).

  Also, when the effect control unit 410 receives the “MB start weight start command”, the opening effect is started, the special role is won, and it is notified that a gaming state advantageous to the player starts. Further, setting of the bet number, that is, starting operation of a unit game is prohibited until a predetermined MB start wait time elapses.

(Time t2)
Time t2 indicates the time when a predetermined MB start wait time has elapsed. At this point, the “MB start weight end command” is transmitted from the main control board 400 to the effect control unit 410 side in step S308 of FIG. This ends the opening effect. Therefore, the prohibition of setting the number of bets is lifted.

  Thereafter, following time t2, a game medal insertion command from the game medal insertion process (step S104 in FIG. 4) is received, and a “game start command” from the internal lottery process (step S106 in FIG. 4) is received.

  When the “game start command” is received in the game start command reception process of FIG. 14, the bonus game effect selection process (step S706 of FIG. 14) is entered from step S703. In the detailed flow of the bonus game effect selection process shown in FIG. 17, the AT flag is first checked (step S751). Here, the case of the SGN0 command is handled, and since the AT flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S734, and the bonus game effect B is selected.

  Therefore, a bonus game is started under the bonus game effect B. This bonus game effect B is an effect with a low appearance rate of the effect indicating the degree of expectation of state transition to the AT game state, for example, an effect in which a specific character does not appear much on the screen during the bonus game. Based on the fact that the appearance rate of this particular character is low, the player can detect that the degree of expectation for transition to the AT gaming state is low.

(Time t3)
Time t3 indicates the time when the specific effect game number is reached and the specific effect of the spinning drum occurs, but since Case 1 deals with the case where the specific effect game number SGN = 0, time t3 is one game. It must occur before eye time t2. For this reason, in Case 1, the specific effect of the spinning cylinder does not occur on the main control unit side. Also, on the side of the effect control unit 410, when the AT flag is OFF (FIG. 17, Step S731: NO), the difference in the number of games between the number of digested games and the number of specific effect games is not determined. The bonus game effect A in accordance with the number of games up to is not selected, and the bonus game effect B having a low appearance rate indicating the degree of expectation to shift to the AT game state continues.

(Time t4)
Time t4 indicates a point in time when the bonus game is completed after a predetermined number or more of game medals have been acquired in the bonus game.

  When a predetermined number or more of game medals are acquired in the bonus game (time t4), the determination in step S312 in FIG. 7 is YES, and in step S314, the “MB end wait start command” is set, and the command is sent to the main control board 400. To the effect control unit 410 side. The main control board 400 then sets a wait time at the end of the MB (step S315), and starts measuring time (step S316).

  On the other hand, the effect control unit 410 receives the above-mentioned “MB end wait start command” in the MB end wait start command receiving process of FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not the AT flag is in an ON state (step S751). Since the case where the AT flag is OFF is handled here, the process proceeds from step S751 to step S754, the normal ending effect E2 is set, and the effect side gaming state is set to “normally playing” (steps S754 to S755). ).

  Therefore, during the time t4 to t5, the MB end wait time elapses under the normal ending effect E2.

(Time t5)
At time t5, the MB end wait time is up (step S316 in FIG. 7: = 0), so the “MB end wait end command” is set in step S318 in FIG. An “MB end wait end command” is transmitted to the control unit 410. As a result, on the side of the production control unit 410, the weight at the end of the MB is finished, and the production side gaming state is switched to “in normal gaming”.

(5-2. Case 2)
(Time t1)
Also in case 2, at time t1, the bonus symbol is stopped and the bonus game operation start process is started (steps S114 and S117 in FIG. 4), and the game state flag is set to “bonus game in progress” (FIG. 6). Step S301), a bonus game is activated. At this time t1, the main control board 400 sends a “specific effect game number command” (here, a command of a specific effect game number SGN = 2 to 17; 17 command "), and a" MB start wait start command "is sent in step S305 of FIG. Here, the description of the specific effect game number command transmitted will be continued assuming that it is a command of the specific effect game number SGN = 15 (hereinafter referred to as “SGN15 command”).

  The effect control unit 410 receives this “specific effect game number command” in the command corresponding process in step S603 of the “effect control side timer interruption process” in FIG. That is, the specific effect game number SGN (SGN = 15 games) received in the “specific effect game number command reception process” of FIG. 16 is set, and whether or not the received command has the specific effect game number 0. Is determined (step S731). Here, since the received command is an SGN15 command, the determination in step S722 is NO, the process proceeds to step S723, and the AT flag is set to ON (step S723).

  When the production control unit 410 receives the “MB start weight start command”, the opening production is started, the special role is won, and it is notified that a gaming state advantageous to the player is started. Further, setting of the bet number, that is, starting operation of a unit game is prohibited until a predetermined MB start wait time elapses.

(Time t2 to t3)
When a predetermined MB start wait time elapses and time t2 is reached, an “MB start wait end command” is transmitted from the main control board 400 to the effect control unit 410 (step S308 in FIG. 6). This ends the opening effect. Therefore, the prohibition of setting the number of bets is lifted.

  Thereafter, following time t2, a game medal insertion command from the game medal insertion process (step S104 in FIG. 4) is received, and the turning rotation start lever 11 is further turned ON to perform an internal lottery process (step S106 in FIG. 4). ) Is performed, and the game of the first game is started under predetermined conditions through the rotation rotation start setting process (step S108 in FIG. 4).

  In the spinning cylinder rotation start setting process shown in detail in FIG. 8, a game start waiting time (wait time) of 4.1 seconds has elapsed since the previous game started with reference to the value of the wait timer. That is, on the condition that the value of the weight timer is zero in the initial state (step S331: = 0), the specific effect process (step S332) is performed and various settings at the start of rotation (step S333). Is done.

  In the specific effect process described in detail in FIG. 9, it is checked in step S341 whether or not the specific effect game number SGN is zero. However, in case 2, since 15 games are set, the determination here is as follows. It is confirmed that the game is not 0 game (step S341: ≠ 0), and it is determined whether or not the current digest game number in the bonus game matches the specific effect game number (SGN = 15 game) (step S342). Until the number of specific effect games (SGN = 15 games) is reached (step S343: NO), the specific effect process is exited without doing anything. Thereafter, the process returns to step S332 of FIG. 8, and in step S333 (various settings at the start of rotation), the wait timer is set to 4.1 seconds, and the spinning cylinder state flag is set to “rotating all cylinders” (step). S333). Then, a rotation rotation start command is set (step S334).

  Thereafter, the spinning cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c are operated to stop the corresponding spinning cylinder (rotating cylinder stop process: step S109), the winning determination process is performed (step S110), and the game medal payout process is performed. This is done (step S111).

  On the side of the production control unit 410, the “game start command” for the first game is received from the internal lottery process (step S106 in FIG. 4). This reception is performed in the game start command reception process of FIG. 14, which is one of the command response processes (step S603) of the effect control side timer interruption process of FIG.

  When the “game start command” is received in the game start command reception process of FIG. 14, the bonus game in-game effect selection process (step S706 of FIG. 14) is entered from step S703, and in the detailed flow shown in FIG. It is checked whether or not (step S731). Here, the case of the SGN15 command is dealt with, and since the AT flag is already ON in step S723 in FIG. 16, the process proceeds to step S732, and the number of digest games in the bonus game is acquired and compared with the number of specific effect games. (Step S732). Then, a bonus game effect A in which the content of the effect changes from A3 to A1 is selected according to the number of games to which the difference in the number of games, which is the comparison result, belongs (step S733).

  The specific effect game number SGN set in Case 2 is 15 games. At first, there are 15 game differences from the current number of digested games with respect to the number of specific effect games (15 games), so that the game is digested and this game number difference is reduced from 15 games to 0 games. During this time, the bonus game effect A according to the difference in the number of games is selected (step S733). Therefore, the bonus game is started under the bonus game effect A.

  While the difference in the number of games from the current number of digested games to the specific effect game number (15 games) is between 15G and 4G, the bonus game effect A3 is selected and the game number difference is between 3G and 1G. In this case, the bonus game effect A2 (prediction effect) is selected, and when the game number difference becomes 0G, the bonus game effect A1 (notification effect) is selected (step S733).

  The bonus game effect A3 is an effect associated with the number of games of 17G to 4G, and in this effect A3, a specific character does not appear much on the screen during the bonus game. Therefore, while the difference in the number of games is between 15G and 4G, the player cannot expect the state transition to the AT gaming state due to the fact that the appearance rate of this particular character is low. It is expected that a specific character will appear frequently.

  The bonus game effect A2 (predictive effect) is an effect associated with a 3G to 1G number of games, and in this effect A2, a specific character frequently appears on the screen, for example, every time during the bonus game. . Therefore, while the difference in the number of games is between 3G and 1G, the fact that the appearance rate of this particular character is high, the player is expected to have a high degree of expectation to enter the AT gaming state, or to be deterministic. You will sense.

(Time t3)
Time t3 indicates a point in time when the specific effect game number (15 games) is reached and the game number difference becomes 0G.

  In the rotation rotation start setting process (FIG. 4, step S108) on the main control unit side, the process proceeds from step S332 in FIG. 8 to “specific effect process” shown in detail in FIG. 9, and from step S341 to step S342, It is determined whether or not the current number of digest games in the bonus game matches the number of specific effect games (SGN = 15 games) (step S342). Since the number of specific effect games (SGN = 15 games) has been reached (step S343: YES), a specific effect waiting time for executing the specific effect due to the rotation of the rotating cylinder is set in advance to step S344 (step S344). ). Next, in step S345, a specific effect waiting time command is set (step S345), and the command is transmitted to the effect control unit 410. Then, it waits for the waiting time for the specific effect to elapse (step S346). If the same time has elapsed, the specific effect process is terminated, and the subsequent processes (steps S333 to S334 in FIG. 8, steps S109 to S111 in FIG. 4). Go) run.

  Through the specific effect process (FIG. 9), a specific effect occurs in which the rotation start of the rotating drum is delayed on the main control unit side.

  Also, on the side of the effect control unit 410, when the difference in the number of games becomes 0G, the bonus game is in progress through steps S703 and S706 of the game start command reception process (FIG. 14) and steps S731 to S733 of FIG. Effect A1 (specific effect production) is selected (step S733). This specific effect effect is a notification effect that definitely notifies that the effect side gaming state shifts to the AT gaming state after the bonus game ends, and is a moment when the player is satisfied with the expected result. During the remaining period during the bonus game, that is, during the period when the number of bonus game games exceeds the number of specific effect games (from the 16th game to the end), the bonus game is produced as an effect during the bonus game after the bonus game is finished. You may perform the special production which shows that transfer is decided.

(Time t4)
Time t4 indicates a point in time when the bonus game is completed after a predetermined number or more of game medals have been acquired in the bonus game.

  When a predetermined number or more of game medals are acquired during the bonus game (time t4), the determination in step S312 in FIG. 7 is YES, and in step S314, the “MB end wait start command” is set, and the command is sent to the main control board. 400 to the effect control unit 410 side. The main control board 400 then sets the MB end wait time in step S315 of FIG. 7 (step S315), and starts the time measurement (step S316).

  On the other hand, the effect control unit 410 receives the above-mentioned “MB end wait start command” in the MB end wait start command receiving process of FIG. Then, it is determined whether the AT flag is ON or OFF (step S751). Here, since the case where the AT flag is ON is handled, the process proceeds from step S751 to step S752, the ending effect E1 suggesting the transition to the AT game state is set, and the effect side game state is set to “AT game”. Set (steps S752 to S753).

  Therefore, during the time t4 to t5, the MB end wait time elapses under the ending effect E1 that suggests the transition to the AT gaming state.

(Time t5)
At time t5, the MB end wait time is up (step S316 in FIG. 7: = 0), so the “MB end wait end command” is set in step S318 in FIG. An “MB end wait end command” is transmitted to the control unit 410. Thereby, on the side of the production control unit 410, the ending production E1 relating to the weight at the end of the MB is finished, and the production side gaming state is switched to “AT gaming”. Therefore, the AT game is activated at time t5.

(Time t6)
During the AT game, it is determined whether or not the AT role is won for each unit game. If the AT role is won, for example, the small role symbol to be stopped and the stop operation procedure are definitely notified, and thereby the game The number of game medals held by the person gradually increases. This AT game continues until a predetermined AT end condition is established, and the player acquires a considerable number of game medals in addition to the acquisition of game medals during the bonus game.

  In this way, a predetermined AT end condition is established during the AT game. The predetermined AT end condition is, for example, when a predetermined number of increased numbers are generated during an AT game, or when a lottery (so-called punk role lottery) for whether or not to stop the operation of the AT game is won, When the AT end condition is satisfied, as shown at time t6, the state shifts to a normal gaming state (a state in which a normal gaming effect is performed in a non-AT game).

  As can be seen from the comparison between the case 1 and the case 2 described above, in the case 2 where an additional privilege of state transition to the AT gaming state is added compared to the case 1 in the normal time, more game medals can be obtained by assisting the winning combination. Can be obtained and the number of games can be increased. Whether or not the assistance is granted is a serious concern for the player, and the conclusion of whether or not the assistance is given is that if there is a bonus game, the rotation start delay of any of the unit games during the bonus game is delayed. It is determined by whether or not a specific effect (notification effect) is generated. If a specific effect due to a delay in the start of rotation of the spinning cylinder does not occur during the bonus game, there is no additional privilege for shifting to the AT gaming state. On the other hand, when a specific effect (notification effect) due to a delay in the start of rotation of the spinning cylinder occurs during the bonus game, there is an additional privilege for shifting to the AT game state. Therefore, the player can enjoy each unit game while expecting a specific effect (notification effect) due to a delay in the rotation start of the spinning cylinder during the bonus game.

  In addition to the above, the player determines whether or not the specific effect (notification effect) due to the rotation start delay of the above-described spinning cylinder occurs, in the sign effect during the game period before the specific effect occurs, It can be estimated in advance from the aspect. That is, when an additional privilege of state transition to the AT gaming state is given, the AT flag is turned ON when the bonus game is activated, and based on this, the expectation degree of state transition to the AT gaming state during the bonus game A bonus game effect A2 (prediction effect) having a high appearance rate of an effect indicating “A” is selected, so that, for example, a specific character appears frequently on the screen during the bonus game. For this reason, in the bonus game effect, the appearance rate of a specific character indicating the expected degree of occurrence of the specific effect or the expectation of state transition to the AT gaming state is used as an index, and this specific character frequently appears on the screen. If so, it can be estimated that a specific effect due to the rotation start delay will occur, and if it does not appear so much, it can be estimated that the specific effect due to the rotation start delay will not occur. As a result, it is possible to predict whether or not an additional privilege of AT game will be given after the bonus game is finished through prediction of the occurrence of the specific effect from the effect side by the image. In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not an AT game additional privilege will be granted after the bonus game is finished, a time just before the AT game is activated, that is, during the bonus game, the range of the bonus game is further expanded, and the player It can be a factor to enhance the interest of

  In addition, when there is an additional privilege to shift to the AT gaming state, the ending effect at the end of the bonus game is switched to the ending effect E1 that suggests a state transition from the normal ending effect E2 to the AT gaming state. There is a relationship. The player can also detect from the waiting time effect E1 that the state transition to the AT gaming state will occur after the bonus game is finished. Therefore, even when the player does not notice that the rotation start delay of the spinning cylinder has occurred during the bonus game, the AT game transition determination can be performed.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, the timing of generating a specific effect during the bonus game is managed by the number of games in the bonus game. However, in addition to managing by the number of games in bonus game, it may be managed by the number of acquired games in bonus game. For example, the number of acquisitions for which a specific effect occurs (specific effect number) is determined in advance by lottery when the bonus game is activated, and the total number of game medals acquired during the bonus game is determined in advance as the predetermined number of acquisitions (specific effect number) It is also possible to configure such that a specific effect is generated when the value reaches. The timing of generating a specific effect during the bonus game can be managed by one or both of the number of games and the number of acquired games during the bonus game.

  In the above embodiment, the “rotation start delay effect” in which the rotation start of the rotating drum is delayed is described as an example of the specific effect, and the type of the delay is not particularly distinguished, but the specific effect is divided into two or more types. Separately, the degree of expectation of the state transition to the AT gaming state can be related. For example, when the start delay occurs in the left case, the expectation of the state transition to the AT gaming state is small, whereas when the start delay occurs in the right case, the expectation of the state transition to the AT gaming state Different weights can be given to the degree of expectation of the state transition to the AT gaming state for each type of the divided specific effects such as a large degree.

  As a specific example, the specific effect category due to the delay in the start of rotation of the spinning cylinder is classified into a genuine specific effect (for example, a delay of the right winding cylinder) to which an additional privilege of AT game is given after the bonus game ends, and after the bonus game ends. It is good to classify into the specific effect (for example, the delay of the left turn) which is not given the additional privilege of AT game. In this way, whether or not an additional privilege of state transition to the AT gaming state is added after the bonus game is finished depends on whether or not a genuine specific effect (delay of the right-handed trunk) is in any unit game during the bonus game. It is determined by whether or not it occurs. AT game state when there is no real specific effect (delay of the right turn), including the case where the delay in the rotation of the revolver that occurred during the bonus game was a specific effect (delay of the left turn) There is no provision of additional benefits for state transition. On the other hand, when a genuine specific effect (delay of the right turn) is generated during the bonus game due to a delay in the rotation start of the turn, there is an additional privilege for shifting to the AT gaming state. Therefore, the game content during the bonus game can be further enriched due to the presence of the specific effect type (gase and real classification) by the spinning cylinder.

  In the above-described embodiment, the specific effect that the rotation start of the rotating drum is delayed has been described as an example. It may be handled as a specific performance. For example, in addition to the above-mentioned “rotation start delay effect”, the rotation of the rotating cylinder is fixed at a time for a predetermined time (waiting time for specific effect) at the start of the rotation of the rotation. ”Direction”, “Reverse Rotation Effect” in which one or more rotators rotate in the opposite direction for a specified time (waiting time for specific effects) at the start of rotation of the rotator, or Rotation at the start of rotation of the rotator However, it is also possible to deal with “bound effects” in which the bounds fluctuate for a predetermined time (specific effect waiting time).

  In the above embodiment, as an example of the special game state advantageous to the player to be granted after the bonus game is finished, the state transition to the assist time (AT) game state is described. However, the special game state advantageous to the player is It may be a state transition to a gaming state such as a replay time (RT) or a chance time (CT) given instead of or in duplicate. Here, AT, RT, and CT are game states known in the art, and are the same in the present invention. That is, the “assist time (AT)” is a gaming state in which information on the result of the lottery by the winning combination lottery means is notified by an effect such as an image, sound, or light, and the “replay time (RT)” This is a gaming state in which the winning probability of replaying (replay) roles in the lottery is higher than usual, and “chance time (CT)” is also called a challenge time. The gaming state is a reel control state in which such symbol combinations can be aligned (stop-displayed). In addition, the special game state advantageous to the player given after the bonus game is ended is not limited to these, and the normal (basic) game state provided for providing the player with an opportunity to increase the game media For example, the game state may be changed to a different special game state, or a game medium may be directly provided.

  In the above embodiment, the bonus game effect is configured to switch the appearance rate of the effect indicating the degree of expectation of state transition to the AT game state according to the AT flag. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the state, the content of the effect in the bonus may be different. For example, during the bonus game, an effect in which a predetermined story is developed over a plurality of unit games is executed, and immediately before the bonus game is finished, the ending of the story is different depending on the state of the AT flag. You can also

  Further, in the above embodiment, with respect to the effect during the bonus game or the ending effect at the end of the bonus game, an effect that expects or suggests a state transition to the AT game state is generated. The opening effect can also be configured to generate an effect that expects or suggests a state transition to the AT gaming state. For example, if the AT flag set at the start of bonus game operation or at the time of bonus combination winning is ON, the opening effect at the start of the bonus game will be a red background color different from the normal white background color. In this way, it can be configured to give a premonition that a specific effect will occur during the bonus game.

  The present invention can be applied to a revolving game machine that may shift to a special game state advantageous to a player such as an AT game after a bonus game.

1 gaming machine housing,
2 Front door,
3 Display window (rotor viewing part),
3a winning line,
4 Display window (LCD screen viewing area),
5a, 5b, 5c
6 Liquid crystal display device,
6a Display screen (LCD screen),
7 medal slot,
8 MAXBET button,
9 Reservation medal insertion button,
10 Reservation medal settlement button,
11 rotation start lever,
12a, 12b, 12c Revolving rotation stop button,
13 Decorative lamp section,
14 Operation panel section
15 Return button,
16 speakers,
17 Decorative panel section,
18 Medal tray
19 Game medal payout exit,
210 Cylinder device,
310 External concentration terminal board,
330 lap trunk relay board,
340 Production I / F board,
350 payout relay board,
360 stop switch board,
370 game relay board,
380 LED board,
400 Main control board,
401 1-chip microcomputer,
401a main ROM,
401b main RAM,
401c main CPU,
401d CTC,
401e interrupt controller circuit;
402 I / O port circuit,
403 counter circuit,
404 I / F circuit,
404a output buffer circuit;
405 I / F circuit,
406 I / F circuit,
407 motor drive circuit,
408 switch input circuit,
410 production control unit,
420 production control board,
421 1-chip microcomputer,
421a sub-ROM,
421b sub-RAM,
421c sub CPU,
421d CTC,
421e interrupt controller circuit,
422 I / O port circuit,
423 counter circuit,
424 I / F circuit,
424a input buffer circuit;
430 Cylinder setting board,
440 power supply board,
450 payout control board,
460 LCD control board,
500 hopper units,
510 hopper motor,
520 Medal payout sensor.

Claims (6)

A plurality of spinning cylinders with various symbols on the outer periphery are arranged side by side, and a spinning device that displays a game result by a combination of symbols at the time of stopping each spinning cylinder, and controls the progress of the game using the spinning device A game machine having a main control unit, an effect device for producing an effect according to the progress of the game, and an effect control unit that manages the effect control according to the progress of the game in the effect device,
A rotation rotation start switch for starting rotation of each rotation cylinder under a predetermined unit game start condition;
A plurality of rotation rotation stop switches provided corresponding to each of the rotation cylinders for individually stopping the rotation of the rotation cylinders,
The main control unit is
A winning combination lottery means for performing a lottery for a plurality of types of winning combinations including a bonus combination for each execution of a unit game by rotation of each cylinder;
A normal rotation start control for rotating each of the rotating cylinders in a predetermined direction is triggered by the operation of the rotating cylinder rotation start switch, and the rotation of the rotating cylinder rotation start switch is triggered by the operation of the rotating cylinder. After performing a specific performance for a predetermined time, a rotary start control means capable of performing normal rotation start control for rotating the rotary cylinders in the predetermined direction;
Stop control means for controlling and stopping the stop position of the spinning cylinder based on the lottery result by the winning combination lottery means, when the spinning cylinder rotation stop switch is operated,
When the game result in the spinning device stopped by the stop control means is in a display mode corresponding to the winning combination of the lottery result by the winning combination lottery means, the player is given the game value corresponding to the winning combination A game value giving means to be given to
In a gaming machine having
One of the types of game value includes a bonus game that brings significant benefits to the player,
The main control unit
Before the start of the bonus game, the with determined by the lottery timing generation and occurrence of a specific effect by the reel-, the presentation control unit information about whether the generation timing of the occurrence of a specific effect in the bonus game Specific production setting means for transmitting to,
If the generator and its occurrence time of the specific effect has been set in the specific effect setting means, based on the generation timing of the specific effect on the progress of the bonus game has arrived, through the reel-start control means Specific production generating means for generating the specific production,
The production control unit
When it is determined that the specific effect occurs during the bonus game based on the information on the occurrence and timing of occurrence of the specific effect received from the main control unit, the generation of the specific effect is expected. A bonus game effect control means for causing the effect device to display an effect for bonus game in which a prelude effect appears,
When the information on the occurrence and timing of occurrence of the specific effect received from the main control unit means the occurrence of the specific effect, the effect-side gaming state after the bonus game ends is shifted to a state advantageous to the player. and the production side game-state means to be, the possess,
The specific effect setting means sets the generation time of the specific effect according to the number of games in the bonus game in which the specific effect occurs or the number of bonus games in the bonus game in which the specific effect occurs,
The bonus game effect control means places a number of games in which the precursor effect appears before the occurrence time of the specific effect set by the specific effect setting means during the bonus game. In such a way that the sign effect appears when the current game shifts to the game number zone.
This is a spinning machine.   2. The revolving type gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the state advantageous to the player is an assist time (AT) gaming state in which a specific winning combination is notified. The bonus game effect control means places a plurality of game number bands in which an effect that expects the generation of the specific effect appears before the specific effect, and the specific effects are stepwise between these game number bands. controlled to incidence of the effect which is expected to occur is large, the closest number of games band generation timing of the specific effect of which, the that controls so aura effect to emerge, characterized in that The spinning cylinder type gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2. The bonus game in presentation control means, for a predetermined range of number of games difference game speed difference unless it is first up to the generation timing of the specific effect in the bonus game, the in front of the specific effect There are a plurality of game zones in which productions that are expected to generate specific effects appear, and the difference between the current number of digested games or acquired number of bonus games and the number of generated games or acquired number of specific effects is Control is performed such that, as the number of games shifts to the number of games closer to the specific effect among the plurality of game number bands, the appearance rate of the effect that expects the occurrence of the specific effect is gradually increased. The spinning cylinder type gaming machine according to claim 3. The production control unit
When it is known that the state transition to the assist time (AT) game state is made after the bonus game is ended based on the information on the occurrence and timing of occurrence of the specific effect received from the main control unit, It is further provided with during-waiting state effect control means for causing the effecting device to display an effect during the waiting time suggesting a state transition to the assist time (AT) gaming state during the waiting time at the end of the bonus game. 3. A rotary type gaming machine according to claim 2 , wherein The specific effect, in addition to the real of the specific effect that state transition to the AT gaming state after the bonus game termination occurs, only contains the specific effect of Gase the state transition to the AT gaming state after the bonus game is over does not occur, the The bonus game effect control means, when the specific effect of the gasse occurs during the bonus game, the sign effect in the number of games provided before the time of occurrence of the specific effect of the gaze during the bonus game. It is controlled so that it may not appear, The revolving type game machine of Claim 2 or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned.

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