JP5330696B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suggesting a winning symbol combination in a suitable form. <P>SOLUTION: When a start lever 41 provided at a slot machine 10 is operated, a symbol combination is drawn inside and reels 32L, 32M and 32R visible through display windows 26L, 26M and 26R start to rotate. Then, when stop switches 42-44 are operated, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R corresponding to the respective switches 42-44 are stopped. In this case, when some kind of a symbol combination is won and a winning symbol is included in the stop spot of a previous game, it is determined that a winning symbol combination is to be suggested. Then, before the respective reels 32L, 32M and 32R start to rotate, a light emitting display part provided to a position corresponding to the winning symbol is lighted in red. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  As a gaming machine that stops after rotating a plurality of reels, for example, there is a slot machine. In the slot machine, a plurality of symbols are given to the outer peripheral portion of each reel, and a part of the symbols given to each reel is visible through the display window. Then, when the player inserts a medal, an effective line is set, and then the player operates the start lever to play a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB”) role or small role in the slot machine. In addition, a lottery such as a re-game is performed and each reel starts to rotate. After each reel starts to rotate, each reel is sequentially stopped to finish one game. When all reels stop rotating, the winning combination will be awarded if the combination of the winning combination on the active line is stopped, and the player will receive a medal reward or a game state transition privilege. Is done. Here, when winning the BB combination, the BB winning is valid until the corresponding winning is established, and the winning combination is invalid after the game is over regardless of whether the winning combination is established or not. It is common to be done. Therefore, it is common for a player to watch a changing symbol and operate a stop switch so that the predetermined symbol stops on the active line. In other words, the player can actively participate in the game. This is a feature of slot machines. In recent years, a slot machine has been proposed that includes an auxiliary display unit such as a liquid crystal display device and performs an auxiliary effect such as suggesting a winning combination in the auxiliary display unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-317041 A

  When an auxiliary performance suggesting a winning combination is executed, it is possible to reduce the frequency of occurrence of so-called spillovers in which the winning is invalid without establishing a corresponding winning even though the winning combination is won. . However, if it is configured to always perform an auxiliary effect that suggests a winning role when winning a certain role, the player may have a passive impression, and the feature of the slot machine may be diluted Is concerned.

  The above problem is not limited to the slot machine as exemplified above, but also applies to other gaming machines that display a variety of patterns in a variable manner and then end the variable display.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances exemplified above, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suggesting a winning combination in a suitable form.

In the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of circulation display means for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of pictures, a start operation means operated to cause each of the circulation display means to start cyclic display of the pictures, and the start operation A lottery means for lottery based on the operation of the means, a stop operation means operated to stop the cyclic display of the pattern, and a cyclic display of the pattern based on the operation of the start operation means. Display control means for controlling the display of each circulation display means so as to stop the cyclic display of the pattern based on the operation of the stop operation means, and the lottery result of the combination is a winning combination corresponding to the winning combination in a gaming machine and a privilege providing means for providing the privilege if the winning pattern is stopped at the predetermined valid positions, as the role, certain timing when winning the lottery of the role Wherein comprising first predetermined combination of the stopping operation means is operated privilege is invalidated said winning without being applied with a second predetermined combination, the player wins the first predetermined combination or the second predetermined combination A suggestion means capable of suggesting the result, and a first corresponding picture corresponding to the first predetermined role when the stop operation means is operated at a predetermined timing when the winning combination is not won. The stop operation means is operated at a timing other than the prescribed timing so that the second corresponding pattern corresponding to the second predetermined combination is a specific eye that stops within a range that can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine. Then, the second display control means for controlling the display of each circulation display means so as not to become the specific eyes, and whether each circulation display means has become the specific eyes when the cyclic display of the pattern is stopped. specific eyes discrimination to determine whether A stage, and count storage means for the particular eye and became and the particular eye determination means for storing the number of times that is determined to reach the multiple of the number predetermined for storing the count storage means, the circulating display of the picture When the start operation means is operated to start and the lottery result of the combination in the game round is the first predetermined prize winning or the second predetermined winning combination, each circulation display means in the immediately preceding game round Based on the stop result, a determination means for determining whether or not the corresponding pattern corresponding to the winning combination is stopped in a range visible from the front of the gaming machine, and the determination means within the range visible from the front of the gaming machine When it is determined that the corresponding pattern corresponding to the winning combination is stopped, it is determined that the winning combination is suggested, and the corresponding pattern corresponding to the winning combination is stopped within a range in which the determination unit is visible from the front of the gaming machine. Have If it is determined that there is no, it is characterized in that a suggestion determination means for determining not to suggest the winning combination.

  It is possible to suggest the winning combination in a suitable form.

  Hereinafter, the gaming machine of the present invention will be described as a means, and will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the embodiment of the invention is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Means 1. A plurality of circulation display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of patterns (designs);
Start operation means (start lever 41, first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58) operated to cause each circulation display means to start cyclic display of the picture;
Lottery means (lottery processing function of the main control device 101) for lottery drawing based on the operation of the start operation means;
Stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) operated to stop the cyclic display of the pattern;
Display control means for starting display of the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means and controlling the display of each of the cyclic display means so as to stop the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the stop operation means ( (Slip table setting processing function and reel control processing function of the main control device 101),
A bonus (medal payout, transition to BB state, replay) is given when the winning result of the winning combination is winning and the winning symbol corresponding to the winning winning combination stops at a predetermined effective position (active line). In a gaming machine provided with privilege granting means (medal payout processing function S211 of main control device 101, BB start processing function S604),
Suggestion means (light emitting unit 33) capable of suggesting a winning combination won in the lottery of the combination;
Stopped picture sequence discriminating means (display control) for discriminating whether or not the specific picture sequence (specific eye) is stopped in a visible range from the front of the gaming machine when each cyclic display means stops the cyclic display of the picture S1904 in the stop symbol command processing of the device 81),
Number-of-times storage means (a specific eye counter of the display control device 81) for storing the number of times that the stop pattern sequence determination unit has determined that the specific pattern sequence has stopped within a range that can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine;
When the start operation means is operated to start the cyclic display of the pattern and the lottery of the combination is won, the winning combination is suggested based on the stop result of each of the circulation display units in the immediately preceding game round. Suggestion determining means for determining whether or not to perform (pre-game stop appearance grasping processing function of the display control device 81),
The suggestion determining means determines to suggest the winning combination based on the fact that the number of times stored in the number storage means has reached the first number (5 times).
According to this means, when the start operation means is operated to start the cyclic display of the picture and the winning lottery is won, the winning combination is determined based on the stop result of each circulating display means in the immediately preceding game round. It is decided whether or not to suggest. With this configuration, it is possible to cause the player to operate the stop operation means while expecting the winning combination to be suggested in the next game.
In addition, the winning combination is suggested over a plurality of gaming times by adopting a configuration in which the winning combination is suggested based on stopping the specific pattern sequence for the first time within a viewable range from the gaming machine front. While expecting, it becomes possible to operate the stop operation means so that the specific picture sequence stops in a range where it can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine.

  As a result, the player can be actively involved in the game even when the winning combination is not suggested, and the winning combination can be suggested in a suitable manner.

  Mean 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the number storage means is configured to store the number of times until the suggestion determination means determines that the winning combination is suggested.

  According to this means, the number of times that the specific picture sequence is stopped in the range that can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine until the suggestion determining means determines that the winning combination is suggested is valid. Even in the case where it is determined that the winning combination is suggested based on reaching the first number of times, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the frequency of determining that the winning combination is suggested.

  Means 3. In the above means 1 or 2, a gaming machine characterized in that the specific picture sequence is determined for each of a case where the winning combination is not won and a case where the winning combination is won.

  According to this means, since the specific picture sequence is determined for each of the case where the winning combination lottery is not won and the case where the winning combination lottery is selected, the specific drawing sequence is set in front of the gaming machine regardless of the winning lottery result. It becomes possible to stop in the visible range. As a result, even if it is a case where it is determined that the winning combination is suggested based on the fact that the number of times stored in the number storage means has reached the first number, the frequency of determining that the winning combination is suggested is reduced. It becomes possible to suppress. Furthermore, in such a configuration, the frequency at which it is determined that the winning combination is suggested is not the probability that the winning combination will be won, but the number of times that the specific picture sequence is stopped within the visible range from the front of the gaming machine, that is, the player It becomes possible to make it depend on the operation result of the stop operation means. As a result, the player can be actively involved in the frequency determined to suggest the winning combination, and the possibility that the player has a passive impression can be suitably reduced.

  In a configuration including a plurality of winning combinations that can be won, it is desirable to have a configuration in which a specific pattern is determined for each winning combination.

  Means 4. In any one of the means 1 to 3, when the suggestion means determines that the suggestion determination means suggests the winning combination, the suggestion means suggests the winning combination before each circulation display means starts the cyclic display of the pattern. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  According to this means, the winning combination is suggested before each circulation display means starts the circulation display of the picture. With such a configuration, when the player operates the stop operation means to stop the cyclic display of the picture, the stop operation means can be operated to stop the winning picture at the effective position.

  Means 5. In the above-mentioned means 4, a gaming machine comprising delay means for delaying a start timing at which each of the circulation display means starts the cyclic display of a picture when the suggestion determination means decides to suggest the winning combination .

  According to this means, when the winning combination is suggested, the start timing at which each circulation display means starts the cyclic display of the pattern is delayed. With such a configuration, it is possible to secure time for suggesting a winning combination before the stop operation means is operated, and it is possible for the player to surely recognize the winning combination. In addition, the winning combination can be suggested using the stop result of each circulation display means in the game game immediately before the winning combination is suggested.

  Means 6. In the above means 4 or 5, when the suggestion means suggests the winning combination, the winning specific design that forms the winning design among the designs that are stopped in a range that can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine is displayed. A gaming machine characterized by being highlighted in comparison with a picture.

  According to this means, when the winning combination is suggested, the winning specific design stopped in the range that can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine is highlighted as compared with the other design. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible for the player to pay attention to the picture of each circulation display means, and the winning combination is suggested without impairing the original characteristics of the gaming machine that operates the stop operation means aiming at the picture. Is possible.

  Mean 7 In the above means 6, when the suggesting means suggests the winning combination, the second suggesting means (auxiliary display unit 65) for displaying the suggestion content until at least all of the circulating display means stop the cyclic display of the picture. A gaming machine characterized by having it.

  According to this means, when the winning combination is suggested, the suggested content is displayed on the second suggestion means until at least all of the circulation display means stop the circulation display of the picture. By adopting such a configuration, even if the player has forgotten or missed the suggested winning combination, the player should stop the winning pattern at the effective position by checking the second suggestion means. It is possible to operate the stop operation means.

Means 8. A plurality of circulation display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of patterns (designs);
Start determination means (start command determination processing function S206 of the main control device 101) for determining that the cyclic display of each of the circulation display means is to be started;
Lottery means (lottery processing function of the main control device 101) for lottery of the role based on the determination result of the start determination means;
Stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) operated to stop the cyclic display of the pattern;
Display control means for starting the cyclic display of the picture based on the determination result of the start determining means and controlling the display of each of the cyclic display means so as to stop the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the stop operation means. (Slip table setting processing function and reel control processing function of main control device 101),
A bonus (medal payout, transition to BB state, replay) is given when the winning result of the winning combination is winning and the winning symbol corresponding to the winning winning combination stops at a predetermined effective position (active line). In a gaming machine provided with privilege granting means (medal payout processing function S211 of main control device 101, BB start processing function S604),
Suggestion means (light emitting unit 33) capable of suggesting a winning combination won in the lottery of the combination;
Stopped picture sequence discriminating means (display control) for discriminating whether or not the specific picture sequence (specific eye) is stopped in a visible range from the front of the gaming machine when each cyclic display means stops the cyclic display of the picture S1904 in the stop symbol command processing of the device 81),
Number-of-times storage means (a specific eye counter of the display control device 81) for storing the number of times that the stop pattern sequence determination unit has determined that the specific pattern sequence has stopped within a range that can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine;
When the start determining means determines to start the cyclic display of the pattern and the winning lottery is won, the winning combination is suggested based on the stop result of each of the circulating display means in the immediately preceding game round Suggestion determining means for determining whether or not to perform (pre-game stop appearance grasping processing function of the display control device 81),
The suggestion determining means determines to suggest the winning combination based on the fact that the number of times stored in the number storage means has reached the first number (5 times).

  According to this means, if it is decided to start the cyclic display of the pattern, and if the winning lottery is won, whether or not the winning combination is suggested based on the stop result of each circulating display means in the immediately preceding game round No is determined. With this configuration, it is possible to cause the player to operate the stop operation means while expecting the winning combination to be suggested in the next game.

  In addition, the winning combination is suggested over a plurality of gaming times by adopting a configuration in which the winning combination is suggested based on stopping the specific pattern sequence for the first time within a viewable range from the gaming machine front. While expecting, it becomes possible to operate the stop operation means so that the specific picture sequence stops in a range where it can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine.

  As a result, the player can be actively involved in the game even when the winning combination is not suggested, and the winning combination can be suggested in a suitable manner.

  Note that any of the configurations of the above means 2 to 7 may be applied to this means, and in such a case, a synergistic effect can be expected.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment in the case of application to a spinning cylinder type gaming machine, which is a kind of gaming machine, specifically, a slot machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 closed, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the door 12, and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 that forms an outer shell thereof. The casing 11 is formed in a box shape having an open front as a whole, and is attached by, for example, driving nails against a so-called island facility when installed in the game hall.

  A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable. That is, the housing 11 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 13a and 13b on the left side when viewed from the front, and the front door 12 has a bearing portion 14a at a position corresponding to each support shaft 13a and 13b. , 14b are provided. When the support shafts 13a and 13b are inserted into the bearing portions 14a and 14b, the front door 12 rotates about an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the support shafts 13a and 13b to the housing 11. The front door 12 can be opened and closed by rotating the front door 12 so as to be movable. Further, the front door 12 is brought into a locked state that cannot be opened by a locking device 20 provided on the back surface thereof. A key cylinder 21 that is integrated with the locking device 20 is provided on the upper right side of the front door 12, and is configured such that the locked state is released by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 21.

  A game panel 25 for notifying the player of the game state is provided above the center of the front door 12. The game panel 25 is formed with three vertically long display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R, and the inside of the slot machine 10 is visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. The display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R may be combined into a single display window.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition plate 30, and a reel unit 31 constituting variable display means is attached to the upper part of the partition plate 30. The reel unit 31 includes a left reel 32L, a middle reel 32M, and a right reel 32R each formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape). Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is rotatably supported so that the central axis thereof is the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are disposed on the same axis extending in the substantially horizontal direction, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R correspond to the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R on a one-to-one basis. . Accordingly, a part of the surface of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is visible through the corresponding display windows 26L, 26M, 26R. Further, when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotated forward, the surfaces of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are projected as if moving from top to bottom through the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R.

  Here, the configuration of the reel unit 31 will be briefly described.

  Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is connected to a stepping motor, and each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R can be individually rotated, that is, independently driven by the driving of each stepping motor. . For example, the stepping motor is set to rotate once by giving a drive signal of 504 pulses (hereinafter also referred to as an excitation pulse), and the rotation position of the stepping motor, that is, the rotation position of the reel is determined by this excitation pulse. Be controlled. In the reel unit 31, a reel index sensor for detecting that the reel has made one rotation is installed on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. When the reel index sensor detects that the reel has made one rotation, a detection signal is output to the main controller 101 described later each time the reel is detected. Therefore, main controller 101 determines the angular position of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R for each rotation based on the detection signal of the reel index sensor and the number of excitation pulses output until the detection signal is input. It can be confirmed and corrected.

  On the outer peripheral surface of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, a plurality of symbols as identification information are drawn in the long side direction (circular direction). More specifically, 21 symbols are drawn at equal intervals. Therefore, in order to switch the symbol at a predetermined position to the next symbol, it is necessary to output 24 pulses (= 504 pulses / 21 symbols) of excitation pulses. The main controller 101 grasps the symbols visible from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R based on the number of excitation pulses output after the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input, It is possible to control to stop a predetermined symbol at a position where it can be visually recognized from 26M and 26R.

  Next, the symbols drawn on the reels 32L, 32M, 32R will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows a symbol arrangement of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, 21 symbols are arranged in a row on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Further, numbers from 0 to 20 are assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. These numbers are symbols that are visible to the main controller 101 from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. Is a number for recognizing and not actually attached to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, in the following description, the number is used for explanation.

  As a symbol, a “bell” symbol (for example, the 20th of the left reel 32L), a “blue 7” symbol (for example, the 19th of the left reel 32L), a “replay” symbol (for example, the 18th of the left reel 32L), “Watermelon” design (eg, 17th on left reel 32L), “Blue cherry” design (eg, 16th on left reel 32L), “White 7” design (eg, 13th on left reel 32L), “Youth” There are nine types of symbols (for example, the 12th of the left reel 32L), the “red 7” symbol (for example, the 7th of the left reel 32L), and the “red cherry” symbol (for example, the 3rd of the left reel 32L). As shown in FIG. 6, the number and arrangement order of various symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are completely different.

  Each of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R is formed so that there are three symbols from which the entire symbol can be visually recognized out of the twenty-one symbols attached to the corresponding reel. Therefore, when all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols are visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R.

  In this slot machine 10, a total of five combination lines are set, connecting three positions where these nine symbols become visible, three in parallel in the horizontal direction and two in the diagonal direction. ing. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, as a combination line in the horizontal direction, an upper line L1 connecting the upper symbols of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R and a middle symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R are connected. A line L2 and a lower line L3 connecting the lower symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are set. Further, as a combination line in the oblique direction, a lower right line L4 connecting the upper symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, the lower symbol of the right reel 32R, the lower symbol of the left reel 32L, and the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M. A right rising line L5 connecting the upper symbol of the symbol and the right reel 32R is set. And, when the combination line is activated, that is, when the symbols are stopped in a predetermined combination on the effective line, a privilege that a predetermined number of medals as game media are paid out is given or the gaming state is shifted as winning establishment. Benefits are granted. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the light emission unit 33 which comprises an auxiliary production part is arrange | positioned at the back side of the front door 12. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of left and right light emitting display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R are provided on the front side of the light emitting unit 33 at positions corresponding to the nine symbols that are visible. It has been.

  FIG. 8 shows a combination of symbols for winning and a privilege to be given when winning.

  The prizes for which medals are paid out include watermelon prizes, bell prizes, and first and second cherry prizes. When the “watermelon” symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop alongside the effective line, 15 medals are paid out as a watermelon prize, and the “bell” symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are effective lines. In the case of stopping side by side, 10 medals are paid out as a bell prize. When the “red cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L stops on the active line, two medals are paid out as the first cherry prize, and the “blue cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L stops on the active line. In this case, two medals are paid out as the second cherry prize. That is, in the case of the first and second cherry wins, the symbols that stop on the active line for the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R may be any symbols. In other words, if the combination of any “cherry” symbol of the left reel 32L and any symbol of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stops on the active line, it can be said that the corresponding cherry prize is established. Therefore, when the “red cherry” symbol or the “blue cherry” symbol stops at the position where the plurality of effective lines of the left reel 32L overlap (specifically, the upper and lower stages), the corresponding cherry on each effective line. As a result, 4 (= 2 × 2) medals are paid out.

  There are three types of BB winnings, the first to third BB winnings, as the winnings where the game state is shifted. When the “7” symbols of the same color on the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped on the active line, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus state (hereinafter referred to as “BB state”) as a BB winning. Specifically, when the “Red 7” symbol, “Red 7” symbol, and “Red 7” symbol are stopped on the active line from the left, the first BB prize is established, and “ In the case of stopping alongside the “Blue 7” symbol, “Blue 7” symbol, and “Blue 7” symbol, the second BB winning is established, and “White 7” symbol, “White 7” symbol, “ In the case of stopping alongside the “White 7” symbol, the third BB prize is established.

  As a prize to which a privilege other than medal payout or game state transition is given, there is a re-game prize. When the “replay” symbols of the reels 42L, 42M, and 42R stop side by side on the active line, the medals are not paid out or the game state is not transferred as a re-game winning, but the next game is not inserted without inserting medals. A game can be performed.

  As other winnings, there is an RB winning that is awarded only when the gaming state is the BB state. In the BB state, when stopped alongside the “Replay” symbol, “Bell” symbol, and “Replay” symbol from the left on the active line, the medal is not paid out as an RB winning, but the gaming state is in a regular bonus state , “RB state”).

  Hereinafter, a combination of symbols corresponding to each winning prize is also referred to as a winning symbol combination. For example, the first BB symbol combination is a combination of symbols for the first BB prize, that is, a combination of “red 7” symbol, “red 7” symbol, and “red 7” symbol. The symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponding to the winnings are also referred to as winning symbols. For example, the first BB symbol is a “red 7” symbol in each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

  On the lower left side of the game panel 25, a start lever 41 that is operated to start rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is provided. The start lever 41 constitutes start operation means or start operation means operated to start rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, that is, to start variable display of symbols. When the start lever 41 is operated while a predetermined number of medals are inserted, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate.

  On the right side of the start lever 41, button-like stop switches 42 to 44 that are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are provided. Each of the stop switches 42 to 44 is disposed immediately below the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be stopped. That is, when the left stop switch 42 is operated, the rotation of the left reel 32L is stopped. When the middle stop switch 43 is operated, the rotation of the middle reel 32M is stopped and the right stop switch 44 is operated. In this case, the rotation of the right reel 32R is stopped. The stop switches 42 to 44 constitute stop operation means operated to stop the variable display of symbols based on the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

  On the lower right side of the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R, a medal insertion slot 45 for inserting medals is provided. The medal slot 45 constitutes an input means for inputting game media. If attention is paid to the point that the medal insertion slot 45 is directly inserted by the player, it can be said that it constitutes a direct input means for directly inputting the game medium.

  The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45 are guided to either the storage passage 47 or the discharge passage 48 by a selector 46 as passage switching means provided on the back surface of the front door 12. More specifically, the selector 46 is provided with a medal path switching solenoid 46a. When the medal path switching solenoid 46a is not excited, the medal is guided to the discharge path 48, and when the medal path switching solenoid 46a is excited, the medal is selected. Is guided to the storage passage 47 side. The medal guided to the storage passage 47 is guided to the hopper device 51 housed inside the housing 11. On the other hand, the medal guided to the discharge passage 48 is guided to the medal tray 50 from the medal discharge port 49 provided in the lower front portion of the front door 12 and returned to the player.

  The hopper device 51 includes a storage tank 52 that stores medals and a payout device 53 that pays out medals to a player. The payout device 53 rotates a medal payout rotating plate (not shown) to discharge the medal to the opening 48 a provided in the discharge passage 48 and to pay out the medal to the medal tray 50 through the discharge passage 48. It has become. Further, a reserve tank 54 is provided on the right side of the hopper device 51 to avoid storing a predetermined amount or more of medals in the storage tank 52. Inside the storage tank 52 of the hopper device 51, a guide plate 52a for discharging medals from the storage tank 52 to the reserve tank 54 is provided. Therefore, when medals are stored more than the height at which the guide plate 52 a is provided, the medals are stored in the reserve tank 54.

  A button-like return switch 55 is provided below the medal slot 45. When the return switch 55 is operated in a situation where a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 45 is jammed in the selector 46, the selector 46 is mechanically operated so that the medal jammed in the selector 46 becomes a medal. It is returned from the discharge port 49.

  On the lower left side of the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R, there is provided a first credit insertion switch 56 for inserting three credited virtual medals as game media at a time. Further, a second credit insertion switch 57 and a third credit insertion switch 58 are provided on the left side of the first credit insertion switch 56. The second credit insertion switch 57 is for inserting two virtual medals at a time, and the third credit insertion switch 58 is for inserting one virtual medal. Each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 constitutes input means for inputting a game medium together with the medal insertion slot 45. It should be noted that the medal insertion slot 45 is accompanied by an operation of directly inserting a medal by the player, whereas each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is only accompanied by an operation of inserting a virtual medal based on the storage memory. In other words, it can be said to constitute indirect input means for indirectly inputting game media.

  A settlement switch 59 is provided on the left side of the start lever 41. In other words, the slot machine 10 has a credit function for storing and storing surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (for 50 medals) and payout medals at the time of winning as virtual medals. When the settlement switch 59 is operated under the stored and stored condition, the virtual medal is paid out from the medal discharge port 49 as an actual medal. In this case, if paying attention to the function of paying out the credited virtual medal as an actual medal, it can be said that the checkout switch 59 constitutes a checkout operation means for actually paying out the stored game media.

  Below the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R of the game panel 25, a credit display unit 60 that displays the number of virtual medals credited, and a remaining payout number that displays the number of remaining medals to be paid out before the BB state ends. A display unit 61 and a payout number display unit 62 for displaying the number of medals paid out at the time of winning are provided. Although these display parts 60-62 are comprised by the 7 segment display, it is naturally possible to substitute by a liquid crystal display etc. FIG.

  Here, the relationship between the bet number of medals and the activated combination lines will be described with reference to FIG. If a medal is inserted from the medal slot 45 at the start of the game, a bet is placed.

  When the first medal is inserted into the medal slot 45, the bet number is 1, and the middle line L2 is activated. When the second medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 45, the number of bets becomes 2, and a total of three combination lines including the upper line L1 and the lower line L3 in addition to the middle line L2 are activated. When the third medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 45, the number of bets becomes 3, and all the combination lines L1 to L5 are activated.

  When four or more medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 45, if the number of virtual medals stored and stored at that time is less than 50, the surplus medals exceeding three are stored in the slot machine 10. Then, the number of virtual medals on the credit display unit 60 is added and displayed. On the other hand, when the number of virtual medals is 50 or reaches 50, the selector 46 switches from the storage passage 47 to the discharge passage 48, and the surplus medals are returned from the medal discharge port 49 to the medal tray 50. Is done.

  Further, virtual medals are stored and stored, and when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is operated at the start of the game, the virtual medals are inserted and a bet is made. When any of the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is operated, the number of virtual medals displayed on the credit display unit 60 is subtracted by the number of inserted virtual medals. Is the same as the case where a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 45, and the description is omitted.

  Incidentally, when any of the first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is operated and the virtual medal to be inserted is not stored and stored, for example, when the display of the credit display unit 60 is 2, the first For example, when the credit insertion switch 56 is operated, all the numerical values in the credit display unit 60 are subtracted to 0, and a bet is made for the amount of virtual medals that can be inserted.

  The upper part of the front door 12 has an upper lamp 63 that lights up or flashes as the game progresses, and a pair of left and right sounds that produce various sound effects as the game progresses and inform the player of the gaming state. Speaker 64 and an auxiliary display unit 65 for giving various information to the player. The auxiliary display unit 65 is for executing various display effects as the game progresses, and it can be considered that the game by each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is caused by the main display unit. This is referred to as an auxiliary display unit 65. On the back surface of the auxiliary display section 65, a light emitting unit 33, an upper lamp 63, a speaker 64, and a display control device 81 for driving the auxiliary display section 65 are provided.

  A power supply box 70 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 51 inside the housing 11. The power supply box 70 accommodates a power supply device 91 therein, and includes a power switch 71, a reset switch 72, a setting key insertion hole 73, and the like. The power switch 71 is a start switch for supplying power to each unit including the main controller 101. The reset switch 72 is a switch for resetting an error state of the slot machine 10. Further, the setting key insertion hole 73 is used by a hole manager or the like to adjust the appearance of medals. That is, the hall manager or the like can set the winning probability of the slot machine 10 by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turning it ON. The reset switch 72 is operated not only when the error state is reset but also when the winning probability of the slot machine 10 is changed.

  Above the reel unit 31, a main control device 101 that manages and manages games is attached to the housing 11.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  The main control device 101 is equipped with a microcomputer centering on a CPU 102 which is an arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply device 91, a clock circuit 103 that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 104, and the like are connected to the CPU 102 via an internal bus. The main control device 101 functions as a main board built in the slot machine 10.

  On the input side of the main controller 101, a reel unit 31 (more specifically, a reel index sensor that individually detects that each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has made one rotation) and a start detection sensor that detects an operation of the start lever 41 are provided. 41a, stop detection sensors 42a to 44a that individually detect the operation of each of the stop switches 42 to 44, a inserted medal detection sensor 45a that detects a medal inserted from the medal slot 45, and a medal paid out from the hopper device 51. Payout detection sensor 51a, credit insertion detection sensors 56a-58a that individually detect the operation of each credit insertion switch 56-58, settlement detection sensor 59a that detects the operation of the settlement switch 59, and reset detection that detects the operation of the reset switch 72 Sensor 72a, setting key insertion hole 7 Various sensors such as a setting key detection sensor 73a for detecting that the setting key is inserted and turned ON are connected, and signals from these various sensors are output to the CPU 102 via the input / output port 104. It has become.

  A power supply device 91 is connected to the input side of the main control device 101 via an input / output port 104. The power supply device 91 includes a power supply unit 91a that supplies driving power to the electronic devices of the slot machine 10 including the main control device 101, a power failure monitoring circuit 91b, and the like.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the power-off state and generates a power failure signal not only at the time of power failure but also when the power switch 71 powers off. For this reason, the power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 12 VDC in this example output from the power supply unit 91a, and determines that the power supply has been shut off when this drive voltage drops below, for example, 10 volts. Power outage signal is output. The power failure signal is supplied to each of the CPU 102 and the input / output port 104. The CPU 102 recognizes this power failure signal and executes a power failure process described later. The power failure signal is also supplied to the display control device 81.

  The power supply unit 91a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts that is used as a drive voltage in a control system such as the main controller 101 even when the output voltage drops below 10 volts. As a time for outputting the stabilization voltage, a time sufficient for executing the power failure process by the main controller 101 is secured.

  On the output side of the main controller 101, a reel unit 31 (more specifically, a stepping motor for rotating the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R), a medal path switching solenoid 46a provided in the selector 46, a hopper device 51, a credit A display unit 60, a remaining payout number display unit 61, a payout number display unit 62, a display control device 81, an external concentration terminal board 121 that can transmit information to a hall management device (not shown), and the like are connected via an input / output port 104. Yes.

  The display control device 81 is a control device for driving the light emitting unit 33, the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65, and a substrate on which a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like for driving these are integrated. I have. Then, after receiving a signal from the main control device 101, the display control device 81 independently drives and controls the light emitting unit 33, the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65. Therefore, the display control device 81 is a sub-base for executing auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 101 which is a main base for overall management of games. Various display units 60 to 62 may be configured to be driven and controlled by the display control device 81.

  The CPU 102 described above includes a ROM 105 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 102 and fixed value data, and a work area that temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 105. In addition to the RAM 106 for assuring, as is well known, various processing circuits necessary for the slot machine 10 such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit, a credit counter for counting the number of credits, etc. Various counters are built-in. The ROM 105 and the RAM 106 constitute a main memory as storage means, and a program for executing various processes shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 10 and subsequent figures is stored in the ROM 105 described above as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 106 is configured to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 91 even after the power to the slot machine 10 is cut off. In the RAM 106, a memory for temporarily storing various data, a winning flag storage area 106a for storing a lottery result of a combination, and a sliding table used when stop control of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is performed. In addition to the sliding table storage area 106b for storing the game information, the status information storage area 106c for storing the gaming status such as the BB status, etc., a backup area is provided.

  The backup area is an area for storing the value of the stack pointer when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like (including power shutdown by operating the power switch 71; the same applies hereinafter). Yes, when the power failure is resolved (including power-on by operating the power switch 71; the same applies hereinafter), the state of the slot machine 10 can be restored to the state before power-off based on the backup area information. . Writing to the backup area is executed when the power is shut off by the power failure process (see FIG. 10), and the restoration of each value written to the backup area is executed in the main process when the power is turned on.

  Further, a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 91b is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 102 when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When the power is shut off, an NMI interrupt process as a power failure flag generation process is immediately executed.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 102 of the main control apparatus 101 will be described. The processing of the CPU 102 can be broadly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in a cycle of 1.49 msec in the present embodiment), and a power failure signal to the NMI terminal. NMI interrupt processing that is activated in response to the input of. In the following, a process related to the progress of the game, that is, a timer interrupt process and a normal process performed in the main process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt process periodically executed by the main control apparatus 101. A timer interrupt is generated every 1.49 msec by the CPU 102 of the main control apparatus 101, for example.

  First, in the register saving process shown in step S101, the values of all the registers in the CPU 102 used in the normal process described later are saved in the backup area of the RAM 106. In step S102, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set. If the power failure flag is set, the process proceeds to step S103, and a power failure process is executed.

  Here, an outline of the power failure process will be described.

  When the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 91b of the power supply device 91, and the power failure signal is input to the main controller 101 via the NMI terminal. When a power failure signal is input, main controller 101 immediately executes NMI interrupt processing and sets a power failure flag in the power failure flag storage area provided in RAM 106.

  In the power failure process, it is first determined whether or not the command transmission has been completed. If the transmission has not been completed, this process is terminated and the process returns to the timer interrupt process to terminate the command transmission. If the command transmission has been completed, the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 102 is stored in the backup area of the RAM 106. Thereafter, the output state of the output port in the input / output port 104 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, a RAM determination value for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 106 is normal when the power failure is eliminated is stored in the backup area, thereby prohibiting subsequent RAM access. After performing the above processing, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and the processing cannot be executed. In consideration of, for example, the case where the power failure flag is set erroneously due to noise or the like, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is output until the infinite loop is entered. If the power failure signal is not output, the power failure state is recovered, so that writing to the RAM 106 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. If the power outage signal is continuously output, the infinite loop is entered. Incidentally, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure signal is output even under an infinite loop, and when the power failure signal is not output, the main processing is performed.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process, if the power failure flag is not set in step S102, various processes after step S104 are performed.

  That is, in step S104, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S105, an interrupt end declaration process is performed so that the next timer interrupt can be set for the CPU 102 itself. In step S106, in order to rotate each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, a stepping motor control process for driving a stepping motor that is a respective rotating drum driving motor is performed. In step S107, the states of various sensors (see FIG. 9) such as the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a, the inserted medal detection sensor 45a, and the payout detection sensor 51a connected to the input / output port 104 are read, and whether the read result is normal. A sensor monitoring process for monitoring the above is performed. In step S108, timer calculation processing for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed. In step S109, a counter process for outputting the result of counting the number of medals bet and the number of payouts to the external concentration terminal board 121 is performed.

  In step S110, command output processing for transmitting various commands such as a start command and a lottery result command to be described later to the display control device 81 is performed. In step S111, a segment data setting process for setting segment data displayed on the credit display unit 60, the remaining payout number display unit 61, and the payout number display unit 62 is performed. In step S112, segment data display processing is performed in which the segment data set in the segment data setting processing is supplied to the display units 60 to 62 to display corresponding numbers, symbols, and the like. In step S113, port output processing for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port 104 is performed. In step S114, the value of each register saved in the backup area in the previous step S101 is returned to the corresponding register in the CPU 102, respectively. Thereafter, in step S115, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

  Next, normal processing for performing main control related to the game will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S201, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed. In step S202, pre-start processing for enabling a game is performed. In the pre-start process, the process waits until the display control device 81 and the like finish initialization. When the initialization of the display control device 81 or the like is completed, the game management process shown in steps S203 to S212 is performed.

  As a game management process, in step S203, data such as various game information stored in the RAM 106 (for example, a random value used in the previous game) is cleared. Thereafter, in step S204, start waiting processing is performed.

  In the start waiting process, it is determined whether or not a re-game winning is established in the previous game. If a re-game winning is established, an automatic insertion process for automatically inserting the same number of virtual medals as the previous bet number is performed, and an insertion completion command is set to end the start waiting process. Here, the insertion completion command is a command transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to make the completion of the automatic insertion recognized. In the automatic insertion process, virtual medals are inserted without reducing the number of virtual medals displayed on the credit display unit 60. That is, when a re-game winning is established in the previous game, the player can play the current game without reducing the number of medals owned and without inserting medals. If the re-game winning is not established, a sensor abnormality confirmation process is performed to check whether an abnormality has occurred in the sensor reading result in the sensor monitoring processing step S107 of the timer interruption process. If the error has occurred, the slot machine 10 is put into an error state and an abnormality occurrence process for notifying the occurrence of the error is performed. Such an error state is maintained until the reset switch 72 is operated. If the sensor reading result is normal, it is determined whether or not the settlement switch 59 has been operated. And set the checkout command. Here, the settlement command is a command that is transmitted to the display control device 81 so as to grasp that the credited virtual medal is being returned. After completion of the medal return process or when the settlement switch 59 is not operated, whether or not the medal insertion or the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 are operated between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process If either one is performed, a medal insertion process for setting an effective line or the like is performed, and an insertion command is set to end the start waiting process. Here, the insertion command is a command transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp that a medal bet has been made. If neither medal insertion nor operation of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 is performed between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, the start waiting process is ended as it is.

  In step S205, it is determined whether or not the bet number of medals has reached the prescribed number. If the bet number has not reached the prescribed number, the process returns to the start waiting process in step S204, and sensor abnormality check is performed in the process. Processes after the process are performed. If the bet number has reached the specified number, the process proceeds to step S206, and it is determined whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated. When the start lever 41 is not operated, the process returns to the start waiting process of step S204, and the processes after the sensor abnormality confirmation process are performed among the processes.

  On the other hand, when the start lever 41 is operated in a situation where a prescribed number of medals are bet (when both step S205 and step S206 are YES), it means that a start command has been issued to start the game. To do. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S207, where the medal path switching solenoid 46a is switched to a non-excited state to prohibit bet reception, and a start command is set in the subsequent step S208. Here, the start command is a command transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp that a start command has been generated. Thereafter, the lottery process in step S209, the reel control process in step S210, the medal payout process in step S211 and the BB state process in step S212 are executed in order, and the process returns to step S203.

  In the normal process, various commands such as the input command and the start command are only set in the ring buffer, and the command is not transmitted to the display control device 81. The command transmission to the display control device 81 is performed in the command output process S110 of the timer interrupt process described above.

  Next, the lottery process in step S209 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S301, a random number used when determining whether or not the combination is correct is acquired. In the slot machine 10, when the start lever 41 is operated, the hardware circuit latches the value of the free-run counter at that time. The free-run counter generates random numbers from 0 to 65535, and after confirming the operation of the start lever 41, the CPU 102 stores the value latched by the hardware circuit in the RAM 106. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to quickly acquire a random number at the timing when the start lever 41 is operated, and it is possible to avoid occurrence of problems such as synchronization. The hardware circuit of the slot machine 10 is configured to latch the value of the free run counter each time the start lever 41 is operated.

  After obtaining the random number, in steps S302 to S306, a lottery table for determining whether or not the winning combination is selected. Specifically, first, in step S302, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the RB state. If not in the RB state, it is further determined in step S303 whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state. If the current gaming state is neither the BB state nor the RB state, the normal state lottery table is selected in step S304. If the current gaming state is the BB state, the BB state lottery table is selected in step S305. If the current gaming state is the RB state, the RB state lottery table is selected in step S306. Select. Here, in this slot machine 10, six-stage winning probabilities from “Setting 1” to “Setting 6” are prepared in advance. By performing a predetermined operation, it is possible to set which winning probability is to execute the internal processing. In steps S304 to S306, when the setting state is “setting 1”, the lottery table with the lowest expected value for medal payout is selected, and when it is “setting 6”, the lottery table with the highest expected value for medal payout is selected. .

  The lottery table will be briefly described. FIG. 13 is a normal state lottery table selected in the normal state of “setting 3”. Eleven index values IV are set in the normal state lottery table, and each index value IV is uniquely associated with a winning combination, and a point value PV is set. In the normal state of the slot machine 10, determination is made for eight types of replay, watermelon, bell, first and second cherries, and first to third BBs, and IV = 1 to 8 Is associated with one combination, and a plurality of combinations (specifically, a watermelon and any BB) are associated with IV = 9 to 11, respectively.

  After selecting the lottery table, the index value IV is set to 1 in step S307, and in step S308, a determination value DV used for determining whether or not the winning combination is determined. In the determination value setting process, a new determination value DV is set by adding a point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV to the current determination value DV. In the initial determination value setting process, the random value acquired in step S301 is set as the current determination value DV, and a new point value PV corresponding to 1 as the current index value IV is added to the random value. The determination value is DV.

  Thereafter, in step S309, whether or not the combination corresponding to the index value IV is determined. In the combination determination, it is determined whether or not the determination value DV exceeds 65535. If 65535 is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S310, and the winning flag of the combination corresponding to the index value IV at that time is set in the winning flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106. For example, if the determination value DV exceeds 65535 when IV = 3, the bell winning flag is set in step S310. If the determination value DV exceeds 65535 when IV = 9, the first BB winning is determined in step S310. Set flag and watermelon winning flag. In other words, when the determination value DV exceeds 65535 when IV = 1 to 8, one winning combination is won in one game, and when IV = 9 to 11, the determination value is obtained. When DV exceeds 65535, a single game is won for multiple roles.

  By the way, when the set winning flag is one of the replay winning flag, the watermelon winning flag, the bell winning flag, the first cherry winning flag, or the second cherry winning flag, the corresponding winning flag is set. It is reset after the game is over (see S203 of the normal process). On the other hand, when the winning flag is one of the first to third BB winning flags, these BB winning flags are reset on condition that the corresponding BB winning is established. That is, the first to third BB winning flags may be valid for a plurality of games. In step S310 in the state where any BB winning flag is carried over, if the current index value IV is 1-5, the winning flag corresponding to the index value IV is set, and the current index value IV is 6-8. If so, the corresponding BB winning flag is not set, and if the current index value IV is 9 to 11, only the watermelon winning flag is set. In other words, in a game in which any BB winning flag is carried over, when winning a replay or a bell, watermelon, first or second cherry, the corresponding winning flag is set, while any BB is won. Even if it is a case, a new BB winning flag is not set.

  If the determination value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S309, it means that the combination corresponding to the index value IV is lost. In such a case, 1 is added to the index value IV in step S311, and in the subsequent step S312, it is determined whether or not there is a combination corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a determination target to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV added by 1 exceeds the maximum value of the index values IV set in the lottery table. If there is a determination target to be determined whether or not, the process returns to step S308 and continues to determine whether or not the combination is correct. At this time, in step S308, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the determination value DV (that is, the current determination value DV) used to determine whether or not the previous winning combination is a new determination value DV, In step S309, whether or not a winning combination is determined based on the determination value DV.

  After the winning flag is set in step S310, or when it is determined in step S312 that there is no determination target to be determined, it means that the winning combination determination has ended. In such a case, a lottery result command is set in step S313. Here, the lottery result command is a command that is transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp the result of the combination determination. By the way, when performing the winning / failing determination using the lottery table shown in FIG. 13, the winning probability of the bell, the first cherry, and the second cherry is about 1 / 7.0, respectively, and the probability of winning only for the watermelon is About 1/720, the probability of winning only 1st BB, 2nd BB, 3rd BB is about 1/1200 respectively, the probability of winning both watermelon and 1BB is about 1/1200, watermelon The probability of winning both the second BB is about 1200 times, and the probability of winning both the watermelon and the third BB is about 1200 times. In addition, the probability of losing no winning combination is about one-third. Furthermore, the probability of winning a watermelon is 1/256, and about 64% of the watermelon wins will be won in any of the first to third BBs. Similarly, the winning probability of each BB is about 1/601, and about 50% of each BB winning is won for both watermelons.

  After determining whether or not the winning combination has been achieved, in step S314, a slip table setting process for setting a slip table (stop table) for reel stop control is performed, and this process ends. Here, the slip table is a table in which it is determined how much the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are slid (rotated) and stopped from the timing when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. In other words, the slip table is a symbol that has reached the base point position (lower stage in the present embodiment) when the stop switches 42 to 44 are pressed, and actually stops at the base point position. This is a stop data group from which a relationship with a stop symbol (stop symbol number) can be derived.

  In the slot machine 10, as a stop mode for stopping the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated, a stop mode for stopping the reaching symbol reaching the base position as it is is supported. Stop mode for stopping the reel to be slid after one symbol, Stop mode for stopping after sliding for two symbols, Stop mode for stopping after sliding for three symbols, Stop after sliding for four symbols There are prepared five patterns of stop modes. Then, a plurality of sliding tables each having one of the five patterns of stop modes set for each symbol number of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R are prepared for each combination.

  Thus, by setting the sliding table so that each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stops from when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated until the specified time (190 msec) elapses, the display window 26L, It is possible to give the player an impression as if the symbol arrangement (hereinafter referred to as stop appearance) that stops within the range that can be visually recognized from 26M and 26R is determined by the player's operation. In addition, by making it possible to slide up to 4 symbols, it becomes possible to stop combinations of symbols corresponding to the winning combination in the lottery on the active line as much as possible within the specified time. .

  FIG. 14 is an example of a sliding table that is set when the “red 7” symbol is stopped on the active line. The symbol having the number of slips of 0 is a symbol that actually stops in the lower stage. For example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated while the 7th “red 7” symbol of the left reel 32L has reached the lower stage, the left reel 32L stops without slipping, and the “red 7” symbol Stop at the bottom. In addition, a symbol whose number is not zero means that the reel slides by the number of symbols described. For example, when the left stop switch 42 is operated while the first “replay” symbol of the left reel 32L has reached the lower stage, the left reel 32L slides by four symbols and the fifth “replay” symbol is displayed. Stops at the lower stage and stops the 7th “Red 7” symbol at the upper stage. Thus, in the sliding table, the number of slips when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated at the timing when the symbols attached to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R reach the lower stage is set for each symbol number.

  In the smooth table setting process, the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106 is confirmed, and the smooth table uniquely corresponding to the set winning flag is stored in the smooth table storing area 106b of the RAM 106. set. At this time, in the slot machine 10, the winning symbol of the middle reel 32M is set to the upper or middle stage so that the symbol corresponding to the winning combination of the left reel 32L (hereinafter referred to as “winning symbol”) stops at the upper stage or the lower stage. The sliding table is set so that the winning symbol of the right reel 32R stops at the upper stage or the lower stage so as to stop.

  The sliding table shown in FIG. 14 is a sliding table that is set first when only the first BB is won. However, even when the sliding table is set for the first time, depending on the timing when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated, the “red 7” symbol does not stop at the above-described position, and so-called missing may occur. is there. This is because the range that can be slid is predetermined within 190 msec (maximum of 4 symbols) from the timing when the stop switch is pressed, and each reel 32L, 32M, 32R has one “Red 7” symbol. This is because they are arranged only one by one.

  Here, the symbol arrangement of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will be briefly described.

  The “replay” symbol is arranged on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the interval between the symbol that reaches the lower stage first and the symbol that reaches the next is 4 symbols or less. For example, the 11th “replay” symbol and the 14th “replay” symbol on the middle reel 32M are arranged so that the interval is 2 symbols, and the 9th “replay” symbol and 14 on the left reel 32L. The “replay” symbols of the numbers are arranged so that the interval is 4 symbols. As described above, the “replay” symbols are arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the interval between the symbols of the same type is 4 symbols or less. As described above, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be stopped after sliding up to four symbols at the timing when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. Therefore, by adopting such a symbol arrangement, the “replay” symbol can be stopped at an arbitrary position when the replay winning is established, regardless of the timing at which the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. . For example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated when the 9th “replay” symbol of the left reel 32L reaches the lower level, the “replay” symbol can be stopped at the lower level if the left reel 32L is stopped as it is. If the left reel 32L is slid after 2 symbols and then stopped, the 14th “replay” symbol can be stopped in the upper stage, and if the left reel 32L is slid after 3 symbols and then stopped, the 14th The “replay” symbol can be stopped in the middle.

  On the other hand, the “red 7” symbols are only arranged one at a position 7 in the left reel 32L, 12 in the middle reel 32M, and 2 in the right reel 32R. It is not arranged on each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R so that the interval is 4 symbols or less. For this reason, for example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated when the 11th “young” symbol on the left reel 32L has reached the lower stage, even if the left reel 32L is slid by 4 symbols, “red 7”. The symbol cannot be stopped on the active line. Therefore, even if the winning table is set so that the “Red 7” symbol is set to stop on the active line when the first BB is won, depending on the timing when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated, The “Red 7” symbol may not stop on the active line, and the first BB winning may not be established. In the slot machine 10, in addition to the “Red 7” symbol, the “Blue 7” symbol, the “White 7” symbol, and the “Watermelon” symbol are each provided with a section of 5 symbols or more so that each reel 32L, 32M and 32R are arranged. In the left reel 32L, the “red cherry” symbol, the “blue cherry” symbol, and the “bell” symbol are also arranged so that a section separated by five symbols or more is formed. For this reason, when any of BB, each cherry, watermelon, or bell is won, it is necessary to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 so that the winning symbol stops on the active line.

  Returning to the description of the slip table setting process, when the BB winning flag and other winning flags are set, the following slip table is set.

  When the BB winning flag and the re-game winning flag are set, a re-game winning slide table for preferentially establishing the re-game winning is set.

  When any one of the BB winning flag, the bell winning flag, the watermelon winning flag, and the first to second cherry winning flags is set, a BB priority winning slide table for preferentially establishing the BB winning is set. However, the “7” symbol corresponding to the BB winning flag is arranged on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that a section separated by 5 symbols or more is formed. Therefore, depending on the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44, The winning BB symbol may not be stopped on the active line. Therefore, in the BB priority winning slide table, it is impossible to stop the winning BB symbol on the effective line so that the winning BB symbol can be stopped on the active line if possible. If other winning symbols can be stopped on the active line, the other winning symbols are set to stop on the active line.

  Next, the reel control process of step S210 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the reel control process, first, a rotation start process for starting the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is performed in step S401.

  In the rotation start process, it is checked whether or not a predetermined wait time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the reel started to rotate in the previous game. Wait until When the wait time has elapsed, a wait time for the next game is reset, and a motor control initialization process for setting rotation start information in the motor control storage area provided in the RAM 106 is performed. By performing such processing, stepping motor acceleration processing is started in stepping motor control processing S106 of timer interruption processing, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate. Therefore, even if the player bets a specified number of medals and operates the start lever 41, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may not immediately start rotating. In addition, when the wait time has elapsed, a rotation start command is set to be transmitted so that the display control device 81 knows that the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has started. After that, it waits until each reel 32L, 32M, 32R rotates at a predetermined speed, and when each reel 32L, 32M, 32R rotates at a constant speed, a constant speed rotation command is set and The process ends. Here, the constant speed rotation command is a command transmitted to cause the display control device 81 to grasp that the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are constant. In addition, when the rotation speed of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R becomes a constant speed, the CPU 102 can generate a stop command by lighting up lamps (not shown) of the stop switches 42 to 44. Is notified to a player or the like.

  Following the rotation start process, a stop pre-process is performed in step S402.

  In the pre-stop process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, first, in step S501, it is determined whether any of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated. When none of the stop switches 42 to 44 is operated, the process waits until any of the stop switches 42 to 44 is operated. If it is determined that any of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S502, where it is determined whether or not the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel has been operated, that is, whether or not a stop command has been issued. To do. If no stop command has been issued, the process returns to step S501 and waits until any of the stop switches 42 to 44 is operated. When the stop command is generated, the process proceeds to step S503, and it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the third stop command, that is, whether or not the stop switch is operated when only one reel is rotating. . If the current stop command is the third stop command, an affirmative determination is made in step S503, and the pre-stop processing ends. On the other hand, in the case of the first stop command that is generated when all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotating, or the second stop command that is generated when two reels are rotating, negative in step S503. In addition to making the determination, the first change process of the slip table is performed in step S504, and the pre-stop process is terminated.

  Here, the first change process of the slide table is a process of changing the slide table stored in the slide table storage area 106b of the RAM 106 before stopping the reel corresponding to the stop command. In the first change process of the slide table, for example, when the first stop command is generated by operating the stop switches 43 and 44 other than the left stop switch 42, the slide table is changed. By performing such a process, it is possible to diversify the stopping points, and to reduce the frequency of occurrence of so-called missing where a winning corresponding to the set winning flag is not established.

  Returning to the description of the reel control process, when the pre-stop process is completed in step S402, it means that a stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel is operated to advance the game, and a stop command is generated. In such a case, stop control processing shown in steps S403 to S411 is performed to stop the rotating reel.

  That is, in step S403, the symbol number of the reaching symbol reaching the lower stage at the timing when the stop switch is operated is confirmed. Specifically, the symbol number of the reaching symbol reaching the lower stage is confirmed by the number of excitation pulses output from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input. In subsequent step S404, the number of slips of the reel to be stopped this time is calculated from the data of the symbol number corresponding to the reaching symbol among the slip tables set in the slip table storage area 106b. In step S405, the calculated number of slips is added to the symbol number of the reaching symbol, and the symbol number of the stop symbol that is actually stopped at the lower stage is determined. In step S406, it is determined whether or not the symbol number of the reaching symbol of the reel to be stopped this time is equal to the symbol number of the stop symbol. If they are equal, a reel stop process for stopping the rotation of the reel is performed in step S407. Do. Thereafter, in step S408, a rotation information command is set so that the display control device 81 can grasp the current rotation state of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, and in step S409, a stop symbol command is set. Here, the rotation information command is a command transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp the rotation status of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, and the stop symbol command is a range visible from the display window. This is a command transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp the symbols stopped at (upper, middle, lower). In step S410, it is determined whether all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. If all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not stopped, the slip table second change process is performed in step S411, and the process returns to the pre-stop process in step S402.

  Here, the second change process of the slide table is a process of changing the slide table stored in the slide table storage area 106b of the RAM 106 after the reels are stopped. In the second change process of the slide table, the slide table is changed based on the set winning flag and the stoppage of the stopped reel. For example, when only the first BB winning flag is set and the “red 7” symbol of the left reel 32L stops at the lower level, the “red 7” symbol as the first BB symbol of the middle reel 32M stops at the middle level or the lower level. Change to the completed slide table. By performing such a process, it is possible to diversify the reel stop appearances to be stopped later according to the result of the reel stop, and to reduce the frequency of occurrence of missing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S410 that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, a payout determination process is performed in step S412 and the process is terminated. The payout determination process is a process of setting the number of medals to be paid out as one of the conditions that a combination of winning symbols is arranged on an active line.

  In the payout determination process, a combination of symbols formed on each active line is derived from the symbol number of the stopped symbol stopped at the lower stage of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, and whether or not a winning is achieved on the effective line. Determine. If a winning combination has been established, it is further determined whether or not the winning combination matches the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a. If the winning combination combination matches the winning flag, the winning combination combination and the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination combination are set in the payout information storage area provided in the RAM 106. On the other hand, if the winning combination does not match the winning flag, an abnormality occurrence process for notifying the occurrence of the error is performed while the slot machine 10 is in an error state. Such an error state is maintained until the reset switch 72 is operated. When the payout determination is completed for all the active lines, a payout command and a payline command are set, and the payout determination process is ended. Here, the winning command is a command transmitted to the display control device 81 for grasping which winning has been established, and the winning line command is which active line the winning has been established. This is a command transmitted to the display control device 81 for grasping.

  Next, the outline of the medal payout process in step S211 will be described.

  In the medal payout process, it is determined whether or not the payout number set in the payout information storage area is zero. When the number of payouts is 0, it means that it has been determined in the previous payout determination process that a winning for paying out medals has not been established. In such a case, based on the winning combination set set in the payout determination process, it is determined whether or not a re-game winning is achieved. When the re-game winning is not established, the medal payout process is finished as it is, and when the re-game winning is established, the re-gaming process is performed and the re-gaming command is set to change the gaming state to the re-gaming state. To finish the medal payout process. Here, the replay command is a command that is transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp that the next game is a replay. In the start waiting process S204 described above, an automatic insertion process is performed when it is determined that the current gaming state is the re-gaming state.

  On the other hand, if the number of payouts set in the payout information storage area is not 0, the same number of medals are paid out, and the medal payout process is terminated. Specifically, regarding the payout of medals, when the count value of the credit counter has not reached the upper limit (the number of stored medals is 50), the payout number is added to the count value of the credit counter and the value after the addition is added. It is displayed on the credit display unit 60. In addition, when the count value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit, or when the count value reaches the upper limit during the addition of the payout number, the medal payout rotating plate is driven and the medal is discharged from the hopper device 51. It pays out to the medal tray 50 through the exit 49. In the medal payout process, a process of changing the payout number displayed on the payout number display unit 62 in accordance with the medal payout is also performed. When the current gaming state is the BB state, the payout number is subtracted from the value of the remaining payout number counter, which will be described later, and the remaining payout number displayed on the remaining payout number display unit 61 is subtracted. .

  Next, the BB state process of step S212 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  Prior to the description of the BB state process, the BB state will be described. The BB state includes an RB transition waiting state and an RB state. The RB transition waiting state is a gaming state in which an RB winning can be established in addition to a watermelon winning, a bell winning, and first to second cherry winnings. Then, in the RB transition waiting state, when the “Replay” symbol, “Bell” symbol, and “Replay” symbol are stopped from the left on the active line, the game state is RB although the medal payout is not performed as the RB winning is established. Transition from the transition wait state to the RB state. The RB state consists of 12 JAC games. A JAC game is a game in which the probability of winning a prize to which a medal payout privilege is granted is very high compared to a normal state. If the winning is established 8 times during the JAC game, the RB state ends even before the JAC game is played 12 times, and the state returns to the RB transition waiting state. That is, in the BB state, the gaming state is repeatedly transferred between the RB transition waiting state and the RB state. Then, the BB state ends when the number of medals paid out reaches a predetermined number (specifically, 400). Further, when the medal payout number reaches a predetermined number in the middle of the RB state, not only the BB state but also the RB state ends. This is a contrivance for suppressing the player's euphoria by giving an upper limit to the number of medals paid out during the BB state, and ensuring the soundness of the game.

  In the BB state process, first, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state. If not in the BB state, BB determination processing shown in steps S602 to S604 is performed.

  In the BB determination process, it is determined whether any of the first to third BB winning flags is set in step S602. If any of the first to third BB winning flags is set, the process proceeds to step S603, and whether or not the corresponding BB winning is established based on the winning winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. judge. If a BB winning is established, a BB start process is executed to shift the gaming state to the BB state in step S604. Specifically, the BB winning flag is cleared and the BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RAM 106, and the gaming state is set to the BB state. In addition, 400 is set in a remaining payout counter provided in the state information storage area 106c for counting the number of remaining medals that can be paid out during the BB state.

  When the BB determination process ends, a status command is set in step S605, and this process ends. Here, the state command is a command transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp the current gaming state. In step S605, when it is determined that none of the first to third BB winning flags is set (step S602 is NO), a state command indicating a normal state is set. If any of the first to third BB winning flags is set but it is determined that the BB winning is not established (NO in step S603), the state means that the BB carryover state is set. Set the command. Furthermore, when the BB start process is performed in step S604, a status command indicating that the status is BB is set.

  If it is determined in step S601 that the current gaming state is the BB state, it is further determined in step S606 whether or not it is in the RB state. If it is determined that it is not in the RB state, it means that it is in the RB transition waiting state, and therefore the RB transition waiting state processing shown in steps S607 to S610 is performed.

  In the RB shift waiting state process, in step S607, it is determined based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process whether or not an RB winning is achieved. If an RB winning is established, an RB start process is executed in step S608 to shift the gaming state to the RB state. Specifically, the RB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RAM 106, and the gaming state is set to the RB state. Incidentally, whether or not the RB state is in the previous step S606 is determined based on the presence or absence of the RB setting flag. In addition, 8 is set in the remaining payout payout counter for counting the number of winnings established in the RB state, and 12 is set in the remaining JAC game counter for counting the number of remaining JAC games. The remaining payout / winning counter and the remaining JAC winning counter are provided in the state information storage area 106c. After performing the RB start process, in step S605, a status command indicating the RB state is set, and this process ends.

  If it is determined in step S607 that no RB winning has been established, it means that a winning other than the RB winning has been established in the RB shift waiting state, or no winning has been established. Therefore, in step S609, it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining payout counter is zero. If it is not 0, it means that the number of medals paid out during the BB state has not reached the predetermined number and the end condition for the BB state is not satisfied. Set a status command that means that there is, and end this process. On the other hand, when the value of the remaining payout counter is 0, it means that the BB state end condition is satisfied. In such a case, as the BB end process, the BB setting flag is cleared in step S610. Thereafter, in step S605, a state command indicating that the state is a normal state is set, and this process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S606 that the current gaming state is the RB state, RB state processing is performed in step S611. Here, the RB state process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S701, based on the winning combination set set in the previous payout determination process, it is determined whether or not a winning is achieved. If a winning is achieved, 1 is subtracted from the value of the remaining payout winning counter in step S702. Thereafter, or when it is determined in step S701 that no winning has been established, one JAC game has been consumed, so in step S703, the value of the remaining JAC game counter is decremented by one.

  In step S704, it is determined whether either the remaining payout / winning counter or the remaining JAC game counter has become zero. If any of them is 0, that is, if the winning is established 8 times or the JAC game is digested 12 times, it means that the termination condition for the RB state is established. RB termination processing is executed to terminate the process. Specifically, the RB setting flag is cleared, and the remaining payout / winning counter and the remaining JAC game counter are reset. After performing the RB end process or when it is determined in step S704 that the RB state end condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S706, and it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining payout number counter is zero. If the value of the remaining payout counter is not 0, it means that the end condition for the BB state is not satisfied, and thus this process is terminated. On the other hand, when the value of the remaining payout number counter is 0, it means that the BB state end condition is satisfied. Therefore, the RB end process described above is performed in step S707, and the BB setting flag is determined in step S708. Is cleared, and this process ends.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 17, when the RB status process is performed in step S611, the process is terminated after the status command is set in step S605. In step S605 after the RB state processing, the presence / absence of the BB setting flag and the presence / absence of the RB setting flag are confirmed. When both the BB setting flag and the RB setting flag are set, a state command indicating that the RB state is set is set, and when only the BB setting flag is set, the RB transition waiting state is set. If no setting flag is set, the status command indicating the normal state is set.

  Next, prior to describing each control process executed by the display control device 81, the electrical configuration of the display control device 81 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  The display control device 81 is a control device for driving the light emitting unit 33, the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65, and is equipped with a microcomputer centering on the CPU 82 that is arithmetic processing means.

  Connected to the input side of the CPU 82 are a signal latch circuit 83 that latches a control signal such as a command transmitted from the main controller 101, and a latch circuit 85 that latches a clock signal generated every 1 msec from the clock circuit 84. Has been. Further, the CPU 82 is connected to a power supply device 91 via an input port 86, and is configured to receive a power failure signal when the drive voltage is reduced to, for example, less than 10 volts.

  The CPU 82 has a ROM 87 for storing various control programs executed by the CPU 82 and fixed value data, and a work area for temporarily storing various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 87. In addition to the RAM 88, various processing circuits and various counters are incorporated. In the RAM 88, a memory for temporarily storing various data, a lottery result storage area 88a for storing a lottery result of a combination, and rotation information for storing the rotation status of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. A storage area 88b, an effect information storage area 88c for storing various data used when the auxiliary effect is executed, and the like are provided.

  The light emitting unit 33, the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65 are connected to the output side of the CPU 82. Then, the CPU 82 performs various control processes based on control signals such as various commands transmitted from the main control device 101, and executes drive control of the light emitting unit 33, the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65. . Hereinafter, the light emitting unit 33, the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65 are collectively referred to as an auxiliary effect unit.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 82 of the display control device 81 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the CPU 82 is roughly divided into a display main process that is started when the power is turned on, a display timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 1 msec), and a control from the main control device 101. There is a command interruption process activated based on the input of a signal. Here, for convenience of explanation, display timer interrupt processing and command interrupt processing will be described first, and then display main processing will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a display timer interrupt process that is periodically executed by the display control device 81. Based on the clock signal generated from the clock circuit 84, the CPU 82 of the display control device 81 executes display timer interrupt processing, for example, every 1 msec.

  In the display timer interruption process, first, the next command interruption is prohibited in step S801, and the interruption flag is read in step S802. In step S803, it is determined whether or not the read interrupt flag is valid. If the interrupt flag is not valid, the process is terminated. If the interrupt flag is valid, 1 is added to the interrupt timer counter in step S804, and the interrupt flag is cleared in step S805. Here, the interrupt timer counter is a counter for storing the number of times the display timer interrupt processing has been performed. Since the timer interrupt is generated every 1 msec, for example, after a predetermined process is performed based on the counter value. The elapsed time of can be grasped. If the interrupt flag is not valid, or after updating the value of the interrupt timer counter, the next command interrupt is permitted in step S806, and this process is terminated.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing command interrupt processing. As described above, the main control device 101 transmits various commands to the display control device 81 according to the current game state, the progress of the game, and the like. The display control device 81 immediately executes command interrupt processing based on the reception of the command transmitted from the main control device 101, more specifically, based on the signal input from the signal latch circuit 83.

  In the command interrupt process, the next timer interrupt is prohibited in step S901, and it is determined whether or not the strobe signal is normal in step S902. The strobe signal is a signal transmitted together with the command from the main controller 101, and the CPU 82 starts command interrupt processing based on the reception of the strobe signal. If the strobe signal is normal, command data is acquired in step S903, and it is determined whether the command data acquired in step S904 is normal. If the command data is normal, command reception processing is performed to determine which command is received in step S905, and the maximum number is set in the retry counter in step S906. If the command data is not normal, the retry counter value is incremented by 1 in step S907. On the other hand, if the strobe signal is not normal in step S902, it is determined that there is some malfunction, and the maximum number is set in the retry counter in step S908.

  In step S909, it is determined whether or not the value of the retry counter is the maximum value. When the value of the retry counter is the maximum value, the command from the main control device 101 has been normally received, or there is some abnormality in the command from the main control device 101, and command interruption processing is performed for the allowable number of retries. This means that the command could not be received normally. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S910, and the interrupt flag is read. Thereafter, the value of the retry counter is cleared in step S911, and the interrupt flag is cleared in step S912.

  If the value of the retry counter is not the maximum value in step S909, or if the interrupt flag is cleared in step S912, the next timer interrupt is permitted in step S913, and this process ends.

  If a command is received from the main controller 101 during the display timer interrupt process, this command is latched by the signal latch circuit 83, and the command interrupt process is executed immediately after the display timer interrupt process is completed. Similarly, when the display timer interrupt processing timing comes during the command interrupt processing, the clock signal is latched by the latch circuit 85, and the display timer interrupt processing is executed immediately after the command interrupt processing is completed. The That is, the slot machine 10 is configured such that multiple interrupts do not occur between the display timer interrupt process and the command interrupt process.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the display main process of the CPU 82 executed after the power is turned on. The display main process is executed when power is turned on by recovery from a power failure or by turning on the power switch 71.

  First, in step S1001, as initialization processing, the value of the stack pointer is set in the CPU 82, and an interrupt mode that permits command interrupt processing and display timer interrupt processing is set. Thereafter, a register group of the CPU 82, an I / O device, and the like are set. Make various settings for.

  When the initialization process ends, in step S1002, it is determined whether or not the system state is a voltage drop state, that is, whether or not the drive voltage has dropped to a predetermined voltage (less than 10 volts in the present embodiment). If the system state is a voltage drop state, it is determined that the power supply has been cut off, and a power failure process is performed in step S1003.

  If the system state is not a voltage drop state, it is determined in step S1004 whether or not the value of the interrupt timer counter is zero. If the value of the interrupt timer counter is not 0, it means that the interrupt timer counter value has been updated in the display timer interrupt process described above. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S1005, and a drive data output process for outputting drive data to drive the auxiliary effect section is performed. Details of this drive data output processing will be described later.

  When the value of the interrupt timer counter is 0, or after the drive data output process is completed, whether or not a command is received from the main controller 101 in step S1006, more specifically, the command is received by the command interrupt process. Check if it is.

  If a command has been received, a received command check process is performed in step S1007. In the received command check process, it is determined which command has been received in the previous command interrupt process, and a process of determining an auxiliary effect to be performed based on the type of the received command is performed. The process performed in the received command check process includes a status command process performed based on the reception of the status command, a start command process performed based on the reception of the start command, a lottery result command process performed based on the reception of the lottery result command, and rotation. Rotation information command processing performed based on reception of information command, stop symbol command processing performed based on reception of stop symbol command, winning command processing performed based on reception of winning command, winning line performed based on reception of winning line command There is command processing. Although details will be described later, in the received command check process, the drive control content of the auxiliary effect unit, that is, the content of the auxiliary effect to be executed, is determined based on the command data received from the main control device 101.

  When no command has been received or after the received command check process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S1008, where random number values used for determining whether or not to perform auxiliary effects are updated, and the process returns to step S1002.

  Next, the drive data output process of step S1005 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The drive data output process is a process for outputting drive control data to drive the auxiliary effect section. That is, in the slot machine 10, command data from the main control device 101 is acquired by the command interrupt process, an auxiliary effect is set based on the command data acquired by the received command check process, and the drive data output process is performed. The auxiliary production unit is driven.

  In the drive data output process, first, in step S1101, the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is reset. In step S1102, a startup command check process is performed. In the slot machine 10, when the power failure is resolved, the power recovery command is transmitted from the main control device 101 to the display control device 81. Therefore, if the power recovery command is not received within a predetermined time (within 2 seconds in this embodiment) after the power failure is resolved, the auxiliary rendering unit drive control is executed in the startup command check process to generate an error. Inform. In step S1103, device control processing is performed. Although details will be described later, when various commands are received from the main control device 101, an auxiliary effect to be performed by the auxiliary effect unit is determined based on the received command. In the device control process, a process of outputting the corresponding drive data to the auxiliary effect unit to perform the determined auxiliary effect is performed. By performing such processing, for example, the light emitting display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R provided in the upper lamp 63 and the light emitting unit 33 are lit in a predetermined color, or the auxiliary display portion 65 has a predetermined identification. Auxiliary effects such as displaying information are performed. In step S1104, system state change processing is performed. The system state includes a voltage drop state, an initialization state, and a normal state, and the auxiliary display unit 65 is initialized according to the system state each time. In step S1105, a voltage drop check process is performed. In the voltage drop check process, the power failure signal supplied from the input port 86 is monitored, and the system state is changed from the normal state to the voltage drop state when the power failure signal is switched from the OFF state to the ON state. In step S1106, specific time processing is performed. The specific time process is a process periodically performed every predetermined specific time (10 msec in the present embodiment). For example, the output data buffer is updated by the LED data table for driving the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64 is a process for changing the volume of the musical sound output from 64.

  Here, the specific time process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1201, processing for updating the value of the 10 msec timer counter is performed. Specifically, a process of adding the current interrupt timer counter value to the 10 msec timer counter value is performed. In subsequent step S1202, it is determined whether or not the value of the 10 msec timer counter is 10 or more. On the other hand, when the value of the 10 msec timer counter is 10 or more, it means that the specific time has elapsed. In such a case, the value of the 10 msec timer counter is decremented by 10 in step S1203, the drive data change process shown in steps S1204 to S1208 is performed, and this process ends.

  In the drive data change process, in step S1204, an LED data change process for setting data from the LED data table to the output data buffer is performed. In step S1205, an auxiliary effect synchronization check process for synchronizing the BGM in the BB state and the LED effect is performed. In step S1206, when left unattended during BGM playback, fade-out processing is performed to decrease the volume of the BGM after 30 seconds. In step S1207, if left unattended, a demonstration start check process for starting a demonstration effect 60 seconds later is performed. In step S1208, the value of the volume knob is checked, and a volume check process is performed to change the audio volume.

  Returning to the description of the drive data output process, after the specific time process is completed, a drive data switching process is performed in step S1107. The drive data switching process is a process for switching drive data according to the passage of time, gaming state, etc., except when receiving a command from the main control device 101. In the drive data switching process, for example, a process of switching a color for lighting the light emitting unit 33 and the upper lamp 63, a process of switching a display scene displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65, and the like are performed. That is, the drive data change process is a process for changing the auxiliary effect with time, unlike the above-described specific time process.

  After the drive data switching process, in step S1108, the value of the interrupt timer counter is cleared, and in step S1109, it is confirmed again whether or not the system state is a voltage drop state. If the system state is a voltage drop state, a power failure process is performed. If the system state is not a voltage drop state, the process is terminated.

  Here, in the received command check process in step S1007, various processes performed when the winning combination is suggested will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  The stop symbol command process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1301, it is determined whether or not a stop symbol command has been received. If it has not been received, the process is terminated. If a stop symbol command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1302, the information indicated by the stop symbol command, that is, the stop output of the currently stopped reel is stored in the RAM 88, and this process is terminated. Here, in the effect information storage area 88c of the RAM 88, stop output storage areas for storing the stop outputs of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are provided in association with the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. . For this reason, when the stop symbol command indicating the stop output of the left reel 32L is received, the stop output is stored in the left stop output storage area provided in the effect information storage area 88c, and the stop of the middle reel 32M is stopped. When the stop symbol command indicating the outcome is received, the stop symbol is stored in the medium stop event storage area provided in the effect information storage area 88c, and the stop symbol command indicating the stop outcome of the right reel 32R is received. If received, the stop event is stored in the right stop event storage area provided in the effect information storage area 88c, and the stop symbol command process is terminated.

  As described above, in the stop symbol command process, the stop output of the stopped reel is stored in the RAM 88 each time each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stops. As a result, when all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped and one game is finished, the stop points of all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, that is, the range that is visible from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. The stopped symbol is stored in the RAM 88.

  Next, the lottery result command processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1401, it is determined whether or not a lottery result command has been received. If it has not been received, this process is terminated. If the lottery result command is received, the process proceeds to step S1402, and the information indicated by the lottery result command, that is, the lottery result of the combination performed by the main controller 101 is stored in the lottery result storage area 88a of the RAM 88. Thereafter, in step S1403, it is determined whether or not any combination is won based on the information stored in the lottery result storage area 88a. If no winning combination has been won, the process is terminated. If any winning combination has been won, the pre-game stop / start grasping process shown in steps S1404 to S1410 is executed. End the process.

  In the previous game stop event grasping process, first, in step S1404, 0 is set in the event counter. Here, the outcome counter is a counter that is provided in the effect information storage area 88c of the RAM 88 and grasps the stop outcome storage area to be referred to. In step S1405, the stop count stored in the stop count storage area corresponding to the value of the count counter is read. Specifically, when the value of the output counter is 0, the stop output stored in the left stop output storage area is read, and when the value of the output counter is 1, the medium stop output is read. When the value of the outcome counter is 2, the stop outcome stored in the right stop outcome storage area is read out. In a succeeding step S1406, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol is included in the read stoppage. At this time, in particular, when the winning combination is the first cherry, it is determined whether or not the “red cherry” symbol is included instead of the winning symbol in each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. This is due to the following reason. That is, when the winning combination is the first cherry, the winning symbols on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are arbitrary symbols (all symbols). For this reason, when the stop turn of the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R is read and the determination in step S1406 is made, it is determined that the winning symbol is included regardless of the stop turn. The same applies to the case where the winning combination is the second cherry. If it is determined that the winning symbol is included in the read stoppage, a reference reel flag indicating the reel that has been referred to this time is set in the effect information storage area 88c in step S1407, and the winning symbol is determined in step S1408. A stop position flag indicating the stop position is set in the effect information storage area 88c.

  Here, the configuration of the effect information storage area 88c will be briefly described. In the effect information storage area 88c, a reference reel flag storage area and a stop position flag storage area are provided. The reference reel flag storage area is provided so as to correspond to each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. The reference reel flag storage area for storing the reference reel flag when referring to the stop output of the left reel 32L, A middle reference storage area for storing the reference reel flag when referring to the stop event of the reel 32M, and a right reference storage area for storing the reference reel flag when referring to the stop event of the right reel 32R Is made up of. The stop position flag storage area has a left reel storage area, a middle reel storage area, and a right reel storage area, and each reel area has an upper storage area, a middle storage area, and a lower storage area. Storage area. That is, the stop position flag storage area is composed of nine storage areas. Therefore, for example, in the situation where the 1st BB is won, if the stop appearance of the left reel 32L is the No. 6 "watermelon" symbol that stops at the lower stage, the winning symbol No. 7 Since the “red 7” symbol is stopped in the middle stage, the reference reel flag is set in the left reference storage area, and the stop position flag is set in the middle storage area for the left reel storage area.

  If the reference reel flag and the stop position flag are set, or if it is determined that the winning symbol is not included in the stop result read in step S1406, the process proceeds to step S1409, and the value of the output counter is updated by one. To do. Thereafter, in step S1410, it is determined whether or not the value of the output counter is 3. If not, the process returns to step S1405 to read the stop output of the reel corresponding to the output counter value. Further, when the value of the outcome counter is 3, it means that the stop outcomes of all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have been read out, and thus the lottery result command processing is terminated.

  In this way, in the lottery result command processing, the stop symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stored in the stop symbol command processing one game before is referred to, and the winning symbol is in the upper, middle, or lower row. When it is stopped, the reference reel flag and the stop position flag are set.

  Next, rotation start command processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1501, it is determined whether or not a rotation start command has been received. If not received, this processing ends. When the rotation start command is received, it means that the wait time has elapsed and each reel 32L, 32M, 32R has started rotating. Therefore, in step S1502, the stop event of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stored in the stop event storage area of the effect information storage area 88c is cleared. In subsequent step S1503, it is determined whether or not the reference reel flag is set in any of the reference storage areas. If no reference reel flag is set in any of the reference storage areas, the present processing is performed as it is. finish. If the reference reel flag is set in any of the reference storage areas, the process proceeds to step S1504, and a flag clear process for clearing various flags set in the effect information storage area 88c such as the reference reel flag and the stop position flag. To finish this processing.

  Here, a specific process executed by the drive data output process based on the execution result of the received command check process when the winning combination is suggested will be described.

  In the device control process S1103 of the drive data output process, when the reference reel flag is set in any reference storage area, the stop position flag storage area is referred to and corresponds to the storage area in which the stop position flag is set. Processing to turn on the light emitting display portion in red is executed. For this reason, if a winning combination is won and a winning symbol is included in the previous game stoppage, the winning symbol is stopped before each reel 32L, 32M, 32R starts rotating. The light emitting display part corresponding to the reel and its stop position is lit in red, suggesting that the symbol sandwiched between the light emitting display parts lit in red is the winning symbol. The lighting of the light emitting display portion continues until each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R starts rotating, and ends when various flags are cleared in step S1504 of the rotation start command process.

  Here, a specific example will be described.

  For example, in the case of the stop turn shown in FIG. 28A, in the left reel 32L, the “watermelon” symbol stops at the upper stage, the “red 7” symbol stops at the middle stage, and the “watermelon” symbol stops at the lower stage. ing. In the middle reel 32M, the “blue cherry” symbol is stopped at the top, the “watermelon” symbol is stopped at the middle, and the “white 7” symbol is stopped at the bottom. In the right reel 32R, the “replay” symbol is stopped at the top, the “red cherry” symbol is stopped at the middle, and the “blue 7” symbol is stopped at the bottom. If only the first BB is won in the situation where the above stoppage is stopped, the “red 7” symbol, which is the first BB symbol, is stopped at the middle of the left reel 32L, so the middle symbol of the left reel 32L. The pair of left and right light emitting display portions 35L provided at the corresponding positions are lit in red, suggesting that the first BB is won. In addition, since the light emitting display portions corresponding to the “watermelon” symbol, “blue cherry” symbol, “white 7” symbol, “replay” symbol, “red cherry” symbol, and “blue 7” symbol are not lit in red, It is suggested that the first cherry, the second cherry, the replay, the second BB, and the third BB are not won. Furthermore, in the case of such a stop appearance, out of the eight types of winning combinations that are established in the normal state, the symbols corresponding to the seven types of winning combinations are stopped within a range that can be viewed from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. Of the symbols corresponding to the winning combination, only the “bell” symbol does not stop within the visible range from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. For this reason, if any of the light emitting display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R is not lit in red under such a situation that the stoppage is stopped, the bell is won or missed. It is suggested.

  On the other hand, in the case of the stop turn shown in FIG. 28 (b), in the left reel 32L, the "replay" symbol stops at the upper stage, the "watermelon" symbol stops at the middle stage, and the "red 7" symbol stops at the lower stage doing. In the middle reel 32M, the “blue cherry” symbol is stopped at the top, the “watermelon” symbol is stopped at the middle, and the “white 7” symbol is stopped at the bottom. In the right reel 32R, the “red cherry” symbol is stopped at the top, the “blue 7” symbol is stopped at the middle, and the “bell” symbol is stopped at the bottom. That is, in the case of such a stop appearance, the symbols corresponding to each of the eight types of winning combinations that are established in the normal state are stopped in a range that can be visually recognized from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. For this reason, in a situation where such a stoppage is stopped, if any winning combination is won, or if any BB winning flag is carried over, the left and right provided at the position corresponding to the winning symbol A pair of light-emitting display portions is lit in red, indicating a winning combination. For example, when the second BB and the watermelon are won in the situation where the above stoppage is stopped, the “watermelon” symbol stops at the middle stage of the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M, and the second stage at the middle stage of the right reel 32R. Since the “Blue 7” symbol, which is the 2BB symbol, is stopped, the pair of left and right light-emitting display portions 35L, 35M, and 35R provided at positions corresponding to these symbols are lit red, and the second BB and the watermelon are selected. It is suggested that

  As described above, in this embodiment, when each stop switch 42 to 44 is operated at a predetermined timing in a situation where none of the winning combinations is won, eight types of winning combinations that are awarded in the normal state are established. Symbols are arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the symbols corresponding to the symbols stop in the visible range from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. More specifically, as the predetermined timing, the left stop switch 42 is operated at a timing when the “red cherry” symbol of No. 3 to the “red 7” symbol of No. 7 on the left reel 32L reach the lower stage, and the middle reel The middle stop switch 43 is operated at the timing when the “replay” symbol of No. 11 of 32M to the “white 7” symbol of No. 15 reaches the lower stage, and the “watermelon” symbol of No. 10 to No. 14 of the right reel 32R. When the right stop switch 44 is operated at the timing when the “bell” symbol has reached the lower stage, the above-mentioned stop event stops.

  Further, in the slot machine 10 having the gameability in which one of the watermelon and the first to third BBs is won in one game as in the present embodiment, any “watermelon” of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is selected. It becomes possible for the player to select whether to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 in order to stop the symbols within the visible range from the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R.

  For example, in the case of the stop turn shown in FIG. 29A, in the left reel 32L, the “replay” symbol stops at the upper stage, the “watermelon” symbol stops at the middle stage, and the “blue cherry” symbol stops at the lower stage. ing. In the middle reel 32M, the “replay” symbol is stopped at the top, the “bell” symbol is stopped at the middle, and the “blue cherry” symbol is stopped at the bottom. In the right reel 32R, the “bell” symbol is stopped at the top, the “replay” symbol is stopped at the middle, and the “blue cherry” symbol is stopped at the bottom. When a watermelon is won in the situation where the above stoppage is stopped, the “watermelon” symbol is stopped at the middle stage of the left reel 32L, so it is provided at a position corresponding to the middle symbol of the left reel 32L. Further, the pair of left and right light emitting display portions 35L are lit in red, suggesting that a watermelon is won.

  Here, when the watermelon winning is established at the stop turn shown in FIG. 29B, the left reel 32L has the “watermelon” symbol in the upper row, the “red 7” symbol in the middle row, and the “watermelon” symbol in the lower row. It has stopped. In the middle reel 32M, the “watermelon” symbol at the upper stage, the “white 7” symbol at the middle stage, and the “replay” symbol at the lower stage are stopped. In the right reel 32R, the “watermelon” symbol on the upper stage, the “blue 7” symbol on the middle stage, and the “watermelon” symbol on the lower stage are stopped. Therefore, if both the watermelon and the first BB are won in the game, a pair of left and right light emitting display portions 35L provided at positions corresponding to the “red 7” symbols of the left reel 32L at the start of the next game. Is lit red, suggesting that the 1st BB is won. Similarly, when both the watermelon and the second BB are won, at the start of the next game, the pair of left and right light emitting display portions 35R provided at positions corresponding to the “blue 7” symbol of the right reel 32R is lit red. If both the watermelon and the third BB are won, the pair of left and right light emitting display portions 35M provided at positions corresponding to the “white 7” symbols on the middle reel 32M are lit in red at the start of the next game. The On the other hand, when only the watermelon is won, the pair of left and right light emitting display portions 35L, 35M, and 35R provided at positions corresponding to the “7” symbols are not lit in red, and any BB is won. Not suggested. Therefore, when a watermelon winning is established at the stop game, it can be determined whether or not any BB is won at the start stage of the next game. In other words, each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has a “watermelon” symbol and each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that it is possible to grasp whether or not any BB is won when a watermelon winning is established with a predetermined stoppage. It can be said that “7” symbols are arranged.

  On the other hand, when a watermelon winning is established at the stop turn shown in FIG. 29 (c), in the left reel 32L, the “bell” symbol at the top, the “replay” symbol at the middle, and the “watermelon” symbol at the bottom. ing. In the middle reel 32M, the “blue cherry” symbol on the upper stage, the “watermelon” symbol on the middle stage, and the “red cherry” symbol on the lower stage are stopped. In the right reel 32R, the “watermelon” symbol on the upper stage, the “bell” symbol on the middle stage, and the “replay” symbol on the lower stage are stopped. That is, when a watermelon winning is established at such a stop, the symbol “7” is not stopped at any position. For this reason, even if both the watermelon and one of the BBs are won in the game, it is impossible to grasp whether or not any of the BBs is won at the start stage of the next game.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  If a winning combination is won and a winning symbol is included in the previous game's stoppage, each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will stop spinning before the reel 32L, 32M, 32R starts rotating and its reel The light emitting display portion corresponding to the stop position is lit in red, and the symbol sandwiched between the light emitting display portions lit in red is suggested to indicate that the winning symbol is the winning symbol. By adopting a configuration that determines whether or not the winning symbol is suggested based on the previous game stoppage, the player operates the stop switches 42 to 44 while expecting the winning symbol to be suggested in the next game. It becomes possible to make it. Therefore, the player can actively participate in the game even in the game times where the winning combination is not suggested, and the winning combination can be suggested in a suitable manner.

  The winning combination is suggested when the winning symbol is stopped in a range that is visible from the front of the slot machine 10. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 so that the symbol corresponding to the role expected to be suggested by the player stops in a range that can be visually recognized from the front of the slot machine 10. In other words, if you don't win any combination or don't have any chance of winning any winnings, and you want to avoid missing a watermelon in the next game, you'll be given to the spinning reel. It is only necessary to operate the stop switch so that the “watermelon” symbol stops at either the upper, middle or lower level. Also, in situations where there is a possibility that some kind of winning will be established, if the winning symbol is stopped on the active line, the symbol that stops at another position is confirmed from the symbol arrangement and it will be suggested in the next game The stop switch may be operated so that the symbol corresponding to the expected role stops at the other position. For example, in a situation where a watermelon is won, if you expect to be suggested that one of the first to third BBs will be won in the next game, the stop shown in FIG. If the stop switch 42-44 should be operated so that it may become eyes, and it is anticipated that it is suggested that either the 1st-2nd cherry is elected in the next game, FIG. What is necessary is just to operate the stop switches 42-44 so that it may become a stop appearance shown in (c). In this way, when the winning symbol is stopped in a range that can be visually recognized from the front of the slot machine 10, the winning combination is suggested, so that the player can play the game regardless of whether or not the winning combination is won. It becomes possible to participate actively. In addition, since whether or not to indicate the winning combination depends on the stop appearance of the previous game, that is, the result of the operation of the stop switches 42 to 44 by the player, the winning combination in a form in accordance with the intention of the player Can be suggested.

  When each stop switch 42-44 is operated at a predetermined timing in a situation where none of the winning combinations is won, symbols corresponding to each of the eight types of winning combinations that are established in the normal state are displayed on the display window 26L. , 26M, 26R, symbols are arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, 32R so as to stop within a visible range. By adopting such a configuration, a stop switch 42 to 44 is provided at a predetermined timing to a player who expects that a winning combination is suggested when a certain combination is won or that the occurrence of missing is avoided as much as possible. It is possible to prompt to operate. Therefore, it becomes possible to make the player actively participate in the game.

  By configuring the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to indicate the winning symbol before the rotation starts, when the player operates the stop switches 42 to 44, the winning corresponding to the suggested winning combination is made. It is possible to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 so as to be established. Therefore, it is possible to favorably reduce the chance of missing.

  A pair of left and right light emitting display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R are provided at positions corresponding to nine symbols that can be visually recognized from the front of the slot machine 10, and if the winning combination is suggested, the winning symbol is stopped. The light-emitting display portion corresponding to the position is lit in red. With this configuration, the winning symbol can be highlighted as compared with the other eight symbols, and the player can easily recognize the winning combination. Further, the stoppage of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is based on the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44, that is, the operation timing of the player. For this reason, by adopting a configuration that suggests a winning combination using the stop appearance, it becomes possible to watch the stop appearance and to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 more actively aiming at the symbol The winning combination can be suggested without impairing the original characteristics of the slot machine 10. Furthermore, in order to identify each of the symbols attached to the rotating reel, it is necessary to move the line of sight in synchronization with the rotation speed of the reel. Then, wait for the reel rotation to start while visually recognizing the symbol of the reel that has stopped rotating, and if the movement of the symbol is followed when the reel rotation starts, Compared to an attempt to identify a symbol, it becomes easier to synchronize the rotational speed of the reel and the movement of the line of sight. For this reason, it is assumed that an inferior player who operates the stop switch aiming at a symbol is visually recognizing the symbol of the reel that has not started rotating at the start of the game. Therefore, it is difficult to synchronize the rotational speed of the reels and the movement of the line of sight by adopting a configuration that suggests a winning combination using the symbols attached to the reels before the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating. It is possible to suggest the winning combination without any effort, and the game can proceed smoothly.

  In the stop symbol command process, each stop 32L, 32M, 32R is stopped every time the reels 32L, 32M, 32R stop, and the stop output of the reels is stored in the RAM 88. In the lottery result command process, the stop event stored in the RAM 88 in the stop symbol command process. Is used to determine whether or not to suggest a winning role. By adopting such a configuration, in the configuration in which the winning combination is suggested at the stage before the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate, it is compared with the configuration in which the stop outcome of the previous game is grasped after the start lever 41 is operated. Thus, it is possible to shorten the processing time required to decide whether or not to indicate the winning combination. As a result, it is possible to reduce the chance that the winning combination cannot be suggested even though the winning symbol is included in the stoppage. In the present embodiment in which the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is started after the wait time has elapsed, the time from when the start lever 41 is operated until the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate is limited. It will be. For this reason, for example, the main control device 101 transmits a stop symbol command to the display control device 81 after the start command is generated, and the display control device 81 grasps the previous game stop appearance at the start of the game. In this case, there is a chance that the wait time has already passed when it is determined that the winning combination is suggested, and there is a chance that the winning combination cannot be suggested.

  By adopting a configuration in which the winning combination is suggested when the wait time has not elapsed, the winning combination can be suggested without interrupting the progress of the game.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the winning symbol is determined to be suggested when the winning symbol is included in the stop event. However, the predetermined symbol is satisfied when the predetermined symbol is satisfied. If it is included, it may be determined that the winning combination is suggested. Such a configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, processing executed instead of or in addition to the first embodiment will be described here.

  First, status command processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1601, it is determined whether or not a status command has been received. If it has not been received, this processing is terminated. If a status command is received, the process advances to step S1602 to determine whether the information indicated by the status command is information indicating that the status is the BB status. If the information indicates the BB state, the process advances to step S1603 to determine whether or not the BB state flag indicating the transition to the BB state is set. If the BB state flag has not been set, the BB state flag is set in the RAM 88 in step S1604, and the process ends. If the BB state flag is set, this means that the BB state flag has been set in the state command process in the previous game, and thus this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1602 that the information is not the BB state, the process proceeds to step S1605 to determine whether the information is the normal state. If it is information indicating the normal state, it is determined in step S1606 whether or not the BB state flag is set. If a status command indicating that the BB status flag is set and a normal status is received, it means that the BB status has ended. In such a case, the BB state flag is cleared in step S1607, and the AT state flag is set in the RAM 88 in step S1608. Thereafter, in step S1609, 70 is set in the remaining game number counter provided in the RAM 88, and this process ends.

  Next, the lottery result command processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1701, it is determined whether or not a lottery result command has been received. If the lottery result command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1702, and the information indicated by the lottery result command, that is, the lottery result of the combination performed by the main controller 101 is stored in the lottery result storage area 88a of the RAM 88. Thereafter, in step S1703, it is determined whether or not the AT state flag is set in the RAM 88. If the AT state flag is not set, the process is terminated as it is. If the AT state flag is set, it is used for some purpose based on the information stored in the lottery result storage area 88a in step S1704. Determine if you are winning. If no winning combination has been won, this process is terminated. If any winning combination has been won, this process is executed after executing the pre-game stop / start grasping process shown in steps S1705 to S1711. The process ends. Since the previous game stop appearance grasping process is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, winning command processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1801, it is determined whether or not a winning command has been received. If it has not been received, the process is terminated. If a winning command is received, the process advances to step S1802 to determine whether or not the AT state flag is set in the RAM 88. If the AT state flag is not set, the present process is terminated as it is. If the AT state flag is set, the end determination process shown in steps S1803 to S1806 is executed.

  In the end determination process, first, 1 is subtracted from the value of the remaining game number counter in step S1803. Thereafter, in step S1804, it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining game number counter is 0. If it is 0, the AT state flag is cleared in step S1805, and this process ends. If the value of the remaining game number counter is not 0, the process advances to step S1806 to determine whether or not the information indicated by the received winning command is information indicating that any of the first to third BB winnings has been established. . If it is not information indicating that any of the first to third BB winnings has been established, the present process is terminated, and if it is information indicating that any of the first to third BB winnings has been achieved, In step S1805, the AT state flag is cleared, and the process ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the BB state ends, the AT state flag is set in the RAM 88 on the display control device 81 side, and the gaming state is shifted to the AT state. In the case of shifting to the AT state, the stop symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stored in the stop symbol command processing one game before in the lottery result command processing is referred to, and the winning symbol is the upper, middle, The reference reel flag and the stop position flag are set when the vehicle stops at one of the lower levels. The AT state ends when the game is executed 70 times after the transition to the AT state or one of the first to third BB winnings is established. Note that the AT state is a gaming state in which only the display control device 81 determines based on the presence or absence of the AT state flag, and the main control device 101 determines that the gaming state is the normal state and also determines the lottery process. Etc. are executed. That is, the winning probability of each combination does not change between the normal state and the AT state.

  Here, a game in the AT state will be described.

  As described in the first embodiment, when any of the BBs, the cherries, the watermelons, and the bells is won, the stop switches 42 to 44 are set so that the winning symbol stops on the active line. It is necessary to operate. In addition, when one of the first to third BBs is won, the winning is valid until the corresponding winning is established, and when the other winning combination is won, whether or not the corresponding winning is achieved. Regardless of whether or not the game ends. In other words, if one of the cherries, watermelons, or bells is won and the stop switches 42 to 44 are not operated at a timing at which the winning symbol can be stopped on the active line, a failure may occur. Become.

  For example, in the left reel 32L, only one “red cherry” symbol is arranged at the third position, and only one “blue cherry” symbol is arranged at the sixteenth position. In other words, the “red cherry” symbol is arranged separately from the “blue cherry” symbol by 7 symbols on the rotating side of the left reel 32L, and the “blue cherry” symbol is arranged with respect to the “red cherry” symbol. 12 symbols are arranged on the rotating side of the left reel 32L. For this reason, when the left stop switch 42 is operated at a timing at which the “red cherry” symbol can be stopped on the active line, the “blue cherry” symbol cannot be stopped on the active line. If the left stop switch 42 is operated at a timing at which the “blue cherry” symbol can be stopped on the active line, the “red cherry” symbol cannot be stopped on the active line. Specifically, when the left stop switch 42 is operated while the 18th “replay” symbol to the 3rd “red cherry” symbol reaches the lower stage, the “red cherry” symbol is placed on the active line. If the left stop switch 42 is operated when the number 10 “Bell” symbol to number 16 “Blue cherry” symbol reaches the bottom, the “Blue cherry” symbol is activated. It is possible to stop it.

  In the left reel 32L, “watermelon” symbol, “replay” symbol, and “bell” symbol are arranged in a range corresponding to three symbols on the rotating side of the left reel 32L or the opposite side from each “cherry” symbol. Yes. For example, for the “red cherry” symbol, the “bell” symbol is arranged adjacent to the rotating side of the left reel 32L and the opposite side, and the “replay” symbol is arranged at a position separated by one symbol. The “watermelon” symbol is arranged at a position separated by two symbols. For this reason, by operating the left stop switch 42 at a predetermined timing to stop any of the “cherry” symbols on the active line, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of oversight even when a watermelon or bell is won. Can do. Specifically, the first cherry, watermelon, bell, and replay game are operated by operating the left stop switch 42 when the 18th “replay” design to the 3rd “red cherry” design reach the lower stage. In any case, the winning symbol can be stopped on the active line. When the No. 13 “White 7” symbol to No. 16 “Blue Cherry” symbol has reached the bottom, the left stop switch 42 is operated to win the second cherry, watermelon, bell, or replay. Even in such a case, the winning symbol can be stopped on the active line. However, if the left stop switch 42 is operated while the 18th “Replay” symbol to the 3rd “Red Cherry” symbol has reached the lower stage, a loss will occur if the second cherry is won. If the left stop switch 42 is operated when the 13th “white 7” design to the 16th “blue cherry” design have reached the lower level, the first cherry will be missed. Will occur.

  However, in the present embodiment, if the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol arranged on one of the reels in the AT state are stopped within the visible range from the display window and the game is ended, The winning combination is suggested when the first cherry or the second cherry is won in the game. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of missing items, and it is possible to reduce the frequency of occurrence of missing items compared to the normal state where the winning combination is not suggested. As a result, when the gaming state shifts to the AT state, the player's degree of advantage becomes greater than that in the normal state.

  Here, in the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R, a section in which the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol are arranged in the range of three symbols is formed. Specifically, in the middle reel 32M, a “red cherry” symbol is arranged at the second position, and a “blue cherry” symbol is arranged at the fourth position. In the right reel 32R, the “red cherry” symbol is arranged at the 6th position, and the “blue cherry” symbol is arranged at the 7th position. Therefore, not only when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated so as to be the stop event shown in FIG. 28B, but the stop event where the second “red cherry” symbol of the middle reel 32M stops at the lower stage If the game ends with a stoppage where the 6th “Red Cherry” symbol on the right reel 32R stops at the lower or middle level, the “Red Cherry” and “Blue Cherry” symbols will be visible within the display window. Both will stop, and when the first cherry or the second cherry is won in the next game, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of missing.

  In addition, the “bell” symbol is placed at the 5th position adjacent to the 6th “red cherry” symbol on the right reel 32R, and the 8th position adjacent to the “blue cherry” symbol at the 7th. Has a “replay” symbol. For this reason, when a re-game is won, for example, as shown in FIG. 33 (a), a stop appearance as shown in FIG. If each of the stop switches 42 to 44 is operated so as to be established, it is possible to establish a re-game prize while stopping both the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol within a visible range from the display window. If the first cherry or the second cherry is won in the next game, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of missing. Similarly, when a bell is won, for example, the stoppage as shown in FIG. 33 (b) is made, that is, the 5th “bell” symbol of the right reel 32R stops at the lower stage and a bell winning is established. By operating each of the stop switches 42 to 44, the bell winning can be established while stopping both the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol within the range visible from the display window. When the first cherry or the second cherry is won, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of missing. In addition, a “watermelon” symbol is arranged at the third position adjacent to the second “red cherry” symbol and the fourth “blue cherry” symbol of the middle reel 32M. For this reason, when a watermelon is won, for example, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), the stop appearance is as shown in FIG. By operating each of the stop switches 42 to 44, a watermelon winning can be established while stopping both the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol within the visible range from the display window. When the first cherry or the second cherry is won, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of missing.

  According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment.

  By adopting a configuration that suggests a winning combination when shifting to the AT state, it is possible to cause the player to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 while expecting the winning symbol to be suggested in the next game under the AT state. It becomes possible. Therefore, the player can actively participate in the game even in the game times where the winning combination is not suggested, and the winning combination can be suggested in a suitable manner.

  In particular, if the winning combination is not suggested when the first cherry or the second cherry is won, in the configuration in which the missing may occur regardless of the operation timing of the left stop switch 42, the missing is as much as possible under the AT state. It is assumed that the player wants to reduce the opportunity to occur and increase the degree of advantage. As a result, in the AT state, the stop switch 43 is set so that the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol attached to at least one of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are stopped from being visible from the front of the slot machine 10. , 44 can be operated, and the player can actively participate in the game.

  Furthermore, if the “Red Cherry” or “Blue Cherry” symbol is not stopped within the visible range from the front of the slot machine 10, it will be won even if the first cherry or the second cherry is won. The role is not suggested. This can lead to the player's advantage being equal to that in the normal state despite the transition to the turning angle AT state. Specifically, as the first stop command, the left stop switch 42 is operated every game when the 18th “Replay” symbol to the 3rd “Red Cherry” symbol reach the lower stage, and the left reel 32L When the “watermelon” symbol of the other reel 32M, 32R is stopped on the active line, the stop switches 43, 44 are set to stop the “watermelon” symbol of the other reels 32M, 32R on the active line where the “watermelon” symbol of the left reel 32L is stopped. When operated, the winning combination is the second cherry regardless of the gaming state. And, since the winning probability of each combination is equal in the normal state and the AT state, if it is not suggested that the second cherry is won in the AT state, the expected value of the medal payout in one game becomes equal. Because.

  As described above, whether or not the winning combination is suggested depends on the stop appearance of the previous game, that is, the operation result of the stop switches 42 to 44 by the player, and the player's advantageous degree under the AT state by the operation result. By changing the configuration, it is possible to strongly urge the player to actively participate in the game, and it is possible to suppress the game from becoming monotonous regardless of the lottery result of the role.

  The middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R form a section where both the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol are arranged in the range of three symbols, and the corresponding stop switches 43 and 44 are operated at a predetermined timing. In this case, both the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol can be stopped within a range that can be visually recognized from the display window with the stoppage of one reel. By adopting such a configuration, even a player with poor skill to operate a stop switch aiming at a symbol can be seen within a range that is relatively easily visible from the display window, with a “red cherry” symbol and a “blue cherry” symbol. Can be stopped together. Further, by forming the above sections in the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R, if the stop switch corresponding to at least one of the reels can be operated at the predetermined timing, the “red cherry” symbol is displayed within a visible range from the display window. It is possible to stop both “Blue Cherry” designs. As a result of the above, regardless of the skill of operating the stop switch aiming at the symbol, it becomes possible to increase the chance that both the `` red cherry '' symbol and the `` blue cherry '' symbol stop within the visible range from the display window, It becomes possible for the player to enjoy the game in the AT state. Certainly, it is possible to stop both the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol within the visible range from the display window on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 43 and 44. It is also possible to arrange a “red cherry” design and a “blue cherry” design. However, in such a configuration, since it is not necessary to operate the stop switch aiming at the symbol, the original feature of the slot machine that operates the stop switch aiming at the symbol is not only diluted, but also a predetermined Since the stop switch can be operated at the timing, the player cannot have a sense of achievement that the winning role is suggested.

  Place the “bell” symbol at the 5th position adjacent to the 6th “red cherry” symbol on the right reel 32R, and the “replay” symbol at the 8th position adjacent to the 7th “blue cherry” symbol. Arranged. In addition, a “watermelon” symbol was placed at the third position adjacent to the second “red cherry” symbol and the fourth “blue cherry” symbol on the middle reel 32M. By adopting such a configuration, even if one of the re-game, the bell, and the watermelon is won and the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated to establish a corresponding winning, “ Both the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol can be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the chance that at least one of the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol does not stop within the visible range from the display window, and the chance of suggesting a winning combination under the AT state is reduced. Can be suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the winning combination is indicated when the winning symbol is included in the previous game stop appearance, but the game has been completed a predetermined number of times with a predetermined stop appearance. In this case, the winning combination may be suggested when the winning symbol is included in the stoppage. Such a configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, processing executed instead of the first embodiment will be described here.

  First, stop symbol command processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1901, it is determined whether or not a stop symbol command has been received. If it has not been received, the present process is terminated. If a stop symbol command is received, the process advances to step S1902 to store the information indicated by the stop symbol command, that is, the stop output of the currently stopped reel in the RAM 88. In a succeeding step S1903, it is determined whether or not the stop event is stored in all of the stop event storage areas. If no stop event is stored in any of the stop event storage areas, it means that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are not stopped. On the other hand, when the stop event is stored in all of the stop event storage areas, it means that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have stopped, so the specific eye determination process shown in steps S1904 to S1907 is performed. Run.

  In the specific eye determination process, it is determined whether or not the stop event stored in the stop event storage area in step S1904 indicates a specific eye. Here, specific eyes are stored in advance in the ROM 86 of the display control device 81. Specifically, the stop event shown in FIG. 28 (b) is set as the specific event when no winning combination is won, and the stop event shown in FIG. 33 is set as a specific event when winning a game, the stop event shown in FIG. 33 (b) is set as a specific event when winning a bell, and the stop event shown in FIG. 33 (c) It is set as a specific item when winning a watermelon. Moreover, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the specific eyes are set also about each case of the case where one of the 1st-2nd cherries is won and the case where any one of the 1st-3rd BB is won. That is, in the ROM 86 of the display control device 81, specific eyes are stored in advance corresponding to the case where the lottery result of the winning combination is out of place and the case where a winning combination is won. Therefore, in step S1904, based on the information stored in the lottery result storage area 88a of the RAM 88, the specific eye corresponding to the winning combination or outage is read from the ROM 86, and the stop event stored in the stop event storage area is read. It is determined whether or not it matches the specific eye. If the stop event stored in the stop event storage area matches the read specific eye, the process proceeds to step S1905, and the value of the specific eye counter provided in the effect information storage area 88c of the RAM 88 is incremented by one. In the following step S1906, it is determined whether or not the value of the specific eye counter is 5. If it is 5, the suggestion flag is set in step S1907 and the value of the specific eye counter is set to 0 in step S1908. And this processing is terminated. If it is determined in step S1904 that the eye is not a specific eye, or if it is determined in step S1906 that the value of the specific eye counter is not 5, the process is terminated.

  Next, the lottery result command processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S2001, it is determined whether or not a lottery result command has been received. If no lottery result command has been received, the process ends. When the lottery result command is received, the process proceeds to step S2002, and the information indicated by the lottery result command, that is, the lottery result of the combination performed by the main controller 101 is stored in the lottery result storage area 88a of the RAM 88. Thereafter, in step S2003, it is determined whether or not the suggestion flag is set in the RAM 88. If the suggestion flag is not set, the process is terminated. If the suggestion flag is set, the suggestion flag is cleared in step S2004, and then in the lottery result storage area 88a in step S2005. It is determined whether or not any combination is won based on the stored information. If no winning combination has been won, the process is terminated. If any winning combination has been won, the pre-game stop / outgoing grasp process shown in steps S2006 to S2012 is executed. The process ends. Since the previous game stop appearance grasping process is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment.

  By adopting a configuration that determines whether or not to indicate a winning combination when the specific event is stopped five times, the specific event is forward of the slot machine 10 while expecting that the winning combination is suggested over a plurality of games. It becomes possible to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 so as to stop within a visible range. Therefore, it is possible to allow a player to actively participate in a game even if the winning times are not suggested.

  The value of the specific eye counter is cleared to 0 when the value of the specific eye counter is 5, that is, when it is determined that the winning combination is suggested. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the frequency of determining to suggest a winning combination even if the configuration is determined to suggest a winning combination when a specific eye stops multiple times. It becomes. Certainly, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a winning combination is determined to be suggested when a specific eye stops three times before five games are completed. However, in such a configuration, when the specific eye stops only twice until the end of the five games, the specific eye is repeated three times until the subsequent five games end. This is because it is necessary to stop, and the frequency of determining to win the winning combination is reduced. Also, if the result that the specific eye stops only twice or less before the end of the five games is repeated, the willingness to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 to stop the specific eye is reduced. The possibility is also a concern.

  A specific item was set corresponding to each of the case where the lottery result of the combination was out of place and the case where a combination was won. With this configuration, the specific eye can be stopped regardless of the winning lottery result. As a result, even if it is a case where it is determined that the winning combination is suggested when the specific eye is stopped a plurality of times, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the frequency of determining that the winning combination is suggested. Further, in such a configuration, the frequency of determining that the winning combination is suggested depends on the number of times that the specific eye is stopped, that is, the operation result of the stop switches 42 to 44 by the player, not the probability of winning the winning combination. It becomes possible. As a result, the player can be actively involved in the frequency determined to suggest the winning combination, and the possibility that the player has a passive impression can be suitably reduced.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (1) In each of the above embodiments, when the winning symbol stops within a range that can be viewed from the front of the slot machine 10, the winning symbol is highlighted in comparison with other symbols, and the winning combination is suggested. However, it may be configured such that a symbol other than the winning symbol is associated in advance for each combination, and the winning combination is suggested when the associated symbol stops in a range that is visible from the front of the slot machine 10.

  For example, when the “Red 7” symbol stops within the range that can be seen from the front of the slot machine 10, the first cherry is won, and the “Blue 7” symbol is visible from the front of the slot machine 10. If it stops in a certain range, it is configured to suggest that the second cherry is won, and if the “White 7” symbol stops in a range where it can be seen from the front of the slot machine 10, it is won for replay The configuration suggests However, in the case of such a configuration, it is desirable to indicate the winning combination by the lighting display color of the light emitting display unit or to indicate the winning combination by the auxiliary display unit 65.

  (2) In each of the above embodiments, a pair of left and right light emitting display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R are provided at positions corresponding to the nine symbols that can be viewed from the front of the slot machine 10, respectively. The light emitting display portion corresponding to the position where the winning symbol is stopped is lit in red to indicate the winning combination. However, this configuration is changed.

  For example, when it is suggested that the winning combination is the first BB, when all the light emitting display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, 34R to 36R are lit in red to indicate that the winning combination is a bell. Lights all the light emitting display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R in yellow. When suggesting that the cherry is the first cherry, the light emitting display portions 34L to 36L provided on the left and right sides of the left reel 32L are lit in red, and the other light emitting display portions 34M to 36M and 34R to 36R are lit in white. Let Even in such a configuration, the winning combination can be suggested by the lighting display color of the light emitting display section.

  Alternatively, on the inner peripheral side of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, there is provided a light emitting display section that can individually irradiate the symbols stopped in the upper, middle, and lower tiers, and the winning symbol stops at any of the above positions. In such a case, a configuration is adopted in which the light-emission display unit at the corresponding position emits light to irradiate the winning symbol. In the case of such a configuration, since the irradiated symbol is highlighted more than other symbols, it can be suggested that the irradiated symbol is a winning symbol as in the above embodiments.

  (3) In each of the above embodiments, the winning combination is suggested by turning on the light emitting display portion corresponding to the stop position of the winning symbol in red. However, instead of or in addition to this, the suggested winning combination is suggested. May be displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65, and the display may be maintained until at least all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. In such a configuration, even if the player forgets or misses the suggested winning combination, by confirming the auxiliary display unit 65, the player wins corresponding to the suggested winning combination. It is possible to operate each of the stop switches 42 to 44 to establish the above.

  (4) In the lottery result command processing in each of the above embodiments, it is configured to determine whether or not the winning symbol is stopped at any one of the upper, middle, and lower stages, but this configuration is changed. That is, the display control device displays a light emission display table in which the correspondence between the symbol numbers of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and the light emission display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R to be lit red is determined for each role. It is stored in advance in the ROM 86 of 81. In the lottery result command process, it is determined whether or not the light emission display section is to be lit in red using the symbol numbers of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stored in the RAM 88 and the light emission display table. Even if it is a case where it is set as this structure, it is clear that there exists an effect similar to the said embodiment.

  In such a configuration, main controller 101 need not transmit a stop symbol command indicating a symbol number that has become visible from the display window, but can transmit a symbol number stopped at a predetermined base point position. good. For example, in the configuration in which the “Red 7” symbol of No. 7 stops at the lower position when the “Red Cherry” symbol of No. 3 on the left reel 32L stops at the base position, No. 3 is set as the stop start of the left reel 32L. If stored in the light emitting display table corresponding to the first BB so that the light emitting display portion 36L at the position corresponding to the lower stage of the left reel 32L is lit in red when it is stored, it is selected as one of the upper, middle and lower stages. This is because the light emitting display portion 36L at the corresponding position can be lit in red without determining whether or not the symbol has stopped.

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, when the wait time has not elapsed, the light emitting display unit is lit in red to indicate the winning combination. However, when the winning combination is indicated, in addition to the waiting time, A configuration may be adopted in which rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is not started (delayed) until a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses. In the case of such a configuration, it is possible to ensure the time for suggesting the winning combination, and to suggest the winning combination in a suitable form.

  Specifically, the main control device 101 side stores the previous game stop event and determines whether the winning symbol has stopped in any of the upper, middle, and lower stages. When it is determined that the winning symbol is stopped, the predetermined time is added to a timer for determining whether or not the wait time has elapsed, and the rotation start timing of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is delayed.

  (6) In each of the above embodiments, when a winning combination is won, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is suggested regardless of the type of the winning combination. It is good also as a structure which determines whether a winning combination is suggested only in the case. For example, it is configured to determine whether or not the winning combination is suggested for each combination other than the replay, and the replay is configured not to suggest the winning combination even if winning. Even in the case of such a configuration, since replay does not occur, it is obvious that the same effects as those in the above embodiments are achieved.

  In each of the above embodiments, when each stop switch 42 to 44 is operated at a predetermined timing in a situation where none of the winning combinations is won, eight types of winning combinations that are awarded in the normal state are obtained. The symbols are arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the symbols corresponding to the respective symbols stop within the visible range from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. However, the configuration is changed. That is, symbols are arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that all symbols corresponding to the winning combinations that can be missed stop within the visible range from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. May be. In addition, if the configuration determines whether or not the winning combination is suggested only when some of the winning combinations are won, the suggested role is obtained when each of the stop switches 42 to 44 is operated at a predetermined timing. The symbols may be arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the symbols corresponding to each of the symbols stop within the visible range from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R.

  (7) In each of the above embodiments, three types of BB combination of 1st to 3BB, one type of replay, and five types of medals such as a bell are performed as possible combinations that can be won in the normal state. Although it is set as the structure provided with a combination, the kind of each of these combinations is arbitrary.

  (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the opportunity to win both the watermelon and the first to third BBs is generated in one game, but both the bell and the first to third BBs are selected. It is good also as a structure in which the opportunity which arises, and it is good also as a structure in which the opportunity to be elected in both re-game and 1st-3rd BB arises. In addition, it goes without saying that it may be configured that only one role is won in one game.

  (9) In the first embodiment, the winning symbol is determined to be suggested when the winning symbol is stopped within a range that can be visually recognized from the front of the slot machine 10. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The probability of determining that the winning combination is suggested depending on the stopping appearance may be different.

  For example, when one winning symbol is stopped in a range that can be viewed from the front of the slot machine 10, the winning combination is suggested with a probability of 30%, and two winning symbols are displayed in the range that can be viewed from the front of the slot machine 10. A configuration in which the winning combination is suggested with a probability of 50% when stopped, and a configuration in which the winning combination is suggested with a probability of 100% when three winning symbols stop within the range visible from the front of the slot machine 10 To do.

  Alternatively, when the reel whose winning symbol is stopped is the left reel 32L, the winning combination is suggested with a probability of 10%, and when the reel whose winning symbol is stopped is the middle reel 32M, 100 is used. The winning combination is suggested with a probability of%, and when the reel where the winning symbol is stopped is the right reel 32R, the winning combination is suggested with a probability of 50%.

  Or, if the winning symbol is stopped in the upper row, the winning combination is suggested with a probability of 10%. If the winning symbol is stopped in the middle row, the winning symbol is indicated with a probability of 30%. In the case where the winning symbol is stopped at the lower stage, the winning combination is suggested with a probability of 50%.

  Needless to say, the above-described configurations may be combined as appropriate, and may be applied to the second embodiment or the third embodiment.

  (10) In the second embodiment, the configuration shifts to the AT state when the BB state ends. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and the AT is performed when a predetermined number of games are executed. It may be configured to shift to the state, or may be configured to shift to the AT state when a predetermined combination is won or when a predetermined winning is established.

  In the second embodiment, the AT state is terminated when 70 games are executed or when a BB winning is established. However, the termination condition for the AT state is arbitrary.

  Here, the AT state may be terminated on condition that the first cherry prize or the second cherry prize is established. In such a configuration, in order to continue the AT state, it is necessary to avoid the establishment of the first cherry prize or the second cherry prize, and it is possible to reliably grasp that the first cherry or the second cherry is won. It can lead to the continuation of the AT state. For this reason, the player who wants to continue the AT state stops so that the “red cherry” symbol and the “blue cherry” symbol attached to the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R can be stopped in a range that can be seen from the front of the slot machine 10. It is considered that the switches 43 and 44 are operated. Therefore, it becomes possible to make the player actively participate in the game.

  (11) In each of the above embodiments, the display control device 81 grasps the stop event and determines whether or not the winning combination is suggested based on the grasped stop event. It is good also as a structure which grasps | ascertains the operation timing of each stop switch 42-44, and determines whether a winning combination is suggested based on the grasped operation timing.

  (12) In each of the above embodiments, it is determined whether or not a start command is issued after three medals are bet. However, a start command is also issued after one or two bets are placed. Needless to say, it may be configured to determine whether or not the error has occurred. However, in the case of such a configuration, it is necessary to store a lottery table corresponding to the betting situation in advance.

  (13) In each of the above-described embodiments, as a privilege to be given, a configuration including a privilege for transferring a medal and a privilege for paying out medals in addition to a privilege for transition to a gaming state and a privilege for replaying is limited. Any configuration may be used as long as it gives a player some kind of privilege. For example, a configuration in which a prize other than a medal is paid out instead of a medal to pay out a medal may be used. Further, in a slot machine that does not have an actual medal insertion or medal payout function and manages credits owned by a player, an increase in credited medals corresponds to provision of a privilege.

  (14) In each of the above embodiments, a slot machine having three reels arranged in parallel and having five lines as effective lines has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, five reels are arranged in parallel. Or a slot machine having seven effective lines.

  (15) In each of the above embodiments, the so-called A type slot machine has been described. However, the B type, the C type, the combined type of the A type and the C type, the combined type of the B type and the C type, and further the CT game. The present invention may be applied to any slot machine such as a provided type, and it is apparent that the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained in any case. In addition, examples of bonus winning in each type include BB winning, RB winning, SB winning, CT winning and the like.

  (16) In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the slot machine 10 is embodied has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are combined. That is, in the slot machine, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions, a gaming machine having a ball insertion and ball payout function such as a pachinko machine may be used.

The front view of the slot machine in 1st Embodiment. The perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. The perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door. The rear view of a front door. The front view of a housing | casing. The figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of each reel. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the pattern and combination line which can be visually recognized from a display window, and a light emission display part. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a prize mode and the privilege provided. Block diagram of the slot machine. The flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. The flowchart which shows a normal process. The flowchart which shows a lottery process. The figure which shows an example of the lottery table for normal states. The figure which shows an example of a slip table. The flowchart which shows a reel control process. The flowchart which shows a stop pre-process. The flowchart which shows BB state process. The flowchart which shows RB state processing. The block diagram of a display control apparatus. The flowchart which shows a display timer interruption process. The flowchart which shows command interruption processing. The flowchart which shows a display main process. The flowchart which shows a drive data output process. The flowchart which shows a specific time process. The flowchart which shows a stop symbol command process. The flowchart which shows lottery result command processing. The flowchart which shows a rotation start command process. Explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a stop appearance. Explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a stop appearance. The flowchart which shows the state command process in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows lottery result command processing. The flowchart which shows a winning command process. Explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a stop appearance. The flowchart which shows the stop symbol command process in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows lottery result command processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine as a game machine, 32 ... Reel which comprises a circulation display means and a rotating body, 33 ... Light emission unit which comprises a suggestion means, 41 ... Start lever as start operation means or start operation means, 42- 44 ... Stop switch as stop operation means, 56 ... First credit insertion switch as start operation means or input operation means, 57 ... Second credit insertion switch as start operation means or input operation means, 58 ... Start operation means or Third credit insertion switch as input operation means, 63... Upper lamp constituting auxiliary effect execution means, 64... Speaker, 65 .. auxiliary display part constituting second suggestion means, 81. Display control device to be configured, 82 ... CPU, 87 ... ROM as storage means, 88 ... temporary storage means RAM of Te, 101 ... main control unit as a main control board, 102 ... CPU constituting the various control means such as a lottery means and the main control unit.

Claims (1)

A plurality of circulation display means for circulating and displaying a plurality of kinds of patterns;
Start operation means operated to start the cyclic display of the picture on each circulation display means;
Lottery means for performing a lottery of a role based on the operation of the start operation means;
Stop operation means operated to stop the cyclic display of the pattern;
Display control means for starting display of the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means, and controlling display of each of the circulation display means so as to stop the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the stop operation means; ,
In a gaming machine provided with a privilege granting means for granting a privilege when the lottery result of the role is a winning and the winning symbol corresponding to the winning role stops at a predetermined effective position,
As the winning combination, when the winning lottery is won, if the stop operation means is operated at a specific timing, the winning is invalidated without the bonus being given, and the first predetermined winning combination and the second predetermined winning combination With
Suggestion means capable of suggesting the result when winning the first predetermined role or the second predetermined role ;
When the winning combination lottery is not won, and the stop operation means is operated at a predetermined timing, the first corresponding picture corresponding to the first predetermined combination and the second corresponding corresponding to the second predetermined combination When the stop operation means is operated at a timing other than the specified timing so that both the design and the specific eye stop within the range visible from the front of the gaming machine, the specific eye Second display control means for controlling display of each circulation display means;
Specific eye discriminating means for discriminating whether or not each of the circulation display means has become the specific eye when the cyclic display of the pattern is stopped;
A count storage means for storing the number of times the particular eye determination means and becomes the specific eye has determined,
The number of times stored in the number storage means reaches a predetermined number of times, the start operation means is operated to start the cyclic display of the picture, and the lottery result of the combination at the game time is the first predetermined combination winning Or, in the case of the second predetermined combination winning, whether the corresponding pattern corresponding to the winning combination is stopped in a range that can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine based on the stop result of each circulation display means in the immediately preceding game round Determining means for determining whether or not,
When it is determined that the corresponding pattern corresponding to the winning combination is stopped within a range that can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine, the determining unit determines that the winning combination is suggested, and the determining unit can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine. If it is determined that the corresponding pattern corresponding to the winning combination is not stopped within a certain range, suggestion determining means for determining not to suggest the winning combination ;
Game machine characterized by comprising a.

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