JP5610118B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

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. For example, when the BB combination is won and a BB winning is established, a privilege for shifting the gaming state to the BB state is given. Then, the BB state ends when a predetermined number of medals are paid out (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-221604

  By the way, the flow of the game in the above slot machine is to play a game in a game state other than the BB state while expecting to win the BB role, and when the BB role is won and a BB winning is established, a predetermined number Generally, a flow of playing a game in the BB state until the medal is paid out. For this reason, the present inventors have become concerned that the game is not monotonous because the relation between the game in the game state other than the BB state and the game in the BB state is thin.

  Note that the above problem is not limited to the slot machine as exemplified above, but also applies to other gaming machines that display a plurality of types of patterns in a variably manner and end the cyclic display based on the operation of the subsequent stop operation means. It is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing a monotonous game.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a circulation display unit that circulates and displays a plurality of types of patterns, a start operation unit that is operated to start the cyclic display of the patterns, a lottery unit that performs a lottery of a combination, and the patterns Based on the stop operation means operated to stop the circulation display of the winning combination and the winning symbol corresponding to the winning combination winning the lottery of the winning combination formed a predetermined combination at the effective position and stopped, A privilege granting means for granting a privilege to a player, and if the combination of special symbols is stopped at the effective position when the result of lottery winning is a special role winning, the game state is shifted to a special gaming state as a special role winning establishment A game machine comprising: special game state transition means for causing the game machine to exit the special game state when a predetermined number of game media are paid out in the special game state. Based on the state information stored in the state information storage means for storing the state information related to the gaming state, the lottery information storage means for storing the lottery information related to the winning probability of the combination, When the lottery means selects lottery information used when performing the lottery of the combination, and when the first combination is stopped at the effective position while winning the first combination under the special gaming state, If the first status information is stored in the status information storage means, the status information storage means includes information changing means for storing the second status information in the status information storage means instead of the first status information. Is to store the first state information or the second state information stored when the special gaming state is ended until a predetermined condition is established, and the lottery information selection The stage selects the first lottery information based on the fact that the first state information is stored in the state information storage means when the gaming state is not the special gaming state, and the gaming state is not the special gaming state. Based on the fact that the second state information is stored in the state information storage means in a situation, the second lottery information set with a higher probability of winning the first role than the first lottery information is selected, and When the second combination is won and the second combination is stopped at the effective position, the first privilege granting unit for granting the first privilege for paying out the first predetermined number of game media and the third combination are won. When the third combination stops at the effective position, a second privilege granting unit for granting a second privilege for paying out a second predetermined number of game media smaller than the first predetermined number, and the gaming state is the special gaming state Based on being In the situation where both the second and third roles are selected and the special lottery information configured so that both the second and third roles have a chance to win. When the first specific operation is performed on the stop operation means, the second combination is stopped at the effective position, and when the second specific operation is performed on the stop operation means, the third combination is stopped at the effective position. Stop control means, if the fourth combination is won in the special gaming state and the fourth combination is stopped at the effective position, if the second state information is stored in the state information storage means, An information second changing means for storing the first state information in the state information storage means instead of the second state information is provided .

  It becomes possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

The front view of the slot machine in one 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 symbol which can be visually recognized from a display window, and a combination line. 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 flowchart which shows a reel control process. The flowchart which shows a stop pre-process. The flowchart which shows BB state process. The figure which shows an example of the lottery table for 1st type BB states. The flowchart which shows the process in BB state. The figure which shows an example of the lottery table for JAC game states. The flowchart which shows a JAC game state process. The figure which shows an example of the lottery table for 2nd type BB states. The figure which shows an example of the lottery table for RT states. The flowchart which shows RT state and SB state process. The figure which shows an example of the lottery table for SB states. The flowchart which shows SB state processing.

  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 based on 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 (circumferential 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. Further, the main control device 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, or displays the display window. It is possible to perform control to stop a predetermined symbol at a position where it can be visually recognized from 26L, 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 “watermelon” symbol (for example, the first of the left reel 32L), a “bell” symbol (for example, the second of the left reel 32L), a “replay” symbol (for example, the third of the left reel 32L), “ “Red Cherry” design (for example, 4th of left reel 32L), “Blue Cherry” design (for example, 11th of left reel 32L), “White Cherry” design (for example, 18th of left reel 32L), “White 7 "Design (for example, fifth of left reel 32L)," red 7 "design (for example, 12th of left reel 32L)," blue 7 "design (for example, 19th of left reel 32L)," youth "design ( For example, there are 10 types 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 the slot machine 10, a total of four combination lines are set so as to connect positions where the symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are visible. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the first line L1 connecting the upper symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the upper symbol of the right reel 32R, the upper symbol of the left reel 32L, and the middle reel 32M. The second line L2 connecting the lower symbol of the middle reel and the right reel 32R, the lower symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, the third line L3 connecting the upper symbol of the right reel 32R, and the left reel A fourth line L4 connecting the lower symbol of 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the lower symbol of 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.

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

  As the small role winning in which medals are paid out, there are a first small role winning to a fifth small role winning. When the “watermelon” symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stops on the active line, eight medals are paid out as the first small role winning. When the “red cherry” symbol of the middle reel 32M stops on the active line, one medal is paid out as the second small part winning. That is, in the case of the second small winning combination, any symbols may be stopped on the active line for the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R. In other words, if the combination of the “red cherry” symbol of the middle reel 32M and any symbol of the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R stops on the active line, it can be said that the second small winning combination is established. Here, since the middle stage of the middle reel 32M is a position where four active lines overlap, when the “red cherry” symbol stops on the middle stage of the middle reel 32M, the second line is placed on all four active lines. As a result, 4 (= 1 × 4) medals are paid out. Further, when the “red 7” symbol of the left reel 32L and the “bell” symbol of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are stopped on the active line, 15 medals are paid out as the third small role winning, and the left reel When the “Blue 7” symbol of 32L and the “Bell” symbol of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are stopped on the active line, 15 medals are paid out as a fourth small role winning, and “white” of the left reel 32L When the “7” symbol and the “bell” symbol of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stop on the active line, 15 medals are paid out as the fifth small part winning.

  State transition prizes in which only the game state transition is performed include a first SB prize to a third SB prize and a first BB prize to a second BB prize.

  If the “red cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L and the “bell” symbol on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stop on the active line, the first SB wins, and the “blue cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L and the middle reel When the “bell” symbol on the 32M and right reel 32R stops on the active line, the second SB wins and the “white cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L and the “bell” symbol on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are valid. If it stops on the line, it becomes the third SB prize. When any of the SB winnings is established, the gaming state shifts to a single bonus state (hereinafter referred to as “SB state”). In the SB state, when the “replay” symbol of the left reel 32L, the “bell” symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the “replay” symbol of the right reel 32R are stopped on the active line, an SB small role winning is obtained. A medal is paid out. In other game states such as the normal state, even if the combination of the symbols is stopped on the active line, the SB small role prize is not won and no privilege is given. That is, the SB small role winning is a winning that is established only when the gaming state is the SB state.

  When the “red 7” symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stops on the active line, the first BB win is awarded, and the “blue 7” symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stops on the active line. Will win the 2nd BB. If any BB winning is established, the gaming state shifts to the BB state.

  State transition winnings that are awarded only when the gaming state is the BB state include a first JAC winning through a sixth JAC winning. When the “red cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M and the “replay” symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the active line, the first JAC wins, and the “blue cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M When the “replay” symbol on the right reel 32R stops on the active line, the second JAC wins, and the “white cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L and the “replay” symbol on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stop on the active line. If you do, you will win the 3rd JAC. Further, when the “red cherry” symbol of the left reel 32L, the “replay” symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the “bell” symbol of the right reel 32R are stopped on the active line, a fourth JAC win is awarded and the left reel 32L When the “blue cherry” symbol, the “replay” symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the “bell” symbol of the right reel 32R stop on the active line, the fifth JAC wins and the “white cherry” of the left reel 32L When the symbol, the “replay” symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the “bell” symbol of the right reel 32R are stopped on the active line, a sixth JAC prize is awarded. If any of the JAC winnings is established, the gaming state shifts to the JAC game state.

  The small role winnings that are awarded only when the gaming state is the JAC game state include the first JAC small winning combination to the third JAC small winning combination. When the “Red 7” symbol on the left reel 32L stops on the active line, it becomes the first JAC small winning prize, and when the “Blue 7” symbol on the left reel 32L stops on the effective line, it becomes the second JAC small winning prize, When the “white 7” symbol of the left reel 32L stops on the active line, the third JAC small role winning is obtained. When these JAC small role winnings are established, five medals are paid out.

  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 on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R 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 re-game privilege that allows a game to be played is given.

  Hereinafter, a combination of symbols corresponding to each winning prize is also referred to as a winning symbol combination. For example, the combination of the third small role symbols is a combination of symbols for winning the third small role, that is, a combination of “red 7” symbol, “bell” symbol, and “bell” symbol. The symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponding to the winnings are also referred to as winning symbols. For example, the third small role symbol is a “red 7” symbol in the left reel 32L, and a “bell” symbol in the middle reel 32M and the right reel 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.

  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. A display control device 81 for driving the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65 is provided on the back surface of the auxiliary display unit 65.

  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. The main control device 101 is configured such that the main control board is housed in a board box formed of a transparent synthetic resin material. The substrate box is sealed so that its trace remains when it cannot be opened or when it is opened, and the main controller 101 remains unremovable from the housing 11 or remains when it is removed from the housing 11. The sealing process is performed as described above. Specifically, a caulking process, a sticker sticking, and the like are performed as the sealing process.

  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 91 a that supplies driving power to the electronic devices of the slot machine 10 including the main control device 101, a power failure monitoring circuit 91 b, 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 upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65, and includes a substrate on which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for driving these are integrated. Then, after receiving a signal from the main controller 101, the display controller 81 independently controls 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 relating to the progress of the game among these processes, 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 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 S213 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 is performed, and the start waiting process is terminated. 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 for confirming whether an abnormality has occurred in the sensor reading result of the sensor monitoring process step S107 of the timer interruption process is performed. 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. If the settlement switch 59 has been operated, a medal return process for paying out the same number of medals as the credited virtual medal I do. 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 changing the number of bets or the like is performed, and the start waiting process is terminated. 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.

  After completion of the start waiting process, it is determined in step S205 whether or not the bet number of medals has reached a specified number (3 in the present embodiment). If the bet number has not reached the specified number, step S204 is performed. Returning to the start waiting process, the process after the sensor abnormality confirmation process is performed. If the bet number has reached the specified number, it is determined in step S206 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, the game can be started when the start lever 41 is operated in a situation where a prescribed number of medals are betted. Means that a command has occurred. In such a case, an effective line setting process for setting all the combination lines of the first line L1 to the fourth line L4 described above at step S207 as effective lines is performed, and the medal path switching solenoid 46a is turned off at step S208. Switch to the excited state and prohibit bet acceptance. Thereafter, the lottery process in step S209, the reel control process in step S210, the medal payout process in step S211, the RT state in step S212, the SB state process, and the BB state process in step S213 are sequentially executed, and the process returns to step S203.

  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 acquiring the random number, in step S302, a lottery table for determining whether or not the winning combination is selected is selected. The slot machine 10 is roughly divided into four game states of a normal state, an RT state, an SB state, and a BB state. Further, the BB state includes a first type BB state, a second type BB state, and a JAC game state. There are three types of gaming states. In step S302, the current gaming state of the slot machine 10 is determined based on the setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table corresponding to the gaming state is selected. For example, when the setting flag is not set in the state information storage area 106c, it is determined that the current gaming state is the normal state, and the normal gaming state lottery table is selected. Further, in this slot machine 10, a six-stage winning probability from “Setting 1” to “Setting 6” is prepared in advance, and a setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole to perform an ON operation and a predetermined operation is performed. Thus, it is possible to set which winning probability is to execute the internal processing. In step S302, the lottery table with the lowest expected value of medal payout is selected when the setting state is “setting 1”, and the lottery table with the highest expected value of medal payout is selected when it is “setting 6”.

  The lottery table will be briefly described. FIG. 13 is a normal state lottery table selected in the normal state of “setting 3”. An index value IV is set in the lottery table, and each index value IV is uniquely associated with a winning combination and a point value PV is set.

  After selecting the lottery table, the index value IV is set to 1 in step S303, and a determination value DV used for determining whether or not the winning combination is determined is set in subsequent step S304. 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 S305, it is determined whether or not the combination corresponding to the index value IV is correct. 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 S306, 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 third small role winning flag is set in the winning flag storage area 106a in step S306, and the determination value DV exceeds 65535 when IV = 8. In this case, in step S306, the third small role winning flag and the first SB winning flag are set in the winning flag storage area 106a.

  Incidentally, the set winning flags are the first small role winning flag, the second small role winning flag, the third small role winning flag, the fourth small role winning flag, the fifth small role winning flag, the replay winning flag, and the first SB. If the winning flag, the second SB winning flag, or the third SB winning flag is set, the winning flag is reset after the game in which the corresponding winning flag is set (see S203 of the normal process). On the other hand, when the winning flag is the first BB winning flag or the second BB winning flag, these BB winning flags are reset as one of the conditions that the corresponding BB winning is established. That is, the BB winning flag may be valid for a plurality of games. In step S306 in the state where the BB winning flag is carried over, if the current index value IV is 1 to 10, the winning flag corresponding to the index value IV is set, and if the current index value IV is 11 or 12. The corresponding BB winning flag is not set. That is, in a game in which the BB winning flag is carried over, if a winning combination other than the first BB and the second BB is won, the corresponding winning flag is set, whereas if the winning combination is the first BB or the second BB, the corresponding BB is set. Do not set the winning flag.

  If the determination value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S305, 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 S307, and in the subsequent step S308, 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 S304 and the determination of whether or not the winning combination is continued. At this time, in step S304, a 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 for determining whether or not the previous winning combination is a new determination value DV. In step S305, whether or not a winning combination is made is determined based on the determination value DV. By the way, when determining whether or not a winning combination is made using the lottery table shown in FIG. 13, the winning probability of the first BB is about 1/299, the winning probability of the second BB is about 1 / 100,100, and the winning of the first small role is won. The probability is about 1/111, the winning probability of the 2nd small role is about 1/8, the probability that only the 3rd small role will be won is about 1 / 91.0, only the 4th small role will be won The probability is about 11.0 / 1, the probability that only the 5th small role will be won is about 11.0. The probability that the 3rd to 5th small roles will be won is about 1 / 35.0. The probability of winning the third small role and the first SB is about 1 / 30.2, the probability of winning the fourth small role and the second SB is about 1 / 30.2, the fifth small role and the third SB. The probability of winning is about 1/30. 2 and the winning probability of replaying is about 1 / 7.30. In addition, the probability of losing no winning combination is about 1/50.

  After the winning flag is set in step S306, or when it is determined in step S308 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 S309. 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 receiving the lottery result command, the display control device 81 executes drive control of the upper lamp 63 and the auxiliary display unit 65 to suggest a winning combination, for example. However, in the normal process, various commands such as the lottery result 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.

  In step S310, a slip table setting process for setting a reel table (stop table) for reel stop control is performed, and the lottery process is terminated. 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. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination not won in the lottery from stopping on the active line.

  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 set in the smooth table storing area 106b of the RAM 106. . At this time, in the slot machine 10, the middle reel 32 </ b> M is arranged so that the symbols corresponding to the winning combination of the left reel 32 </ b> L and the right reel 32 </ b> R (hereinafter referred to as “winning symbols”) stop at either the upper or lower level. Set the sliding table set so that the winning symbol of stops at the middle.

  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 “replay” symbol of No. 0 on the left reel 32L and the “replay” symbol of No. 3 are arranged so that the interval is 2 symbols, and the “replay” symbol of No. 17 on the right reel 32R and 1 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 right stop switch 44 is operated when the 17th “replay” symbol of the right reel 32R reaches the lower level, the “replay” symbol can be stopped at the lower level if the right reel 32R is stopped as it is. If the right reel 32R is slid for 3 symbols and then stopped, the first “replay” symbol can be stopped at the upper stage.

  In the slot machine 10, in addition to the “replay” symbols, the “bell” symbols are also arranged on the reels 32 </ b> L, 32 </ b> M, and 32 </ b> R so that the intervals between the same symbols are 4 symbols or less. For this reason, for example, in a situation where one of the third small role to the fifth small role is won, the middle stop switch 43 and the right stop switch 44 can be operated regardless of the timing. The “bell” symbol of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R can be stopped at an arbitrary position in order to establish a winning.

  On the other hand, the “watermelon” symbols are not arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the interval between the symbols of the same type is 4 symbols or less. For this reason, for example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated while the 9th “bell” symbol of the left reel 32L has reached the lower stage, even if the left reel 32L is slid by 4 symbols, the “watermelon” symbol Cannot be stopped on the active line. Therefore, even if a winning table is set and the “watermelon” symbol is set to stop on the active line, depending on the timing at which the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. There is a case in which the “watermelon” symbol does not stop on the active line, and a so-called missed case where the first small winning combination is not established may occur. In the slot machine 10, in addition to the “watermelon” symbol, the “red 7” symbol, the “blue 7” symbol, and the “white 7” symbol are each provided with a section that is separated by 5 symbols or more. 32M and 32R are arranged. Further, in the left reel 32L, the “red cherry” symbol, the “blue cherry” symbol, and the “white cherry” symbol are arranged so as to form a section separated by five symbols or more. In the middle reel 32M, “ The “red cherry” symbols are arranged so as to form a section separated by five symbols or more. For this reason, when winning a role other than replaying, 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 smooth table setting process, when the BB winning flag and other winning flags are set, the following smooth 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 a winning flag (for example, a small role winning flag) other than the re-game winning flag is set in addition to the BB winning flag, a BB priority winning slide table for preferentially establishing the corresponding BB winning is set. However, since the “red 7” symbol and the “blue 7” symbol, which are the BB symbols, are arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so as to form a section separated by 5 symbols or more as described above, the stop switch 42 Depending on the operation timing of .about.44, the winning BB symbol may not be stopped on the active line. Therefore, in the BB priority winning slide table, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are set as follows. For the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R, if both the winning BB symbol and the other winning symbol can be stopped on the active line, the winning BB is preferentially stopped on the active line. If it is possible to stop the symbol on the active line, it is impossible to stop the winning BB symbol on the active line, so that the winning BB symbol can be stopped with priority. If it is possible to stop on the line, the other winning symbols are set to stop on the active line. The middle reel 32M is set so that the winning BB symbol can be stopped preferentially if the winning BB symbol can be stopped in the middle stage, and the winning BB symbol cannot be stopped in the middle stage. If the winning symbol can be stopped at the middle stage, the other winning symbols are set to stop at the middle stage.

  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. For this reason, 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. Thereafter, the process waits until the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R rotate at a constant rotation speed at a predetermined rotation speed, and the rotation start process ends. In addition, when the rotation speed of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R reaches a constant speed, the CPU 102 can generate a stop command by lighting up a lamp (not shown) of each stop switch 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 processing, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, it is first determined in step S501 whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state. If not in the BB state, the process proceeds to step S502, and 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 S503 to determine whether or not the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel has been operated, that is, whether or not a stop command has been generated. To do. If no stop command has been issued, the process returns to step S502 and waits until any of the stop switches 42 to 44 is operated. When the stop command is generated, the process proceeds to step S504, 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 S504, and the pre-stop processing is terminated as it is. 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, the result is negative in step S504. At the same time, the first change process of the slip table is performed in step S505, 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 processing, it becomes possible to diversify the stopping points.

  If it is determined in step S501 that the current gaming state is the BB state, the process proceeds to step S506, and it is determined whether or not all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotating. If all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotating, the process proceeds to step S507 to determine whether or not the left stop switch 42 has been operated. When the left stop switch 42 is not operated, the process waits until the left stop switch 42 is operated. When the left stop switch 42 is operated, the pre-stop process is terminated. If at least one reel is not rotating, the processing in steps S502 to S505 described above is performed, and the pre-stop processing is terminated. Thus, in the BB state, it is determined that the first stop command has been generated only when the left stop switch 42 is operated. In other words, in the BB state, it can be said that the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 is limited so that the left stop switch 42 is operated first.

  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 S409 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. Thereafter, 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, it is determined whether or not all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. If all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not stopped, the slide table second change process is performed in step S409, 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 the “white 7” symbol of the left reel 32L stops in the upper stage in a situation where the first BB winning flag and the fifth small role winning flag are set, the fifth small role symbol of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R is used. The “bell” symbol is changed to a sliding table set to stop on the active line. 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 S408 that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, a payout determination process is performed in step S410, and this process ends. The payout determination process is a process of setting the payout number of medals as one of the conditions that the combination of winning symbols is arranged on the 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 and the winning flag do not match, an abnormality occurrence process is performed in which the slot machine 10 is put into an error state and the occurrence of an error is notified. 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 winning result command is set so that the display control device 81 can grasp the winning combination in the current game, and the payout determination process is ended.

  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-game setting process for changing the gaming state to the re-gaming state is performed, and the medal payout process finish. 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 RT state and SB state processing in step S212 will be described later, and the BB state processing in step S213 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state. If not in the BB state, the BB determination process shown in steps S602 to S605 is performed.

  In the BB determination process, it is determined in step S602 whether the first BB winning flag or the second BB winning flag is set. If any of the BB winning flags is set, the process proceeds to step S603 to determine whether the first BB winning or the second BB winning is established based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. judge. If any BB winning is established, a BB start process is executed in step S604 to shift the gaming state to the BB state. Specifically, the set 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. Also, a process of setting 155 in the remaining payout counter for counting the remaining number of medals that can be paid out during the BB state provided in the state information storage area 106c, and displaying 155 on the remaining payout number display unit 61. I do. In step S605, the RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c. Thereafter, a status command is set in step S606, and this process ends. Here, the state command is a command that is transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp the gaming state at the end of the game (that is, the gaming state of the next game). In step S606, the state information storage area A status command corresponding to the setting flag set in 106c is set.

  If no BB winning flag is set (when step S602 is NO), or if no BB winning is established (when step S603 is NO), status information is set at step S606. A status command corresponding to the setting flag set in the storage area 106c is set, and this process ends.

  Here, when the display control device 81 receives the winning result command indicating that the first BB winning or the second BB winning is established and the status command indicating that the BB status is established, the display control device 81 performs the winning combination under the BB status. Decide whether to perform the suggested navigation effect. Specifically, a predetermined navigation lottery process is performed, and it is determined that the navigation effect is executed when the winning is achieved. In the present embodiment, when the first BB winning is established, it is determined that the navigation effect is executed with a probability of about 1 / 3.00, and when the second BB winning is achieved, the probability is about 1 / 1.00. It is decided to execute the navigation effect.

  When the BB start process is performed in step S604, the gaming state shifts to the BB state. In step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current gaming state is the first type BB state based on the BB setting flag and the RT setting flag being set in the state information storage area 106c. BB state lottery table is selected.

  FIG. 17 is a lottery table for the first type BB state selected in the first type BB state of “setting 3”. In the first type BB state lottery table, the same first small part, second small part, third small part, fourth small part, and fifth small as the normal state lottery table (see FIG. 13) are determined. In addition to the seven judgment targets of the role, the third small part to the fifth small part, and the replay, the judgment subject to be elected for the second JAC, the third JAC and the fourth JAC, and the elected for the first JAC, the third JAC and the fifth JAC And a determination target that is won by the first JAC, the second JAC, and the sixth JAC are set. When the winning combination determination is performed using the lottery table, the winning probability of the first small role is about 1/111, the winning probability of the second small role is about 78.1, the third small size The probability of winning only the role is about 22.7, the probability of winning only the 4th small role is about 12.7, and the probability of winning only the 5th small role is about 12.7. The probability of winning the 3rd small role to the 5th small role is about 1 / 35.0, the winning probability of replay is about 1/80, and the 2nd JAC, 3rd JAC and 4th JAC are won. The probability is about 11.1 and the probability of winning the first JAC, third JAC and fifth JAC is about 11.1 and the probability of winning the first JAC, second JAC and sixth JAC is about 11.1. It becomes 1 / minute. Moreover, the probability of losing no winning combination is about 1/65500. Thus, when the gaming state shifts to the first type BB state, the probability of losing is lower than that in the normal state, and a winning combination is won with a high probability.

  When the gaming state is the BB state, that is, when the BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, an affirmative determination is made in step S601, and the current gaming state is the JAC game state in step S607. It is determined whether or not. If it is not in the JAC game state, the BB state process is performed in step S608, and the BB state process is terminated.

  The processing during the BB state will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S701, based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process, it is determined whether any of the first JAC winning to the sixth JAC winning has been established.

  Here, when the winning combination determination is performed using the type 1 BB state lottery table, the winning combination of the second JAC, the third JAC, and the fourth JAC, and the winning of the first JAC, the third JAC, and the fifth JAC are performed. There are cases where the first JAC, the second JAC and the sixth JAC are elected.

  The case where the second JAC, the third JAC and the fourth JAC are won will be described as an example. In the left reel 32L, the second JAC symbol is a “blue cherry” symbol, the third JAC symbol is a “white cherry” symbol, The 4JAC symbol is a “red cherry” symbol. On the left reel 32L, a “blue cherry” symbol as a second JAC symbol, a “white cherry” symbol as a third JAC symbol, and a “red cherry” symbol as a fourth JAC symbol are arranged one by one. Furthermore, these “cherry” symbols are arranged on the left reel 32L so that the interval between the “cherry” symbols is 6 symbols. That is, each “cherry” symbol is arranged on the left reel 32L such that the interval between the “cherry” symbols is 5 or more apart. Specifically, the 4th “Red Cherry” design and the 11th “Blue Cherry” design are arranged so that the interval is 6 designs. The “white cherry” symbol is arranged so that the interval is 6 symbols, and the “white cherry” symbol No. 18 and the “red cherry” symbol No. 4 are arranged so that the interval is 6 symbols. Has been. For this reason, when the left stop switch 42 is operated so that one of the “cherry” symbols stops on the active line, the other “cherry” symbols cannot be stopped on the active line, while the left Regardless of the operation timing of the stop switch 42, any “cherry” symbol can be stopped on the active line. Specifically, when the left stop switch 42 is operated while the 5th “white 7” design to the 11th “blue cherry” design reach the lower stage, the “blue cherry” design as the second JAC design. If the left stop switch 42 is operated when the 12th “red 7” symbol to the 18th “white cherry” symbol has reached the lower stage, the third JAC symbol The “white cherry” symbol can be stopped on the active line, and the left stop switch 42 is operated when the “blue 7” symbol of No. 19 to the “red cherry” symbol of No. 4 reach the lower stage. In this case, the “red cherry” symbol as the fourth JAC symbol can be stopped on the active line.

  The middle reel 32M has “replay” symbols, which are the second JAC symbol, the third JAC symbol, and the fourth JAC symbol, arranged so that the interval between the symbols of the same kind is 4 symbols or less, and the right reel 32R has The “replay” symbols as the second JAC symbol and the third JAC symbol are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 4 or less, and the “bell” symbol as the 4th JAC symbol is 4 or less intervals between the same symbols. It is arranged to become. For this reason, when the second JAC, the third JAC, and the fourth JAC are selected, the “replay” symbol, which is the second JAC symbol, the third JAC symbol, and the fourth JAC symbol, is activated regardless of the operation timing of the middle stop switch 43. Regardless of the operation timing of the right stop switch 44, the “replay” symbol as the second and third JAC symbols and the “bell” symbol as the fourth JAC symbol can be stopped on the active line. . In the BB state, the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 is limited so that the first stop command is generated by operating the left stop switch 42 (pre-stop processing, see FIG. 15). For this reason, when the second JAC, the third JAC, and the fourth JAC are won, the JAC symbol corresponding to the stop result of the left reel 32L is stopped on the effective line for the right reel 32R. Specifically, when the “blue cherry” symbol of the left reel 32L stops on the active line, the “replay” symbol of the right reel 32R stops on the active line and the second JAC winning is established, and the left reel 32L When the “white cherry” symbol stops on the active line, the “replay” symbol of the right reel 32R stops on the active line and the third JAC winning is established, and the “red cherry” symbol of the left reel 32L is on the active line. When stopped, the “bell” symbol of the right reel 32R stops on the active line and the fourth JAC prize is established.

  As described above, when the second JAC, the third JAC, and the fourth JAC are won, one of the JAC winnings is established regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. The same applies to the case where the first JAC, the third JAC and the fifth JAC are elected, and the case where the first JAC, the second JAC and the sixth JAC are elected, regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. Either JAC prize is established.

  Returning to the description of the processing during the BB state, if it is determined in step S701 that any JAC winning has been established, JAC game start processing is performed in step S702. In the JAC game start process, the set JAC winning flag is cleared, the JAC game setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RAM 106, and the gaming state is set to the JAC game state. Further, 8 is set in the remaining payout payout counter for counting the number of winnings established under the JAC game state, and 12 is set in the remaining game number counter for counting the number of remaining games in the JAC game state. The remaining payout / winning counter and the remaining game number counter are provided in the state information storage area 106c. In a succeeding step S703, it is determined whether or not the established JAC prize is one of the first JAC prize to the third JAC prize. If the established JAC prize is one of the first JAC prize to the third JAC prize, the RT setting flag is cleared in step S704, and the established JAC prize is one of the fourth JAC prize to the sixth JAC prize. In step S705, the RT setting flag is set. If the RT setting flag is set or cleared, a state command corresponding to the setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is set in step S706, and the processing in the BB state ends.

  If it is determined in step S701 that no JAC prize has been established, the process proceeds to step S707 to check whether the count value of the remaining payout counter is zero. The value of the remaining payout counter is subtracted in the medal payout process as described above. If the count value of the remaining payout number counter 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. After setting a status command corresponding to the setting flag set in the status information storage area 106c in S706, the BB status processing is terminated. On the other hand, when the count value of the remaining payout counter is 0, it means that the BB state end condition is satisfied, and therefore, in step S708, BB end processing is performed to end the BB state. In the BB end process, the BB setting flag and various counters are cleared as appropriate. However, even if the RT setting flag is set, it is not cleared. That is, the RT setting flag is valid even after the BB state ends. When the BB end process is performed, a state command corresponding to the setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is set in step S706, and then the BB state process ends.

  When the JAC game start process is performed in step S702, the gaming state shifts to the JAC game state. In step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the JAC game state based on the fact that the JAC game setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and the JAC game state lottery table is selected. To do.

  FIG. 19 is a JAC game state lottery table selected in the “setting 3” JAC game state. In the JAC game state lottery table, as determination targets, a determination target to be won for the first JAC small role, the fourth small role, and the fifth small role, and a second JAC small role, a third small role, and a fifth small role. A determination target to be selected and a determination target to be selected for the third JAC small combination, the third small combination, and the fourth small combination are set. When the winning combination determination is performed using the lottery table, the probability of winning the first JAC small role, the third small role, and the fourth small role is about 1 / 3.00, the second JAC small role, The probability of winning the 4th and 5th small roles is about 3.00, and the probability of winning the 3rd JAC, 3rd and 5th small roles is about 3.00. It becomes. Moreover, the probability of losing no winning combination is about 1/65500.

  Here, the case where the first JAC small role, the fourth small role, and the fifth small role are won will be described as an example. In the left reel 32L, the first JAC small role symbol is the “red 7” symbol, The small role symbol is a “blue 7” symbol, and the fifth small role symbol is a “white 7” symbol. The left reel 32L has one “Red 7” symbol as the first JAC small symbol, “Blue 7” symbol as the fourth small character symbol, and “White 7” symbol as the fifth small character symbol. Has been placed. Furthermore, these “7” symbols are arranged on the left reel 32L so that the interval between the “7” symbols is 6 symbols. That is, each “7” symbol is arranged on the left reel 32L such that the interval between the “7” symbols is 5 symbols or more. Specifically, the “White 7” symbol of No. 5 and the “Red 7” symbol of No. 12 are arranged so that the interval is 6 symbols, and the “Red 7” symbol of No. 12 and the No. 19 symbol of No. 19 are arranged. The “Blue 7” symbol is arranged so that the interval is 6 symbols, and the “Blue 7” symbol of No. 19 and the “White 7” symbol of No. 5 are arranged so that the interval is 6 symbols. Has been. For this reason, when the left stop switch 42 is operated so that one of the “7” symbols stops on the effective line, the other “7” symbols cannot be stopped on the effective line, while the left Regardless of the operation timing of the stop switch 42, any "7" symbol can be stopped on the active line. Specifically, when the left stop switch 42 is operated while the “Bell” symbol of No. 6 to the “Red 7” symbol of No. 12 reaches the lower stage, “Red 7” which is the first JAC small character symbol. If the symbol can be stopped on the active line and the left stop switch 42 is operated while the “Bell” symbol of No. 13 to the “Blue 7” symbol of No. 19 has reached the lower stage, the fourth symbol The “Blue 7” symbol can be stopped on the active line, and the left stop switch 42 was operated when the “Bell” symbol of No. 20 to the “White 7” symbol of No. 5 reached the lower stage. In this case, the “white 7” symbol as the fifth small role symbol can be stopped on the active line.

  Further, in the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R, the first JAC small role symbol is an arbitrary symbol, and the “bell” symbol as the fourth small role symbol and the fifth small role symbol has an interval of 4 symbols or less between the same kind symbols. It is arranged to become. For this reason, when winning the first JAC small part, the fourth small part, and the fifth small part, it corresponds to the stop result of the left reel 32L regardless of the operation timing of the middle stop switch 43 and the right stop switch 44. The winning symbol can be stopped on the active line.

  As described above, when the first JAC small part, the fourth small part, and the fifth small part are won, any winning corresponding to the winning combination is established regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. To do. The same applies to the case where the second JAC small part, the third small part and the fifth small part are elected and the case where the third JAC small part, the third small part and the fourth small part are elected, Regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44, any winning corresponding to the winning combination is established. That is, when the gaming state transitions to the JAC game state, one of the first JAC small role to the third JAC small role and two of the third small role to the fifth small role are won with high probability, Some winnings are established regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42-44. In the payout determination process (step S410, see FIG. 14), the third symbol is displayed when any “7” symbol of the left reel 32L and the “bell” symbol of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are stopped on the active line. It is determined that any one of the small role winnings to the fifth small role winning is achieved, and any “7” symbol of the left reel 32L stops on the effective line and the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R on the effective line. It is determined that any of the first JAC small winning prize and the third JAC small winning prize has been established. For this reason, in the same game, for example, an event such as determining that the first JAC small winning combination and the third small winning combination are established does not occur.

  Returning to the description of the BB state process, when the game state is the JAC game state, that is, when the JAC game setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, an affirmative determination is made in step S607, and in step S609. The JAC game state process is performed, and the BB state process is terminated.

  The JAC game state process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S801, it is determined whether or not a winning is achieved based on the winning combination combination set in the previous payout determination process. If a winning is achieved, 1 is subtracted from the value of the remaining payout winning counter in step S802. After that, or when it is determined in step S801 that no winning has been established, one JAC game has been consumed. In step S803, the value of the remaining JAC game counter is decremented by one. Subsequently, in step S804, 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 consumed 12 times, it means that the termination condition for the JAC game state is established. JAC game end processing is performed to clear the values of the flag, the remaining payout / winning counter, and the remaining JAC game counter. In a succeeding step S806, it is confirmed whether or not the count value of the remaining payout counter is 0. 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, so in step S807 the state information storage area 106c. After setting the state command corresponding to the setting flag set to, the JAC game state processing is terminated.

  If neither the remaining payout / winning counter or the remaining JAC game counter is 0 in step S804, that is, if the winning has not been established 8 times and the JAC game has not been consumed 12 times, step S808 is performed. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the count value of the remaining payout counter is 0. 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, so in step S807 the state information storage area 106c. After setting the state command corresponding to the setting flag set to, the JAC game state processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the count value of the remaining payout counter is 0, it means that the BB state end condition is satisfied, so the JAC game end process is performed in step S809 and the BB end process is performed in step S810. Do. Thereafter, in step S807, a state command corresponding to the setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is set, and the JAC game state process is terminated.

  Here, game states other than the first type BB state and the JAC game state in the BB state will be described. As described above, the slot machine 10 has three types of gaming states, that is, the first type BB state, the second type BB state, and the JAC game state as the BB state.

  The second type BB state is a gaming state when only the BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c. The state shifts to the second type BB state when the JAC game state based on the establishment of any of the first JAC prize to the third JAC prize ends.

  FIG. 21 is a lottery table for the second type BB state selected in the second type BB state of “setting 3”. In the second type BB state lottery table, the same ten determination objects as the first type BB state lottery table (see FIG. 17) are set as determination targets. In the second type BB state lottery table, the same point value PV as that of the first type BB state lottery table is set for each index value IV except for IV = 7. A value lower than the point value PV of IV = 7 in the lottery table for the first type BB state is set for the index value IV to be won. When a winning combination determination is made using the type 2 BB state lottery table, each combination other than the replay is won with the same probability as in the type 1 BB state, while the replay winning probability is about 7. It decreases to 1/30, and the probability of losing increases to about 1.40. Therefore, when the state shifts to the second type BB state, it is more disadvantageous for the player than the first type BB state.

  As described above, in the slot machine 10, the RT setting flag is set when the state shifts to the BB state and when any of the fourth JAC prize to the sixth JAC prize is established, and the first JAC prize to the third JAC prize are set. When either of them is established, the RT setting flag is cleared. When the BB state ends in a situation where the RT setting flag is not set, the gaming state shifts to a normal state, and when the BB state ends while the RT setting flag is set, a game The state transitions to the RT state.

  FIG. 22 is an RT state lottery table selected in the RT state of “Setting 3”. In the RT state lottery table, the same 12 determination targets as the normal state lottery table (see FIG. 13) are set as determination targets. In the RT state lottery table, the same point value PV as that in the normal state lottery table is set for each index value IV except IV = 7. On the other hand, a value much higher than 35851 and the point value PV of IV = 7 in the normal state lottery table is set. For this reason, when the winning combination determination is performed using the RT state lottery table, each winning combination other than replaying is won with the same probability as in the normal state, while the winning probability of replaying is about 1.80. The probability rises to a factor of 1 and decreases to about 1.70. Therefore, when transitioning to the RT state, the player is more advantageous than the normal state.

  Here, the RT state and SB state processing of step S212 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S901, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state, that is, whether or not the BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c. If it is in the BB state, this process is terminated as it is. If it is not in the BB state, the process proceeds to step S902 to determine whether or not the current gaming state is the SB state, that is, whether or not the SB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c. If it is not in the SB state, the process proceeds to step S903, and it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the RT state, that is, whether or not the RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c. If the current gaming state is the RT state, the process proceeds to step S904, and it is determined whether or not the first BB winning flag or the second BB winning flag is set. If any BB winning flag is set, the RT setting flag is cleared in step S905, and the process is terminated. When not in the RT state (that is, when none of the BB setting flag, SB setting flag, and RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c and the current gaming state is the normal state), both BB winning flags are If it is not set, the process proceeds to step S906, and it is determined whether or not any of the first SB prize to the third SB prize is established, based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. . If none of the SB wins have been established, this process is terminated. If any of the SB wins has been established, an SB start process is executed to shift the gaming state to the SB state in step S907. Then, this process ends. Specifically, as the SB start process, the SB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RAM 106, and the gaming state is set to the SB state. Further, 1 is set in the remaining game number counter for counting the number of remaining games in the SB state provided in the state information storage area 106c.

  Here, when the winning determination of the winning combination is made using the RT state lottery table, the winning combination of the third small combination and the first SB, the winning combination of the fourth small combination and the second SB, and the fifth There are cases where a small role and a third SB are won. On the left reel 32L, a “red cherry” symbol as the first SB symbol, a “blue cherry” symbol as the second SB symbol, and a “white cherry” symbol as the third SB symbol are arranged one by one. In addition, the “cherry” symbols are arranged so that the interval between them becomes six symbols. For this reason, when the left stop switch 42 is operated so that one of the “cherry” symbols stops on the active line, the other “cherry” symbols cannot be stopped on the active line. In addition, since the winning event does not occur in all of the first SB to the third SB in the same game, even if one of the first SB to the third SB is won, depending on the operation timing of the left stop switch 42, an SB prize is awarded. May not hold.

  When the SB start process is performed in step S907, the gaming state shifts to the SB state. In step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current gaming state is the SB state based on the setting of the SB setting flag in the state information storage area 106c, and the SB state lottery table is selected.

  FIG. 24 is an SB state lottery table selected in the “Setting 3” SB state. In the SB state lottery table, in addition to the 12 determination targets that are the same as the RT state lottery table (see FIG. 22), determination targets to be won for the SB small role are set. In the SB state lottery table, the same point value PV as that in the RT state lottery table is set for each index value IV excluding the index value IV that is won for replay and the index value IV that is won for SB small roles. ing. For this reason, when the winning combination determination is performed using the SB state lottery table, each combination other than the replay and the SB small combination is won with the same probability as in the RT state, and the replay is about 1.80. The chance of winning is reduced by a factor of about 1870, and the probability of losing is won by about 1/870. Therefore, when the state is shifted to the SB state, the player is more advantageous than the RT state.

  Returning to the description of the RT state and SB state processing, when the gaming state is the SB state, an affirmative determination is made in step S902, and after the SB state processing is performed in step S908, this processing is terminated.

  In the SB state process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 25, in step S1001, it is determined based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process whether or not the SB small combination winning is achieved. When the SB small role winning is established, the process proceeds to step S1002, and it is determined whether or not the RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c. If the RT setting flag is not set, the process proceeds directly to step S1004. If the RT setting flag is set, the process proceeds to step S1004 after clearing the RT setting flag in step S1003. In step S1004, the value of the remaining game number counter is decremented by 1. In step S1005, it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining game number counter is zero. If it is not 0, it means that the termination condition for the SB state is not satisfied, so this process is terminated as it is, and if it is 0, it means that the termination condition for the SB state is satisfied. Therefore, after clearing the SB setting flag in step S1006, the present process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S1001 that the SB small winning combination has not been established, the process proceeds to step S1007 to determine whether or not the SB winning has been established based on the winning winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. judge. If the SB winning is established, the process of steps S1004 to S1006 is performed after adding 1 to the value of the remaining game number counter in step S1008, and this process is terminated. If the SB winning is not established, the process proceeds to step S1009, and it is determined whether or not the first BB winning flag or the second BB winning flag is set. If none of the BB winning flags is set, the processing from step S1004 to step S1006 is performed, and this processing is terminated. If any of the BB winning flags is set, the process proceeds to step S1010, and the value of the remaining game number counter is set to zero. Thereafter, a setting flag clear process is performed in step S1011 and this process is terminated. Specifically, as the setting flag clear process, a process for clearing all setting flags set in the state information storage area 106c is performed.

  As described above, when the gaming state shifts from the RT state to the SB state and the SB small role winning is established under the SB state, the RT setting flag is cleared. In the SB state, since the remaining game number counter is set to 1 in the SB start process, the game ends in one game unless an SB prize is established in the SB state. For this reason, when the SB small role winning is established under the SB state, the value of the remaining game number counter becomes 0, and the SB state ends. When the SB state ends, the state information storage area 106c is not set with any of the BB setting flag, the RT setting flag, and the SB setting flag, so that the gaming state shifts to the normal state. That is, when the gaming state shifts from the RT state to the SB state and the SB small role winning is established under the SB state, the RT state is terminated. Here, the SB small role symbol of the left reel 32L is a “replay” symbol, the SB small role symbol of the middle reel 32M is a “bell” symbol, and the SB small role symbol of the right reel 32R is a “replay” symbol. . The “replay” symbol and the “bell” symbol are arranged on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the interval between the symbols of the same kind is 4 symbols or less. For this reason, when the SB small combination is won, the SB small combination winning is established regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. Since the winning probability of the SB small role is about 3.70, when the gaming state shifts from the RT state to the SB state, the RT state ends with a probability of about 3.70.

  On the other hand, when the gaming state transitions from the RT state to the SB state and the SB state ends without establishing the SB small prize winning, the state information storage area 106c is excluded except when the first BB or the second BB is won. Since the RT setting flag is set, the gaming state returns to the RT state.

  Here, game play under the BB state in the slot machine 10 will be described.

  The display control device 81 decides to execute the navigation effect with a probability of about 1 / 3.00 when the first BB prize is established, and with a probability of about 1 / 1.00 when the second BB prize is established. It is determined that the navigation effect is executed. When it is determined to execute the navigation effect, the display control device 81 performs a process for causing the auxiliary display unit 65 to display the winning symbol combination in each game until the BB state ends. When it is determined not to execute the navigation effect, the display control device 81 does not notify which JAC is won in any of the first JAC to the sixth JAC, but does not notify any JAC. Processing is performed to output a specific notification sound indicating that the player is elected from the speaker 64.

  When the navigation effect is executed in the BB state, the player confirms the winning symbol combination displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65, and operates the stop switches 42 to 44 aiming at the symbol that the player wants to win. By doing so, it is possible to avoid clearing the RT setting flag or to acquire more medals under the JAC game state. As an example, a case where a navigation effect suggesting that the second JAC, the third JAC, and the fourth JAC are won will be described. When the second JAC prize or the third JAC prize is established, the RT setting flag is cleared. That is, when the fourth JAC winning is established, the RT setting flag is set. Therefore, the player can avoid clearing the RT setting flag by operating the stop switches 42 to 44 to establish the fourth JAC winning. In addition, when a navigation effect is made that indicates that the first JAC small role, the fourth small role, and the fifth small role are won in the JAC game state, the player receives the fourth small role prize or the fifth small role. By operating the stop switches 42 to 44 to establish a winning, 15 medals can be paid out instead of 5, and many medals can be obtained under the JAC game state.

  Further, since the BB state ends when the number of medals paid out under the BB state reaches 155, the player confirms the combination of winning symbols and changes the winnings established according to the situation. More medals can be obtained in the BB state. As an example, a case will be described in which the fourth JAC winning is established in a situation where the number of medals paid out in the BB state is 140. In such a case, since the gaming state shifts to the JAC game state, any one of the first JAC small part to the third JAC small part and any two of the third small part to the fifth small part are won with high probability. It will be. Here, in the first JAC game, when any of the third small role winning to the fifth small winning combination is established, 15 medals are paid out and the number of medals paid out in the BB state is 155. The BB state ends. Since the slot machine 10 bets three medals per game, if any of the third small role winning to fifth small role winning is established in the first JAC game, the fourth JAC winning is made. The number of increased medals after establishment is 12. On the other hand, when one of the first JAC small part prize to the third JAC small part prize is established in the first JAC game, 5 medals are paid out instead of 15 medals. The number of payouts is 145, and the BB state does not end. Also, in the second JAC game, when any of the first JAC small prize winning to the third JAC small winning prize is established, the number of medals paid out in the BB state is 150, and the BB state is not terminated. In the third JAC game, when any one of the third small part prize to the fifth small part prize is established, 15 medals are paid out, so the number of medals paid out in the BB state is 165 pieces. , The BB state ends. Since the slot machine 10 bets three medals per game, if any of the third small part prize to the fifth small part prize is established in the third JAC game, the fourth JAC prize is won. The number of increased medals after establishment is 16 (= 5 + 5 + 15−3 × 3). Thus, the player can acquire more medals under the BB state by changing the winnings to be established in consideration of the number of medals paid out under the BB state.

  When the navigation effect is not executed in the BB state, the player guesses which of the fourth JAC to the sixth JAC is won in the game in which the specific notification sound is output from the speaker 64, and then the stop switch 42. ~ 44 need to be operated. If the player's guess is successful, either the fourth JAC prize or the sixth JAC prize is established and the RT setting flag is set, and if the player's guess is wrong, the first JAC prize is awarded. One of the 3rd JAC prizes is established and the RT setting flag is cleared. The same applies to the JAC game state, and it is necessary to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 after guessing which of the third small combination to the fifth small combination is won. And, when the player's guess is successful, when any of the 3rd small role winning to 5th small role winning is established and 15 medals are paid out, the player's guess is off In this case, one of the first JAC small prize winning and the third JAC small prize winning is established, and five medals are paid out. If any one of the third small part prize to the fifth small part prize is established 8 times under the JAC game state, the medal payout is 120, while the first JAC small part prize is awarded under the JAC game state. If any of the third JAC small role winnings is established eight times, the medal payout is 40. Therefore, when one of the first JAC prize to the third JAC prize is established and the state shifts to the JAC game state, the stop switch is presumed from which one of the first JAC minor role to the third JAC minor role is won. It is also possible to operate 42-44. When one of the first to third JAC small role winnings is established under the JAC game state, the number of medals paid out under the JAC game state can be reduced, and as a result, the second type BB The number of games under the state can be increased. For this reason, when any of the first JAC small part prize to the third JAC small part prize is established under the JAC game state, any of the fourth JAC prize to the sixth JAC prize is established after the end of the JAC game state. Thus, the game can be performed in the hope that the RT setting flag is set again.

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

  The RT setting flag is cleared when any of the first to third JAC prizes is established under the BB state, and when any of the fourth JAC prize to the sixth JAC prize is established under the BB state, RT A configuration flag is set. When the BB state ends in a state where the RT setting flag is not set, the state shifts to a normal state, and when the BB state ends in a state where the RT setting flag is set, the state shifts to the RT state. It was. As described above, the RT setting flag is cleared or set depending on whether the first JAC prize to the third JAC prize or the fourth JAC prize to the sixth JAC prize is established in the BB state. By adopting a configuration in which the game state after the end of the BB state is changed, a game under the BB state and a game under a game state other than the BB state can be closely related, and the game becomes monotonous. It becomes possible to suppress.

  In addition, the 4th JAC to the 6th JAC are associated with the winnings for which the RT setting flag is set, and the 1st JAC to the 3rd JAC are associated with the winnings for which the RT setting flag is cleared, so that the player can enjoy the game in the BB state. It becomes possible to make it. For example, if any of the first JAC prize to the sixth JAC prize is established, the RT setting flag is cleared if the RT setting flag is set, and the RT setting flag is set if the RT setting flag is not set. In other words, the RT setting flag may be set or cleared every time one of the first JAC prize to the sixth JAC prize is established. However, with such a configuration, after completion of the JAC game state based on the JAC winning with the RT setting flag set, the RT setting flag is cleared by establishment of the JAC winning. There is a concern that may not be able to enjoy. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the JAC winning in which the RT setting flag is set and the JAC winning in which the RT setting flag is cleared are determined in advance, when any JAC is won, the JAC winning in which the RT setting flag is set It can be established. Therefore, it becomes possible for the player to fully enjoy the game under the BB state, and the player can actively participate in the game in order to establish a JAC prize in which the RT setting flag is set.

  In the first type BB state lottery table and the second type BB state lottery table, the determination targets to be won for the second JAC, the third JAC, and the fourth JAC, and the determination targets to be won for the first JAC, the third JAC, and the fifth JAC And determination targets to be won in the first JAC, the second JAC, and the sixth JAC. With such a configuration, it is possible to establish a JAC winning in which the RT setting flag is cleared and a JAC winning in which the RT setting flag is set in one game round under the BB state. It becomes. As a result, it is possible to actively participate in the game in the BB state. If the game times won for the JAC for which the RT setting flag is cleared and the game times for the JAC for which the RT setting flag is set differ, the RT setting is used. An event may occur where only the JAC whose flag will be cleared is elected while the JAC whose RT setting flag is set is not elected. This can lead to a significant decrease in the player's willingness to play. On the other hand, in a configuration where both the JAC in which the RT setting flag is cleared and the JAC in which the RT setting flag is set in one game round, the above-mentioned concerns are preferably avoided. Is possible.

  The RT setting flag is set or cleared when any of the first to sixth JAC prizes is established. The game times in which any of the first JAC prize to the sixth JAC prize can be established is the game times that has been selected as one of the first JAC to the sixth JAC. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to generate a plurality of game times in which the RT setting flag is set or cleared until the BB state ends, and game times in which the RT setting flag is set or cleared. Can be generated irregularly.

  In the game times in which the RT setting flag is cleared, a privilege to shift to the JAC game state when any of the first JAC prize to the third JAC prize is established is provided. By adopting such a configuration, the player is discouraged when the fourth to sixth JAC winnings are not established, as compared with the configuration in which no privilege is given in the game times in which the RT setting flag is cleared. Can be reduced. Also, in the game times in which the RT setting flag is set, a configuration in which any of the 4th JAC prize to the 6th JAC prize is established and a privilege to shift to the JAC game state is given, that is, the RT setting flag is cleared. It was set as the structure where the same privilege is provided. By adopting such a configuration, the player's degree of advantage in the BB state changes while the player's degree of advantage after the end of the BB state is changed depending on whether the first JAC prize or the sixth JAC prize is established. Can be avoided.

  Three winning modes, a fourth JAC prize, a fifth JAC prize, and a sixth JAC prize, were set as prizes in which the RT setting flag is set. In the lottery table selected under the BB state, the determination target is set so that the case where the fourth JAC is won, the case where the fifth JAC is won, and the case where the sixth JAC is won occur. On the left reel 32L, a “red cherry” symbol which is the fourth JAC symbol, a “blue cherry” symbol which is the fifth JAC symbol, and a “white cherry” symbol which is the sixth JAC symbol are arranged one by one. The “cherry” symbols were arranged so that the interval between them was 6 symbols. With this configuration, it is possible to change the operation timing of the left stop switch 42 that can establish a JAC prize when any of the fourth JAC to the sixth JAC is won. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game in the BB state from becoming monotonous. For example, when only the 4th JAC winning is set as the winning in which the RT setting flag is set, the player who wishes to shift to the RT state after the end of the BB state does not matter whether the 4th JAC is won or not, the left reel 32L It is considered that the left stop switch 42 is operated every time at the timing at which the “Red Cherry” design of the game can be stopped on the active line, which may lead to a monotonous game under the BB state. is there.

  In the first type BB state lottery table and the second type BB state lottery table, the second JAC and the third JAC, which will clear the RT setting flag when a winning is established when the fourth JAC is won. When winning the 5th JAC, if the winning is established, the RT setting flag will be cleared when winning is established, and the 1st JAC and 3rd JAC will be winning, and if the 6th JAC is winning, The configuration is such that the first JAC and the second JAC, which will clear the RT setting flag when winning is established, are won. In the left reel 32L, the “red cherry” symbol is associated with the first JAC symbol and the fourth JAC symbol, the “blue cherry” symbol is associated with the second JAC symbol and the fifth JAC symbol, and the “white cherry” symbol is associated with the third JAC symbol. And the 6th JAC symbol. By adopting such a configuration, any JAC winning can be established regardless of the operation timing of the left stop switch 42, and also by the operation timing of the left stop switch 42, that is, by the player operating the left stop switch 42. The JAC winning in which the RT setting flag is set or the JAC winning in which the RT setting flag is cleared can be established. As a result, the player can be encouraged to operate aiming at any “cherry” symbol in order to establish a JAC prize in which the RT setting flag is set, and the player can be actively involved in the game. Become.

  In the JAC game state lottery table, the first JAC small part to the third JAC small part where five medals are paid out when a winning is established, and the third medal is paid out when a winning is established. The determination target is set so that both the small role and the fifth small role are won. With such a configuration, in the configuration in which the BB state ends when 155 medals are paid out, any winning is made in consideration of the setting status of the RT setting flag and the number of medals paid out to the player. It becomes possible for the player to select whether to operate the stop switches 42 to 44 in order to establish it, and it is possible to actively participate in the game under the BB state.

  For example, in a situation in which the RT setting flag is set, if the first small JAC small prize winning is not the third JAC small winning prize but the third small winning prize to the fifth small winning prize is established and 15 medals are paid out. good. When the third small part prize to the fifth small part prize are established, more medals can be obtained than when the first JAC small part prize to the third JAC small part prize is established, and the BB state is terminated earlier. be able to. As a result, when the third small part prize is awarded to the fifth small part prize, the number of games under the first type BB state (the number of times the part lottery is performed) can be reduced, and the first JAC This is because it is possible to reduce the possibility that the RT setting flag is cleared due to the winning to third JAC winning. On the other hand, in the situation where the RT setting flag is cleared, if 5 medals are paid out by establishing the 1st JAC small part award to the 3rd JAC small part award instead of the 3rd small part award to the 5th small part award. good. When the first JAC small part prize to the third JAC small part prize are established, although fewer medals can be obtained than when the third small part prize to the fifth small part prize is established, the end of the BB state is delayed. can do. As a result, when the first to third JAC small role winnings are established, the number of games under the second type BB state (the number of times the winning lottery is performed) can be increased, and the fourth JAC This is because it is possible to increase the possibility that the RT setting flag is set again after the winning through the sixth JAC winning are established.

  In the JAC game state, when winning the first JAC small role, the fourth small role and the fifth small role are won, and when winning the second JAC small role, the third small role and the fifth small role. In the case where the third JAC small role is won, the third small role and the fourth small role are selected. In the left reel 32L, the “red 7” symbol is associated with the first JAC small role symbol and the third small role symbol, and the “blue 7” symbol is associated with the second JAC small role symbol and the fourth small role symbol. The “white 7” symbol was associated as the third JAC small character symbol and the fifth small character symbol. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to establish any one of the JAC small winnings or the third small winnings to the fifth small winnings regardless of the operation timing of the left stop switch 42, and the left stop switch. Depending on the operation timing of 42, that is, by operating the left stop switch 42 by the player, either the JAC small role winning or the third small role to fifth small winning combination can be established. As a result, it is possible to urge the player to operate aiming at any “7” symbol in order to establish a JAC prize in which the RT setting flag is set, and the player can be actively involved in the game. Become. In addition, regardless of the operation timing of the left stop switch 42, any medal payout can be achieved by adopting a configuration in which any one of the JAC small winnings or the third small winnings to the fifth small winnings can be established. It is possible to avoid the JAC game state in which it can be expected to be terminated without establishing any winnings.

  A first JAC small part to a third JAC small part in which five medals are paid out when a winning is established, and a third small part to a fifth small part in which 15 medals are paid out when a winning is established; In the JAC game state, an opportunity for winning a prize, that is, an opportunity for winning winnings with different medal payout numbers, is generated. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to allow the player to select a winning to be established in consideration of which JAC winning state has been established based on which JAC winning has been established, so that the player can play a game under the JAC gaming state. Can be actively involved.

  Under the BB state, the lottery table to be selected is different depending on whether or not the RT setting flag is set. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to change the winning probability of the role under the BB state depending on which of the first JAC prize to the sixth JAC prize is established under the BB state, and the player can be played in the game under the BB state. Active participation is possible. Further, when the RT setting flag is set, a lottery table in which the winning probability of replay is set higher than that when the RT setting flag is not set is selected. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suggest whether the state transitions to the RT state or the normal state after the end of the BB state through the change in the replay winning probability.

  When the first BB winning or the second BB winning is established, the BB start process is performed and the RT setting flag is set. By adopting such a configuration, at least at the start stage of the BB state, it is possible to leave room for transition to the RT state after the end of the BB state. As a result, it is possible to avoid the end of the BB state without causing room for transition to the RT state after the end of the BB state. Further, in the configuration in which the lottery table in which the winning probability of replaying is set to be high when the RT setting flag is set, the player until one of the first JAC prize to the third JAC prize is established. This makes it possible to play a game under the BB state in an advantageous situation. As a result, when the first BB winning or the second BB winning is established, it is possible to allow the player to acquire more medals as compared to the configuration in which the BB start process is performed while the RT setting flag is not set.

  In the BB state where the navigation effect is not executed, in the game won for any one of the first JAC to the sixth JAC, it does not notify which JAC is won, but it indicates that any JAC is won The notification sound is output from the speaker 64. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to allow the player to select which “cherry” symbol to operate the left stop switch 42 in an appropriate game round, and the game under the BB state becomes monotonous. This can be suppressed.

  When the RT setting flag is set when the BB state is ended, the main control device 101 is configured to give a privilege for shifting the gaming state to the RT state. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to prevent privilege grants from being performed illegally.

  Certainly, when the RT setting flag is set when the BB state is ended, for example, a privilege to shift to a gaming state with a high probability of suggesting a winning combination until a predetermined end condition is satisfied, for example. It is also possible to adopt a configuration to give. However, since the main controller 101 is sealed not only with the substrate box itself but also with the casing 11, that is, with a plurality of sealing processes with different functions, the fraud prevention effect is high, while the display controller 81 is Since the sealing process is performed only on the board box, there is a high possibility of fraud compared to the main control device 101, and there is a concern that the ROM of the display control board may be replaced with an illegal ROM.

  When the display control device 81 is configured to give a privilege, the main control device 101 is configured to output a control signal indicating whether or not the RT setting flag is set when the BB state ends. The display control device 81 needs to be configured to determine whether or not to grant a privilege based on the control signal. In such a configuration, there is a possibility that an unauthorized control signal indicating that the RT setting flag is set is input to the display control device 81. Certainly, using the sensory device or the like, mistaking the start lever 41 for the timing of winning one of the 4th to 6th JACs, or erroneously recognizing that the start command was issued to the main controller 101 at the above timing It is also possible that an unauthorized signal is input to the main control device 101, such as an unauthorized mounting of an unauthorized board that can output an unauthorized signal. However, it is possible to take measures against fraud with respect to the main control device 101 by adopting a configuration in which an input signal from the start lever 41 or the like is processed or delayed. Further, in such a configuration, by always processing or delaying the input signal from the start lever 41 or the like, it is possible to maintain fairness for the lottery of the winning combination. On the other hand, in consideration of the input of an illegal control signal to the display control device 81, when the control signal input from the main control device 101 is processed on the display control device 81 side, the main control is performed. There is a possibility that the setting status of the RT setting flag managed on the device 101 side and the setting status of the RT setting flag grasped by the display control device 81 are different. Since this can be a configuration in which it is not possible to properly determine whether or not the privilege is given on the display control device 81 side, it is difficult to process the control signal input from the main control device 101 on the display control device 81 side. is there. That is, even if an unauthorized control signal is input, the display control device 81 has only to determine whether or not to grant a privilege according to the unauthorized control signal, and the display control device 81 is cheated as compared with the main control device 101. Probability is high.

  As described above, by adopting a configuration in which the main control device 101 grants a privilege, it is possible to complete a series of processes from lottery drawing to privilege grant within one control device. It is possible to prevent this from happening. Further, the display control device 81 needs to execute processing in accordance with the control signal input from the main control device 101, and the control signal cannot be changed to a control signal indicating different information. On the other hand, the main control apparatus 101 can change the signal to a different signal because the signal input to the main control apparatus 101 is not information indicating the lottery result of the role. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent privilege grant from being performed illegally.

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

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, the RT setting flag is cleared when any of the first JAC prize to the third JAC prize is established, and when any of the fourth JAC prize to the sixth JAC prize is established, the RT setting flag is set. Although it is configured to be set, it is not limited to such a configuration, when the RT stop flag is cleared when a predetermined stop appearance is reached under the BB state, and when another predetermined stop appearance is reached Any configuration that sets the RT setting flag may be used. For example, the determination target is set so that both the first small role and the second small role have a chance to win, the RT setting flag is cleared when the second small role winning is established, and the first small role winning is established. In this case, the RT setting flag may be set.

  For example, the RT setting flag is cleared when the second small role winning is achieved, and the stop appearance (that is, the missed eye) when the second small role winning is not achieved under the situation where the second small winning combination is won. ), The RT setting flag may be set. In this way, instead of setting the determination target so that multiple winning opportunities will be generated, if the determination target to be winning is set for one role that may be missed, and the winning is achieved RT The RT flag may be set when the setting flag is cleared and no winning is achieved.

  For example, when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated at a predetermined timing in a situation where none of the winning flags is set, the stop switch 42 to 44 stops at a timing other than the predetermined timing. Set the stop event that stops when the is operated, sets the RT setting flag when one stop event occurs, and clears the RT setting flag when the other stop event occurs It is good also as a structure.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the RT setting flag is set or cleared in a game won in any of the first JAC to the sixth JAC, that is, a game won when IV = 8-10. However, the RT setting flag may be set or cleared by a predetermined number of games. For example, the configuration is such that the RT setting flag is set or cleared in game times of multiples of 5 after shifting to the BB state.

  (3) In the above embodiment, regardless of whether the RT setting flag is set or the RT setting flag is cleared, the JAC winning is established and the gaming state shifts to the JAC game state. However, it goes without saying that the privilege to be given may be different between when the RT setting flag is set and when the RT setting flag is cleared.

  (4) In the above embodiment, three winnings of the 4th JAC prize to the 6th JAC prize are associated as the prizes for which the RT setting flag is set, and the 1st JAC prize to the 3rd JAC prize are awarded as the prizes for which the RT setting flag is cleared. Although three winnings are associated, the number of winnings to be associated is arbitrary.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the “red cherry” symbol, the “blue cherry” symbol, and the “white cherry” symbol are arranged one by one and the interval between the “cherry” symbols is six symbols. It was arranged on the left reel 32L. As a result, the operation timing of the left stop switch 42 when the fourth to sixth JAC prizes are established is different, but it is not limited to this configuration, and the operation timing of the middle stop switch 43 may be different. The operation timing of the right stop switch 44 may be different. The same applies to the first JAC small prize winning to the third JAC small prize winning, and the operation timing of the middle stop switch 43 may be different, or the operation timing of the right stop switch 44 may be different.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the “red cherry” symbol, the “blue cherry” symbol, and the “white cherry” symbol are arranged one by one, and the interval between the “cherry” symbols is six symbols. It was arranged on the left reel 32L. As a result, one of the “cherry” symbols can be stopped on the active line regardless of the operation timing of the left stop switch 42. However, when the left stop switch 42 is operated at a predetermined timing, You may arrange | position on the left reel 32L so that any "cherry" symbol cannot be stopped. For example, the “white cherry” symbol is arranged at the 15th position instead of the 18th position. In such a configuration, when one of the first JAC to the sixth JAC is elected, the left stop switch 42 is operated when the symbols 16 to 18 of the left reel 32L reach the lower stage. Thus, establishment of a JAC prize can be avoided. The same applies to the “red 7” symbol, “blue 7” symbol, and “white 7” symbol on the left reel 32L. When the left stop switch 42 is operated at a predetermined timing, any “7” symbol is stopped. You may arrange | position to the left reel 32L so that it cannot do. In such a configuration, it is possible to avoid the establishment of the first JAC small prize winning through the third JAC small winning prize and the third small prize winning through the fifth small winning prize under the JAC game state.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the JAC symbol corresponding to the stop result of the left reel 32L can be stopped on the effective line regardless of the operation timing of the middle stop switch 43 and the right stop switch 44. However, only when operated at a predetermined timing, the JAC symbols corresponding to the stop result of the left reel 32L can be stopped on the active line so that the first to sixth JAC symbols can be stopped on the middle reels 32M and 32M. It may be arranged on the right reel 32R. The same applies to the first JAC small role symbol to the third JAC small role symbol and the third small role symbol to the fifth small role symbol.

  (8) In the above embodiment, depending on the operation timing of the left stop switch 42, a JAC prize that sets the RT setting flag is established or a JAC prize that clears the RT setting flag is established. However, depending on the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44, a JAC winning that sets the RT setting flag is established, or a JAC winning that the RT setting flag is cleared is established. It is good also as composition to do.

  (9) The combination of symbols for winning a prize is not limited to the configuration described above, but is arbitrary. For example, when the “red cherry” symbol of the left reel 32L stops on the active line as in the second small role winning, the fourth JAC winning may be established regardless of the result of stopping the other reels 32L and 32M. good.

  (10) In the above embodiment, any “cherry” is arranged regardless of the operation timing of the left stop switch 42 by arranging the “cherry” symbols so that the interval between the “cherry” symbols is 6 symbols in the left reel 32L. It was set as the structure which can stop a symbol on an effective line. This is a slot in which the maximum number of slips that can be slid on a reel at a predetermined specified time is 4 symbols, and the position where the effective line is set in the left reel 32L (ie, the upper and lower positions) is 3 symbols. This is an example of a machine. In the case of a slot machine with different maximum slip number and effective line setting position interval, "(maximum number of slips that can be slid on the reel) + (position interval where effective line is set)-1" or more The “cherry” symbols may be spaced apart from each other.

  (11) In the above embodiment, only a combination of different medal payout numbers has an opportunity to win only in the JAC game state. However, in the first type BB state and the second type BB state, the medal payout is made. It may be configured such that a plurality of roles having different numbers have a chance to win.

  (12) In the above embodiment, in the JAC game state lottery table, the determination targets to be won for the first JAC small role, the fourth small role, and the fifth small role, the second JAC small role, the third small role, and the second Set the judgment target to be won for the 5 small roles and the determination target to be the winning for the 3rd JAC small role, the 3rd small role, and the 4th small role. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, only one of the above determination targets may be set in the JAC game state lottery table, or two determination targets may be set. Needless to say, a determination target that is elected only for the first JAC small combination and a determination target that is elected only for the third small role may be set.

  (13) In the above embodiment, a first to third JAC small prize winning, in which five medals are paid out, is established or 15 medals are paid out according to the operation timing of the left stop switch 42. Although the third small part prize to the fifth small part prize are established, five medal payouts are made according to the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44, and the first JAC small part prize is awarded. May be established, or a third to fifth prize winning in which 15 medals are paid out may be established.

  (14) In the above embodiment, in the JAC game state, five medals are paid out when the first to third JAC small prize winning is established, but the number of medals to be paid out is 3rd. It is optional as long as it is smaller than the number of medals to be paid out when the small role winning to fifth small role winning is achieved. In the configuration in which the RT setting flag may be cleared under the BB state, it is desirable that the number of medals to be paid out when the first JAC small winning combination to the third JAC small winning combination is established is one. In such a configuration, the end time of the BB state can be delayed the most, and the possibility that the RT setting flag is set again can be increased.

  (15) In the above embodiment, the RT setting flag is set or cleared in the BB state. However, the RT setting flag may be cleared.

  (16) In the above embodiment, both the winning combination for which the RT setting flag is cleared when the winning is established and the winning combination for which the RT setting flag is cleared when the winning is established are both won. However, instead of or in addition to this, it may be configured such that an opportunity to win is generated only for one of the roles.

  (17) In the above embodiment, by providing a difference in the winning probability of re-game, the player's advantage in the normal state and the RT state can be changed, or the game in the first type BB state and the second type BB state. In addition to this, as a configuration for changing the player's advantage level in each gaming state by providing a difference in the winning probability of other roles such as the first small role Also good.

  (18) In the above embodiment, the lottery table selected under the BB state differs depending on whether the RT setting flag is set, that is, under the BB state depending on whether the RT setting flag is set. Although the game state is changed, the game state may be changed.

  (19) In the above embodiment, the RT setting flag is set when the BB start process is performed, and the BB state is started from the first type BB state. However, the RT is performed when the BB start process is performed. The setting flag may not be set and the BB state may be started from the second type BB state.

  (20) In the above embodiment, when the first BB prize or the second BB prize is established, it is determined whether to perform a navigation effect by performing a predetermined navigation lottery, but any BB prize is established. Even if it is the case, it is good also as a structure which does not perform a navigation effect, and it is good also as a structure which always performs a navigation effect, without performing a navigation lottery.

  (21) In the above embodiment, the lottery table selected after the end of the BB state is different depending on whether or not the RT setting flag is set. However, if the privilege to be given to the player is different, the lottery table is the same. The lottery table may be selected. As such a configuration, for example, when the first setting flag is set at the end of the BB state, the state shifts to the RT state in which 100 games can be performed, and the second setting is not performed at the end of the BB state. When the setting flag is set, a configuration is considered in which the state shifts to an RT state in which 300 games can be performed.

  (22) In the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not a start command is generated after three medals are bet. However, even after one bet or two bets, the start command is issued. It goes without saying that it may be configured to determine whether or not it has occurred. However, in the case of such a configuration, it is necessary to store in advance a lottery table and a sliding table corresponding to the betting situation.

  (23) In the above-described embodiment, as a privilege to be given, in addition to the privilege that the gaming state shifts and the privilege of replaying, the privilege to pay out medals is provided, but the configuration is limited to this configuration. Instead, any configuration may be used as long as the player is given 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.

  (24) In the above embodiment, a slot machine having three reels arranged in parallel and having four 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. It may be a slot machine provided or a slot machine having seven effective lines.

  (25) In the above embodiment, an example in which the slot machine 10 is embodied is shown, but the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused. 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. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, only a ball can be handled as a gaming value in the gaming hall. Therefore, the gaming value seen in the current gaming hall in which pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed is used. Problems such as the burden on equipment due to the separate handling of medals and balls and restrictions on the location of the gaming machine can be solved.

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

Gaming machines Circulation display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for cyclically displaying a plurality of kinds of patterns (designs);
Start operation means (start lever 41, first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58) operated to start the cyclic display of the pattern;
Lottery means (lottery processing function of the main control device 101) for lottery of the role;
Stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) operated to stop the cyclic display of the pattern;
Based on the fact that the winning symbol corresponding to the winning combination won in the effective lot (effective line) formed a predetermined combination (such as a combination of small role symbols) and stopped, Privilege granting means for granting a privilege (medal payout processing S211 of main control device 101, BB state processing S213, etc.);
If the result of the winning combination is a special winning combination (first BB, second BB) and a special symbol combination (first BB symbol combination, second BB symbol combination) stops at the effective position Special gaming state transition means (BB start processing function 604 of the main control device 101) for transitioning the gaming state to the special gaming state;
Special game state ending means for ending the special game state (BB end processing functions S708 and S810 of the main control device 101) when a predetermined number (155) of game media are paid out in the special game state In a gaming machine equipped with
State information storage means (state information storage area 106c of the RAM 106) for storing state information relating to the gaming state (BB setting flag, RT setting flag, etc.);
Lottery information storage means (ROM 105) for storing lottery information (lottery table) related to the winning probability of the combination;
Based on the state information stored in the state information storage means, the lottery information selection means (the lottery table selection processing function S302 of the main control device 101) for selecting the lottery information used when the lottery means the lottery of the combination. )When,
When the first combination (4th JAC to 6th JAC) is won in the special gaming state and the first combination (4th JAC symbol combination, 5th JAC symbol combination, 6th JAC symbol combination) stops at the effective position If the first status information (RT setting flag “0”) is stored in the status information storage means, the second status information (RT setting flag “1”) is used as the status information instead of the first status information. Information changing means (RT setting flag set processing function S705 of the main control device 101) to be stored in the storage means,
The state information storage means stores the first state information or the second state information stored when the special gaming state is ended, with predetermined conditions (first BB winning, second BB winning, SB small role winning established ) Until it is established,
The lottery information selecting means obtains first lottery information (normal state lottery table) based on the fact that the first state information is stored in the state information storage means when the gaming state is not the special gaming state. Based on the fact that the second state information is stored in the state information storage means in a situation where the gaming state is not the special gaming state, the winning of at least the first combination (re-game) from the first lottery information Select the second lottery information (RT state lottery table) set with a high probability,
further,
The second combination (third small combination to fifth small combination) is won and the second combination (the combination of the third small combination symbol, the combination of the fourth small combination symbol, the combination of the fifth small combination symbol) at the effective position. Is stopped, a first privilege granting unit (medal payout processing S211 of the main control device 101) for granting a first privilege for paying out a first predetermined number (15) of game media;
The third combination (1st JAC small role-3rd JAC small role) is won and the 3rd combination (combination of 1st JAC small role symbol, 2nd JAC small role design, 3rd JAC small role symbol combination) at the effective position Is stopped, a second privilege granting unit (medal payout processing S211 of the main control device 101) for granting a second privilege for paying out a second predetermined number (five) of game media smaller than the first predetermined number;
Special lottery information (JAC game state lottery table) configured so that the game state is selected based on the fact that the game state is the special game state, and the second and third roles both have a chance to win. )When,
In the situation where both the second combination and the third combination are won, a first specific operation (a winning combination corresponding to the winning combination among the third small combination to the fifth small combination is established in the stop operation means. When the operation is performed at a timing that can be performed), the second combination is stopped at the effective position, and the stop operation means is selected as the second specific operation (first JAC small combination to third JAC small combination). Stop control means for stopping the third combination at the effective position (reel control processing function S210 of the main control device 101) when an operation is performed at a timing at which a winning corresponding to the winning combination can be established. A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the gaming machine, when the first combination is won in the special gaming state and the first combination is stopped at the valid position, if the first state information is stored in the state information storage means, the first state Instead of the information, the second state information is stored in the state information storage means. The first lottery information is selected based on the fact that the first state information is stored in the state information storage means when the gaming state is not the special gaming state, and the state information is stored when the gaming state is not the special gaming state. Based on the second state information stored in the means, the second lottery information in which the winning probability of at least the first combination is set higher than the first lottery information is selected. With such a configuration, it is possible to change the winning probability of the winning combination after the special gaming state is ended depending on whether or not the first combination is stopped at the effective position under the special gaming state. As a result, the player can be actively involved in the game in the special game state, and the game in the special game state can be closely associated with the game in a game state other than the special game state.

  In the special gaming state, both the second and third roles have a chance to win, and in the situation where both the second and third roles are won, the stop operation means is operated for the first specific operation. When the second combination stops at the effective position and the first predetermined number of game media are paid out and the stop operation means is operated for the second specific operation, the third combination stops at the effective position and becomes the first predetermined A second predetermined number of game media smaller than the number is paid out. Here, when the second combination is stopped at the effective position, the first predetermined number of game media are paid out, so that more game media can be obtained than when the third combination is stopped at the effective position. It becomes possible to finish the special game state early. When the third combination is stopped at the effective position, a second predetermined number of game media smaller than the first predetermined number are paid out, so that less game media are obtained than when the second combination is stopped at the effective position. On the other hand, since the end time of the special gaming state is delayed, it becomes possible to increase the chances that the winning lottery is performed. As a result, after making the player consider whether or not the first combination has stopped at the effective position, the first specific operation is performed in order to acquire more game media. It is possible to cause the player to select whether or not the second specific operation is performed in the hope that the winning combination will be won, and it is possible to actively participate in the game in the special gaming state.

  As a result, it is possible to suppress the game from becoming monotonous.

  1. gaming machine In the gaming machine 1, the stop control means is effective when the stop operation means is operated other than the first specific operation in a situation where both the second combination and the third combination are won. A gaming machine, wherein the third combination is stopped at a position.

  According to this gaming machine, when both the second combination and the third combination are won, the second combination stops at the effective position if the first specific operation is performed, and the third combination if the first specific operation is not performed. Stops at the effective position. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to pay out the first predetermined number or the second predetermined number of game media when both the second combination and the third combination are won, for example, the first combination stops at the effective position. It is possible to avoid playing a game so that the game medium is not paid out until the game is completed.

  2. gaming machine In the gaming machine 1 or the gaming machine 2, the second privilege granting unit pays out a minimum number of game media as the second privilege.

  According to this gaming machine, when the third combination stops at the effective position, the minimum number of game media is paid out, so that the player can increase the chances of winning the lottery by performing the second specific operation. Is possible.

  Gaming machine4. In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 3, the first privilege granting unit pays out the maximum number of game media that can be paid out in one game round as the first privilege.

  According to this gaming machine, when the second combination stops at the effective position, the maximum number of game media that can be paid out in one game time is paid out, so that the player can perform a number of game media by performing the first specific operation. Can be earned.

  Gaming machine5. In any one of the gaming machines 1 to 4, the fourth combination (first JAC to third JAC) is won in the special gaming state and the fourth combination (first JAC symbol combination, second JAC symbol) is placed in the effective position. If the second state information is stored in the state information storage means, the first state information is stored in the state information storage instead of the second state information. A gaming machine comprising information second changing means (RT setting flag clear processing function S704 of the main control device 101) to be stored in the means.

  According to this gaming machine, when the fourth combination is won in the special gaming state and the fourth combination is stopped at the valid position, if the second state information is stored in the state information storage means, the second state Instead of information, first state information is stored in the state information storage means. By adopting such a configuration, even if the first combination stops at the effective position, it becomes possible to leave the fourth combination after stopping at the effective position and leave room for storing the first state information. It becomes possible to suppress the game in the game from becoming monotonous.

  Gaming machine6. In any one of the gaming machine 1 to gaming machine 5, when the first combination stops at the valid position, the specification for shifting the gaming state to a specific gaming state (JAC game state) that is one gaming state of the special gaming state The game state transition means (the JAC game start processing function S702 of the main control device 101) is provided, and lottery information for a specific game state (JAC game state lottery table) selected when the game state is the specific game state, The opportunity for winning both the second role and the third role is higher than the chance for winning both the second role and the third role in a special gaming state other than the specific gaming state. A gaming machine.

  According to the gaming machine, when the first combination stops at the effective position, the gaming state shifts to a specific gaming state that is one gaming state of the special gaming state, and in the specific gaming state, the special gaming state other than the specific gaming state. The chance to win both the 2nd and 3rd roles is higher. With this configuration, it is possible to end the special gaming state early after the first combination stops at the effective position, and it is possible to acquire more gaming media under the special gaming state.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine as a gaming machine, 32 ... Constructing circulation display means and reel as a circulating body, 41 ... Start lever as start operation means or start operation means, 42 to 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... Third credit insertion switch as start operation means or input operation means , 63 ... an upper lamp constituting an auxiliary effect part or auxiliary effect means, 64 ... a speaker constituting an auxiliary effect part or auxiliary effect means, 65 ... an auxiliary display part constituting an auxiliary effect part or auxiliary effect means, 81 ... sub-control Display control device as a substrate, 101... Main control device as a main control substrate, 102. CPU constituting the various control means such as and the main control unit.

Claims (1)

Circulation display means for circulating and displaying a plurality of kinds of patterns;
Start operation means operated to start the cyclic display of the pattern;
Lottery means for lottery drawing,
Stop operation means operated to stop the cyclic display of the pattern;
Based on the fact that the winning symbol corresponding to the winning combination won in the lottery of the combination formed a predetermined combination at the effective position and stopped, a privilege granting unit for granting a privilege to the player as a winning combination;
Special game state transition means for transitioning the gaming state to the special gaming state as the special role winning establishment when the combination of the special pattern is stopped at the effective position when the lottery result of the combination is a winning combination;
In a gaming machine comprising special game state ending means for ending the special game state when a predetermined number of game media are paid out in the special game state,
State information storage means for storing state information related to the gaming state;
Lottery information storage means for storing lottery information related to the winning probability of the combination;
Lottery information selection means for selecting lottery information to be used when the lottery means lottery of the combination based on the state information stored in the state information storage means;
If the first combination is stopped at the effective position when the first combination is won in the special gaming state and the first state information is stored in the state information storage means, the first state information is replaced. Information changing means for storing the second state information in the state information storage means,
The state information storage means stores and holds the first state information or the second state information stored when the special gaming state ends, until a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The lottery information selection means selects the first lottery information based on the fact that the first state information is stored in the state information storage means in a situation where the gaming state is not the special gaming state, and the gaming state is Based on the fact that the second state information is stored in the state information storage means in a situation that is not in the special gaming state, the second lottery information in which the winning probability of at least the first combination is set higher than the first lottery information. Selected,
further,
A first privilege granting means for granting a first privilege for paying out a first predetermined number of game media when the second combination is won and the second combination is stopped at the effective position;
A second privilege granting means for granting a second privilege for paying out a second predetermined number of game media less than the first predetermined number when winning the third role and the third combination stops at the valid position;
Special lottery information that is selected based on the gaming state being the special gaming state, and is configured such that an opportunity to win both the second combination and the third combination occurs.
In a situation where both the second combination and the third combination are won, when the first specific operation is performed on the stop operation means, the second combination is stopped at the effective position, and the stop operation means A stop control means for stopping the third combination at the effective position when a specific operation is performed ,
When the fourth combination is won in the special gaming state and the fourth combination is stopped at the valid position, if the second state information is stored in the state information storage means, the second state information is replaced. And a second information changing means for storing the first state information in the state information storage means .

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