JP5093446B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine typified by a spinning-type gaming machine, and more particularly to a symbol display control at the time of automatic stopping of a spinning machine due to time-out.

  Conventionally, when the fluctuation of the symbol display (hereinafter abbreviated as “symbol fluctuation”) is not stopped by the player's operation of the fluctuation stop input device, the fluctuation is stopped as the predetermined time elapses from the start of the symbol fluctuation. There has been known a slot machine (rotating game machine using a medal as a game medium) that automatically stops the fluctuation of symbols on the assumption that the input device has been operated. Here, stopping the symbol variation means, for example, that when the symbol variation is performed by rotating a plurality of rotators each having a plurality of symbols on the surface, the rotation of all the rotators that vary the symbol display is stopped. It means that it is in the state that is. In such a slot machine, when an automatic symbol change is stopped (hereinafter simply referred to as “automatic stop”), a winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “profit”) is won. If so, the symbol variation could be stopped so that the winning combination wins based on the symbol display that was displayed before the symbol variation started. Therefore, in such a slot machine, the stop control is common between the case of manual symbol fluctuation stop (hereinafter simply referred to as “manual stop”) and the automatic stop according to the operation of the fluctuation stop input device. Met.

  A player with high skill that can display symbols within a predetermined range in the previous game when the stop range of the current symbol display is limited based on the symbol display of the previous game as in the conventional automatic stop In this case, it will be easier for the winning team to win a prize in this game's automatic stop, and for a player who cannot fully adjust the symbol display, the winning team will win a prize in this game's automatic stop. It becomes difficult. Therefore, in the past, there was no fairness in the benefits of automatic stop depending on the skill of the player. On the other hand, in recent years, when symbol changes are automatically stopped, the symbol display corresponding to the lost role is stopped regardless of whether any winning combination has been won, unless the winning has already been confirmed. A slot machine has been proposed (see Patent Document 1 below). As such a slot machine, it does not have the function of automatically stopping the symbol variation itself, and by continuing the symbol variation until the player operates the variation stop input device, it is possible to enjoy the benefits between players with different skills. A slot machine with improved fairness is known. In this case, the player does not suffer from the disadvantage that winning of the winning combination is prevented by the automatic stop.

  In slot machines that do not have an automatic stop function, the rotator continuously rotates for a long time if left unattended by a rude player, and the motor that rotates the rotator is burned or slotted. The temperature inside the machine rises and the electric system is easily damaged. This reduces the durability of the slot machine. In addition, when a slot machine is left in a state of changing symbols, it may occur that the player cannot easily determine whether or not he or she is willing to continue playing the game. This is not preferable for the installation hall because the operation of the gaming machine is reduced. Furthermore, when an employee of the installation hall stops the symbol change without permission, various problems are also induced. For example, when a winning combination wins a game medium by stopping the symbol variation and a game medium is acquired, the player who bet the game medium and started the symbol variation cannot deliver the game medium that should originally be received to the player In some cases, a problem arises as to how to handle the game media obtained in such a case. In addition, even when the winning combination does not win due to the suspension of symbol fluctuations, the player was elected even though the profitee was elected, but the player only left the gaming machine temporarily There arises a problem that the profit cannot be enjoyed by the profitable person and a problem that the player claims that the profitable person has been won even though the profitable person has not been won.

JP 2006-14841 A

  In order to remove the negative effects of not having the automatic stop function, in the case of manual stop, the same manual stop control table group as in the past is referred to, and on the other hand, the automatic stop is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of symbol fluctuation. In this case, it is possible to consider a slot machine that stops the symbol variation by referring to the control table in the same manner as during manual stop. In the following, for convenience of explanation, a case will be described in which symbol variation is performed by rotating a plurality of rotary drums each having a plurality of symbols on each surface.

  In this slot machine, unless the type and arrangement of symbols are carefully set, as a control table for controlling automatic stop, in addition to the control table group for manual stop, for each spinning cylinder, the rotation at the time of automatic stop activation is performed. At least two kinds of automatic stop control tables corresponding to the cylinder stop pattern are required. Here, the reason why a plurality of types of control tables for automatic stop corresponding to the rotary stop pattern when the automatic stop is activated is required for each rotary cylinder will be described. When stopping automatically, not only during the rotation of all the spinning cylinders, but also when the winning has already been confirmed by stopping all the spinning cylinders in rotation after at least one of the spinning cylinders is stopped. Control is also required to stop the symbol variation in the symbol display corresponding to the lost combination (hereinafter also referred to as “losing display”). When all the spinning cylinders are rotating or a winning combination has been won, the symbol variation can be stopped in a losing manner with reference to at least one control table corresponding to the missing combination in the control table group for manual stop. However, if other profits have been elected and at least one of the turning cylinders has already stopped, the already stopped turning cylinder has a manual stop control table for winning the winning combination. When stopping the remaining rotating cylinder that is rotating because it has been stopped by referring to it, even if you refer to the control table for manual stop corresponding to the lost position, you can not stop the symbol variation with the lost display. Occurs. Therefore, in order to cope with such a case, a control table for automatic stop is required separately from the control table for manual stop. In addition, the necessary automatic stop control table differs depending on the stop pattern of the spinning cylinder that has already stopped before the symbol fluctuation stops, and the display pattern by those spinning cylinders. As a table, at least two types of control tables are required for each cylinder.

  In general, in a slot machine, except for control for improving playability, it is simple to reduce the load on the control device and to effectively use resources such as storage devices in the control device. preferable. However, in the case of a slot machine that adds an automatic stop function and improves fairness to the player, the load on the control device increases due to the automatic stop control, and a control table dedicated to automatic stop is required for each spinning cylinder. Thus, effective use of resources such as storage devices is hindered. This necessitates the use of a storage device having a storage medium with a large storage capacity, leading to an increase in the price of the slot machine. In addition, since a storage device having a storage medium having a storage capacity larger than a necessary capacity is usually selected from storage devices having a storage medium having a predetermined standard capacity, an illegal program is incorporated in the surplus storage area. It can also induce cheating such as. In the above description, the slot machine using medals as a game medium has been described as an example. However, these problems also apply to a general spinning machine such as a spinning machine using a sphere as a game medium.

Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the malfunction of the gaming machine due to the pattern fluctuation over a long period is suppressed.

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention is:
A symbol display means for displaying symbols by a plurality of symbol sequences;
Symbol variation means for driving the symbol display means to vary the symbol display;
Design variation control means for controlling the design variation means;
Variation start input means for performing input for starting variation of the symbol display;
Lottery means for lottery determination of the success of plural types of profits in accordance with the input by the change start input means;
Fluctuation change input means for performing input for changing the fluctuation of the symbol display;
A gaming machine including
Each of the plurality of symbol sequences in the symbol display means includes at least one type of substantial role configuration symbol and at least one type of substantial role configuration symbol for each symbol sequence corresponding to the plurality of types of profits. Including at least one specific symbol different from each other,
The arrangement pattern of the at least one specific symbol in each of the plurality of symbol rows includes an arrangement pattern of an effective symbol display area constituting a combination line,
In each of the plurality of symbol rows, the arrangement pattern of the at least one kind of substantial role configuration symbol includes an arrangement pattern of the effective symbol display area,
The symbol variation control means is
Fluctuation start control means for starting the operation of the symbol fluctuation means in response to an input by the fluctuation start input means;
Symbol display information holding means for holding symbol display information representing a symbol display state for each of the plurality of symbol columns by the symbol display means;
A symbol display information control means for updating the symbol display information in the symbol display information holding means according to a variation in the symbol display;
In response to an input by the change change input means, a change change control means for changing the change in the symbol display with reference to the symbol display information and the lottery result in the lottery means;
Automatic stop permission determining means for performing automatic stop permission determination when a substantial variation time in which the symbol display is varied reaches a specified variation time;
In the symbol display in which the specific symbol is displayed in all of the effective symbol display areas corresponding to at least one symbol row of the plurality of symbol rows according to the automatic stop permission judgment by the automatic stop permission judging means. , Fluctuation stopping means for stopping fluctuation of the symbol display,
Including
The change change control means, in changing the change of the symbol display, the combination component symbols are displayed in all of the effective symbol display area corresponding to the symbol row to be changed among the plurality of symbol rows. the specific symbols in any of the activated symbol display areas so that it appears to stop the symbol rows is the change target by,
It is characterized by that.

If it is the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the malfunction of the gaming machine due to the symbol variation over a long period of time .

The gaming machine according to the present invention has the following configuration.
Means 1.
The gaming machine according to the present invention is
A symbol display means (for example, various reel devices 170L, 170M, 170R) for displaying symbols by a plurality of symbol rows (for example, various endless symbol belts 171L, 171M, 171R);
Symbol variation means for driving the symbol display means to vary the symbol display (for example, various reel driving devices including various stepping motors 172L, 172M, and 172R);
Design variation control means for controlling the design variation means (for example, rotation control processing S609 and stepping motor control processing S205);
A fluctuation start input means (for example, a fluctuation start input device 113) for performing an input for starting the fluctuation of the symbol display;
A combination lottery control unit (for example, internal lottery process S606) for lottery determination of whether or not a plurality of types of profits are appropriate,
A fluctuation change input means (for example, a fluctuation stop input device 114) for performing an input for changing the fluctuation of the symbol display;
A gaming machine including
Each of the plurality of symbol sequences in the symbol display means includes at least one type of substantial role configuration symbol and at least one type of substantial role configuration symbol for each symbol sequence corresponding to the plurality of types of profits. Including at least one specific symbol different from each other, and the arrangement pattern of the at least one specific symbol in each of the plurality of symbol rows is the same pattern as the arrangement pattern of the effective symbol display area constituting the combination line Including
The symbol variation control unit starts variation of the symbol variation unit in response to an input from the variation start input unit (for example, rotation start processing S1101), and for each of the plurality of symbol sequences in the symbol display unit The symbol display information control means for updating the symbol display information representing the symbol display state, and the symbol display variation with reference to the symbol display information and the lottery result in the lottery means according to the input by the variation change input means When the change changing means for changing (for example, the left reel stop process S1110, the middle reel stop process S1117, the right reel stop process S1124) and the substantial change time in which the symbol display is changed reach the specified change time. Automatic stop permission determination means (for example, determination process S1105) for performing automatic stop permission determination and the automatic stop permission determination means In accordance with the permission determination, in the symbol display in which the specific symbol is displayed in all of the effective symbol display areas corresponding to at least one symbol row of the plurality of symbol rows, the variation that stops the variation of the symbol display Stop means (for example, automatic stop processing S1128);
It is characterized by including.

  “Profit” means a role that brings a result advantageous to the player. As a profit combination, for example, a bonus combination that triggers a transition to a gaming state in which a game medium can be easily acquired over a specific period (for example, a period until reaching a predetermined number of acquisitions) such as a big bonus combination, a regular bonus combination, etc. In addition, there are a re-playing role that shifts to a gaming state in which a game can be played free of charge, and a small role that can acquire a predetermined number of game media by winning a prize such as a cherry role, a bell role, and a watermelon role. The “lottery result” by the combination lottery control means means winning of a lost combination due to winning of at least one of the plurality of types of profits or winning all of the plurality of types of profits.

  “At least one type of substantial symbol for each symbol arrangement corresponding to a plurality of types of profits” refers to a winning symbol pattern corresponding to each profit in the case of paying attention to any one symbol row This means the total of symbols (substantially role component symbols) that are substantially involved in the role composition corresponding to the symbol sequence. Depending on the winning symbol pattern corresponding to each profitable combination, the substantial combination of symbol types for each of the plurality of symbol sequences may be different. Here, the “substantial role composition symbol” will be specifically described. In the case where the winning symbol pattern is a set of profitable patterns that are a set of predetermined identical patterns, the common symbol that constitutes the profitable character is a substantial character corresponding to the profitable character for each symbol row. It is a configuration symbol. For example, there are three symbol rows, the first symbol row, the second symbol row, and the third symbol row, and the winning symbol pattern of the bell role is [Bell symbol (first symbol row), Bell symbol (second symbol row)] , Bell symbol (3rd symbol sequence)], the bell symbol is a substantial role configuration symbol corresponding to the bell role for all of the 1st symbol sequence, the 2nd symbol sequence, and the 3rd symbol sequence. . In the case where the winning symbol pattern is a profitable combination of a predetermined pattern of at least two types of predetermined symbols, for example, the winning combination whose winning symbol pattern is [first symbol, first symbol, second symbol] In this case, the first symbol is a substantial symbol corresponding to the profit for each of the first symbol row and the second symbol row, but its profit for the third symbol row. The second symbol, not the substantial symbol composition symbol corresponding to the symbol, is a substantial symbol component symbol for the profitable character with respect to the third symbol sequence, but in each of the first symbol sequence and the second symbol sequence On the other hand, it is not a substantial role composition pattern corresponding to the profitable role. In addition, in the case where the winning symbol pattern is a profit combination that is a combination of a predetermined symbol in a predetermined symbol sequence and an arbitrary symbol in another symbol sequence, the predetermined symbol that determines the winning of the profit combination is The predetermined symbol sequence is a substantial role configuration symbol corresponding to the profit combination, but the other symbol sequences are not substantial role configuration symbols corresponding to the profit combination. It is assumed that an arbitrary symbol as in this case is not a substantial symbol composition symbol for the profit. For example, if the winning symbol pattern is [Cherry symbol, arbitrary symbol, arbitrary symbol], the cherry symbol is a symbol component corresponding to the cherry symbol for the first symbol row, but the second symbol pattern. The symbol composition and the third symbol row are not the symbol composition corresponding to the cherry symbol, and any symbol corresponds to the cherry symbol for each of the first symbol column, the second symbol column, and the third symbol column. It is not the role composition design

  The “specific symbol” means a symbol that is different from all of at least one type of substantial combination component symbol for each symbol row corresponding to a plurality of types of profits in each symbol row. In addition, when the winning combination including the cherry symbol in the winning symbol pattern is only the cherry symbol as described above, the same cherry symbol as the first symbol column is included in the second symbol column and the third symbol column. Even so, the cherry symbols in the second symbol row and the third symbol row are specific symbols. In addition, the specific symbol may be a symbol (hereinafter also referred to as a dedicated symbol) different from each of all symbols that are substantial role composition symbols for any symbol row.

  The “effective symbol display area” means an area located on at least one combination line and where one symbol is arranged. For example, in a general gaming machine having 5 combination lines and 3 symbol rows (symbol row on the spinning cylinder), the effective symbol display area for the left symbol row is the upper line or the lower right line. An area where the upper symbol that constitutes a part of the symbol pattern along the line is arranged, an area where the middle symbol that constitutes a part of the symbol pattern along the middle line is located, and a line that goes along the lower line or the upward line It means an area where a lower symbol constituting a part of the symbol pattern is arranged, and the arrangement pattern means a three continuous pattern. In this case, the left symbol row includes at least a region where three dedicated symbols are continuous. Similarly, each of the arrangement patterns in the middle symbol row and the right symbol row is a three-continuous pattern, and each of the middle symbol row and the right symbol row includes at least a region where three dedicated symbols are continued. Also, for example, when the combination line is a middle line, a right-up line, and a right-down line and there are three symbol rows, the effective symbol display area corresponding to the middle symbol row is the middle row, the right-up line, or the right This is an area in which a middle symbol constituting a part of the symbol pattern along the descending line is arranged, and the arrangement pattern is a single pattern. In this case, the middle symbol row includes at least one dedicated symbol. On the other hand, the arrangement pattern for each of the left symbol row and the right symbol row is a three-continuous pattern, and the left symbol row and the right symbol row include at least a region in which three dedicated symbols are continuous. In addition, when the combination line is the upper line and the lower line and there are three symbol lines, the effective symbol display areas corresponding to the left symbol line, the middle symbol line, and the right symbol line are the upper symbol and lower symbol respectively. Are arranged, and the arrangement pattern in each of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row is one skip pattern. In this case, each of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row includes at least a region where the specific symbol is arranged on both sides of one arbitrary symbol.

  "Substantial fluctuation time" implies the exact elapsed time since the start of symbol variation, and the elapsed time after a predetermined condition is satisfied or a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of symbol variation. . For example, the substantial variation time is the elapsed time from when the symbol variation becomes a steady variation when all symbol variations are performed by three revolutions (when all the revolutions become steady rotation). May be.

  With the above configuration, the symbol display changes so that a specific symbol display is displayed in all of the effective symbol display areas corresponding to one of the symbol sequences during the automatic stop. Therefore, the symbol display corresponding to the lost combination can be surely performed unless the winning combination is already confirmed. This is because a symbol pattern on an arbitrary combination line always includes a specific symbol. In addition, in the case of the above configuration, each symbol row includes a specific symbol having the same placement pattern as the placement pattern of the effective symbol display area corresponding to the symbol row, so that the symbol range is displayed in the case of automatic stop. Therefore, the automatic stop control is facilitated, and the increase in the amount of information that must be held for designating the stop position is reduced.

  In the fluctuation stopping means, the symbol display information may be referred to, or the symbol display information may not be referred to. When referring to the symbol display information, for example, the game machine is configured to include automatic stop control information for designating a predetermined stop position in the case of automatic stop corresponding to each of a plurality of symbol sequences. The symbol variation is stopped based on the stop control information. Further, when the symbol display information is not referred to, for example, the reference rotation position for each of the plurality of symbol strings is detected, and the symbol variation is stopped according to the detection.

Mean 2.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1,
The specific symbol is displayed in all of the effective symbol display areas corresponding to each of all the symbol sequences that are changing at the time of the automatic stop permission determination among the plurality of symbol sequences. In the symbol display, the symbol variation is stopped.

  With this configuration, in all symbol sequences that are stopped by automatic stop, a specific symbol range in each symbol sequence configured with a specific symbol is displayed. Can be reported well to the person.

Means 3.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1 and 2,
The symbol variation control means further includes an automatic stop control information holding means (a partial area of the RAM 313) for holding a plurality of automatic stop control information corresponding to the plurality of symbol rows one by one,
The variation stopping means refers to any one of the plurality of automatic stop control information together with the symbol display information, and stops the variation of the symbol display.

  “Refer to any one of a plurality of automatic stop control information” means referring to one or more of the plurality of automatic stop control information. For example, in a gaming machine provided with a spinning cylinder as a symbol string, when a plurality of spinning cylinders are rotating, the automatic stop control information corresponding to each of the rotating spinning cylinders may be referred to. Further, the “symbol variation” implies rotation of the symbol sequence and circulation of the symbol sequence.

  If it is this structure, in each symbol arrangement | sequence, the area | region where a specific symbol is arrange | positioned can be made into arbitrary places. In addition, with this configuration, only one automatic stop control information necessary for automatically stopping the symbol variation is required for each symbol row, and only the information that causes the automatic stop control information to stop at a predetermined location. Therefore, even if a function for automatically stopping the symbol variation is added, the occupied capacity in the storage device of the control device can be suppressed to a very small capacity. In addition, with this configuration, since there is only one stop control information corresponding to each symbol row, there is no need to select stop control information at the time of automatic stop. Thereby, the processing burden on the control device can be reduced.

Means 4.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1 and 2,
The symbol variation control means further includes automatic stop control information holding means (part of the area of the RAM 313) for holding one automatic stop control information common to the plurality of symbol rows,
The variation stop means refers to the automatic stop control information together with the symbol display information, and stops the variation of the symbol display.

  With this configuration, each symbol row can be stopped by referring to the same automatic stop control information by setting a region where a specific symbol is arranged in a specific common place in all symbol arrays. . With this configuration, the automatic stop control information necessary for automatically stopping the symbol variation can be further reduced to a smaller capacity than when automatic stop control information for each of a plurality of symbol arrays is provided.

Means 5.
In the gaming machines of the above means 1 to 4,
The variation changing means stops the variation of one symbol sequence among the plurality of symbol sequences,
The specific symbol is displayed only in at least a part of the effective symbol display area for the symbol sequence stopped by the previous period variation changing means.

  With this configuration, the specific symbols do not stop on all the combination lines except when the automatic symbol display stop is activated. Thus, the player can be well informed that the symbol variation has been stopped by the automatic stop.

Means 6.
In the gaming machine of the above means 5,
Manual stop table holding means (a part of ROM 313) for holding a plurality of manual stop control tables each including a plurality of manual stop control information for each of the plurality of symbol rows, the lottery result, and the symbol display information Manual stop control table selection means (for example, control table change processing S1113, S1120, S1127 and control table resetting processing S1116, S1123) for selecting one manual stop control table from the plurality of manual stop control tables based on Including
The symbol variation control means refers to the manual stop control table selected by the manual stop control table selection means and the symbol display information, changes the symbol display variation,
Control that causes the plurality of manual stop control information for each of the plurality of symbol rows in each of the plurality of manual stop control tables to display the specific symbol in all of the effective symbol display areas corresponding to each of the plurality of symbol rows. Only control information other than information is included.

  If it is this structure, the game machine of said means 5 can be implement | achieved simply, and a specific symbol will not stop on all the combination lines except when the stop of an automatic symbol display act | operates.

Mean 7
In the gaming machines of the above means 1 to 4,
The variation changing means stops the variation of one of the plurality of symbol sequences,
The winning combination symbols are displayed in all of the effective symbol display areas for the symbol sequences stopped by the variation changing means.

  With this configuration, except when automatic symbol display stop is activated, specific symbols are not stopped on all combination lines. The discrimination from the case where the symbol variation is stopped is further facilitated. Thus, the player can be well informed that the symbol variation has been stopped by the automatic stop.

Means 8.
In the gaming machine of the above means 7,
Manual stop table holding means (a part of ROM 313) for holding a plurality of manual stop control tables each including a plurality of manual stop control information for each of the plurality of symbol rows, the lottery result, and the symbol display information Manual stop control table selection means (for example, control table change processing S1113, S1120, S1127 and control table resetting processing S1116, S1123) for selecting one manual stop control table from the plurality of manual stop control tables based on Including
The symbol variation control means refers to the manual stop control table selected by the manual stop control table selection unit and the symbol display information, and changes the symbol display variation,
The plurality of manual stop control information for each of the plurality of symbol columns in each of the plurality of manual stop control tables causes the specific symbol to be displayed in one of the effective symbol display areas corresponding to each of the plurality of symbol columns. Only control information other than control information is included.

  If it is this structure, the game machine of said means 7 can be implement | achieved simply and a specific symbol will not stop on all the combination lines by all means except when the stop of an automatic symbol display act | operates. .

Means 9.
In the gaming machine of the above means 5-8,
The symbol variation control means further includes drive control means for transmitting a plurality of drive signals corresponding to the plurality of symbol sequences one by one to the variation control means,
The fluctuation start means starts transmission of a plurality of drive signals in the drive control means in response to detection of input by the fluctuation start input means,
The fluctuation changing means terminates transmission of any one of the plurality of driving signals with reference to the symbol display information and the reference automatic stop control information in response to detection of an input by the fluctuation changing means,
The fluctuation stop means terminates transmission of each of the plurality of drive signals with reference to the symbol display information and the automatic stop control information in accordance with the permission determination in the automatic stop determination means,
The symbol variation means drives the symbol display means based on the plurality of drive signals from the drive control means.

  With this configuration, it is possible to reliably suppress an increase in the processing load of the control device and an effective use of storage resources due to the automatic stop while realizing a complicated stop of the symbol sequence in the manual change of the symbol variation. Here, the start of the measurement of the variation time may be, for example, when the operation of the variation start input means is detected, may be when the symbol variation is actually started, or the symbol variation May be a steady fluctuation (when the rotation of all the symbol sequences becomes a constant rotation).

Means 10.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1-9,
The gaming machine is a slot machine.

  According to said structure, while suppressing the fall of the durability of the symbol fluctuation | variation performance in a symbol fluctuation | variation means, the increase in the load of the control apparatus resulting from automatic stop control is suppressed, and the amount of information required for automatic stop control is reduced. It is possible to provide a slot machine that suppresses the increase. The basic configuration of the slot machine is as follows: “Variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string made up of a plurality of identification information, and for operating the starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). As a result, the dynamic display of the identification information is started, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stopping (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed. The game machine is provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information at that time is the specific identification information. In this case, examples of valuable objects include coins and medals.

Means 11.
In the gaming machine of the above means 1-9,
The gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine.

According to said structure, while suppressing the fall of the durability of the symbol fluctuation | variation performance in a symbol fluctuation | variation means, the increase in the load of the control apparatus resulting from automatic stop control is suppressed, and the amount of information required for automatic stop control is reduced. It is possible to provide a fusion machine of a pachinko machine and a slot machine that suppresses the increase.
As a basic configuration of this multi-function apparatus, it is provided with variable display means for confirming and displaying identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, an operation lever) Then, the dynamic display of the identification information is started, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information is specific identification information, and using a ball as a valuable object and moving the identification information The game machine is configured so that a predetermined number of balls are required at the start of the target display, and many balls are paid out when the special gaming state occurs.
The basic configuration of a pachinko machine is provided with an operation handle, and a ball, which is an example of a valuable object, is launched into a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the operation handle, and the ball is disposed at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition for winning the winning operation opening (or passing through the operation gate), identification information (such as a symbol) dynamically displayed on the display device is fixedly stopped after a predetermined time. In addition, when a special gaming state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning opening) arranged at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is obtained. Examples include values to which values (including not only premium spheres but also data written on a magnetic card, etc.) are given.

  The best mode of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a case where the gaming machine is a spinning-type gaming machine using a medal as a gaming medium (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “slot machine”) will be described, but the present invention relates to a spinning-type gaming machine using a sphere as a gaming medium. The present invention can be applied to general gaming machines in which the symbol variation is stopped by the symbol display corresponding to the lost role when the symbol variation such as the above is automatically stopped. Moreover, even if it is a slot machine, it is not limited to the specific form of the slot machine demonstrated below, As long as it does not deviate from the main point of this invention, you may change the design suitably.

[First embodiment]
A slot machine of this embodiment will be described. In the [Overall configuration] described below, the overall structure and electrical configuration of the slot machine of the present embodiment are outlined, and then in the following [Main configuration related to the present invention], the main features of the present invention are described. The configuration will be described in detail.

[Overall configuration]
The overall structure of the slot machine of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the slot machine showing a closed state with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the slot machine showing an open state with the front door opened. 3 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of the front door, FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view showing an example of the configuration of the front door, and FIG. 5 is an example of the configuration inside the housing. It is a typical front view showing. In FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, various wirings are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 101, a front door 102, a symbol display variation unit 103 that performs symbol variation display, and accepts an actual medal to be inserted. And the inserted medal handling device 104 that selectively performs the return, and a medal (hereinafter also referred to as “credit medal”) placed in the slot machine 100 as a medal possessed by the player, disposed behind the credit number fluoroscopic window 167. Credit number display device 105 (see FIG. 10) for displaying the number of bets, bet input device 106 for betting credit medals, and bet number display for displaying the number of medals (hereinafter also referred to as “bet number”) bet by the player. A device 107, a payment input device 108 for adjusting the medal, a hopper device 109 for storing and releasing the actual medal, and a medal adjustment An acoustic device 110 that performs an adjustment notification at the time, an error notification when an error occurs, and a sound system effect notification accompanying the progress of the game, a main control board 301 that controls the operation of the slot machine 100 (see also FIG. 4), and a sub-control board 302 And a power supply board 300 (see FIG. 10) that is arranged inside the power supply unit 112 and generates and supplies internal power of a predetermined voltage based on external power. Further, the slot machine 100 includes a variation start input device 113 for starting symbol variation in the symbol display variation unit 103, a variation stop input device 114 for stopping symbol variation, and a player's acquisition in one game. The number-of-acquisition display device 115 for displaying the number of medals (hereinafter also referred to as “acquired medals”), the number of remaining games and the total number of medals acquired in special game states such as big bonuses and regular bonuses different from the normal game state, etc. A game progress display device 116 that displays the game progress status of the game, a light emitting device 117 that performs settlement notification, error notification, and light system effect notification accompanying game progress, and an auxiliary display that performs error notification and display system effect notification accompanying game progress. Device 118, reset input device 119 for returning the slot machine from various error states, and power supply board 300 A power input device 121 that controls the supply of power, a setting operation permission device 122 for permitting change and confirmation display of the setting value of the probability setting, a probability setting display device 123 that displays the setting value of the probability setting, A stop change input device 124 for changing a game form related to the stop and an automatic checkout change input device 125 for changing a game setting related to automatic checkout are provided. Hereinafter, the elements constituting the slot machine 100 will be described individually.

  The casing 101 has a box shape with an open front, and constitutes an outer shell of the slot machine 100. The housing 101 includes a top plate 101a, a bottom plate 101b, a back plate 101c, a left side plate 101d, and a right side plate 101e, which are joined by an adhesive, a screw, or the like. When installing in a game hall or the like, a slot machine fixing structure (common name: “island device”) in the game hall and the housing 101 are fixed by nails, screws, or the like. The material of each of the plates 101a to 101e constituting the housing 101 is generally wood, but may be other materials such as synthetic resin and metal. In the present invention, the housing may be integrally formed of synthetic resin, metal, or the like. In the present invention, the structure of the housing may be the same as any known structure.

  The front door 102 is attached to the front side of the housing 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 101. The front door 102 is provided with a locking device 132 having a key cylinder, and the locking device can lock the front door 102 with respect to the housing 101. More specifically, the locking device 132 includes a locking mechanism (not shown) and a key cylinder 132a (see FIG. 3) having a key insertion hole. The entrance of the key insertion hole of the key cylinder 132a is exposed to the front side of the front door 102. By inserting a predetermined setting key into the key insertion hole and performing a predetermined operation, the locking device 132 is unlocked and the front door 102 can be opened. On the other hand, the locking device 132 is automatically locked by closing the opened front door 102. The mechanism for attaching the front door 102 so as to be freely opened and closed may be the same as any known mechanism. The mechanism for locking the front door 102 to the housing 101 may be the same as any known mechanism. In the above description, the configuration including the casing 101 and the front door 102 that is openable and closable with respect to the casing 101 has been described. However, in the present invention, other configurations are possible as long as the inside of the slot machine can be exposed. May be.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 1, the front door 102 includes a game panel 151 for notifying the player of the game state, and a medal insertion for inserting a real medal into the slot machine 100 from the outside. A mouth 152, a medal discharge port 153 that discharges a medal from the inside of the slot machine 100 to the outside, a tray 154 that receives a medal released from the medal discharge port 153, a model name, a character related to a game, and the like are drawn. Plate 155. Further, the front door 102 includes an acoustic output port 156 that outputs sound from the acoustic device 110 (see FIG. 2) to the outside, and an auxiliary display see-through window 157 for seeing through the display of the auxiliary display device 118. Yes. In addition, the front door 102 is provided with an ashtray 158 that can be flipped to the left side of the tray 154 so as to be freely reversible.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game panel 151 of the front door 102 is positioned in front of the symbol display variation unit 103 (see FIG. 2) and corresponds to the left reel 171L, the middle reel 171M, and the right reel 171R. A symbol see-through portion 161 including a symbol see-through window 161L, a middle symbol see-through window 161M, and a right design see-through window 161R is provided. The left symbol see-through window 161L, the middle symbol see-through window 161M, and the right symbol see-through window 161R are arranged in the horizontal direction, and each of them has a vertically long shape and is transparent or translucent. The player can visually recognize part of the symbols drawn on the outer surface of the left reel 171L, the middle reel 171M, and the right reel 171R through the left symbol perspective window 161, the middle symbol perspective window L161M, and the right symbol perspective window 161R, respectively. . In this embodiment, although not shown, the number of symbols that can be visually recognized as a whole among the symbols drawn on the left reel 171L through the left symbol see-through window 161L is three. The same applies to the middle symbol perspective window 161M and the right symbol perspective window 161R. That is, in a state where all the reels (171L, 171M, 171R) are stopped, the player can visually recognize the entire nine symbols (= 3 [number of symbols] × 3 [number of symbol see-through windows]). In addition, the number can also be changed by adjusting the vertical length of the symbol see-through windows 161L, 161M, 161R. In the present embodiment, the symbol see-through unit 161 includes the same number of symbol see-through windows (161L, 161M, 161R) as the number of reels of the symbol display changing unit 103. However, in the present invention, the symbol see-through unit is the whole of the symbol display changing unit. It may include only one symbol see-through window through which the reels can be seen together.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a combination line display unit 162 is formed on the game panel 151 of the front door 102. The combination line display unit 162 is drawn on the surface of the game panel 151 so as to connect the left symbol see-through window 161L, the left symbol see-through window 161M, and the left symbol see-through window 161R. A line (hereinafter abbreviated as “middle line”) 162a, an upper combination line (hereinafter abbreviated as “upper line”) 162b, and a lower combination line (hereinafter abbreviated as “lower line”) 162c; A combination line 162d that rises right along the direction (hereinafter abbreviated as “right rise line”) and a combination line that descends right (hereinafter abbreviated as “right fall line”) 162e are included. In the present embodiment, the case where the number of combination lines is five has been described, but in the present invention, the number of combination lines may be four or less, or six or more.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game panel 151 has an active line display portion 163 formed on the left side of the left symbol see-through window 161 </ b> L when viewed from the front. The valid line display unit 163 represents a combination line that is selectively valid according to the number of medals bet (hereinafter also referred to as “the number of bets”). The effective line display unit 163 includes a first effective line display unit 164, two second effective line display units 165a and 165b, and two third effective line display units 166a and 166b. “1” is drawn on the first active line display unit 164, and when one or more medals are bet in one game, the middle stage line 162a associated with the active line display unit 164 is effective. Represents that Further, “2” is drawn on each of the effective line display unit 165a and the effective line display unit 165b, and when two or more medals are bet in one game, the effective line display unit 165a and the effective line display unit 165a are displayed. This indicates that the upper horizontal line 162b and the lower parallel line 162c associated with the line display unit 165b are activated. Similarly, “3” is drawn in the effective line display unit 166a and the effective line display unit 166b, and when three medals are bet in one game, the effective line display unit 163a and the effective line display are displayed. This indicates that the right rising line 162d and the right falling line 162e corresponding to the portion 163b are activated. Hereinafter, the combination line activated by medal betting is also referred to as an “effective line”. In this embodiment, the maximum number of medals that can be bet in one game (hereinafter also referred to as “maximum specified number”) is three, but in the present invention, the maximum specified number is two or less or four or more. Also good. Further, in this embodiment, the number of sheets that can be bet on one combination line (162a to 162e) is one, but in the present invention, the number of sheets may be plural. The maximum value of the number of valid lines may be changed according to the gaming state. For example, the maximum number of valid lines may be five in the normal gaming state but only one in the JAC game in the special gaming state.

  The game panel 151 further includes a credit number see-through window 167 for seeing through the display of the credit number display device 105, a game progress see-through window 168 for seeing through the display of the game progress display device 116, and an acquired number display device. An acquired number see-through window 169 for seeing through the display 115 is formed. Each of the credit number see-through window 167, the game progress see-through window 168, and the earned number see-through window 169 is transparent or translucent.

  2 and 5, the symbol display variation unit 103 includes a left reel device 170L including a left reel 171L, a middle reel device 170M including a middle reel 171M, and a right including a right reel 171R. And a reel device 170R. The left reel device 170L, the middle reel device 170M, and the right reel device 170R are integrated by an upper fixing plate 172 and a lower fixing plate 173. The lower fixing plate 173 is attached to the casing 101, whereby the entire symbol display changing unit 103 is fixed to the casing 101. Each of the left reel 171L, the left reel 171M, and the left reel 171R has a cylindrical shape, and is supported so as to be rotatable about its central axis as a rotation axis. The left reel 171L, the middle reel 171M, and the right reel 171R are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction so that all the rotation axes thereof are located on the same line extending in the substantially horizontal direction. Each of the left reel 171L, the middle reel 171M, and the right reel 171R can rotate independently of each other.

  Here, the structure of each reel device (170L, 170M, 170R) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7A to 7C. Since the left reel device 170L, the middle reel device 170M, and the right reel device 170R have substantially the same structure, only the structure of the left reel device 170L will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the structure of the left reel device. FIG. 7A is a schematic plan view showing an example of the symbol belt of the left reel device, and FIG. 7B is a schematic plan view showing an example of the symbol belt of the middle reel device, FIG. 7C is a schematic plan view showing an example of a design belt of the right reel device. FIG. 6 shows a state where the symbol belt is removed from the left reel device. Moreover, in Fig.7 (a)-FIG.7 (c), the endless symbol belt is shown in the state expand | deployed planarly. Further, in FIGS. 7A to 7C, for convenience of the following description, array numbers from 1 to 21 are assigned to the left side of the symbol belt for each symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the left reel device 170L includes a left reel 171L, a reel driving device including a stepping motor 172L that rotates the left reel 171L, and a reference point (hereinafter, “ And a reel reference point detecting device including a light index plate (sensor cut plate) fixed to the left reel 171 and a reel index sensor 173L for detecting a reel reference point). The position of the light shielding plate corresponds to the position of the reel reference point.

  The left reel 171L includes a cage-shaped reel skeleton 174L having a circular outer periphery, an endless symbol belt 175L (see FIG. 7A) wound around the outer periphery of the reel skeleton 174L, and the center of the reel skeleton 174L. And a disk-shaped boss reinforcing plate 176L attached to the boss portion formed by a screw 178 or the like. As shown in FIG. 7A, a plurality of types of symbols as identification information are printed on the surface of the symbol belt 175L, which is the outer peripheral surface of the left reel 171L, by printing or the like (21 in this embodiment). It is drawn. The pair of seal portions formed along the longitudinal direction on both the left and right sides of the symbol belt 175L is attached to the reel skeleton 174L, thereby maintaining the endlessly wound state around the reel skeleton 174L. Note that the types of symbols and the like will be separately described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c).

  The stepping motor 172L of the reel driving device is attached to the support plate 177L with screws 179 or the like so that the rotation axis thereof is in the horizontal direction. The rotating shaft of the stepping motor 172L is connected to the boss reinforcing plate 176L, and the left reel 171L rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor 172L. Thereby, the design belt 175L circulates along the circumferential surface. The stepping motor 172L receives a predetermined number of pulse signals (also referred to as an excitation signal or an excitation pulse) to rotate the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 172L once. When the left symbol belt 175L of the left reel 171L includes 21 symbols arranged at equal intervals in the long side direction (circumferential direction) as in this embodiment, the rotation axis of the stepping motor 172L is an integral multiple of 21. One rotation is performed by transmitting a number of pulse signals, for example, 504 pulse signals. In this case, the number of pulses necessary for switching from an arbitrary symbol to the next symbol is 24 pulses (= 504 [number of pulse signals] / 21 [symbol]). The rotation angle of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor 172L, that is, the relative rotation angle of the left reel 171L is specified by the number of receptions of this pulse signal. Hereinafter, a pulse signal for driving the stepping motor 172L is also referred to as a “drive signal”.

  The reel index sensor 173L of the reel reference point detection device includes a pair of light emitting elements 181L and light receiving elements 182L. The light emitting element 181L and the light receiving element 182L are fixed to the support plate 177L so as to be aligned in the radial direction of the left reel 171L at a predetermined interval. The light emitting element 181L emits inspection light, and the light receiving element 182L receives inspection light from the light emitting element 181L. The light blocking plate 183L of the reel reference point detection device has a base end portion 184L fixed to the boss reinforcing plate 176L of the left reel 171L and a tip end portion 185L bent substantially at right angles to the base end portion 184L. And rotates with the rotation of the left reel 171L. The leading end 185L is disposed so as to pass through the gap between the light emitting element 181L and the light receiving element 182L every time the left reel 171L rotates, and when passing through the gap, the light emitting element 181L to the light receiving element 182L. Block the inspection light. By detecting the interruption of the inspection light due to the passage of the tip 185L, the position of the light receiving element 182L (hereinafter also referred to as “fixed reference point”) fixed to the housing 101 and the tip fixed to the left reel 171L. It can be detected that the rotation position of the portion 185L is the same, that is, that the position of the fixed reference point and the rotation position of the reel reference point are the same. From the reel reference point detection device, a position detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 301 every time a block of inspection light is detected. Accordingly, the main control board 301 can confirm that the reel reference point has passed the fixed reference point based on the detection of the position detection signal.

  The absolute rotation position of the reel reference point is determined by detecting that the reel reference point has passed the fixed reference point and specifying the relative rotation angle of the reel reference point with respect to the fixed reference point. That is, the absolute rotational position of the reel reference point can be specified by the number of pulse signals transmitted to the reel drive device after receiving the position detection signal from the reel reference point detection device. Therefore, the main control board 301 measures the number of transmitted pulse signals from the time when the position detection signal is input, so that the number of symbols from the reference symbol located at the reel reference point passes through the fixed reference point. In addition, it is possible to determine how many times a pulse signal should be transmitted to the stepping motor 172L in order to stop a predetermined symbol at a fixed reference point. Thus, the predetermined symbol on the left reel 171L can be accurately stopped at a predetermined position that can be visually recognized through the left symbol display window 161L.

  Although only the left reel device 171L has been described above, each of the middle reel device 171M and the right reel device 171R is substantially the same as the left reel device 171. In this embodiment, the left reel device 171L rotates a cylindrical reel skeleton to which a design belt is stuck endlessly. In the present invention, various reel devices can circulate an endless design belt. Other configurations may be used as long as they can be configured.

  Here, the symbols drawn on the left symbol belt 175L of the left reel device 171L, the middle symbol belt 171M of the middle reel device 171M, and the right symbol belt 171R of the right reel device 171R are shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C. ) And will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, each of the left symbol belt 175L, the middle symbol belt 175M, and the right symbol belt 175R includes a “7” symbol (for example, the first symbol belt 175L in the left symbol belt 175L). 20th symbol), "Youth" symbol (for example, the 19th symbol on the left symbol belt 175L), "BAR" symbol (for example, the 14th symbol on the left symbol belt 175L), and "Replay" A symbol (eg, the eleventh symbol on the left symbol belt 175L), a “watermelon” symbol (eg, the ninth symbol on the left symbol belt 175L), and a “bell” symbol (eg, the eleventh symbol on the left symbol belt 175L) The 8th symbol) and the “cherry” symbol (for example, the 4th symbol in the left symbol belt 175L). In each of the left symbol belt 175L, the middle symbol belt 175M, and the right symbol belt 175R, the number for each symbol type, the symbol arrangement, and the like are different. In this embodiment, each of the left symbol belt 175L, the middle symbol belt 175M, and the right symbol belt 175R is illustrated as including all types of symbols. However, in the present invention, each symbol belt is not necessarily all. It does not have to include the types of symbols. Further, in this embodiment, the case where the number of symbols in each of the left symbol belt 175L, the middle symbol belt 175M, and the right symbol belt 175R is 21 is illustrated, but in the present invention, the number of symbols is 20 or less. It may be 22 or more.

  In this embodiment, when “7” symbols (a kind of big bonus symbol) are arranged along one of the active lines, or “Youth” symbols (a type of big bonus symbol) are along the one of the active lines. If all three, the big bonus combination is won and the game shifts to the big bonus game. Further, when three “BAR” symbols (regular bonus symbols) are arranged along any of the active lines, a regular bonus combination is won and the game proceeds to a regular bonus game. When three “replay” symbols are arranged along any of the activated lines, a re-game player wins and the game shifts to a re-game (replay game). If three of the "watermelon" symbols are aligned along the active line, the watermelon role will be awarded. If three of the "bell" symbols are aligned along the active line, the bell character will be awarded. When the “cherry” symbol on the left reel stops on one of the active lines, a cherry role is won and a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

  In the slot machine 100, a game using only the actual medal and a game using both the actual medal and the credit medal can be selectively performed. This selection is made by the player. In the following, a game mode that uses only real medals is referred to as “direct mode”, and a game mode that uses both real medals and credit medals is referred to as “credit mode”. In the direct mode, surplus medals inserted exceeding the maximum prescribed number are returned, and medals earned at the time of winning are paid out in kind. On the other hand, in the credit mode, surplus medals inserted exceeding the maximum prescribed number and medals acquired at the time of winning are deposited as credit medals until the number of credits reaches the maximum number of credits (50 in this embodiment) When the number of credits reaches the maximum number of credits, medals inserted as many as the number of credit medals that could not be deposited are returned or paid out with actual medals.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the payment input device 108 includes a payment switch operated by the player. The settlement switch is provided so as to be exposed on the front side of the front door 102. When the settlement switch is operated in the credit mode, the medals are settled. In this embodiment, the same number of actual medals as the number of credits and the same number of actual medals as the number of bets are discharged from the hopper device 109 (see FIG. 2) in the medal settlement. In addition, the game mode is changed to the direct mode as the credit medal is settled. In this embodiment, the settlement input device 108 also serves as a mode switching device that selects the direct mode and the credit mode. Specifically, the settlement switch is a one-point contact type button switch having one operation button, and the direct mode and the credit mode are alternately selected in response to pressing of the operation button.

  In this embodiment, the settlement input device 108 is also used as a game mode switching function. However, in the present invention, a mode switching input device may be provided separately. In the present embodiment, the game mode is the direct mode or the credit mode. However, in the present invention, the game mode may be only the credit mode.

  When the credit mode is selected, the credit number display device 105 displays the number of credit medals (number of credits) deposited in the slot machine 100 as a medal possessed by the player. The credit amount display device 105 is provided on the back side of the front door 102 and is disposed at a position corresponding to the credit amount see-through window 167 of the game panel 151. Thereby, the player can visually recognize the display contents of the credit number display device 105 through the credit number transparent window 167. When the credit mode is selected, if there is a credit medal, the number is displayed, and “0” is displayed even if there is no credit medal. On the other hand, when the direct mode is selected, the credit amount display device 105 is in an off state (light-off state) and does not perform any display. Therefore, the player can identify whether the current game mode is the direct mode or the credit mode depending on whether the display state of the credit amount display device 105 is the on state or the off state. In the present embodiment, the credit number display device 105 includes two seven-segment displays. However, in the present invention, the credit number display device may include another display device such as a liquid crystal display device. In this embodiment, the credit number display device 105 is provided. However, in the present invention, the credit number display device may be omitted. In this case, it is preferable to display the number of credits on the auxiliary display device 118 or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4 or 2, the inserted medal handling device 104 includes a selector 190 through which the actual medal inserted from the medal insertion port 152 (see FIG. 3) of the front door 102 passes, and the hopper device from the selector 190. 109, a passage member 201 that forms a storage passage R201 that leads to 109, a passage member 202 that forms a discharge passage R202 that leads from the selector 190 to the medal discharge port 153 (see FIG. 3), and a selector 190 via the storage passage R201. And a inserted medal detection device 203 (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the actual medal guided to the hopper device 109. Each of selector 190, passage member 201, passage member 202, and inserted medal detection device 203 is provided on the back side of front door 102. The inserted medal detection device 203 is provided inside the selector 190. The passage member 202 is formed with a medal intake port 205 for taking in medals discharged from the hopper device 109 in the middle from the selector 190 to the medal discharge port 153.

  The selector 190 distributes the actual medals inserted into either the storage passage R201 or the discharge passage R202 according to the medal acceptance state. Specifically, when the medal acceptance state is the permitted state (hereinafter also referred to as “acceptance permitted state”), the actual medal to be inserted is guided to the storage passage R201, and the medal acceptance state is in the prohibited state. In some cases (hereinafter referred to as “reception prohibited state”), the actual medal to be inserted is guided to the discharge passage R202. For example, if the symbol display is fluctuating, if re-playing is won, or if the number is the maximum specified number in the direct mode, the bet number is credited with the maximum specified number in the credit mode. When the number is the maximum number of credits, the case where the medal is being settled can be mentioned. The actual medal guided from the selector 190 to the storage passage R201 is finally guided to the hopper device 109 and stored in the hopper device 109. On the other hand, the actual medal guided from the selector 190 to the discharge passage R202 is finally guided to the tray 154 through the medal discharge port 153.

  Here, the internal structure of the selector 190 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic front view showing an example of the internal structure of the selector. In FIG. 8, the process of passing medals is indicated by a two-dot chain line for easy understanding.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the selector 190 includes a protrusion 191 that protrudes upward in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 8, a path switching unit 193, and a return switch 198 (see FIG. 3). The selector 190 is formed with a guide passage R191 that communicates with the storage passage R201 and a separation passage R192 that branches off in the middle of the guide passage R191 and communicates with the discharge passage R202. The selector 190 selectively guides the inserted actual medal to one of the guide path R191 and the separation path R192.

  The ridge 191 forms a guide passage R191 for guiding medals inserted from the medal insertion port 152 to the storage passage R201. The guide path R191 has a structure that allows real medals to pass in one row, and has a curved shape that draws a smooth arc from the left side of the upper end to the lower side of the right end in FIG. Thereby, the medal that has entered the upstream side of the guide passage R191 is guided downstream so as to roll along the protrusion 191.

  The path switching unit 193 includes a path switching piece 193a that can be freely moved and provided in the middle of the guide path R201, and a path switching solenoid (not shown) that controls the movement of the path switching piece 193a. The route through which the actual medal passes is selected in accordance with the appearance of the route switching piece 193a. When the path switching solenoid is not excited, the path switching piece 193a protrudes into the guide path R191, and the flow of the actual medal to the storage path R201 is hindered. As a result, the actual medal gets over the protrusion 191 and falls downward along the separation passage 192R. Further, when the path switching solenoid is excited, the path switching piece 193a is sunk from the guide path R191, so that the actual medal is guided to the downstream side along the guide path 191 without getting over the protrusion 191.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the return switch 198 is provided so as to be exposed on the front surface side of the front door 102 below the medal slot 152 and is positioned in front of the selector 190. By operating the return switch 198, the members constituting the selector 190 can be mechanically interlocked to eliminate clogging of actual medals in the selector 190.

  In the selector 190, as shown in FIG. 8, the inserted medal detection device 203 is provided on the downstream side of the path switching piece 193a along the guide path R191. The inserted medal detection device 203 includes an upstream medal detection unit including an upstream medal detection sensor 204, and a downstream medal detection sensor 205 including a downstream medal detection sensor 205 that detects passage of a real medal formed downstream of the upstream medal detection sensor 204. A part.

  The upstream medal detection sensor 204 of the upstream medal detection unit includes a pair of light emitting elements (not shown) and a light receiving element (not shown), and the light emitting element and the light receiving element sandwich the guide path R191. They are arranged side by side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. The light emitting element emits inspection light, and the light receiving element receives inspection light from the light emitting element. The actual medal passes through the gap between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and the inspection light from the light emitting element 181L to the light receiving element 182L is blocked when the actual medal passes through the gap. The upstream medal detection sensor 204 detects the passage of the actual medal by blocking the inspection light. The state where the inspection light is blocked is the ON state of the upstream medal detection sensor 204. When the upstream medal detection sensor 204 is on, an upstream medal detection signal is generated in the upstream medal detection unit. Since the downstream medal detection sensor 205 of the downstream medal detection unit is substantially the same as the configuration of the upstream medal detection sensor 204, the description thereof is omitted.

  The upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205 are arranged close enough to detect the same actual medal simultaneously. Further, the upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205 are arranged so as not to detect different actual medals at the same time. When the path switching solenoid is de-energized, the actual medal is separated from the guide path R191 and falls along the separation path R192 in the middle of the guide path R191. It will not be detected. On the other hand, when the path switching solenoid is excited, the upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205 detect the passage of the actual medal. In the main control board 301, acceptance of a real medal is determined based on detection of a real medal by the upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205.

  Here, a specific method for determining acceptance of the actual medal will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of detection of a real medal in the inserted medal detection device. In FIG. 9, the upper diagram partially represents the vicinity of the inserted medal detection device 203 in the guide path R191, the middle diagram represents the output signal from the upstream medal detection unit, and the lower diagram represents the downstream medal. An output signal from the detection unit is represented. In the upper diagram, the optical paths of the inspection light of the upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205 are substantially perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 9, and each of the two black circles represents the position of the inspection light.

  In the medal acceptance permission state, the inserted actual medal is guided to the upstream medal detection sensor 204 along the guide path R191. Immediately before the actual medal blocks the inspection light of the upstream medal detection sensor 204 (immediately before t1), even if another actual medal inserted immediately before this actual medal is in contact with the actual medal, the downstream medal is already detected. The inspection light from the sensor 205 is not blocked, and the upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205 are in an off state. Note that the arrangement of the upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205, specifically, the position of the optical path of the inspection light in them is selected so as to create such a state. When a predetermined time elapses after the actual medal is inserted and the actual medal starts to block the inspection light of the upstream medal detection sensor 204 (t1), the upstream medal detection sensor 204 is turned on. When the upstream medal detection sensor 204 is on, an H level signal is output as the upstream medal detection signal. Thereafter, when the actual medal advances through the guide path R191 and starts to block the inspection light of the downstream medal detection sensor 205 (t2), the downstream medal detection sensor 205 is turned on, and an H level signal is output as the downstream medal detection signal. Is done. At this time, the actual medal is still blocking the inspection light of the upstream medal detection sensor 204, and the upstream medal detection sensor 204 remains on. After that, when the actual medal further advances in the guide path R191 and the inspection light of the upstream medal detection sensor 204 is stopped (t3), the upstream medal detection sensor 204 is turned off, and the output signal from the upstream medal detection unit is L Become a level. At this time, the actual medal is still blocking the inspection light of the downstream medal detection sensor 205, and the downstream medal detection sensor 205 remains on. After that, when the actual medal further advances in the guide path R191 and the inspection light of the downstream medal detection sensor 205 is stopped (t4), the downstream medal detection sensor 205 is turned off, and the output signal from the downstream medal detection unit is L. Become a level.

  In the main control board 301, the operation order and operation time of the upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205 are monitored. From the state where both the upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205 are off, Only the medal detection sensor 204 shifts to the first passing state in which the on state is turned on, then the upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205 shift to the second passing state in which both are turned on, and then the downstream In the case where only the medal detection sensor 205 is shifted to the third passing state in the on state, and finally, the upstream medal detection sensor 204 and the downstream medal detection sensor 205 are both shifted to the fourth passing state in which they are in the off state, Only when the time from the first passing state to the fourth passing state is within a predetermined range, the actual medal passes normally. Accept and the determined and. On the other hand, in other cases, a selector error is notified to the employees of the game hall via the sub-control board 302. The notification of the selector error continues until the reset switch 123 (see FIG. 2) is operated.

  If three medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 152 (see FIG. 3) in the medal acceptance permission state, the maximum prescribed number of bets is completed regardless of the game mode. In the following, the case where the inserted medal is not normally received is not considered. In the direct mode, if surplus medals exceeding the maximum specified number are inserted, the selector 190 guides the surplus medals to the discharge passage R202. As a result, surplus medals are returned from the medal discharge port 153 of the front door 102 to the tray 154. On the other hand, in the credit mode, if surplus medals exceeding the maximum prescribed number are inserted, the selector 190 guides surplus medals to the storage passage R201 until the maximum credit number (50 in this embodiment) is exceeded. In addition, surplus medals are deposited as credit medals, and the number of credits increases by the number of surplus medals deposited. When the credit number reaches the maximum credit number, the medal inserted after reaching the maximum credit number is returned in order to guide the medal inserted by the selector 190 to the discharge passage R202. In the credit mode, medals can be bet using the bet input device 106 (see FIG. 3) as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or 3, the bet input device 106 (see FIG. 10) includes a 1-bet dedicated operation unit 211 for betting only one medal and a 2-bet dedicated operation unit for betting only two medals. 212, and a maximum bet dedicated operation unit 213 for betting up to a maximum prescribed number of medals (three in this embodiment). The bet input device 106 is operated by a player when betting a medal using a credit medal.

  The 1-bet dedicated operation unit 211 includes a 1-bet switch operated by the player. The 1-bet switch is a button switch provided so as to be exposed on the front side of the front door 102. The 1-bet dedicated operation unit 211 generates a 1-bet signal according to the operation of the 1-bet switch. If the 1-bet switch is operated when the number of bets is 0, the number of credits is decreased by 1, and the middle stage line 162a is activated.

  Similar to the 1-bet dedicated operation unit 211, the 2-bet dedicated operation unit 212 includes a 2-bet switch operated by the player. The 2-bet switch is a button switch provided so as to be exposed on the front side of the front door 201. The 2-bet dedicated operation unit 212 generates a 2-bet signal in response to the operation of the 2-bet switch. If the 2-bet switch is operated when the bet number is 0, the credit number is decreased by 2, and the upper line 165a and the lower line 165b are activated together with the middle line 162a.

  The maximum bet dedicated operation unit 213 includes a maximum bet switch operated by the player and a maximum bet lamp provided inside the maximum bet switch. The maximum bet switch is a button switch provided to be exposed on the front side of the front door 102. The maximum bet dedicated operation unit 213 generates a maximum bet signal according to the operation of the maximum bet switch. When the maximum bet switch is operated, the number of credits is decreased by the maximum bet number, and the right-up line 166a and the right-down line 166b are activated together with the middle line 164, the upper line 165a, and the lower line 165b. The LED lamp of the maximum bet dedicated operation unit 213 is lit to prompt the player to operate the maximum bet switch when the maximum bet switch can be effectively operated and the number of bets has not reached the maximum specified number. The In addition, when the maximum bet switch cannot be operated effectively, for example, when the number of credits is less than the maximum prescribed number, or when the maximum prescribed number of medals has already been betted, the symbol display in the symbol display changing unit 103 changes. And the case of the next game in which the re-game symbol is won. In such a case, the LED lamp of the maximum bet dedicated operation unit 213 is turned off.

  If a real medal is not inserted in a bet for one game, a plurality of operations can be performed on the 1-bet switch, 2-bet switch, and maximum bet switch. In this case, the last operation performed is valid. For example, when the 1-bet switch is further operated after the maximum bet switch is operated, the operation of the 1-bet switch is finally enabled and only the middle line 164 is enabled. When the number of bets to be bet exceeds the number of credits when any one of the 1-bet switch, 2-bet switch, and maximum bet switch is operated, the same number of credit medals is bet. For example, when the maximum bet switch is operated when the number of credits is 2, two credit medals are betted, and the middle line 164, the upper line 165a, and the lower line 165b are activated. Further, when at least one actual medal is inserted, only an operation for increasing the number of bets is effective.

  In this embodiment, the bet input device 106 is provided with three types of operation units (211, 212, and 213) as many as the maximum specified number. However, in the present invention, the bet input device has a type less than the maximum specified number. An operation unit may be provided. For example, the bet input device may be configured to include only an addition bet operation unit that increases the number of bets one by one by one operation, or two types of operations including a maximum bet dedicated operation unit together with the addition bet operation unit. The structure provided with a part may be sufficient. In this embodiment, the LED lamp of the 3-bet dedicated operation unit 213 is turned on to prompt the operation of the maximum bet switch. However, in the present invention, the LED lamp of the maximum bet-only operation unit 213 is further blinked. The maximum bet switch may be urged to be easily recognized. In this embodiment, the LED lamp is provided only for the maximum bet operation unit 213. However, in the present invention, the 1-bet operation unit and the 2-bet operation unit may have the same LED lamp. Good.

  The bet number display device 107 (see FIG. 10) is provided on the back side of the game panel 151 corresponding to the active line display unit 163, and a 1-bet display lamp (not shown) corresponding to the first active line display unit 164. 2), two 2-bet display lamps (not shown) corresponding to the two second active line display units 165a and 165b, and two 3-bet displays corresponding to the two third effective line display units 166a and 166b. A lamp (not shown). When the first medal is bet, the first bet display lamp is turned on, and “1” drawn on the first active line display unit 164 is clearly indicated. Similarly, when the second medal is bet, two two-bet display lamps are lit, “2” in the second effective line display portions 165a and 165b is clearly indicated, and the third medal is bet. Then, the two third bet display lamps are turned on to clearly indicate “3” in the third active line display portions 166a and 166b. Thereby, the player can easily visually recognize the bet number of medals and the effective line in the current game.

  The variation start input device 113 is a device for starting symbol variation in the symbol display variation unit 103 (see FIG. 2), and as shown in FIG. 3, a start switch (not shown) operated by the player. )). The start switch is a lever switch provided so as to protrude from the front door 102 to the front side. The fluctuation start input device 113 generates a fluctuation start signal according to the operation of the start switch. In response to the operation of the start switch, the left reel 171L, the middle reel 171M, and the right reel 171R start rotating together (not necessarily simultaneously). As a result, symbol variation in the symbol display variation unit 103 (see FIG. 2) is started. The fluctuation start input device 113 further includes an urging member (not shown) for returning the start switch to a predetermined position, and the start switch automatically returns to a predetermined state even when operated by the player. . In this embodiment, the case where the start switch is a lever switch has been described. However, in the present invention, the start switch may be a button switch, a touch panel, or the like.

  The fluctuation stop input device 114 is a device for stopping the symbol fluctuation in the symbol display fluctuation unit 103 (see FIG. 2), and as shown in FIG. 3, the left reel stop for stopping the left reel 171L. An operation unit 231, a middle reel stop operation unit 232 for stopping the middle reel 171M, and a right reel stop operation unit 233 for stopping the right reel 171R are provided. The left reel stop operation unit 231 includes a left stop switch operated by the player. The left stop switch is a button switch provided to be exposed on the front side of the front door 102. As in the case of the left reel stop operation unit 231, the middle reel stop operation unit 232 and the right reel stop operation unit 233 include a middle stop switch and a right stop switch, respectively. The left stop switch, the middle stop switch, and the right stop switch are arranged almost directly below the left symbol see-through window 161L, the middle symbol see-through window 161M, and the right symbol see-through window 161R, respectively. The various reel stop operation units (231, 232, 233) of the variable stop input device 114 are further provided with LED lamps corresponding to the respective stop switches, and it is informed that the LED lamps can be operated effectively by lighting. To do. In this embodiment, each stop switch is a button switch. However, in the present invention, the various reel stop operation units may be mechanical switches such as a lever switch or sensor switches such as a touch panel.

  In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the player can start and stop symbol variation in the symbol display variation unit 103 based on the operation of the variation start input device 113 and the variation stop input device 114. However, in the present invention, The start or stop of the fluctuation may be performed automatically. When the start of symbol variation is automatically performed, the variation start input device may not be provided. Further, when the symbol variation is automatically stopped, the variation stop input device may not be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 5, the hopper device 109 includes a storage tank 241 that stores actual medals, and a discharge device 242 that releases medals in the storage tank 241 when winning a prize or paying out credit medals. Yes. The storage tank 241 stores the medals introduced from the medal insertion port 152 (see FIG. 3) and guided to the storage passage R201 by the selector 190. The storage tank 241 is provided with a guide plate 243. When a medal is guided to the storage tank 241 at a height higher than the height at which the guide plate 243 is provided, the medal is supplied to the reserve tank 244 via the guide plate 243. Is discharged. Note that medals stored in the reserve tank 244 are artificially taken out by opening the front door 102. The discharge device 242 includes a medal discharge plate 245, a drive motor 246 that drives the medal discharge plate 245, and a discharge medal detection device that includes a discharge medal detection sensor 247 (see FIG. 10) that detects the release of the medal. . The medal stored in the storage tank 241 is released by rotating the medal discharge plate 245 by the drive motor 246. The released medal detection device detects the passage of the actual medal released from the medal releasing rotary plate 245 by the released medal detection sensor 247, and generates a released medal detection signal. After the actual medal is detected by the discharge medal detection sensor 247, it is guided to the receiving port 205 (see FIG. 4) provided in the passage member 202 constituting the discharge passage R202 (see FIG. 4). The actual medal discharged to the discharge passage R202 is finally discharged from the medal discharge port 153 of the front door 102 to the tray 154.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light emitting device 117 includes an upper lamp provided at an upper portion on the front side of the front door 102. The upper lamp lights up or flashes as the game progresses. The light emitting device 117 performs a light effect of the game, or notifies the occurrence of an error or the payment of a credit medal. Note that the position and number of the lamps constituting the light emitting device 117 are not limited to those described above.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the acoustic device 110 includes a pair of left and right speakers provided on the back side of the front door 102 in correspondence with the position of the acoustic output port 156 (see FIG. 3) of the front door 102. Yes. The sound device 110 sounds various sound effects as the game progresses, and notifies the game state, the occurrence of an error, and the medal settlement. The speakers 110a and 110b can output sound at a variable volume. In the present invention, the position and number of speakers constituting the audio device are not limited to those described above.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the auxiliary display device 118 is provided on the back side of the front door 102 corresponding to the position of the auxiliary display see-through window 157 (see FIG. 3) of the front door 102. The auxiliary display device 118 performs a display effect as the game progresses, and notifies the player and manager of various information. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is provided as the auxiliary display device 118 to diversify display contents and to make display effects heavy. In the present invention, the auxiliary display device may be another display device such as a dot matrix display device or a reel type display device on which an image is drawn.

  The power supply unit 112 disposed on the left side of the hopper device 109 inside the housing 101 includes a power supply board 300 (see FIG. 10), a reset input device 119, a power input device 121, a setting operation permission device 122, A stop setting changing device 124 and an automatic settlement setting changing device 125 are included.

  The power supply board 300 is disposed inside the power supply unit 112. The power supply board 300 generates internal power of a predetermined voltage based on the external power, and the internal power is used as the main control board 301 or the sub control board 302. To various devices. The power supply substrate 300 will be described in detail again in the description of the electrical configuration.

  The reset input device 119 includes a reset switch (not explicitly shown) provided so as to be exposed on the surface of the power supply unit 112, and generates a reset signal according to the operation of the reset switch. The reset device 119 resets various error states according to the operation of the reset switch.

  The power input device 121 includes a power switch provided so as to be exposed on the surface of the power unit 112, and can control whether or not external power is supplied to the power board 300 by operating the power switch.

  The setting operation permission device 122 includes a setting key switch provided so as to be exposed on the surface of the power supply unit 112, generates a setting display signal in response to insertion of the setting key, and sets in accordance with an operation by the setting key. Generate a change signal. The setting operation permission device is a device for permitting the adjustment operation when the hall manager or the like adjusts the payout rate (machine discount) of medals. A hole manager or the like can change, reset or confirm the probability setting (winning probability setting process) of the slot machine 100 by inserting and operating the setting key into the setting key switch. In changing the probability setting, the reset switch of the reset input device 119 and the start switch of the fluctuation start input device 113 are used.

  The stop change input device 124 includes a stop switch provided so as to be exposed on the surface of the power supply unit 112, and generates a stop signal when the stop state is set by the stop switch. The stop switch is a switch that is operated by a hall manager or the like and selects whether or not the operation of the slot machine 100 is automatically stopped after the end of the big bonus. If the stop switch is on and the game mode is the credit mode, the credit medal is automatically settled regardless of the player's intention after the big bonus, and the game cannot be continued and reset. The state where the game cannot be continued is continued until the reset operation by the switch is performed. On the other hand, when the stop switch is in the OFF state, the credit medal is not automatically settled after the end of the big bonus, and the game can be continued.

  The automatic checkout change input device 125 includes an automatic checkout switch (not shown) provided so as to be exposed on the surface of the power supply unit 112. When the automatic checkout state is selected by the automatic checkout switch, automatic checkout Generate a signal. The automatic settlement switch is a switch that is operated by an administrator and selects whether or not a credit medal is automatically settled after the end of the big bonus. When the automatic settlement switch is on and the game mode is the credit mode, the credit medal is automatically settled regardless of the player's intention after the end of the big bonus. On the other hand, when the automatic settlement switch is in the OFF state, automatic credit medal settlement after the end of the big bonus is not performed. Even if the stop switch is in the off state, the credit medal is automatically settled after the end of the big bonus if the automatic settlement switch is in the on state.

  The control device includes a main control board 301 and a sub control board 302. As shown in FIG. 5, the main control board 301 is attached to the back plate 101 c of the housing 101, and is located above the symbol display changing unit 103. The main control board 301 includes a CPU, a ROM that stores a game program, and an MPU that includes a RAM that temporarily stores necessary data as the game progresses, an input / output port that communicates with various devices, and a time count And a clock circuit used for synchronization and the like. The main control board 301 is accommodated in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like. The substrate box includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box pace and a box cover that covers an open portion of the box base. The substrate box is sealed by connecting the box base and the box cover so that they cannot be opened by the sealing unit. In addition, it is good also as a structure which connects a box space and a box cover so that opening is impossible using a key member.

  The sub control board 302 mainly controls driving of the light emitting device 117, the acoustic device 110, and the auxiliary display device 118. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the sub control board 302 is fixed to the back side of the front door 102 and is located on the back side of the auxiliary display device 118. Similar to the main control board 301, the sub control board 302 includes an input / output port for communicating with the MPU and various devices, a clock circuit (not shown) used for time counting and synchronization, and the like. Contains. In the MPU ROM, a control program for controlling the light emitting device 117, the auxiliary display device 118, the acoustic device 110, and the like, light emission pattern data used for controlling the light emitting device 117, volume data and voice pattern data used for controlling the acoustic device 110, and Display pattern data and the like used for controlling the auxiliary display device 118 are recorded.

  The electrical configuration of the slot machine 100 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of the slot machine.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the slot machine 100 includes a power supply board 300, a main control board 301, and a sub control board 302. The power supply board 300 supplies predetermined internal power to the main control board 301, the sub control board 302, the light emitting device 117, the acoustic device 110, the auxiliary display device 118, and the like. The main control board 301 performs determination of the main gameability of the slot machine 100, control at the time of insertion of game media, control of payout of game media, and the like. The sub control board 302 mainly controls the light emitting device 117, the acoustic device 110, the auxiliary display device 118, and the like based on various commands from the main control board 301. Hereinafter, each device will be described in detail.

  The power supply board 300 includes a power supply circuit 300a and a power failure monitoring circuit 300b. The power supply circuit 300a generates at least one type of internal power of a predetermined voltage based on external power. For example, in the power supply circuit 300a, stabilized drive power for a 12 VDC equipment system and stabilized drive power for a 5 VDC control system are generated from external 24 volt AC power. Note that, when the power input device described above is in an on state, external power is supplied to the power supply substrate 300, but when the power input device is in an off state, external power is not supplied to the power supply substrate 300.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 300b monitors the stabilized drive power of the equipment system from the power supply circuit 300a, and the state where the drive voltage of the equipment system has decreased to less than a predetermined voltage (10 volts in this embodiment) (hereinafter, “power failure state”). (Also referred to as a power failure signal). As the power failure state, for example, the external power itself is stopped, the external power itself is insufficient in voltage, the external power itself is in an abnormal state due to insufficient current, and the power input device 121 is turned off. The internal cut-off state in which the supply of external power is cut off, and the normal drive power is supplied to the power supply board 300, but the drive voltage of the device system is reduced due to a failure of the power supply board 300, etc. . The power failure signal is directly input from the power failure monitoring circuit 300 b to the main control board 301, but is indirectly input to the sub control board 302 via the main control board 302. The MPU 310 of the main control board 301 receives this power failure signal to execute a power failure process, which will be described later. The MPU of the sub control board 302 also checks the power failure information from the main control board 301 at any time, and performs processing related to the power failure. Is going.

  The power supply circuit 300a includes a backup circuit (not shown). Even when a power failure occurs, the power supply circuit 300a uses 5 volt power (hereinafter referred to as “backup power”) that is used as stabilization drive power for the control system from the backup circuit. (Also called). As a time for outputting the backup power, a time sufficient for executing the above-described backup processing (S203 in FIG. 13) in the main control board 301 is secured.

  The main control board 301 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 311, an MPU (microprocessing unit) 310 including a ROM 312 and a RAM 313. The ROM 312 stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 311, and the RAM 313 temporarily stores various data necessary for the CPU 311 to execute various control programs stored in the ROM 312. Remember. Although not shown, the main control board 301 further includes various processing circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a counter circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. Further, a clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 314, and the like are connected to the MPU 310 via an internal bus.

  The RAM 313 includes a backup area in addition to a work area for temporarily storing various data and the like, and at least information recorded in the backup area by the backup power supplied from the power supply circuit 300a even in a power failure state. It can be held. In the backup area, information such as a stack pointer value, a register value, and an I / O value at the time of a power failure is recorded. At the time of power recovery, the state of the slot machine 100 can be returned to the state before the occurrence of the power failure based on the information held in the backup area. Writing to the backup area is executed at the time of power failure by the backup process (see FIG. 12), and restoration of each value written in the backup area is executed in the main process at the time of power recovery (see FIG. 13). Note that a power failure signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 300b is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 310 in the event of a power failure, and a power failure interrupt process for setting a power failure flag associated with the occurrence of a power failure. Is executed immediately.

  Devices having various sensors and devices having various switches are electrically connected to the input side of the main control board 301. The detection states of various sensors output from these devices and various types of devices are also provided. An output signal corresponding to the switch state is input to the MPU 310 via the input / output port 314. Examples of devices connected to the input / output port 314 include a change start input device 113, a change stop input device 114, a inserted medal detection device 203, a bet input device 106, a settlement input device 108, and stepping motors (172L, 172M). , 172R) and a reel device (170L, 170M, 170R) including a reel index sensor (172L, 172M, 172R), a discharge medal detection device 247, a reset input device 119, and a setting operation permission device 122.

  Examples of signals input to the main control board 301 include an upstream medal detection signal and a downstream medal detection signal from the inserted medal detection device 104 of the medal handling device 104, a 1 bet signal, a 2 bet signal from the bet input device 106, and the like. Various types such as a maximum bet signal, a settlement signal from the settlement input device 108, a variation start signal from the variation start input device 113, a left stop signal from the variation stop input device 114, a middle stop signal and a right stop signal, and a left reel device 170L. Position detection signal from the reel device, reset signal from the reset input device 119, setting display signal and setting change signal from the setting operation permission device 122, stop signal from the stop change input device, discharge from the release medal detection device 247 An example is a medal detection signal.

  Various display devices, various drive devices, various control devices, and the like are electrically connected to the output side of the main control board 301, and control signals for these devices are output via the input / output port 314. Is done. Credit number display device 105, bet number display device 107, hopper device 109, earned number display device 115, game progress display device 116, reel drive device of various reel devices (170L, 171M, 170R), path switching unit of selector 190 193, a sub control board 302, an external concentrated terminal board 126 that transmits information to an external device such as a hall management device, and the like are connected via an input / output port 314.

  The signals output from the main control board 301 include a credit number display signal to the credit number display device 105, a discharge control signal to the hopper device 109, an acquisition number display signal to the acquisition number display device 115, and a game progress display device 116. Game progress display signal, bet number display device 107 bet display signal, and various reel device 170 reel drive devices (left stepping motor 172L, etc.) drive signals (pulse signals).

  Similar to the main control board 301, the sub control board 302 includes an MPU (not shown) in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like are integrated, and an interrupt circuit, a counter circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit, etc. (not shown). Various processing circuits are provided. Further, a clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 314, and the like are connected to the MPU 310 via an internal bus. The sub control board 302 controls the light emitting device 117, the acoustic device 110, and the auxiliary display device 118 based on a command from the main control board 301. Note that the sub-control board 302 performs auxiliary control on the main control board 301 in relation to the main control board 301 that manages and manages the game. The sub-control board 302 reduces the processing load on the main control board 301 by performing substantial control over the acoustic device 110, the light-emitting device 117, the auxiliary display device 118, and the like that are involved in effects accompanying the progress of the game. . In this embodiment, the overall control of the slot machine 100 is performed by dividing the main control board 301 and the sub control board 302, but one control board in which the main control board 301 and the sub control board 302 are integrated. Thus, the overall control of the slot machine may be executed.

  A control process executed by the MPU 310 in the main control board 301 will be described. The control process of the MPU 310 is roughly divided into a main process that is activated in response to power recovery by restarting the supply of external power or turning on a power switch, and an interrupt process that interrupts the main process. For convenience of explanation, after describing the interrupt process, the main process will be described. As interrupt processing, there are power failure interrupt processing for interrupting in response to reception of a power failure signal at the NMI terminal, and timer interrupt processing for periodically interrupting by measuring time with a timer.

  First, the power failure interrupt process will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a power failure interrupt process in the main control board. When a power failure occurs, a power failure signal is generated by the power monitoring circuit 300b of the power substrate 300 and is output to the main control substrate 301. In main control board 301, an NMI terminal of MPU 310 receives a power failure signal, and an interrupt process (hereinafter referred to as “power failure interrupt process”) for setting a power failure flag in response to the reception of the power failure signal is executed.

  In the power failure interrupt process, first, the register data used in the MPU 310 is saved in the backup area in the RAM 313 ("register save process" S101). After the register saving process S101, a power failure flag is set ("power failure flag setting process" S102). The power failure flag is information held in a specific area (power failure flag storage area) in the RAM 313 and representing the occurrence of a power failure state. After the power failure flag setting process S102, the register data saved in the backup area of the RAM 313 in the register save process S101 is returned to the register of the MPU 310 ("register return process" S103). The power failure interrupt process is completed upon completion of the register restoration process S103. If the power failure flag setting process S102 can be performed without destroying the data of the register being used by the MPU 310, the register saving process S101 and the register restoration process S103 can be omitted.

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing in the main control board. In the main control board 301, timer interrupt processing is periodically performed. In this embodiment, the timer interrupt process is substantially performed at a period of 1.49 ms [milliseconds].

  In the timer interrupt process, first, all the register values used in the normal process in the main process (to be described later) in the MPU 310 are stored in the backup area of the RAM 313 (“register save process” S201). After the register saving process S201, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set (S202). When the power failure flag is set, the backup process S203 is executed.

  Here, the backup process S203 will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the backup process executed in the timer interrupt process in the main control board.

  In the backup process, as shown in FIG. 13, first, it is determined whether or not the transmission of various commands stored in the ring buffer has been completed (S301). If the transmission of these commands has not ended, the backup process is temporarily ended and control returns to the timer interrupt process. This is control for completing the transmission of the command before starting the backup process. On the other hand, when the transmission of these commands is completed, the value of the stack pointer of the MPU 310 is stored in the backup area in the RAM 313 (“stack pointer storage process” S302). After the stack pointer saving process S302, a RAM determination value, which will be described later, is cleared, and the output state of the output port in the input / output port 314 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off ("stop process" S303). .

  After the stop process S303, a new RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area ("RAM determination value storage process" S304). The RAM determination value is a 2's complement of the checksum value in the work area of the RAM 313. Here, the 2's complement of the tick sum value is a value generated when each digit (bit) of the check sum value is inverted in binary representation. In this case, the value obtained by adding 1 to the exclusive OR (“FFFF”) of the checksum value of the RAM 313 and the RAM determination value is “0”. In this embodiment, the complement of the checksum value is used as the RAM determination value. However, in the present invention, the checksum value itself may be used as the RAM determination value.

  After the RAM determination value storage process S304, access to the RAM 313 is prohibited ("RAM access prohibition process" S305). Thereafter, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the processing cannot be executed due to complete interruption of the internal power. Note that, for example, when the power failure flag is erroneously set due to noise or the like, although not shown, it is confirmed whether the power failure signal is still input before entering the infinite loop. If the power failure signal is not output, the internal power supply is restored, so that writing to the RAM 313 is permitted, the power failure flag is released, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. On the other hand, if the power failure signal is continuously input, an infinite loop is entered (not shown).

  In this way, it is determined whether or not the command transmission is completed at the initial stage of the backup process S203, and when the transmission is not completed, the transmission process is given priority. By adopting a configuration in which the backup process is executed after the command transmission process is completed, it is not necessary to construct a power failure processing program considering that the backup process is executed during the command transmission. As a result, it is possible to simplify the program related to the processing at the time of a power failure and to reduce the capacity of the ROM 312.

  The power supply circuit 300a of the power supply board 300 outputs backup power used as drive power for the control system for a sufficient time to complete the power failure interrupt process and the backup process even after a power failure occurs. With this backup power, backup processing of power failure interrupt processing and timer interrupt processing is performed. In this embodiment, backup power is continuously output for 30 ms [milliseconds] after the occurrence of a power failure.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process, as shown in FIG. 12, when it is determined in the determination process S202 that the power failure flag is not set, the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is initialized. Then, an interrupt permission is issued to the MPU 310 itself (“interrupt end declaration process” S204). After the interrupt end declaration process S204, with reference to the left drive flag, middle drive flag, and right drive flag, a drive signal is sent to each stepping motor such as the left stepping motor 172L in order to rotate each reel (171L, 171M, 171R). Is transmitted ("stepping motor control process" S205). Specifically, if the left drive flag is not set, a drive signal is transmitted to the stepping motor 172L of the left reel 171L. The middle reel 171M and the right reel 171R are similar to the case of the left reel 171L.

  After the stepping motor control process S205, switch state changes in various devices connected to the input / output port 314 are monitored ("switch reading process" S206). After the switch reading process S206, the sensor state change in various devices connected to the input / output port 314 is monitored ("sensor monitoring process" S207). After the sensor monitoring process S207, various counter values and various timer values are calculated ("timer calculation process" S208). After the timer calculation process S208, the number of bets and the number of acquired medals are output to the external concentration terminal board 126 in order to add up the difference number (difference between the total number of bets and the total number acquired) ("difference number counting process" S209). .

  After the difference number counting process S209, various commands stored in the ring buffer are transmitted to the sub-control board 302 ("command output process" S210). After the command output process S210, segment data to be displayed on the credit number display device 105, the earned number display device 115, etc. is set ("segment data setting process" S211). The segment data set in the segment data setting process S211 is transmitted to a predetermined display device such as the credit number display device 105 (“segment data display process” S212). A display device such as the credit number display device 105 displays numbers, symbols, and the like corresponding to the received segment data. Data is output from the input / output port 314 to the I / O device ("port output processing" S213). After the port output process S213, the data of each register saved in the backup area in the register save process S201 is restored to the corresponding register in the MPU 310 ("register restore process" S214). After the register restoration process S214, the next timer interrupt is permitted ("interrupt permission process" S215). A series of timer interrupt processing is completed through the above processing.

  A main process in the main control board 301 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the main process of the main control board. The main process of the main control board 301 is executed when returning from the power failure state.

  In the main process of the main control board 301, first, an initial value of the stack pointer is set ("stack pointer setting process" S401). After the stack pointer setting process, an interrupt mode permitting the interrupt process is set ("interrupt mode setting process" S402). After the interrupt mode setting process S402, various settings for the register group, the I / O device, and the like in the MPU 310 are performed ("register setting process" S403).

  After the register setting process S403, it is determined whether or not a setting key is inserted in the setting key switch (S404). Here, the setting key may be simply inserted or may be inserted and rotated in a predetermined direction by a predetermined angle. If it is determined that the setting key has been inserted, one probability setting selected from a plurality of predetermined probability settings (in this embodiment, six settings from “Setting 1” to “Setting 6”) The data in all areas of the RAM 313 except for a predetermined area that holds the set value is forcibly cleared (“forced RAM clear process” S405). If the setting key is inserted in a rotated state after the forced RAM clear process S405, the current setting value is changed (setting change), while the setting key is only inserted. In this case, the current setting value is reset (resetting) (“probability setting selection process” S406). After the probability setting process S406, the process proceeds to the normal game process. The details of the probability setting process S406 will be described after the main process.

  If it is determined in the determination process S404 that the setting key has not been inserted, whether or not the setting value of the selected probability setting is a value within a predetermined range (“1” to “6”). It is determined (S407). Note that the set value is only a value within a predetermined range unless an abnormal situation such as mechanical or electrical destruction of the RAM 313 occurs between the occurrence of a power failure state and the return from the power failure state. Absent. If the set value is within a predetermined range, it is determined whether or not a power failure flag is set (S408). When the power failure flag is set, the checksum value of the work area of the RAM 313 is newly calculated, and it is determined whether or not the new checksum value is normal. The new checksum value is normal means that the new checksum value and the checksum value before the occurrence of the power failure state are the same, that is, the new checksum value and the RAM determination held in the backup area of the RAM 313. It means that the value obtained by adding 1 to the exclusive OR with the value is “0”. This value is “0” when the new checksum value and the checksum value before the occurrence of the power failure are the same, and other than “0” when they are different. Unless an abnormal situation such as mechanical or electrical destruction of the RAM 313 occurs between the occurrence of a power failure state and the return from the power failure state, this value is not “0”.

  When it is determined in the determination process S407 that the set value of the probability setting is not a value within the predetermined range, when it is determined that the power failure flag is not set in the determination process S408, or a new checksum is determined in the determination process S409. When it is determined that the logical sum of the value and the RAM determination value is other than “0”, the interrupt process is prohibited (“interrupt prohibition setting process” S415). After the interrupt inhibition setting process S415, all the output ports of the input / output port 314 are cleared, and all the actuators connected to the input / output port 314 are turned off ("all output port clear process" S416). After the all output port clear process S416, the occurrence of an error is notified ("error notification process" S417). This error notification state continues until the reset input device is operated.

  If it is determined in the determination process S409 that the new checksum value is normal, the value of the stack pointer stored in the backup area is written to the stack pointer of the MPU 310, and the value of the stack pointer is before the occurrence of the power failure state. ("Stack pointer return process" S410). As a result, after returning from the power failure state, it is possible to resume from the process interrupted by the occurrence of the power failure state. After the stack pointer recovery process S410, a power recovery command indicating recovery from the power failure state is transmitted to the sub control board 302 ("power recovery command transmission process" S411).

  After the power recovery command transmission process S411, the state of the stop switch of the stop input device 124 and the state of the automatic adjustment change automatic adjustment switch are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 ("game form setting process" S412).

  After the game form setting process S412, the values of the sensors of various devices are initialized ("sensor initialization process" S413). After the sensor initialization process S413, the power failure flag is released ("power failure flag release process" S414). After the power failure flag release processing S414, the processing is resumed from the processing at the address before the occurrence of the power failure state indicated by the stack pointer. Specifically, the interrupt end declaration process S204 after the backup process S203 (see FIG. 12) in the timer interrupt process described above is executed.

  Here, the probability setting selection process S406 will be described in detail. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the probability setting selection process. In this embodiment, the set value of the probability setting is any one of “1” to “6”. When playing a game with the same number of bets, as the set value increases from “1” to “6”, the random number table generally has a higher machine discount (the expected value of the total number of medals obtained with respect to the total number of bets medals). Is selected. In general, for the same set value, a random number table with a higher machine discount is selected as the number of bets increases.

In the probability setting selection process S406, first, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch in the setting operation permission device 122 is in an ON state (S501). Specifically, it is determined whether or not reception of a setting change signal output from setting operation permission device 122 has been received. The setting change signal is received in the switch reading process S206 of the timer interrupt process. If insertion of a setting key has not been detected, this process ends, and the process proceeds to normal process S407 (see FIG. 14). On the other hand, if insertion of a setting key is detected, interrupt permission is set ("interrupt permission setting process" S502). This interrupt permission setting is necessary to read the operation of the start switch of the fluctuation start input device 113 and the reset switch of the reset input device 119 in the following. After the interrupt permission setting process S502, the current setting value is read ("setting value reading process" S503). After the set value reading process S503, it is determined whether or not the read set value is a normal value (an integer from “1” to “6”) (S504). If the set value is not a normal value, the set value is forcibly changed to a predetermined initial value (“1” in this embodiment) (“set value initialization process” S505). On the other hand, if the set value is a value between 1 and 6, the set value initialization process S505 is skipped. Thereafter, the current set value is displayed on the setting display device 123 (see FIG. 4) (“set value display process” S506). After the set value display processing S506, it is determined whether or not the start switch of the fluctuation start input device 113 has been operated (S507). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation start signal output from the fluctuation start input device 113 is received.
S507).

  If the start switch has not been operated, it is determined whether or not the reset switch has been operated (S508). If the reset switch has not been operated, the process returns to the set value display process S506 and waits for input of a start switch operation for ending change of the probability setting or an operation of the reset switch for changing the probability setting. On the other hand, if the reset switch is operated, the set value is updated (“set value update process” S509). After the set value update process S509, the process returns to the determination process S504. In this embodiment, the set value loops within a predetermined range in accordance with the operation of the reset switch (“1” → “2” →... → “6” → “1” →...).

  If it is determined in the determination process S507 that the start switch has been operated, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch is on (S510). When the setting key switch is on, the determination process S501 is looped and waited until the setting key switch is turned off. On the other hand, if the setting key switch is not in the on state, interrupt prohibition is set ("interrupt prohibition process" S511). After the interrupt inhibition process S511, the current set value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 ("set value storage process" S512). All areas of the RAM 313 other than the area where the set values are stored are cleared (“RAM clear process S513”). After the RAM clear process S513, a normal process S407 (see FIG. 14) is executed.

  A normal process for performing main control related to the game at the normal time will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing normal processing executed by the MPU of the main control board.

  The normal process of the main control board 301 is executed after the probability setting process S406 (see FIG. 14) in the main process. In the normal process, as shown in FIG. 16, first, interrupt permission is set (“interrupt permission setting process” S601). After the interrupt permission setting process S601, the state of the stop switch for determining the game form and the state of the automatic settlement switch are stored in the RAM 313 ("game form setting process" S602). The game form setting process S602 is the same process as the game form setting process S412 (see FIG. 14) in the main process.

  After the game form setting process S602, the process proceeds to the loop process described below. In the following, a case where a continuous game is in progress will be described.

  In the RAM 313, data in an area holding information that changes for each game is cleared (“game information clear process” S603). Specifically, information related to the previous game is cleared. Examples of information to be cleared include information related to random numbers, information related to reel device control, information related to winning, and information related to errors. Information related to winning includes information such as winning symbols, winning lines, and number of medals.

  After the game information clear process S603, it waits while performing a predetermined process until a fluctuation start signal (variation start information) is input from the fluctuation start input device 113 ("variation waiting process" S604). Here, the fluctuation waiting process S604 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variation standby process S604.

  In the variable waiting process S604, first, a game monitoring timer is set ("game monitoring timer setting process" S701). Here, the setting of the game monitoring timer means that the value of the timer is reset and a new time measurement by the timer is started. The game monitoring timer is a timer for measuring a game interval, and shifts the image of the auxiliary display device to a predetermined image (demonstration image) when a predetermined time has elapsed without being played by the player. Used for.

  After the game monitoring timer setting process S701, it is determined whether or not a re-game has been won in the previous game. Are automatically bet ("automatic betting process" S702).

  After the automatic betting process S702, it is confirmed whether or not a medal acceptance error has occurred in the inserted medal detection device 203. If an acceptance error has occurred, the acoustic device 110, the light emitting device 117, and the auxiliary display device. A selector error command for notifying 118 of an error is set (“selector error notification processing” S703). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a selector error flag indicating the occurrence of an error is set. If the selector error flag is set, a selector error command (a type of error command) is sent to the ring buffer. Stored. Further, when an upstream medal detection signal or a downstream medal detection signal is received from the inserted medal detection device 203 in the medal acceptance prohibited state, the selector error command is stored in the ring buffer. The selector error command stored in the ring buffer is output to the sub control board 302 in the command output process S210 of the timer interrupt process executed after the storage. In the following, various commands stored in the ring buffer are output to the sub-control board 302 in the command output process S210 of the timer interrupt process executed after the storage, as in the case of the selector error command.

  After the selector error notification process S703, it is determined whether an error has occurred in the hopper device 109. If an error has occurred in the hopper device 109, the acoustic device 110, the light emitting device 117, and the auxiliary display device 118 are detected. Etc., a hopper error command for notifying the error is set ("hopper error notification process" S704). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the release medal detection signal from the release medal detection device 247 is received within a predetermined time after the release control signal is transmitted to the hopper device 109, and the release medal detection signal is received. If not, a hopper error command (a type of error command) is stored in the ring buffer. Further, even when the release medal detection signal is received when the release control signal is not transmitted, the hopper error command is stored in the ring buffer.

  If a settlement signal is received from the settlement input device 108 after the hopper error notification process S704, settlement of credit medals and bet medals is performed ("settlement process" S705). In the medal settlement process S705, a bet settlement start command representing the start of bet medal settlement, a bet settlement end command representing the end of bet medal settlement, and a credit settlement start command representing the start of credit medal settlement, as necessary. A medal release command such as a credit settlement end command indicating the end of the credit medal settlement is stored in the ring buffer as appropriate.

  Here, the settlement process S705 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the settlement process S705.

  In the settlement process S705, as shown in FIG. 18, it is first determined whether or not a settlement signal (settlement information) is received from the settlement input device 108 (S801). If the settlement signal has not been received, the settlement process S705 ends. If the settlement signal has been received, it is determined whether or not the game mode is the credit mode (S802). When the game mode is the credit mode, it is determined whether or not the number of credits is 0 (the presence or absence of a credit medal) (S803). If the number of credits is not 0, the credit medal is settled ("credit medal settlement process" S804). On the other hand, when the number of credits is 0, the credit medal settlement process S804 is skipped. When it is determined in the determination process S802 that the credit number is 0 and after the credit medal settlement process S804, it is determined whether or not the bet number is 0 (whether or not a bet medal is present) (S805). If the number of bets is not 0, bet medals are settled ("bet medal settlement process" S806). On the other hand, when the bet number is 0, the bet medal settlement process is skipped. After it is determined that the game mode is not the credit mode after the bet settlement flag releasing process S813 and in the determination process S802, the game mode is changed from the credit mode to the direct mode or from the direct mode to the credit mode (“mode change process”). "S807). When the mode is changed to the direct mode, the credit amount display device 105 is turned off (lights off).

  In the credit medal settlement process S808, the same number of emission control signals as instructions for discharging one medal are transmitted to the hopper device 109 (see FIG. 2). The hopper device 109 ejects medals every time a release control signal is received. The released medal detection device 247 detects the release of medals from the hopper device 109 one by one, and generates a released medal detection signal for each detection. Also, in the credit medal settlement process S808, the time from the transmission of the release control signal to the reception of the release medal detection signal is measured by the hopper monitoring timer. Set the error flag. As a result, a hopper error is notified when the hopper device 109 eventually becomes empty. The bet medal settlement process S806 is the same process as the credit medal settlement process S808.

  After the settlement process S705, as shown in FIG. 17, based on the output signals from the inserted medal detection device 203 (the upstream medal detection signal from the upstream medal detection unit, the downstream medal detection signal from the downstream medal detection unit). Then, the acceptance of the actual medal is confirmed ("medal acceptance confirmation process" S706). Specifically, a first passage condition in which only the upstream medal detection signal is received within a predetermined allowable passage time, and a second passage condition in which both the upstream medal detection signal and the downstream medal detection signal are received. Only when the third passage condition in which only the downstream medal detection signal is received and the fourth passage condition in which neither the upstream medal detection signal nor the downstream medal detection signal is received are sequentially satisfied in this order. , To accept the medal. When an upstream medal detection signal or a downstream medal detection signal is detected at other timing or order, a selector error flag for notifying an error is set. Whether or not the above condition is satisfied is determined by executing the medal acceptance confirmation process S706 a plurality of times. Further, when neither the upstream medal detection signal nor the downstream medal detection signal is received, this process is skipped. Whether or not to accept the medal is not determined by performing this process only once, but is finally determined by repeatedly performing this process. The medal acceptance confirmation process S706 will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of medal acceptance confirmation processing. In the medal acceptance confirmation process S706, as shown in FIG. 19, it is first determined whether or not the first passage flag has already been set (S901). Here, the first passing flag indicates whether or not the actual medal is passing through the inserted medal detecting device 203, and when the passing flag is set, it means that the passing medal is passing. If the first passage flag is not set, it is determined whether or not a downstream medal detection signal is received (S902). If the downstream medal detection signal is received, a passing error flag is set ("passing error flag setting process" S910). On the other hand, when the downstream medal detection signal is not received, it is determined whether or not the upstream medal detection signal is received (S904). Note that whether or not the first passage condition is satisfied is determined by the determination processes S903 and S904. When the upstream medal detection signal is received, the first passage flag is set ("first passage flag setting process" S905). After the first passage flag setting process S905, a passage monitoring timer for measuring the time elapsed from the start of passage is set ("passage monitoring timer setting process" S906).

  If it is determined in the determination process S901 that the first passage flag is set, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the passage monitoring timer is equal to or shorter than a predetermined allowable passage time (S907). If the measured time exceeds the allowable passage time, the first passage flag, the second passage flag, and the third passage flag are canceled (“pass flag release processing” S908), and the passage monitoring timer is released (“pass”). Monitoring timer release process "S909) and a passing error flag is set (" passing error flag setting process "S910). Hereinafter, the passage flag release processing S908, the passage monitoring timer release processing S909, and the passage error flag setting processing S910 are collectively referred to as “passage error processing”.

  If the measurement time by the passage monitoring timer is equal to or shorter than the allowable passage time in the determination process S907, it is determined whether or not the second passage flag is set (S911). If the second passage flag is not set, it is determined whether an upstream medal detection signal is detected (S912). If the upstream medal detection signal has not been received, pass error processing (S908 to S910) is performed. On the other hand, when the upstream medal detection signal is received, it is determined whether or not the downstream medal detection signal is received (S913). Note that whether or not the second passage condition is satisfied is determined by the determination processes S912 and S913. When the downstream medal detection signal is received, the second passage flag is set ("second passage flag setting process" S914). On the other hand, when the downstream medal detection signal is not received, the second flag setting process S914 is skipped.

  When it is determined in the determination process S911 that the second passage flag is set, it is determined whether or not the third passage flag is set (S915). If the third passage flag is not set, it is determined whether or not a downstream medal detection signal is detected (S916). When the downstream medal detection signal is not received, the passing error process (S908 to S910) is performed. On the other hand, when the downstream medal detection signal is received, it is determined whether or not the upstream medal detection signal is received (S917). Note that whether or not the third passage condition is satisfied is determined by determination processes S916 and S917. If the upstream medal detection signal has not been received, a third passage flag is set ("third passage flag setting process" S918). On the other hand, when the upstream medal detection signal is received, the third passage flag setting process S919 is skipped.

  If it is determined in the determination process S915 that the third passage flag is set, it is determined whether or not an upstream medal detection signal is detected (S919). If an upstream medal detection signal has been received, pass error processing (S908 to S910) is performed. On the other hand, if the upstream medal detection signal has not been received, it is determined whether or not the downstream medal detection signal has been received (S920). In addition, it is determined by determination process S919, S920 whether said 4th passage condition is satisfy | filled. If it is determined that the downstream medal detection signal has not been received, the first passage flag, the second passage flag, and the third passage flag are released ("pass flag release process" S921). After the passage flag release processing S921, the passage monitoring timer is released (“passage monitoring timer release processing” S922). After the passage monitoring timer release process S922, a first acceptance flag indicating that a normal medal has been successfully received, and a second indicating that at least one actual medal has been bet in the bet relating to the current game. An acceptance flag is set ("acceptance flag setting process" S923). On the other hand, when it is determined in the determination process S920 that the downstream medal detection signal is received, the passage flag release process S921 to the acceptance flag setting process S924 is skipped.

  After the medal acceptance confirmation processing S706, as shown in FIG. 17, the number of bets and the number of credits are changed based on the acceptance of the actual medal and the operation of the bet input device 106 ("medal acceptance processing" S707). In addition, in the medal acceptance process S707, the display of the bet number display device 107, the display of the credit number display device 105, the pass path of the actual medal in the selector 190, and the like are controlled, and the bet number for notifying the change in the bet number. The ring buffer stores a change command, a credit number change command for notifying a change in the credit number, a maximum bet completion command or a maximum bet incomplete command for controlling the LED lamp of the maximum bet dedicated operation unit 213, and the like. Hereinafter, the medal acceptance process S707 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In the medal acceptance process S707, it is determined whether or not the first acceptance flag is set (S1001). If the first acceptance flag is set, it is determined whether or not the bet number has reached the maximum specified number (S1002). Here, the maximum prescribed number means a maximum value of a predetermined number of bets necessary for playing a game, and in this embodiment, it is 3 in a normal gaming state, and a role such as a big bonus or a regular bonus is used. It is 1 in a JAC game in operation. In this embodiment, the maximum specified number is synonymous with the maximum bet number.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1002 that the bet number has not reached the maximum specified number, a bet process S1003 is executed. In the bet processing S1003, the bet number is incremented (increased by 1), the display on the bet number display device 107 is updated according to the incremented bet number, and a bet with a real medal has been performed. The bet number increase command (a kind of bet command) for informing the user is stored in the ring buffer. After the betting process S1003, it is determined whether or not the bet number is equal to the maximum specified number (S1004). When the bet number is equal to the maximum specified number, the maximum bet completion process S1005 is performed. On the other hand, if the bet number is not equal to the maximum specified number, the maximum bet completion process S1005 is skipped. In the maximum bet completion process S1005, a maximum bet completion command (a kind of bet command) for turning off the LED lamp of the maximum bet operation unit is set. In the maximum bet completion process, when the game mode is not the credit mode (in the direct mode), the medal acceptance prohibition command (notifying the fact that the solenoid of the selector 190 is driven and the medal acceptance prohibition state is in effect) ( A kind of medal information command) is stored in the ring buffer. As a result, in the selector 190, the path switching piece 193a which can be freely moved in and out is projected, and all of the inserted actual medals are guided to the return path.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1002 that the number of bets has reached the maximum specified number, a deposit process S1006 is executed. In deposit processing S1006, the credit number is incremented, the display value of the credit number display device 105 is changed to increase by 1, and the credit number increase command (credit command) indicating that the credit number has increased by 1 is displayed. Is stored in the ring buffer. After the deposit process S1006, it is determined whether or not the number of credits is the same as the maximum number of credits (S1007). If the number of credits is equal to the maximum number of credits, the path switching solenoid of the selector 190 is driven, and an acceptance prohibition command is stored in the ring buffer (“maximum number of credits reaching process” S1008). On the other hand, when the number of credits is less than the maximum number of credits, the maximum credit number reaching process S1008 is skipped.

  If it is determined in S1001 that the first acceptance flag has not been set, or after a series of processes (S1002 to S1008) for betting and depositing with a physical medal, a 1-bet signal from the 1-bet operation unit 211, 2 It is determined whether or not a 2-bet signal from the bet dedicated operation unit 212 or a maximum bet signal from the maximum bet dedicated operation unit 213 has been received (S1009). If neither the 1-bet signal, the 2-bet signal, or the maximum-bet signal has been received, the first acceptance flag is released (“first acceptance flag release process” S1019), and the bet number determination process S607 ends. . On the other hand, if any bet signal is received, the type of the received bet signal is determined (S1010).

  If it is determined in the determination process S1010 that a 1-bet signal has been received (A), it is determined whether or not the second acceptance flag is set (S1011). If the second acceptance flag is not set, the 1-bet process S1012 is executed. On the other hand, if the second acceptance flag is set, the 1-bet process S1012 is skipped. In the 1-bet process S1012, a difference value obtained by subtracting 1 from the bet number is calculated, the bet number is changed to 1, the display on the bet number display device 107 is changed, and the credit number is updated to a value obtained by adding the difference value. Then, the display on the credit amount display device 105 is updated, and the maximum bet for turning on the LED lamp of the 1-bet command (a kind of bet command) indicating that the bet number has been changed to 1 and the maximum bet operation dedicated unit 213 is turned on. Incomplete commands (a type of bet command) are stored in the ring buffer. For example, if the bet number before execution of the 1-bet process S1012 is 0, the credit number decreases by 1, and if the bet number before the execution of the 1-bet process S1012 is 3, the credit number increases by 2. After the 1-bet process S1012, a first acceptance flag release process S1019 is executed.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1010 that a 2-bet signal has been received (B), it is determined whether the second acceptance flag is set (S1013), and whether the bet number is 2 or more. Is determined (S1014). When the second acceptance flag is set and the number of bets is 2 or more, the following 2-bet processing S1015 is skipped. On the other hand, in the other cases, a 2-bet process S1015 is performed. In the 2-bet process S1015, a difference value obtained by subtracting 2 from the bet number is calculated, the bet number is changed to 2 after the difference value is calculated, the credit number is updated to a value obtained by adding the difference value, and the bet number is A 2-bet command (a kind of bet command) indicating that it has been changed to 2 and a maximum bet incomplete command are stored in the ring buffer. After the 2-bet process S1015, a first acceptance flag release process S1019 is executed.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1010 that the maximum bet signal has been received (C), it is determined whether the second acceptance flag is set (S1016), and whether the bet number is the maximum bet number. It is determined whether or not (S1017). When the second acceptance flag is set and the bet number is the maximum bet number, the following maximum bet process S1018 is skipped. On the other hand, in other cases, the maximum bet processing S1018 is performed. In the maximum bet processing S1019, the difference value obtained by subtracting 3 from the bet number is calculated, the bet number is changed to 3, the credit number is updated to the value added with the difference value, and the bet number is changed to 3. A maximum bet command (a kind of bet command) indicating that is set. After the 3-bet process S1018, a first acceptance flag release process S1019 is executed. Through the above processing steps (S1001 to S1019), the medal acceptance processing S707 is completed.

  After the completion of the medal acceptance process S707, as shown in FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not the bet number is less than the minimum prescribed number. If the bet number is less than the minimum prescribed number, the selector error process S703 to the medal acceptance process S707 are repeated. On the other hand, if the bet number is not less than the minimum prescribed number, it is determined whether or not a change start signal is received from the start switch of the change start input device 113. When the fluctuation start signal is not received, the selector error process S703 to the determination process S708 are repeated. On the other hand, when the fluctuation start signal is received, the path switching solenoid of the selector 190 is driven and the reception prohibition command is set (“medal reception prohibition process” S710). Through the above processing steps (S701 to S710), the fluctuation waiting process S604 is completed.

  After the fluctuation waiting process S604, as shown in FIG. 16, the value of the random number counter latched by hardware when the start switch of the fluctuation start input device 113 is operated is read and stored in the RAM 313. ("Random number creation process" S605). When the start switch is operated, the random number counter is latched by hardware so that the operation of the start switch and the acquisition of the random number value are synchronized in time. Note that the value of the random number counter can be read by software, but in this case, the time from the operation of the fluctuation start input device 113 to the acquisition of the random number value is more uneven than in the case of latching in hardware. .

  After the random number generation process S605, the winning combination corresponding to the random value acquired in the random number generation process S605 is determined by referring to the random number table corresponding to the probability setting, the number of bets, and the gaming state, and according to the type of the winning combination Winning flags (for example, Big Bonus Winning Flag, Regular Bonus Winning Flag, Cherry Winning Flag, Bell Winning Flag, Watermelon Winning Flag, Replay Winning Flag) are set. A set value command representing a value is set ("internal lottery process" S606). Winning roles include, for example, a big bonus role (hereinafter also referred to as “BB”), a regular bonus role (hereinafter also referred to as “RB”), and various small roles (in this embodiment, a cherry role, a bell role, and a watermelon role) , A re-playing role and a loser role. Note that a plurality of types of winning combinations may be selected in one game.

  After the internal lottery process S606, it is used to control each reel device (170L, L170M, 170R) of the symbol display variation unit 103 from the manual stop control table group held in the ROM 312 based on the winning combination, the number of bets and the gaming state. One manual stop control table is selected as the reference control table, and the table number of the reference control table is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 (“rotation initialization process” S607). When the winning combination is other than losing, an effective line for winning the winning combination is determined according to the reference control table, and each reel device (170L, L170M) while a symbol corresponding to the winning combination passes other than the effective line. , 170R), when the stop switch is operated, slip control is performed to rotate the reel extra within a predetermined range (maximum 4 symbols) in order to win the winning combination as much as possible on the predetermined active line. Is called. When the winning combination is lost, the same slip control is performed in order to prevent other winning combinations from winning. This reference control table is not necessarily referred to. In this embodiment, the three stop operation units (231, 232, 233) of the variable stop input device 114 are arranged in a predetermined order (for example, “the left reel stop operation unit 231”). → middle reel stop operation unit 232 → right reel stop operation unit 233 ”and“ left reel stop operation unit 231 → right reel stop operation unit 233 → intermediate reel stop operation unit 232 ”). In the case of another operation order, the predetermined symbol pattern is stopped by reselecting the reference control table from the manual stop control table group, by another control method, or using them. Further, when the symbol variation is automatically stopped, a predetermined symbol pattern is stopped with reference to the automatic stop control information held in the ROM 312.

  After the rotation initialization process S607, a symbol variation standby process S608 is executed. In the symbol variation standby process S608, first, it is determined whether or not the measurement time by the symbol variation monitoring timer is equal to or longer than a predetermined specified time (for example, 4.1 seconds). Here, the “symbol variation monitoring timer” is a timer that measures the elapsed time from the symbol variation start time in the previous symbol display variation unit 103. If the measurement time of the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is less than a predetermined specified time, a variable waiting command (internal state command of the internal state command) indicating that the specified time has elapsed (hereinafter referred to as “variable waiting state”). Is stored in the ring buffer. Note that the player is informed of the variable standby state by a variable standby state display device (not shown). After that, until the measurement time of the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer becomes equal to or longer than the predetermined specified time, whether or not the measurement time by the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is equal to or longer than the predetermined specified time while the change waiting state is notified. Is repeated. On the other hand, when the measurement time of the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is equal to or longer than the predetermined specified time, the symbol fluctuation monitoring timer is reset and started, the notification of the standby state for the specified time is stopped, and the predetermined specified time has elapsed. A specified time elapse command (a kind of internal state command) indicating this and a bet number command to be output to the external concentration terminal board are stored in the ring buffer. Thereafter, information related to control of each stepping motor (eg, 173L) of the symbol display variation unit in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 is initialized for starting rotation. Note that the actual driving of the stepping motor (173L, etc.) is controlled by the stepping motor control process S205 of the timer interrupt process.

  After the symbol fluctuation standby process S608, a rotation control process S609 for controlling the rotation of each reel (171L, 171M, 171R) in the symbol display fluctuation unit 103 is executed. Here, the rotation control process S609 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the rotation control process S609.

  In the rotation control process S609, information regarding the rotation of each reel device (170L, 170M, 170R) in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 is initialized, and all the reels (171L, 171M, 171R) indicating that the reels are rotating are all initialized. A reel rotation command (a kind of reel rotation information command) and a symbol variation state command (a kind of internal state command) indicating that the symbol display variation unit 103 is in a symbol display variation state are stored in the ring buffer (“rotation start” Process "S1101). After the rotation start process S1101, the process waits until a predetermined stop standby time elapses ("design stop standby process" S1102). The “predetermined stop standby time” in the symbol stop standby process S1102 is substantially the same as the average time required from the start of rotation of each reel (171L, 171M, 171R) to steady rotation at a constant speed. After the symbol stop standby process S1102, it is determined whether or not the rotation of all the reels (171L, 171M, 171R) is a steady rotation (S1103). Specifically, whether or not these rotations are steady rotations is determined by whether or not a position detection signal is received from the reel reference point detection device corresponding to the reel that has started rotating last. If the position detection signal is received, it is determined that the rotations are steady rotations. If the position detection signal is not received, it is determined that the rotation of any of the reels is not steady rotations. . If these rotations are not steady rotations, the determination process S1103 is repeatedly executed. In this embodiment, all reels (171L, 171M, 171R) start to rotate simultaneously.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1103 that the rotations of all the reels are steady rotations, an automatic stop timer for measuring the fluctuation time until the automatic stop is set (“automatic stop timer setting process” S1104). After the automatic stop timer setting process S1104, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the automatic stop timer exceeds the specified rotation time (specified time) (S1105). If the measurement time by the automatic stop timer does not exceed the specified rotation time, the following process for manually stopping the symbol variation is executed.

  It is determined whether or not a left stop signal (a type of variation change information) is received from the left reel stop operation unit 231 of the variation stop input device 114 (S1106). If the left stop signal has not been received, it is determined whether or not a middle stop signal (a type of variation change information) has been received from the middle reel stop operation unit 232 (S1107). If the middle stop signal has not been received, it is determined whether or not a right stop signal (a type of variation change information) from the right reel stop operation unit 233 has been received (S1108). When the right stop signal has not been received, that is, when none of the left stop signal, the right stop signal, and the right stop signal has been received, determination processing S1106 is executed.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1106 that the left stop signal has been received, it is determined whether the left drive flag is set (S1109). The “left drive flag” is a flag for identifying whether the left reel 171L is rotating or stopped, and is set when rotation of the left reel 171L is started. When the left drive flag is released, it indicates that the left reel 171L is substantially stopped, and when the left drive flag is set, it indicates that the left reel 171L is substantially rotating. To express. When the left drive flag is released, the determination process S1106 is executed. On the other hand, when the left drive flag is set, the left reel stop process S1110 is executed. In the left reel stop process S1110, first, the left stepping motor 172L that rotates the left reel 171L is stopped with reference to the reference control table selected in the rotation initialization process S607. After the left stepping motor 172L is stopped, a left drive flag is set, the number of stopped reels is incremented, a left reel stop command (a kind of reel rotation information command) indicating that the left reel 171L is stopped, and the left reel 171L A left reel symbol command representing a stop symbol (a type of stop symbol command) is stored in the ring buffer. The “number of stopped reels” represents the number of reels that are stopped, and is reset to “0” in the rotation start processing S1101.

  Here, the control when the left stepping motor 172L is stopped will be described in detail. Based on the current number of drive signal transmissions (a part of the symbol display information), the reference control table is referred to determine the number of transmissions of the drive signal (drive information). If the winning flag of big bonus combination, regular bonus combination, various small combinations or re-playing combination is set, it is possible as long as the winning combination is not established The number of transmissions is determined so that the symbol pattern of the winning combination stops along any of the active lines. For example, if a small role that “watermelon” symbols are arranged on the lower line 162c and the left reel stop operation unit 231 is operated at a timing when the “watermelon” symbols pass through the upper row, it is stopped at the lower level. Slide the left reel 171L by two symbols. It should be noted that the range that can be slid is determined in advance, and depending on the operation timing of the left reel stop operation unit 231, the “watermelon” symbol may not stop at the lower stage. Even in this case, if the “watermelon” symbol can be stopped at the middle or upper level, the “watermelon” symbol is controlled to stop at the middle or upper level regardless of the planned pay line. “Number of drive signal transmissions” represents the number of drive signals transmitted to the left stepping motor 172L, and the value is reset to “0” in response to the reception of the position detection signal from the reel index sensor 173L. The Specifically, in the left reel stop processing S1110, referring to the drive signal transmission number, it is confirmed that the transmission of the drive signal for the determined number of transmissions has been completed, and the left drive flag (“drive change information” ). In stepping motor control process S205 of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 12, the release of the left drive flag is confirmed and transmission of the drive signal is stopped. Thereby, after determining the number of transmissions, the drive signal is repeatedly transmitted to the left stepping motor 172L by the number of times.

  After the left reel stop process S1110, it is determined whether or not the number of stopped reels is 3 (S1111). If the number of stopped reels is not 3, that is, if at least one reel is rotating (during symbol variation), it is determined whether or not the reference control table needs to be changed (S1112). When the reference control table needs to be changed when stopping the unstopped reel, the reference control table is changed to another manual stop control table selected from the manual stop control table group ("control table change process" S1113). ). In the control table changing process S1113, the stop position of the reel that has already stopped among the middle reel 171M and the right reel 171R is referred to together with the stop position of the left reel 171L. As a case where it is necessary to change the reference control table, for example, there is a case where a combination other than the winning combination wins.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1107 that the medium stop signal has been received, it is determined whether or not the medium drive flag is set (S1114). As in the case of the left drive flag, the “middle drive flag” is a flag for identifying whether the middle reel 171M is rotating or stopped. If the medium driving flag is cancelled, determination processing S1106 is executed. On the other hand, if the medium drive flag is set, it is determined whether or not the number of stopped reels is 0 (S1115). If the number of stopped reels is not 0, middle reel stop processing S1117 is executed. On the other hand, when the number of stop reels is 0, a predetermined manual stop control table in the manual stop control table group is reset as the reference control table (“control table resetting process” S1116), and the control table resetting process is performed. After S1116, a middle reel stop process S1117 is executed. The middle reel stop process S1117 is the same process as the left reel stop process S1110. In the middle reel stop process S1117, first, the middle drive flag (a kind of “drive change information”) is set with reference to the reference control table, and the middle stepping motor in the middle reel device 170M is stopped. The control for stopping the middle stepping motor is substantially the same as the control for stopping the left stepping motor 172L. After stopping the middle stepping motor, the number of stopped reels is incremented, and a middle reel stop command (a kind of reel rotation information command) indicating that the middle reel 171M is stopped and a middle reel representing a stop pattern of the middle reel 171M. A symbol command (a kind of stop symbol command) is stored in the ring buffer.

  After the middle reel stop process S1117, it is determined whether or not the number of stopped reels is 3 (S1118). If the number of stopped reels is not 3, it is determined whether or not the reference control table needs to be changed when stopping an unstopped reel (S1119). When the reference control table needs to be changed, the reference control table is changed to another manual stop control table selected from the manual stop control table group ("control table change process" S1120). In the control table changing process S1120, the stop position (stop symbol) of the reel that has already stopped among the left reel 171L and the right reel 171R is referred to together with the stop position of the middle reel 171M.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1108 that the right stop signal has been received, it is determined whether or not the right drive flag is set (S1121). The “right drive flag” is a flag for identifying whether the right reel 171R is rotating or stopped, as in the case of the left drive flag and the middle drive flag. If the right drive flag is cancelled, determination processing S1106 is executed. On the other hand, when the right drive flag is set, it is determined whether or not the number of stopped reels is 0 (S1122). If the number of stopped reels is not 0, right reel stop processing S1124 is executed. On the other hand, when the number of stop reels is 0, a predetermined manual stop control table in the manual stop control table group is reset as the reference control table (“control table resetting process” S1123), and the control table resetting process is performed. After S1123, right reel stop processing S1124 is executed. Note that the right reel stop process S1117 is the same process as the left reel stop process S1110. In the right reel stop processing S1117, first, referring to the selected manual stop control table, a right drive flag (a kind of “drive change information”) is set, and the right stepping motor in the right reel device 170R is stopped. . The control for stopping the right stepping motor is substantially the same as the control for stopping the left stepping motor 172L. After the stop of the right stepping motor, the number of stopped reels is incremented, and a right reel stop command (a kind of reel rotation information command) indicating that the right reel 171R is stopped and a right reel design indicating a stop pattern of the right reel A command (a type of stop symbol command) is stored in the ring buffer.

  After the right reel stop process S1124, it is determined whether or not the number of stopped reels is 3 (S1125). If the number of stopped reels is not 3, it is determined whether or not the reference control table needs to be changed when stopping an unstopped reel (S1126). When the reference control table needs to be changed, the reference control table is changed to another manual stop control table selected from the manual stop control table group ("control table change process" S1127). In the control table changing process S1127, the stop position (stop symbol) of the already stopped reels of the left reel 171L and the middle reel 171M is referred to together with the stop position of the right reel 171R.

  In the determination process S1105, if the time measured by the automatic stop timer exceeds the specified rotation time, the rotation of all the currently rotating reels is stopped ("automatic stop process" S1128). In the rotation control process S609, the time until the symbol variation is automatically stopped is measured by a dedicated automatic stop timer, but it is more preferable to use the symbol variation monitoring timer. In this case, the automatic stop timer releasing process S1129 is not necessary. This is because when the automatic stop timer is also used as the symbol variation monitoring timer, resources in the MPU 301 can be used effectively, and design change of the MPU 301 is not required.

  Here, the automatic stop process S1128 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the automatic stop process S1128. In the automatic stop process S1128, first, it is determined whether or not the left drive flag is set (S3001). When the left drive flag is set, the rotation of the left reel 171L is stopped with reference to the automatic stop control information for the left reel held in the ROM 312 (“left reel stop process” S3002). On the other hand, if the left drive flag is not set, the left reel stop process S3002 is skipped.

  When it is determined in the determination process S3001 that the left drive flag is not set or after the left reel stop process S3002, it is determined whether or not the middle drive flag is set (S3003). When the middle drive flag is set, the rotation of the middle reel 171M is stopped with reference to the manual stop control information for the middle reel (“medium reel stop process” S3004). On the other hand, if the middle drive flag is not set, the middle reel stop process S3004 is skipped.

  If it is determined in the determination process S3003 that the middle drive flag is not set, or after the middle reel stop process S3004, it is determined whether or not the right drive flag is set (S3005). If the right drive flag is not set, the rotation of the right reel 171R is stopped ("right reel stop process" S3006). On the other hand, when the right drive flag is set, the right reel stop process S3006 is skipped.

  After the rotation control process S609, a winning confirmation process S610 is executed as shown in FIG. In the winning confirmation process S610, first, it is determined whether or not the symbol pattern for each activated line is a winning symbol pattern, and whether or not a winning combination is established and whether or not a winning flag is established. It is inspected that no other players have won the prize. In this embodiment, if the bet number is 1, the pattern pattern of the middle line 162a (see FIG. 3) is inspected. If the bet number is 2, the middle line 162a, the upper line 162b, and the lower line 162c (see FIG. 3) Each symbol pattern is inspected, and if the number of bets is 3, all symbol patterns on the five combination lines 162a to 162e (see FIG. 3) are inspected. When even one winning combination other than the winning combination is won, error processing for notifying the occurrence of a winning error is executed. On the other hand, if only the winning combination is winning, a winning flag corresponding to all winning winning combinations (for example, big bonus winning flag, regular bonus winning flag, cherry winning flag, bell winning flag, watermelon winning flag, A replay winning flag) is set. Further, the number of acquired medals corresponding to each winning winning combination is added within a range not exceeding the maximum number of acquired medals, so that the number of acquired medals is finally determined. Further, in the winning confirmation process S610, a winning combination command including information on the type of winning combination, a winning line command including information on the type of winning line, and a winning combination error command including information on winning errors are stored in the ring buffer. .

  After the winning confirmation process S610, an acquired medal payout process S611 is executed. In the acquired medal payout process S611, as shown in FIG. 23, first, it is determined whether or not the acquired medal number is 0 (S1201). When the number of acquired medals is 0, the acquired medal payout process S611 ends. On the other hand, when the number of acquired medals is not 0, the payout number of acquired medals is set to the same value as the number of acquired medals (“scheduled payout number setting process” S1202), and the payout number is cleared to “0”. ("Payout amount clear process" S1203). After the payout number clear process S1203, it is determined whether or not the game mode is the credit mode (S1205).

  If it is determined in the determination process S1204 that the game mode is the credit mode, it is determined whether or not the number of credits is an upper limit value (S1206). If the number of credits is less than the upper limit, the number of credits is incremented and a credit number change command is stored in the ring buffer (“credit number update process” S1206). Further, after the credit amount update process S1206, the payout number is incremented (“payout number update process” S1207). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the number of payouts is the same as the number of payouts (S1208). When the number of payouts is the same as the number of payouts, the acquired medal payout process S611 ends. On the other hand, when the number of payouts is less than the planned payout number, the process returns to the determination process S1205.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1204 that the game mode is not the credit mode, or if it is determined in the determination process S1205 that the number of credits has reached the upper limit value, an acquired medal payout start command indicating the start of payout of the acquired medal is issued. It is stored in the ring buffer ("payout start command setting process" S1209). After the payout start command setting process S1209, a payout control process S1210 is executed. In the payout control process S1210, a discharge control signal for instructing discharge of one medal is transmitted to the hopper device 109 (see FIG. 2) until the number of discharge becomes the same as the planned number of discharge. The hopper device 109 pays out medals every time a release control signal is received. The released medal detection device 247 detects the release of medals from the hopper device 109 one by one, and generates a released medal detection signal. In the credit medal settlement process S808, the time from the transmission of the release control signal to the reception of the release medal detection signal is measured by the hopper monitoring timer. Is set. As a result, a hopper error is notified when the hopper device 109 is finally emptied.

  After the discharge control process 1210, the payout number is incremented ("payout number update process" S1211). After the payout number update process S1211, it is determined whether or not the payout number is the same as the planned payout number (S1212). When the number of payouts is the same as the planned payout number, an acquired medal payout end command indicating the end of payout of the acquired medal is stored in the ring buffer (“payout end command setting process” S1213), and the acquired medal payout process S611 is performed. finish. On the other hand, when the number of payouts is less than the planned payout number, the process returns to the payout control process S1210.

  After the acquired medal payout process S611, a re-game process S612 is performed as shown in FIG. In the re-game process S612, when it is determined that the re-game is won in the winning confirmation process S610, various processes such as setting the internal state to a re-game are performed. Further, a re-game command (a kind of internal state command) indicating that the next game is a re-game is stored in the ring buffer.

  After the re-game process S612, an accessory operating process S613 is performed. In the in-community-operating process S613, a process during the operation of an accessory such as a big bonus and a regular bonus is performed. Here, the processing during the operation of the accessory will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In the accessory operating process S613, it is determined whether or not the internal state is a big bonus (S1301). If the internal state is a big bonus, it is further determined whether the internal state is a JAC game or a small role game (S1302). If it is not a JAC game, it is determined whether or not a JACIN symbol pattern (in this embodiment, a combination of three replay symbols) is displayed on the active line as a trigger for transition to the JAC game (S1303). When the JACIN symbol pattern is displayed on the active line, initialization regarding the JAC game is performed ("JAC initialization process" S1304). In the JAC initialization process S1304, the internal state is set to a JAC game with a big bonus, and the number of JACs and the number of established JACs are respectively set to predetermined values. On the other hand, when the JACIN symbol pattern is not displayed on the active line, the JAC initialization process S1304 is skipped.

  If it is determined in the determination process S1302 that the internal state is a JAC game, the number of JAC games is decreased by 1 ("JAC number update process" S1305). After the JAC number updating process S1305, it is determined whether or not a JAC symbol pattern (in this embodiment, a combination of three replay symbols) is displayed on the active line (S1306). When the JAC symbol pattern is displayed on the effective line, the number of JAC establishment is decreased by 1 ("JAC establishment number update process" S1307). On the other hand, if the JAC symbol pattern is not displayed on the valid line, the JAC establishment number update process S1307 is skipped. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the number of JACs or the number of established JACs is 0 (S1308, S1309). When the number of JACs or the number of established JACs is 0, the internal state is changed to a small role game (“JAC end process” S1310). On the other hand, if the number of JACs and the number of established JACs are not 0, the JAC end process S1310 is skipped.

  After passing through the predetermined processes of the above-described processes S1302 to S1310, the number of acquired medals calculated in the winning confirmation process S610 (see FIG. 16) is added to the total number of acquisitions, and the total number of acquisitions is updated (“total acquisition number update process”) S1311). It should be noted that the total number acquired is initialized in the accessory action determination process S614 (see FIG. 16) described below at the start of the big bonus. After the total acquisition update process S1311, it is determined whether the total acquisition is equal to or greater than the predetermined acquisition number (S1312). If the total number of acquisitions is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of acquisitions, big bonus end processing is performed (“BB end processing” S1313). On the other hand, when the total acquisition number is less than the predetermined acquisition number, the BB end processing S1313 is skipped. Through the above-described processing steps, the accessory operating process S613 ends.

  If it is determined in the determination process 1301 that the internal state is not a big bonus, it is determined whether or not the internal state is a regular bonus (S1314). If the internal state is not a regular bonus, this process ends. On the other hand, if the internal state is a regular bonus, the number of JAC games is decreased by 1 ("JAC number update process" S1315). The number of JACs is initialized to a predetermined number in the accessory action determination process S614 (see FIG. 16) described below at the start of the regular bonus. Note that the number of JACs in the regular bonus may be different from the number of JACs in the big bonus. After the JAC number update process S1315, it is determined whether or not a JAC symbol pattern (in this embodiment, a combination of three replay symbols) is displayed on the active line (S1316). When the JAC symbol pattern is displayed on the active line, the number of established JACs is decreased by 1 ("JAC establishment number update process" S1317). The number of established JACs is initialized to a predetermined number in the accessory action determination process S614 (see FIG. 16) described below at the start of the regular bonus. Note that the number of JACs established in the regular bonus may be different from the number of JACs established in the big bonus. On the other hand, if the JAC symbol pattern is not displayed on the valid line, the JAC establishment number update process S1317 is skipped. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the number of JACs or the number of established JACs is 0 (S1318, S1319). When the number of JACs or the number of established JACs is 0, the internal state is changed to a small role game (“RB end process” S1320). On the other hand, if the number of JACs and the number of established JACs are not 0, the JAC end process S1320 is skipped. Through the above-described processing steps, the accessory operating process S613 ends.

  After the accessory operating process S613, an accessory operating determination process S614 is performed as shown in FIG. In the accessory operation determination process S614, as shown in FIG. 25, it is determined whether or not a big bonus winning flag indicating that the big bonus (BB) is won is set (S1401). If the big bonus winning flag is set, it is determined whether or not a big bonus winning flag indicating that the big bonus has been won is set (S1402). If the big bonus winning flag is set, processing for starting the big bonus is executed ("BB start processing" S1403). On the other hand, when the big bonus winning flag is not set, the BB start processing S1403 is skipped.

  If the big bonus winning flag is not set in the determination process S1401, it is determined whether or not the regular bonus winning flag indicating that the regular bonus (RB) is won is set (S1401). If the regular bonus winning flag is set, it is determined whether or not a regular bonus winning flag indicating that the regular bonus has been won is set (S1402). When the big bonus winning flag is set, a process for starting the regular bonus is executed ("RB start process" S1403). On the other hand, if the regular bonus winning flag is not set, the RB start process S1403 is skipped. Through the above process, the accessory operation determination process S614 ends.

  A game progress display process S615 is executed after the accessory operation determination process S614. In the game progress display processing S615, when the internal state is a big bonus or a regular bonus, data to be displayed on the game progress display device 116 such as the remaining number of games in the JAC game and the total number of medals obtained in one big bonus is displayed. Is set. Thereby, the game progress display device 116 displays the game progress information. When the internal state is the normal game state, the game progress display device 116 is in an off state and displays nothing. In addition, after the end of the big bonus or regular bonus, the internal state is changed to the specific gaming state in order to shift to a specific gaming state such as a replay time (“RT”) in which the winning probability of replaying is higher than the normal gaming state. The specific game state command (a kind of internal state command) indicating the specific game state is set and stored in the ring buffer.

  A control process executed by the MPU of the sub control board 302 will be described. The MPU control process is roughly divided into a main process that is activated when the external power is restored from a power failure or when the power is turned on, and an interrupt process that interrupts the main process. For convenience of explanation, after describing the interrupt process, the main process will be described. As an interrupt process in the MPU, there are a regular timer interrupt process and a regular command interrupt process.

  The timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing in the sub-control board.

  The timer interrupt process is executed with a period of approximately 1 ms. In the timer interrupt process, first, an interrupt flag is read (“interrupt flag read process” S2001). After the interrupt flag reading process S2001, it is determined whether or not the interrupt flag is valid (S2002). Specifically, it is confirmed that it is a timer interrupt among various interrupts to the CPU. If the interrupt flag is valid, the interrupt timer counter is incremented and the interrupt timer counter is updated ("interrupt timer counter update process" S2003). After the interrupt timer counter update process S2003, the interrupt flag related to the timer interrupt is released ("interrupt flag release process" S2004). As a result, the next timer interrupt process for the CPU can be executed. If it is determined in the determination process S2002 that the interrupt flag is not valid, the interrupt timer counter update process S2003 and the interrupt flag release process S2004 are skipped because this is another interrupt process.

  The command interrupt process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing command interrupt processing in the sub-control board. Command interruption processing is executed in response to transmission of a command from the main control board. Since the command transmission on the main control board is performed with a period of approximately 1.49 ms, this processing is performed with a period of approximately 1.49 ms.

  In the command interruption process, first, it is determined whether or not the strobe signal from the main control board 301 is normal (S2101). If the strobe signal is normal, command data is acquired (“command data acquisition process” S2102). After the command data acquisition process S2102, it is determined whether or not the content is normal (S2103). When the command data is normal, the command is received (“command reception process” S2104), and after the command reception process S2104, the retry counter value is changed to a predetermined retry maximum value (“retry counter value maximization”). Process "S2105).

  If it is determined in step S2101 that the strobe signal is not normal, the retry counter value is changed to a predetermined maximum retry number (S2106). When it is determined in the determination process S2103 that the command data is not normal, the retry counter value is changed (“retry counter update process” S2107). In this change, the retry counter value is increased by one. After the process of changing the retry counter value (S2105, S2106, S2107), it is determined whether the retry counter value is the maximum value (S2108). When the retry counter value is the maximum value, the interrupt flag is read (“interrupt flag read process” S2109). After the interrupt flag reading process S2109, the value of the retry counter is cleared to the initial value (“0”) (“retry counter clear process” S2110). After the retry counter clear process S2110, the interrupt flag is released ("interrupt flag release process" S2111). By releasing the interrupt flag, the next command interrupt process can be executed.

  When the retry counter value is not the maximum value, that is, when the strobe signal is normal but the command data is not normal, the interrupt flag read process S2109, the retry counter clear process S2110, and the interrupt flag release process S2111 are skipped. The acquisition of command data at a predetermined timing is repeated until the retry counter value reaches a predetermined maximum retry value.

  The main process executed by the MPU of the sub control board 302 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the main process of the sub control board.

  In the main processing, first, in accordance with the supply of internal power from the power supply board 300, initialization of the sub control board 302 itself and initialization of peripheral devices such as the auxiliary display device 118 connected to the sub control board 302 are performed. ("Initialization process" S2201). After the initialization process S2201, it is determined whether or not the system state is a voltage drop state (S2202). Here, the system state includes a voltage drop state indicating that the supply voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage, and an initialization indicating that the sub-control board 302 and the peripheral device connected to the sub-control board 302 are being initialized. It implies a state and a normal state indicating that the supply voltage is a predetermined voltage and normal game can be performed. Note that the initialization state is selected during the initialization process S2201.

  When it is determined in the determination process S2202 that the system state is a voltage drop state, a power failure process S2211 described later is executed. On the other hand, if the system state is not a voltage drop state, it is determined whether or not the value of the interrupt timer counter has changed (S2203). When the value of the interrupt timer counter is changed, the interrupt timer counter is updated (“interrupt timer counter update process” S2204). In the interrupt timer counter update process S2204, the value of the interrupt timer counter is decreased by 1. After the interrupt timer counter update process S2204, a short cycle timer process S2205 described later is performed. After the short cycle timer process S2205, it is determined whether or not the system state is a voltage drop state (S2206). If the system state is not a voltage drop state, it is determined whether any command is received from the main control board 301 (S2207). If a command has been received, a received command confirmation process S2208 described later is performed. On the other hand, if a command has not been received, the received command confirmation process S2208 is skipped. After the received command confirmation process S2208, the base value of the random number that determines the details of the effect is updated ("random number base value update process" S2209). After the random number base value update process S2209, the process proceeds to a determination process S2202. When the system state is not a voltage drop state, the above processes (S2202 to S2209) are repeatedly executed in sequence.

  When it is determined in the determination processing S2202 and the determination processing S2206 that the system state is not the voltage drop state, the register data and the stack data are stored in the external RAM (“backup processing” S2212). After the backup process S2212, it is determined whether the system state is a voltage drop state (S2213). If the system state is a voltage drop state, the determination process S2213 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the voltage drop state is not established, the system waits for a predetermined time (30 ms in this embodiment) to confirm that the cancellation of the voltage drop state is not a malfunction due to noise or the like (“wait process” S2214). After the wait process S2214, it is determined again whether the system state is a voltage drop state (S2215). If the system state is a voltage drop state, the process returns to the determination process S2213. On the other hand, if the system state is not a voltage drop state, it is determined that the supply of internal power has been resumed normally, and a process for starting the main process is performed ("start process" S2214). After the startup process S2216, the process returns to the initialization process S2201, and the main process is resumed.

  The short cycle timer process S2206 in the main process of the sub control board 302 will be described in detail. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the short cycle timer process.

  By executing the timer interrupt process substantially every 1 ms, the short cycle timer process S2206 is also executed substantially every 1 ms. In the short cycle timer process 2206, as shown in FIG. 29, first, a startup command confirmation process S2301 is executed. In the startup command confirmation process S2301, it is confirmed whether any command is received from the main control board 301 within 2 seconds after the execution of the startup process S2216. When no command is received from the main control board 301, it is determined that the main control board 301 has not been normally activated, and processing for notifying the occurrence of an error is performed. On the other hand, if any command is received from the main control board 301, this process is terminated and the process proceeds to the device control process S2302.

  In the device control processing S2302, the auxiliary display device 118, the acoustic device 110, and the light emitting device 117 are based on the data stored in the output data buffer in accordance with the various commands confirmed to be received in the reception command confirmation processing S2209. The drive control is performed. Specifically, display control signals such as an effect display control signal for instructing output of effect display and an error display control signal for instructing output of error display are transmitted to the auxiliary display device 118. In addition, voice control such as a production audio control signal for instructing the audio device 110 to output production audio, an error audio control signal for instructing output of error audio, and an adjustment audio control signal for supporting the output of adjustment audio. A volume control signal such as a signal, an effect volume control signal that indicates an effect volume, an error volume control signal that indicates an error volume, and a settlement volume control signal that indicates an adjustment volume is transmitted. Further, a light emission control signal such as an effect light control signal for instructing output of effect light, an error light emission control signal for instructing output of error light, and a payment light emission control signal for instructing output of adjustment light to the light emitting device 117. Sent.

  In the system state change process S2303, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the system state. Depending on the determination result, the voltage drop flag indicating the voltage drop state and the in-initialization flag indicating the initialization state are set or canceled. . If there is a change in the system state, processing corresponding to the change is executed. When the voltage drop flag and the initialization flag are canceled, the system state is regarded as a normal state, and this process ends. The medal settlement process S2304 is executed after the system state change process S2303.

  In the medal settlement process S2304, when a settlement flag such as a credit settlement flag indicating that a credit medal is being settled or a bet settlement flag indicating that a bet medal is being settled is set, a notification mode is determined. Note that the credit settlement flag is set in response to reception of a credit settlement start command in the reception command check process S2208, and is canceled in response to reception of a credit settlement end command. Similarly, the bet settlement flag is set in response to reception of a bet settlement start command, and is canceled in response to reception of a bet settlement end command.

  In the voltage monitoring process S2305, it is determined whether the voltage of the internal power supplied from the power supply board 300 is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage. If the internal voltage is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage, the voltage drop flag is cleared. If the voltage drop flag is set, the voltage drop flag is canceled when the voltage drop flag is set. After the voltage drop check process S2305, a long cycle timer process S2306 described below is executed.

  After the long cycle timer processing S2306, the notification data is changed (“notification data change processing” S2307). In the notification data change process S2307, display data for causing the auxiliary display device 118 to perform error display notification, effect display notification, and adjustment display notification, and the audio device 110 to perform error sound notification, effect sound notification, and adjustment sound notification. The sound data (volume data and sound data) is updated, and the updated display data and sound data are stored in the output data buffer. ("Notification data change process" S2307).

  Here, the long cycle timer process will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the long cycle timer process executed during the short cycle timer process. In the long cycle timer process S2306, as shown in FIG. 30, the value of the short cycle timer counter is added to the value of the long cycle timer counter, and the long cycle timer counter is updated ("long cycle timer counter addition process"). S2401). After the long cycle timer counter update process S2401, it is determined whether or not the value of the long cycle timer counter is 10 or more (S2402). By the determination process S2402, the following process is executed approximately every 10 updates of the short cycle timer counter. Since the short cycle timer counter is updated approximately every 1 ms, the following processing is performed approximately every 10 ms.

  If it is determined in the determination process 2402 that the value of the long-period timer counter is less than 10, this process ends. On the other hand, when the value of the long cycle timer counter is 10 or more, the value of the long cycle timer counter is decreased by 10 and the value of the long cycle timer counter is updated ("long cycle timer counter subtraction process" S2403). . After the long-period timer counter subtraction process S2403, data of a desired light emission pattern is extracted from a light emission data table including a plurality of light emission patterns for various light emitting devices (light emitting device 117 and the like) held in the ROM of the sub control board 302. And stored in the output data buffer ("light emission pattern data update process" S2404). The stored data is output by the device control process 2303 in the short cycle timer process S2206.

  After the light emission pattern data update process S2404, a process for synchronizing the light emission effect and the sound effect is executed ("light emission / sound synchronization process" S2405). After the light emission / sound synchronization processing S2405, in the situation where the sound effect is being performed, if the player is left for a predetermined time (30 seconds in this embodiment) without any input, The volume of the sound effect is changed to a low volume (“acoustic fade-out process” S2406). Further, without any input by the player, it is confirmed whether or not a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 50 seconds) has elapsed, and a demonstration flag is set ("demonstration start confirmation process" S2407). A predetermined demonstration effect is started on the auxiliary display device 118 by setting the demonstration flag. After the demonstration process S2407, the volume setting of the volume adjustment switch (not shown) in the volume change input device (not shown) is confirmed, and the reference volume at the time of error notification, settlement notification, and production to the acoustic device 110 is set. It is updated ("Volume setting process" S2408). In this embodiment, three levels of adjustment can be performed by operating the volume control switch. At each stage, the volume at the time of error notification, the volume at the time of payment notification, and the volume at the time of production are set to decrease in this order. Through the above process (long cycle timer counter addition processing S2401 to sound volume setting processing S2408), the long cycle timer processing S2306 ends.

[Main configuration related to the present invention]
The symbol arrangement and symbol variation stop control, which are the main features of the slot machine of the present invention, will be described together. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of symbol display.

  In the slot machine 100, as shown in FIG. 31, the symbol display is such that the player can visually recognize the left symbol belt 175L through the left symbol perspective window 161L, the middle symbol perspective window 161M, and the right symbol perspective window 161R. Of the 21 symbols (left symbol row) described in 3 (the 18th to 20th symbols in FIG. 31), 21 symbols (the middle symbol row) described in the middle symbol belt 175M ) And three symbols out of 21 symbols (right symbol row) described on the right symbol belt 175R are stopped at a predetermined position.

  The effective symbol display area 30L for the left reel 171L constituting a part of each of the five combination lines (162a to 162e) includes an upper symbol display area 31L, a middle symbol display area 32L, and a lower symbol display area 33L. The arrangement pattern is a three-continuous pattern. Similarly, the effective symbol display area 30M corresponding to the middle reel 171M includes an upper symbol display area 31M, a middle symbol display area 32M, and a lower symbol display area 33M, and the effective symbol display area 30R corresponding to the right reel 171R is: The upper symbol display area 31R, the middle symbol display area 32R, and the lower symbol display area 33R are configured, and each of the arrangement pattern of the effective symbol display area 30M and the arrangement pattern of the effective symbol display area 30R is a three-continuous pattern.

  The left symbol sequence in the left symbol belt 175L includes a plurality of types of role composition symbols (in this embodiment, “7” symbol, “youth” symbol, “BAR” symbol, “replay” symbol, “watermelon” symbol, “bell” Symbols and “cherry” symbols) and one kind of special symbol (a kind of specific symbol) (18th to 20th symbols). The arrangement patterns of the three dedicated symbols in the left symbol row are three continuous patterns that are the same as the arrangement patterns of the effective symbol display area 30L. In the following, three consecutive dedicated symbols are also referred to as a triple dedicated symbol group. The middle symbol sequence in the middle symbol belt 175M is one with a plurality of types of role composition symbols (“7” symbol, “youth” symbol, “BAR” symbol, “replay” symbol, “watermelon” symbol, and “bell” symbol). 3 types of dedicated symbols (8th to 10th symbols :), and the arrangement patterns of the three dedicated symbols in the middle symbol row are three consecutive patterns identical to the arrangement pattern of the effective symbol display area 30M. Yes, the dedicated symbol in the middle symbol row is the same type as the dedicated symbol in the left symbol row. Similar to the middle symbol row, the right symbol row in the right symbol belt 175R has a plurality of types of role composition symbols (“7” symbol, “youth” symbol, “BAR” symbol, “replay” symbol, “watermelon” symbol, and "Bell" symbol) and one type of dedicated symbol (sixth to eighth symbols), and the arrangement pattern of the three dedicated symbols in the right symbol row is the arrangement pattern of the effective symbol display area 30R The dedicated symbols in the right symbol row are the same type as the dedicated symbols in the left symbol row. The “cherry” symbol is a symbol for the left reel 171L, but is not a symbol for the middle reel 171M and the right reel 171R.

  In the following, the variation control of the symbol display will be described almost along time series. When the change start input device 113 is operated by the player, an input for starting the change of the symbol display is detected by the main control board 301 (switch reading process S206 in FIG. 12). Specifically, the start signal that is an output signal from the fluctuation start input device 113 is changed from the off state to the on state, and the main control board 301 detects the change (rise) of the fluctuation start signal from the off state to the on state. To do.

  Depending on the detection of input by the fluctuation start input device 113 on the main control board 301, a plurality of types of profits (in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, a replay, a watermelon, a bell, and a cherry) A lottery is determined (internal lottery process S606 in FIG. 16). As a result of the lottery, a winning combination, a cherry combination, a bell combination, a watermelon combination, a replay combination, a regular bonus combination, or a big bonus combination is selected. The winning combination may include only one type of combination, or may include two or more types of profit combinations in a predetermined combination. In addition, when all profits are not won in the lottery, it is referred to as a win for the sake of convenience.

  Further, referring to the winning combination in response to detection of input by the fluctuation start input device 113, one manual stop control table corresponding to the winning combination is obtained from a plurality of manual stop control tables held in a predetermined area of the ROM 312. It is selected as a reference manual stop control table (rotation start process S1101 in FIG. 21). Each manual stop control table includes a plurality of stop control information for the left reel, a plurality of manual stop control information for the middle reel, and a plurality of manual stop control information for the right reel.

  Note that the reference manual stop control table is appropriately changed as necessary. For example, when rotation of the reels other than the right reel 171L (the middle reel 171M or the right reel 171R) is stopped first, other automatic stop control tables included in the plurality of manual stop control tables are referred to as the reference stop control table. (Control table resetting processing S1116 and S1123 in FIG. 21). Further, when the left reel 171L, the middle reel 171M, and the right reel 171R are stopped, a new manual stop control table is newly created as necessary depending on the rising timing of the left stop signal, the middle stop signal, and the right stop signal. The stop control table is reselected as the reference stop control table. In addition, after the left reel 171L, the middle reel 171M, or the right reel 171R is stopped, a new manual stop control table may be re-used as a reference stop control table from a plurality of manual stop control tables as needed depending on the stopped symbol pattern. Is selected (control table change processing S1113, S1120, S1127 in FIG. 21).

  Here, the manual stop control table will be specifically described. As shown in Table 1 below, each manual stop control table is an array of symbols passing through the upper end of the lower symbol display area 33L when an input by the variable stop input device 114 is detected on the main control board 301. The number of left smoothers (an integer of “0” to “4” in this embodiment) associated with each number (hereinafter referred to as “left display symbol number”) and the upper end of the lower symbol display area 33M The number of medium sliver frames associated with each sequence number of a symbol passing through (hereinafter referred to as “medium display symbol number”) and the sequence number of a symbol passing through the upper end of the lower symbol display area 33L (Hereinafter referred to as “right display symbol number”) and the number of smooth frames associated with each one. For example, when the number of sliding frames is “4”, it means that the left reel 171L stops with a sliding of 4 symbols or more and less than 5 symbols. Specifically, when the left display symbol number is “6” when the rising edge of the left stop signal is detected, the number of sliding frames is “4”, so that the tenth symbol is the lower symbol display area 33M. Stopped when fully displayed.

  In each of the plurality of manual stop control tables, as shown in Table 2 below, the number of sliding frames “aL” corresponding to the left display symbol number “18” is a value other than “0” for the left reel 171L. The number of smooth frames “bL” corresponding to the left display symbol number “17” is a value other than “1”, and the number of smooth frames “cL” corresponding to the left display symbol number “16” is a value other than “2”. The number of smooth frames “dL” corresponding to the left display symbol number “15” is a value other than “3”, and the value “eL” corresponding to the left display symbol number “14” is a value other than “4”. is there. Also, for the middle reel 171M, the number of smooth frames “aM”, the number of slide frames “bM”, the number of slide frames “cM”, the number of slide frames “dM”, and the number of slide frames “eM” are values other than “0”. A value other than “1”, a value other than “2”, a value other than “3”, and a value other than “4”. For the right reel 171M, the number of smooth frames “aR”, the number of slide frames “bR”, the number of slide frames “cR”, the number of slide frames “dR”, and the number of slide frames “eR” are values other than “0”, A value other than “1”, a value other than “2”, a value other than “3”, and a value other than “4”. It should be noted that the number of smooth frames represented by “−” in Table 2 represents an arbitrary integer from “0” to “4”.

  Further, measurement of the fluctuation time is started in response to detection of input by the fluctuation start input device 113 (automatic stop timer setting process S1104 in FIG. 21). In measurement of the fluctuation time, the automatic stop timer is initially set to a value corresponding to the specified fluctuation time, and the value set in the automatic stop timer is decremented based on a clock signal from a clock circuit (not shown). Measure by. Note that the variation time may be measured by any other method. For example, the timer value may be initialized to “0”, and the value of the automatic stop timer may be incremented based on the clock signal to measure the variation time. In addition, the variation time may be measured based on the number of interrupt executions of interrupt processing (for example, timer interrupt processing) that is substantially periodically executed, or substantially periodically from the left reel index 173L or the like. Substantial variation time may be measured based on the number of times of reception of the output reference position detection signal.

  Further, in order to start the rotation of each of the left reel 171L, the middle reel 171M, and the middle reel 171R in response to detection of an input by the fluctuation start input device 113, a left drive flag, a middle drive flag, and a right drive flag are respectively set. It is set (rotation start processing S1101 in FIG. 21). Note that, according to the settings of the left drive flag, the middle drive flag, and the right drive flag, the variation of the symbol display by the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row is substantially started. Setting the left driving flag means storing a predetermined value (“1” in the present embodiment) in the predetermined left driving flag storage area assigned to the left driving flag in the RAM 313. Releasing the left driving flag means storing a predetermined value (in this embodiment, “0”) in the left driving flag storage area. The same applies to other various flags.

  In the following, the symbol display control when the symbol display is changing will be described by taking the case of the left reel 171L as an example. Since the middle reel 171M and the right reel 171R are substantially the same as the left reel 171, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the left drive flag is set, transmission of the drive signal to the left stepping motor 172L is started, and during the period in which the left drive flag is set until the left drive flag is released, the left drive signal is transmitted to the left stepping motor. It is periodically and repeatedly transmitted to 172L (stepping motor control process S205 in FIG. 12). The left stepping motor 172L rotates the left reel 171L by a predetermined constant angle every time a left drive signal is received. As a result, the symbol variation by the left symbol sequence is actually performed.

  In addition, when the left drive flag is set, the update of the symbol display information is started. During the period in which the left drive flag is set, the left symbol indicating the display state of the left symbol row is sequentially displayed according to the transmission of the left drive signal. The symbol display information is updated. The left symbol display information is composed of a left symbol number (“1” to “21” in this embodiment) and the number of left drive signal transmissions (“0” to “23” in this embodiment). Display states are identified by their combination differences. Hereinafter, the left symbol display information is represented by [left display symbol number, left drive signal transmission number]. In addition, the symbol display information indicating the fluctuation state of the overall symbol display includes the left symbol display information, the medium display symbol number ("1" to "21" in this embodiment), and the number of medium drive signal transmissions ("in this embodiment" 0 ”to“ 23 ”), the middle symbol display information indicating the display state of the middle symbol row, the left display symbol number (“ 1 ”to“ 21 ”in this embodiment), and the left drive signal transmission number (book) In the form, right symbol display information indicating the display state of the left symbol string composed of “0” to “23”) is included.

  The number of left drive signal transmissions is updated to a value obtained by adding 1 to the current value in accordance with the transmission of the left drive signal. However, if the left drive signal transmission number reaches the specified drive signal transmission number (“24” in this embodiment) required for passing one symbol, the left drive signal transmission number is reset to “0” and the left The display symbol number is updated to a value obtained by adding “1” to the current value. As a result, the number of left drive signal transmissions is substantially a value between “0” and “23”. The left display symbol number is updated to a value obtained by adding 1 to the current location in response to the reset of the left drive signal transmission number. However, if the maximum symbol number (“21”) is exceeded, the minimum sequence number (“1”) is reset. Further, when the main control board 301 detects that the left reference position detection signal from the left index sensor 173L shifts from the OFF state to the ON state, the left display symbol number is forcibly reset to “1”. The left drive signal transmission number is reset to “0”. The left reference position detection signal is transmitted only once for each rotation of the left reel 171L.

  Here, the transition of the left symbol display information will be specifically described. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the transition of the left symbol display information in accordance with the rotation of the left reel 171L. The leftmost diagram of FIG. 31 shows a state in which the symbol of array number “21” is completely displayed in the lower symbol display area 33L, that is, a display state in which the left symbol display information is [21, 23]. . Under normal conditions, in this state, the left reference position detection signal from the left index sensor 173L shifts from the off state to the on state. When the left driving signal is transmitted in the display state in which the left symbol display information is [21, 23], the display state is shifted to the display state in which the left symbol display information is [1, 0]. In normal times, the rising edge of the left reference position detection signal is detected in the timer interruption process when the left drive signal is transmitted. Further, when the left drive signal is repeatedly transmitted, the symbol display state in which the left symbol display information is [1, 1],..., The state in which the left symbol display information is [1, 22], the left symbol display information The symbols are sequentially updated to the symbol display state [1, 23], and the first symbol reaches the lower symbol display area 33L.

  Control for stopping the left reel 171L in response to an input from the left stop input device 114 will be described. Since the same applies to the other reels (171M, 171R), detailed description thereof is omitted. In response to the detection (input detection) of the rising edge of the left stop signal from the variable stop input device 114 on the main control board 301 (switch reading process S206 in FIG. 12), stop control information for the left reel in the reference stop control table, Based on the left display symbol number and the number of left drive signal transmissions, the left reel drive flag is canceled and the left reel 171L is substantially stopped (left reel stop processing S1110 in FIG. 21). Specifically, referring to the left display symbol number at the time of detecting the rising edge of the left stop signal, the number of smooth frames corresponding to the left display symbol number is extracted from the reference manual stop control table. Next, by adding the number of extracted smooth frames to the left display symbol number, the symbol number of the symbol to be stopped in the lower effective display area 33L (hereinafter referred to as “stop symbol number”) is determined. When the left display symbol number matches the stop symbol number and the left drive signal transmission number matches “23”, the left drive flag is canceled. As a result, the transmission of the left drive signal is stopped, and the rotation of the left reel 171L is stopped.

  As described with reference to Table 2 above, in all the manual stop control tables included in the plurality of manual stop control table groups, “aL”, “bL”, “cL”, “dL”, and “eL” Are values other than “0”, values other than “1”, values other than “2”, values other than “3”, and values other than “4”. Even if a rising edge is detected, the dedicated symbol in the left symbol row is not displayed in the entire effective symbol display area corresponding to the left reel 171L. As in the case of the left reel 171L, the dedicated symbols are not displayed in all of the effective symbol display areas corresponding to the middle reel 171M and the right reel 171R.

  An automatic stop control for automatically stopping all the rotating reels when the fluctuation time reaches the specified fluctuation time will be described. When at least one of the left reel 171L, the middle reel 171M and the right reel 171R is rotating, when the arrival of the variation time to the specified variation time is detected (determination process S1105 in FIG. 21), automatic stop control is performed. With reference to the information, the drive flags (left drive flag, middle drive flag, and right drive flag) for all the rotating reels are sequentially released, and all the rotating reels are substantially stopped. Here, as shown in Table 3 below, the automatic stop control information includes three stop symbol numbers (left stop symbol numbers for the left reel) held in the area assigned to the automatic stop control information in the ROM 312. “18”, medium stop symbol number “8” for middle reel, and right stop symbol number “6” for right reel).

  When the rotation of the left reel 171L is automatically stopped, the left display symbol number matches the left stop symbol number with reference to the left display symbol number and the left stop symbol number (in this embodiment, “18”). In response to this detection, the left driving flag is canceled. As a result, the transmission of the left drive signal is stopped, and the rotation of the left reel 171L is stopped. By the automatic stop of the left reel 171L, the triple symbol dedicated symbol group in the left symbol row (the 18th to 20th symbols in FIG. 7A) is displayed in the effective symbol display area 20L corresponding to the left reel 1717. ) Is always displayed. Similarly, when the rotation of the middle reel 171M is automatically stopped, the middle display symbol number is referred to as the middle stop symbol number with reference to the middle display symbol number and the middle stop symbol number (in this embodiment, “8”). The medium drive flag is canceled in response to the detection of the coincidence. By automatically stopping the middle reel 171M, the triple symbol dedicated symbol group (8th to 10th symbols in FIG. 7B) is always displayed in the effective symbol display area 30M of the triple pattern corresponding to the middle reel 171M. Is done. When the rotation of the right reel 171R is automatically stopped, the right display symbol number is referred to as the right stop symbol number with reference to the right display symbol number and the right stop symbol number (in this embodiment, “6”). The right reel drive flag is canceled in response to the detection of matching. Due to the automatic stop of the right reel 171R, the right triple design symbol group (sixth to eighth symbols in FIG. 7B) is always displayed in the triple effective symbol display area 30R corresponding to the right reel 171R. The In this embodiment, the left reel 171 is automatically stopped with priority over the middle reel 171M and the right reel 171R, and the middle reel 171M is automatically stopped with priority over the right reel 171R.

  In the case of the above-described stroking machine 100, when the symbol variation is automatically stopped, the dedicated symbols are displayed on all the effective symbol display areas (30L, 30M, 30R) corresponding to at least one reel (171L, 171M, 171R). Can be stopped, so that the player can be notified that automatic symbol change has been stopped. In addition, since the dedicated symbols can be stopped in all the effective symbol display areas for all the reels (171L, 171M, 171R) that are rotating when the symbol variation is automatically stopped, the symbols are being rotated at that time. Compared with the case where the dedicated symbols are stopped in all the effective symbol display areas for only one reel (171L, 171M, 171R), it is possible to better inform the player that the automatic symbol change has been stopped. . Furthermore, when the symbol variation is manually stopped, the dedicated symbol is not stopped in all the effective symbol display areas for the respective reels (171L, 171M, 171R), and the symbol variation is manually stopped and the automatic symbol variation is stopped. Can be clearly identified, and the player can be notified of the fact that automatic symbol change has been stopped.

  In the case of the slot machine 100 described above, since only one automatic stop control information needs to be provided for each reel (171L, 171M, 171R), an automatic symbol variation stop function is adopted. Compared to the case where a plurality of automatic stop slide tables similar to the manual stop slide table (manual stop control table) are included or a case where a plurality of automatic stop control information for stopping the reels at a plurality of predetermined positions is included. Thus, an increase in the amount of information necessary for automatic stop control can be suppressed to a minimum. In addition, when a plurality of automatic stop sliding tables are selected, the processing of selecting a sliding table and calculating a scheduled symbol number to be stopped with reference to the sliding table, or including a plurality of automatic stop control information, etc. Processing for selecting a stop position becomes unnecessary, and an increase in processing load in automatic stop control can be suppressed.

  In the case of the slot machine 100 described above, the replay symbols and bell symbols in each reel (171L, 171M, 171R) have an interval less than the maximum number of sliver frames (for example, any two adjacent replay symbols or any two adjacent symbols). If there are five or more symbols between the two bell symbols), and if you have won the replay role and the bell role in the manual stoppage of the symbol variation, A replay role and a bell role can always be awarded. For example, in a region near the triple dedicated symbol group that has the least degree of freedom in arrangement with respect to the replay symbol and the bell symbol, the replay symbol is placed adjacent to one end of the triple dedicated symbol group, and adjacent to the replay symbol. A bell symbol is arranged, a bell symbol is arranged adjacent to the other end of the triple dedicated symbol group, and a replay symbol is arranged adjacent to the bell symbol. Thereby, the replay role and the bell role can be made unmissable, and the fairness for the players having different skills is improved.

  In the above description, the case where the dedicated symbols are stopped in all the effective symbol display areas for all the reels (171L, 171M, 171R) being rotated when the symbol variation is automatically stopped has been described. In this case, when the symbol variation is automatically stopped, the dedicated symbol may be stopped in all the effective symbol display areas for at least one reel that is rotating.

  In the above description, when the symbol variation is manually stopped, the case where the dedicated symbols are not stopped in all of the effective symbol display areas for the respective reels (171L, 171M, 171R) has been described. When stopping symbol variation, depending on the operation timing of the variation stop input device, the dedicated symbol may be stopped in all of the effective symbol display areas for each reel (171L, 171M, 171R). In addition, in the above, since the slip of less than 5 symbols is allowed when the symbol variation is manually stopped, depending on the operation timing of the variation stop input device, the effective symbol display area for each reel has a dedicated symbol. However, in the present invention, the sliding of 5 symbols or more is allowed, and when the variation of the symbols is manually stopped, the effective symbol display area for each reel (171L, 171M, 171R) is always All may be configured such that the dedicated symbol is not stopped.

  In the above description, a case has been described in which the automatic stop control information includes only three automatic stop symbol numbers for each reel (171L, 171M, 171R) and is stopped at a predetermined different place for each reel. Further, by arranging the triple dedicated symbol group in the range of the same symbol number in each reel, the reels may be stopped at a predetermined common place in all reels. In this case, the automatic stop control information only needs to include only one automatic stop symbol number common to each reel. Therefore, the amount of information necessary for automatic stop control can be further reduced.

  In the above, the configuration in which each reel is provided with a dedicated symbol has been described. However, in the present invention, the dedicated symbol in the middle reel and the right reel is replaced with the same symbol (specific symbol) as the “cherry” symbol in the left reel. It may be.

  In the above description, the configuration for holding the automatic stop control information and referring to the automatic stop control information at the time of automatic stop has been described. However, in the present invention, the automatic stop control information is not included and the automatic stop is performed at the time of automatic stop. A configuration in which the control information is not referred to may be used. This configuration will be described below. Only differences from the slot machine 100 will be described in detail.

  When the rising edge of the left reference position detection signal is detected from the left reel index sensor 173L, the left reel index sensor 173L is set so that the symbol displayed in the lower symbol display area 33L for the left reel becomes the first symbol. And the relative position of the first symbol are adjusted. The same applies to the middle reel and the right reel.

  As the first to third symbols of the symbol belt (not shown) of this embodiment in the left reel 171L, the same triple dedicated symbol group as shown in FIG. 7 is arranged. Similarly, a triple dedicated symbol group is arranged as the first to third symbols of the symbol belt in each of the middle reel and the right reel.

  When the rotation of the left reel 171L is automatically stopped, the left drive flag is canceled in response to the detection of the rising edge of the left reference position detection signal from the left reel index sensor 173L. Unlike the case of the first embodiment, the automatic stop control information is not referred to. By releasing the left drive flag, transmission of the left drive signal is stopped, and rotation of the left reel 171L is stopped. At this time, a triple dedicated symbol group in the left symbol row is displayed in the effective symbol display area 30L of the triple symbol pattern corresponding to the left reel 171L. The same applies to the middle reel 171M and the right reel 171R. With this configuration, when the symbol fluctuation is automatically stopped, the triple dedicated symbol group is stopped in the effective symbol display area (30L, 30M, 30R) of the triple pattern for each reel (171L, 171M, 171R). Can be made. Therefore, the same effect as the above case can be obtained. Further, as in the case of the slot machine 100 that automatically stops with reference to the number of left drive signals and automatic stop control information (stop symbol number), the display symbols are appropriately referred to with reference to the display symbol number and the left drive signal transmission number. It is not necessary to determine whether the number reaches the stop symbol number, and the processing burden due to the automatic stop control can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide automatic control stop information, the amount of information necessary for automatic stop control can be further reduced.

  The present invention may be implemented in a different type of spinning machine or the like than the above embodiment. For example, as a different type of spinning machine, there is a fusion machine (ball-type spinning machine) in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused. As a specific example of the compound machine, after the insertion of a predetermined amount of balls based on a predetermined operation (button operation), for example, the variation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the operation lever, for example, due to the operation of the stop button. Or when a predetermined time elapses, the variation of the symbol is stopped, and a jackpot state that is advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the confirmed symbol at the time of stoppage is a so-called jackpot symbol. Is a system in which a large amount of balls are paid out to the lower tray.

  The present invention is suitable for a gaming machine such as a slot machine and a ball-type spinning machine.

The typical perspective view showing an example of the blockade state of a slot machine. The typical perspective view showing an example of the open state of a slot machine. The typical front view showing an example of a front door. The typical back view showing an example of a front door. The typical front view showing an example of a housing | casing. The typical exploded perspective view showing an example of the left reel device. The typical plane expanded view showing an example of a design belt. The typical rear view showing an example of the internal structure of a selector. Explanatory drawing showing the example in-kind medal detection of a selector. The block diagram showing the electrical structural example of a slot machine. The flowchart showing an example of the power failure interruption process of a main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the timer interruption process of a main control board. The flowchart showing in detail an example of the backup process executed in the timer interrupt process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the main process of a main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the probability setting process of a main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the normal game process of a main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the fluctuation waiting process in the normal game process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the adjustment process in the fluctuation | variation waiting process of a main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the medal acceptance confirmation process in the fluctuation waiting process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the medal acceptance process in the fluctuation waiting process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the rotation control process in the normal game process of a main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the automatic stop process in the rotation control process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the acquired medal payout process in the normal game process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the process during the active material operation in the normal game process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the accessory action determination process in the normal game process of the main control board. The flowchart showing an example of the timer interruption process in a sub control board. The flowchart showing an example of the command interruption process in a sub control board. The flowchart showing an example of the main process in a sub control board. The flowchart showing an example of the short cycle timer process in the main process of a sub control board. The flowchart showing an example of the long cycle timer process in the short cycle timer process of a sub control board. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the symbol display in the slot machine of Embodiment 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of transition of the left symbol display information in the symbol variation in the slot machine of Embodiment 1. FIG.

30L, 30M, 30R: Effective symbol display area 31L, 31M, 31R: Upper symbol display area 32L, 32M, 32R: Middle symbol display area 33L, 33M, 33R: Lower symbol display area 100: Game machine 113: Fluctuation start input device 114: Fluctuation stop input device 161L: Left symbol see-through window 161M: Left symbol see-through window 161R: Left symbol see-through window 171L, 171L ': Left reel 171M, 171M': Middle reel 171R, 171R ': Right reel 172L: Left stepping motor 172M: middle stepping motor 172R: right stepping motor 173L: left reel index sensor 173M: middle reel index sensor 173R: right reel index sensor 175L: left symbol belt 175M: middle symbol belt 175R: right symbol bell G 175L: Left design belt 175M: Middle design belt 175R: Right design belt 301: Main control board 312: ROM
313: RAM

Claims (1)

A symbol display means for displaying symbols by a plurality of symbol sequences;
Symbol variation means for driving the symbol display means to vary the symbol display;
Design variation control means for controlling the design variation means;
Variation start input means for performing input for starting variation of the symbol display;
Lottery means for lottery determination of the success of plural types of profits in accordance with the input by the change start input means;
Fluctuation change input means for performing input for changing the fluctuation of the symbol display;
A gaming machine including
Each of the plurality of symbol sequences in the symbol display means includes at least one type of substantial role configuration symbol and at least one type of substantial role configuration symbol for each symbol sequence corresponding to the plurality of types of profits. Including at least one specific symbol different from each other,
The arrangement pattern of the at least one specific symbol in each of the plurality of symbol rows includes an arrangement pattern of an effective symbol display area constituting a combination line,
In each of the plurality of symbol rows, the arrangement pattern of the at least one kind of substantial role configuration symbol includes an arrangement pattern of the effective symbol display area,
The symbol variation control means is
Fluctuation start control means for starting the operation of the symbol fluctuation means in response to an input by the fluctuation start input means;
Symbol display information holding means for holding symbol display information representing a symbol display state for each of the plurality of symbol columns by the symbol display means;
A symbol display information control means for updating the symbol display information in the symbol display information holding means according to a variation in the symbol display;
In response to an input by the change change input means, a change change control means for changing the change in the symbol display with reference to the symbol display information and the lottery result in the lottery means;
Automatic stop permission determining means for performing automatic stop permission determination when a substantial variation time in which the symbol display is varied reaches a specified variation time;
In the symbol display in which the specific symbol is displayed in all of the effective symbol display areas corresponding to at least one symbol row of the plurality of symbol rows according to the automatic stop permission judgment by the automatic stop permission judging means. , Fluctuation stopping means for stopping fluctuation of the symbol display,
Including
The change change control means, in changing the change of the symbol display, the combination component symbols are displayed in all of the effective symbol display area corresponding to the symbol row to be changed among the plurality of symbol rows. the specific symbols in any of the activated symbol display areas so that it appears to stop the symbol rows is the change target by,
A gaming machine characterized by that.