JP5838509B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game table represented by a ball game machine (pachinko machine) and a spinning machine (slot machine).

  A conventional game table includes a plurality of reels each having a design, a start lever for starting rotation of the plurality of reels, and buttons provided corresponding to the plurality of rotating reels. And at least a stop button for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel, the plurality of reels are rotated by operating the start lever, and the plurality of rotating reels are individually stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, there is a gaming table configured to give a player a profit according to a stopping mode derived after all of the plurality of reels are stopped (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4785212

  As described above, such a game machine is configured such that a stop mode derived depending on an operation condition (for example, operation timing or operation order) for the stop button is determined. Therefore, there is a possibility that when a trouble related to the stop button occurs, the game motivation is reduced. However, there is a problem that it is difficult for a player to recognize a malfunction related to the stop button.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a game table that makes it easy for a player to recognize a defect related to a stop button.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem,
A plurality of rotationally driven reels;
A stop button provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
A detection knowledge means you detect the non-depressed state pressed state, and that the stop button has not been pressed to the stop button is depressed,
Reel control means for executing control related to the plurality of reels, including stop control for stopping rotation of each of the plurality of reels;
A game machine comprising first control means for executing control relating to a game,
The reel control means includes
Wherein of the plurality of reels, to reel detection result by the detection means corresponding to the stop button switches to the depressed state from the non-depressed state, be one that performs the stop control,
Are those detection results of said detecting means with respect to the other of said stop button to execute the stop control regardless of whether the a non-depressed state,
The first control means includes
It is configured to be able to execute a first process that allows the player to recognize that it has been executed,
After the stop control for all of said plurality of reels is performed, based on a detection result of said detecting means is Tsu Do and the non-depressed state for all of the stop button, the first processing It is what is executed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game stand which makes a player recognize easily the malfunction regarding a stop button can be provided.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). It is a figure which shows an example of a winning line. 4 is an enlarged view showing a lamp provided in the slot machine 100. FIG. It is a circuit block diagram of a control part. It is a figure which expand | deploys and shows planarly the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112). It is a figure which shows the kind of winning combination (including an operating combination), the symbol combination corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination. FIG. 3 is a transition diagram of the gaming state of the slot machine 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows the lottery table of the winning combination in each game state. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a stepping motor. It is a figure which shows the excitation switching pattern corresponding to the state of reel control with a table | surface. It is a diagram showing the structure of stop buttons 137 to 139 in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game start process (step S103) shown in FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of medal insertion / start operation reception processing (step S1009) shown in FIG. Error checking processing (step S1001 in FIG. 14, step S1101 in FIG. 15, step S1101, FIG. 15), the game start processing in FIG. 14, the medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing in FIG. 15, and the medal payout processing (main) in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of step S1113 and step S1601 of FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of reel rotation start processing (step S113) shown in FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of reel stop control processing (step S115) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the winning determination process (step S117) shown in FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of medal payout processing (main) (step S119) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game state update process (step S121) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the various game processes (step S207) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the medal | token insertion process (step S2003) shown in FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a flow of medal payout processing (interruption) (step S2007) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the reel control processing (step S2011) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the stop button reception process (step S2303) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of each reel control process (step S2313) according to a reel control state shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the acceleration control process (step S2503) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the constant speed control process (step S2507) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the drawing-in control processing (step S2511) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the brake control process (step S2515) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the lamp update process (step S211) shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the lamp update process (step S2A13) during medal insertion shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the other lamp update process (step S2A19) shown in FIG. (A) is a flowchart of the main process which CPU404 of the 1st sub control part 400 performs, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of the 1st sub control part 400, (c) is 5 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the production | presentation control process (step S309) shown to Fig.35 (a). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of internal winning command reception shown in FIG. 36 (step S3003). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of non-pressing state transfer command reception (step S3007) shown in FIG. (A) is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (c) is 5 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. It is a figure which shows the operation example when a malfunction arises in a stop button. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the structure used as the characteristic of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the handling of stop operation with respect to the presence or absence of the malfunction of a stop button in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the difference in the external appearance which arises by the presence or absence of execution of a predetermined | prescribed process. It is a figure which shows the stop data based on the stop data of the reel in the case of internal winning as a special combination, and the stop mode based on this. It is a figure which shows the example different from FIG. 43 which shows the difference in the external appearance produced by the presence or absence of execution of a predetermined | prescribed process. It is a figure showing the production pattern table for special combination judgment production. It is a figure which shows the production pattern table for AT right judgment production. It is a figure which shows the specific example of each determination effect. It is a figure which shows the difference in the external appearance produced by the presence or absence of execution of the predetermined | prescribed process by the 1st sub control part.

  Hereinafter, a slot machine according to an embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The slot machine of this embodiment described below starts rotating when a predetermined number of game media are inserted and a plurality of reels each having a plurality of types of symbols receive a predetermined rotation start instruction operation. At the same time, it is determined by lottery whether or not the internal winning of a plurality of types of roles is won based on receiving the rotation start instruction operation, and each of the reels individually rotates by receiving a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation. If the conditions determined by the combination based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the reels stop meet the predetermined payout conditions, the game medium is paid out and the game ends. This is a game machine that advances a series of games that are completed without paying out game media.

  First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a winning line. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a lamp provided in the slot machine 100.

  A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of a game machine according to the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. . Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the symbols displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 (position 1 shown in the figure) are displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 and the middle stage of the left reel 110 (position 2 shown in the figure). The symbol to be displayed is displayed in the middle stage of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure), the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel, and the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (position 4 in the figure). The symbol displayed on the middle reel upper symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle of the left reel 111 (position 5 in the figure) is the middle reel middle symbol, and the symbol displayed on the lower part of the middle reel 111 (position 6 in the figure). The symbol displayed on the lower stage of the middle reel, the upper stage of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the figure) is the upper stage of the right reel, and the picture displayed on the middle stage of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the figure) is the right reel. Middle design, bottom of right reel 112 (in the figure The symbol displayed at the position 9) is called the right reel lower symbol, and the symbols of the reels 110 to 112 are three in the vertical direction on the reels 110 to 112 through the symbol display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. Is displayed. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a combination of a plurality of types of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  A backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The winning line is a line for determining whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination described in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the middle reel winning line L1 composed of the left reel middle symbol, the middle reel middle symbol and the right reel middle symbol, the left reel upper symbol, the middle reel middle symbol and the right reel lower symbol line L2 comprised of the right reel lower symbol. , A left reel lower symbol, a middle reel middle symbol and a right reel upper symbol L3, and a left reel lower symbol, a middle reel lower symbol and a right reel lower symbol L4. Four winning lines are provided. FIG. 2 shows these winning lines. A valid pay line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “valid line”) is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. The slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment is a three-wager dedicated machine, and any winning line is not effective when the number of inserted medals is less than three, and all winning lines L1 when three medals are bet. ~ L4 becomes effective. When the winning line becomes valid, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135. The number of winning lines is not limited to 4 lines. For example, three middle winning lines L1, right falling winning lines L2, and right rising winning lines L3 may be set as valid winning lines, and the number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bets (the number of bets) is valid. It may be set as a line.

  The special combination internal winning lamp 123 indicates, for example, that a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination (BB)) is won internally in an internal lottery described later, or that a bonus game described later is in progress. This lamp informs the player. The medal insertion enable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 indicates that the current game can be replayed when a replaying role (details will be described later), which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game, can be replayed (no medal insertion is required). This is a lamp that informs the player. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp. FIG. 3A specifically shows the positions of the re-playing lamp 122, the special combination internal winning lamp 123, and the medal insertion possible lamp 124.

  The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In the present embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one sheet is inserted. When the bet button 131 is pressed, two sheets are inserted. When the bet button 132 is pressed, three sheets are inserted. ing. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The betting number lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, a game start lamp that informs that a game start operation is possible. 121 lights up. FIG. 3A specifically shows the positions of the game start lamp 121 and the betting number lamp 129.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. is there.

  The storage number lamp 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 (hereinafter referred to as the storage number). The game information lamp 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) numerically. The payout number lamp 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The storage number lamp 125, the game information lamp 126, and the payout number lamp 127 are 7-segment (SEG) indicators. FIG. 3B shows a 7 segment (SEG) display used for these lamps.

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139 including a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 can be The right reel 112 can be stopped by operating. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. In addition, reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are sequentially referred to as a first stop reel, a second stop reel, and a third stop reel. Further, the order of stopping the stop buttons 137 to 139 in order to stop all the reels 110 to 112 that are rotating is called an operation order or a pressing order. Furthermore, the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the left reel 110 is called “forward press operation sequence” or simply “forward press”, and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the right reel 112 is “ This is called “reverse pressing operation sequence” or simply “reverse pressing”. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed. The payment button 134 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

  Below the stop button unit 136 is provided a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and pasting various types of certificate. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

  The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (effect image) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. And a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front side (player side) of the slot machine 100 when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157. It has become. It should be noted that the display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface. The liquid crystal display device 157 corresponds to an example of the rendering means of the present invention.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400. The main control unit 300 described below corresponds to an example of the reel control means of the present invention. Moreover, the combination of the 1st sub control part 400 and the 2nd sub control part 500 is equivalent to an example of the alerting | reporting control means of this invention.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel symbols. ROM 306 storing an array, RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time, frequency, etc., WDT (Watchdog timer) 314 is mounted. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in a range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a, and an activation signal when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 includes a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a (reset signal), and when the start signal is input from the start signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (main control unit main processing described later). Start).

  Further, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 inserts various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal insertion slot 141 every interruption time). Medal acceptance sensor, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, left reel 110 The index sensor of the middle reel 111, the index sensor of the right reel 112, etc.).

  When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by the player. The left stop button 137 sensor, the middle stop button 138 sensor, and the right stop button 139 sensor are installed in the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, respectively, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed in the corresponding medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, respectively, and the medal stored electronically in the RAM 308 is inserted into the game. Detecting a throwing operation when throwing as. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the left reel 110, the index sensor of the middle reel 111, and the index sensor of the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and light shielding pieces provided on the reel frame pass therethrough. Each time you do it, it goes to L level. Rotational position information indicating how much the reel is rotating from the reference position from once to the L level is calculated based on the value obtained by counting the clock signals output from the crystal oscillator 315b. Is done. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

  The main control unit 300 is provided in a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. A driving circuit 326 for driving the motor, various lamps 339 (a winning line display lamp 120, a special role internal winning lamp 123, a medal insertion possible lamp 124, a re-playing lamp 122, a betting number lamp 129, a game start lamp 121, a reserve number A driving circuit 328 for driving the lamp 125, the game information lamp 126, and the payout number lamp 127) is provided.

  In addition, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is slotted into an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information of the machine 100 (for example, information indicating the game state) is output.

  Further, the main control unit 300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 330 is a voltage of the power source. When the value is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub control unit 400. However, the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub control unit 400 receives the control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 stores data temporarily with the CPU 404. RAM 408, I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and number of times are mounted. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

  The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency dividing data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and the sound source IC 418 is provided with speakers 272 and 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 272 and 277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored. The audio data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277. The speakers 272 and 277 correspond to an example of notification means of the present invention.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various kinds of lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, bet button lamp, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. , Reel backlight, etc.) are connected. The various lamps 420 correspond to an example of notification means of the present invention.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. Second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of effect device 160 including display control of effect image display device 157. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 is, for example, a control unit that controls display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various drive devices for presentation (for example, a control unit that controls motor driving of the shutter 163). For example, it may be configured by a plurality of control units.

  The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 512. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, and the like.

  The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a drive circuit 530 that drives a motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 530 is provided with a shutter 163 via an output interface. The drive circuit 530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 504.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a sensor circuit 532, and a shutter sensor 538 is connected to the sensor circuit 532 via an input interface. The CPU 504 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 538 every interruption time.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 536 are connected to the VDP 534 via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same figure is a figure which expand | deploys and shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) planarly.

  In each reel 110 to 112, a plurality of types (10 types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). The numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers (symbol position numbers) indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, “watermelon design” is assigned to the number 1 frame of the left reel 110, “bell design” is assigned to the number 0 frame of the middle reel 111, and “seven 1” is assigned to the number 2 frame of the right reel 112. The “design” is arranged.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a special combination and a general combination (replay combination 1 to replay combination 3, small combination 1 to small combination 3). The types of winning combinations are not limited to these combinations and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  Among the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the special combination is a combination that shifts to a special gaming state in which a predetermined profit is given to the player. In addition, the re-playing role 1 to the re-playing role 3 are roles that enable re-playing without newly inserting medals. These winning combinations may be referred to as “acting combinations”. In addition, the “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an operating combination that does not accompany a medal payout (and does not pay out a medal) is displayed on the active line. The winning combination of the game combination 1 to the re-game combination 3 is included.

  The special combination is a combination (operating combination) that shifts to a special gaming state by winning a prize. However, medals will not be paid out for winning this role. The corresponding symbol combination is “Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1 (BB)” or “Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2 (BB)”.

  When the special combination is won internally, the special combination internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination is set to ON (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). When this flag is set to ON, the main control unit 300 shifts the gaming state to the special combination internal winning state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT3). This flag is kept on until winning the internal winning combination, and it becomes easy to win the internal winning combination in subsequent games. In other words, even if a special role is won internally, even if the special role is not won, the special role will be won internally in the next and subsequent games, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the special role will be easy to win. . This special combination internal winning state (RT3) will be described later.

  The main control unit 300 shifts the gaming state to the special gaming state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT4) based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination. Further, in this special game state, when a predetermined number of payouts are made, the game is shifted to a re-game low probability state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT1). The special game state (RT4) and the replay low probability state (RT1) will be described later.

  The re-playing role (re-playing role 1 to re-playing role 3) is a winning combination (operating combination) that can play a game without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning a prize. No withdrawal will be made. The corresponding symbol combinations are “replay-replay-replay (ordinary replay)” for replayer 1, “replay-replay-bell (promotion replay)” for replayer 2, and “bell-” for replayer 3. “Replay-Replay (Tumble Replay)”. The main control unit 300 shifts the gaming state to a re-gaming high probability state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT2) based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the re-gamer 2. Further, the gaming state is shifted to the re-gaming low probability state (RT 1) based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the re-gaming player 3. This replay high probability state (RT2) will be described later.

  The re-game player may be any player who can play the next game without the player inserting medals. Therefore, for example, when a re-game is won, a medal may be automatically inserted in the next game (the medal insertion number is reset in a medal insertion number storage area described later), or a re-game is won. It is also possible to use a medal that has been thrown into the next game as it is in the next game.

  The “small role (small role 1 to small role 4)” (hereinafter referred to as “small role 1”, “small role 2”, “small role 3”, and “small role 4” respectively) A winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out. Corresponding symbol combinations are: “Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon (Watermelon)” for small role 1, “ANY-Cherry-ANY (cherry)” for small role 2, and Small role 3 Is "ANY-bell-ANY (bell)". The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “ANY-Cherry-ANY”, the symbol of the middle reel 111 may be “Cherry”, and the symbol of the left reel 110 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol. In the case of “ANY-bell-ANY”, the symbol of the middle reel 111 may be “bell”, and the symbol of the left reel 110 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the type and transition of the gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a transition diagram of the gaming state of the slot machine 100.

  The slot machine 100 is roughly divided into four game states: a replay low probability state (RT1), a replay high probability state (RT2), a special role internal winning state (RT3), and a special game state (RT4). These gaming states are controlled by the main control unit 300. FIG. 7A shows these four game states. FIG. 7B shows the transition conditions for each gaming state, and FIG. 7A shows the symbols corresponding to the transition conditions shown in FIG. 7B on the arrows connecting the gaming states. Has been. When the transition condition corresponding to the symbol described in each arrow is established, the gaming state transitions in the direction of the arrow. Conditions for this game state transition include, for example, winning a predetermined combination, winning a predetermined combination internally, stopping a specific combination of symbols on a specific winning line, and playing a specified number of games. And a predetermined number of payouts may be made.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a lottery table for winning combinations in each gaming state. The horizontal axis represents each gaming state, and the vertical axis represents the lottery value for each winning combination. The internal winning probability of the winning combination in each gaming state described below is a random value obtained from the lottery data prepared in the ROM 306 corresponding to the range of the lottery data associated with each winning combination at the time of the internal lottery. Is obtained by dividing by numerical data in the range of (for example, 65535). For example, in RT1 (replay low probability state), the lottery value of the small combination 1 is 512, and the winning probability of the small combination 1 is 512/65536 * 100≈0.8%. The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  Hereinafter, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 as appropriate.

<Replay low probability state (RT1)>
The replay low probability state is a game state in which the internal winning probability of replay is the lowest (unfavorable for the player) among other game states (for example, game states other than the special game state), and is referred to as a normal game state There is also. In the replay low probability state, a winning combination to be won internally is drawn by referring to the lottery table in the column “RT1” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG.

  In the replay low probability state, the winning combination that is won internally includes a special role, a special role-small role 1, a replay role 1, a replay role 1-2, a small role 1, a small role 2, and a small role 3a. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed. The fact that the symbol combination related to winning in the winning line is not stopped may be referred to as “losing”. In addition, the fact that the winning combination has not been won may be expressed as “winning”.

  Here, “special role-small role 1” means that the special role and small role 1 are won simultaneously. In this case, it is determined which symbol combination corresponding to which combination is displayed according to the timing of the player's stop operation.

  In addition, “re-playing combination 1-2” indicates that re-playing combination 1 and re-playing combination 2 are won simultaneously. In this case, it is determined which symbol combination corresponding to which combination is displayed according to the stop operation order of the player. More specifically, when a stop operation is performed in accordance with a correct operation sequence that is a predetermined stop operation sequence, a symbol combination (promotion replay) corresponding to the re-game player 2 is displayed (in the remarks column of FIG. 8, In other cases, the symbol combination (normal replay) corresponding to the replaying game 1 is displayed (refer to the remarks column in FIG. 8).

  In the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, there are a plurality of stop operation orders depending on the combination of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation (for example, left middle right, left and right middle, middle left and right, middle right and left, A total of 6 types, middle left and right, left middle) The “re-game player 1-2” explained above has one of these stop operation orders as the correct answer operation order, and the “re-game player 1-2” corresponds to each of a plurality of stop operation orders. There are multiple types. It should be noted that the internal winning probabilities of these multiple types of “re-gamer 1-2” are equal. Further, the internal winning probability shown in FIG. 8 is the sum of the internal winning probabilities of these plural types of “re-gamer 1-2”. Like this “re-game player 1-2”, a re-game player in which the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is determined by the pressing order may be referred to as “push-order replay”.

  In addition, when “Pocket 3a” is won internally, a winning line on which a symbol combination corresponding to the small role 3 is displayed is determined according to the stop operation order of the player (see the remarks column in FIG. 8). More specifically, when a stop operation is performed according to a correct operation sequence that is a predetermined stop operation sequence, the “bell symbol” is placed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of number 5 shown in FIG. 2). In other cases, the “bell symbol” is displayed on the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of the number 4 shown in FIG. 2).

  When the “bell symbol” is displayed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of the number 5 shown in FIG. 2), the middle stage winning line L1, the lower right winning line L2, and the upper right winning line L3 shown in FIG. The symbol combinations corresponding to the small role 3 are arranged on one pay line, and 12 medals are paid out (refer to the correct answer in the push order in the remarks column in FIG. 8). When the “bell symbol” is displayed on the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of the number 4 shown in FIG. 2), the symbol combinations corresponding to the upper prize line L4 shown in FIG. It is paid out (refer to the remarks column in FIG. 8 when the push order is incorrect).

  In the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, there are a plurality of stop operation sequences depending on the combination of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation (for example, left / right / middle / left / right, middle right / left, right / left middle, middle (Total 5 types of first stop). In the “small role 3a” described above, there are a plurality of “small roles 3a” in which one of these stop operation orders is the correct answer operation order in accordance with each of the plurality of stop operation orders. Note that the internal winning probabilities of these “small roles 3a” are equal. A small combination in which the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination, such as “small combination 3a”, is determined by the pressing order may be referred to as “pressing order small combination”. The “small role 3a” described here is the same in the gaming state described below.

  It should be noted that the push order such as “push order replay” and “push order small part” described above may be selected and selected in combination with other condition devices (not shown). The pressing order may be determined by lottery when the condition device is won.

  In FIG. 7, when a symbol combination corresponding to the replaying combination 2 is displayed in the replaying low probability state (RT1) (when the replaying combination 2 is won), a replaying high probability state (described later) The transition to RT2) is shown. Also, the figure shows that when the special combination is won internally, the state shifts to a special combination internal winning state (RT3) described later. Furthermore, when the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination is displayed (when the special combination is won), it is shown that the state shifts to a special gaming state (RT4) described later.

<Replay high probability state (RT2)>
The re-game high probability state (RT2) is a game state having the highest internal winning probability of the re-game player among all the game states. In the replay high probability state (RT2), the winning combination to be won internally is drawn by referring to the lottery table in the column of “RT2” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG.

  In the replay high probability state (RT2), the winning combination that is won internally is a special role, special role-small role 1, replay role 1, replay role 1-3, small role 1, small role 2, small role 3a. There is. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed.

  Here, “re-playing combination 1-3” indicates that re-playing combination 1 and re-playing combination 3 are won simultaneously. In this case, it is determined which symbol combination corresponding to which combination is displayed according to the stop operation order of the player. More specifically, when a stop operation is performed in accordance with a correct operation sequence that is a predetermined stop operation sequence, a symbol combination (normal replay) corresponding to the re-game player 1 is displayed (in the remarks column of FIG. 8, In other cases, the symbol combination (falling replay) corresponding to the re-playing combination 3 is displayed (refer to the remarks column in FIG. 8).

  In the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, there are a plurality of stop operation orders depending on the combination of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation (for example, left middle right, left and right middle, middle left and right, middle right and left, A total of 6 types, middle left and right, left middle) The above-mentioned “re-game player 1-3” has one of these stop operation sequences as the above-mentioned correct operation sequence, and “re-game player 1-3” corresponds to each of a plurality of stop operation sequences. There are multiple types. It should be noted that the internal winning probabilities of these multiple types of “re-game player 1-3” are equal. Further, the internal winning probability shown in FIG. 8 is the sum of the internal winning probabilities of these multiple types of “re-gamer 1-3”. This “re-game player 1-3” may also be referred to as “push order replay” in the same manner as “re-game player 1-2”.

  In FIG. 7, when the symbol combination corresponding to the replaying role 3 is displayed in the replaying high probability state (RT2) (when the replaying role 3 is won), the replaying low probability state (RT1) It has been shown to migrate to. Also, the figure shows that when the special combination is won internally, the state shifts to a special combination internal winning state (RT3) described later. Furthermore, when the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination is displayed (when the special combination is won), it is shown that the state shifts to a special gaming state (RT4) described later.

<Special role internal winning state (RT3)>
The special combination internal winning state (RT3) is a state in which the special combination internal winning flag is set to ON, and the player can display a symbol combination corresponding to the special combination by performing a stop operation at a predetermined timing. It is a possible gaming state. In the special combination internal winning state, a winning combination to be internally won is drawn by referring to the lottery table in the column “RT3” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG. The winning combination that is won internally in the special combination internal winning state includes a re-playing combination 1, a small combination 1, a small combination 2, and a small combination 3a. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed.

  Further, FIG. 7 shows that when a symbol combination corresponding to the special combination is displayed in the special combination internal winning state (RT3), the state shifts to a special gaming state (RT4) described later.

<Special gaming state (RT4)>
The special game state (RT4) is a game state that is most advantageous to the player among all the game states. In the special game state, the winning combination to be won internally is drawn by referring to the lottery table in the column “RT4” on the horizontal axis shown in FIG. The winning combination that is won internally in the special gaming state is a small combination 3b. If the winning combination is not won, the game is lost, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed.

  Here, when the “small role 3b” is won internally, the “bell symbol” is displayed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of number 5 shown in FIG. 2) regardless of the stop operation order (see FIG. 8). See remarks column). As a result, the symbol combination corresponding to the small role 3 is arranged on the three winning lines of the middle stage winning line L1, the lower rightward winning line L2, and the upper right winning line L3 shown in FIG. 2, so that 12 medals are paid out. The

  FIG. 7 shows that, in the special game state (RT4), when the specified number is paid out, the re-game low probability state (RT1) is entered. Specifically, when the payout of 360 or more medals is completed, the state shifts to the re-gaming low probability state (RT1).

  In this embodiment, the special game state ends when a specified number of payouts are executed. For example, the special game state ends when a predetermined combination (for example, a single bonus) is won, or a predetermined number of times ( For example, the game may be ended when there are 8 winnings or when a predetermined number of games (for example, 6 times) are played.

<AT gaming state>
The main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment controls four gaming states (RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4). On the other hand, in the first sub-control unit 400, when the gaming state is either the re-gaming low probability state (RT1) or the re-gaming high probability state (RT2), a stop operation for notifying information on the winning combination internally Production may start. Hereinafter, the state where the stop operation effect is executed is referred to as an AT (assist time) gaming state. Here, the details of this AT gaming state will be described.

  In the AT gaming state, when the winning combination is won internally, an effect of notifying the operation timing or the pressing order of the stop operation means is executed so as to bring a result advantageous to the player. Specifically, when “Re-Gamer 1-2” is won internally, the push order for winning the Re-Gamer 2 is notified, and when “Re-Gamer 1-3” is internally won The re-playing player 1 is notified of the push order for winning. Further, when the “small role 3a” is won internally, the pressing order for displaying the “bell symbol” on the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of the number 5 shown in FIG. 2) is notified. These internal winning combinations may be referred to as AT combinations.

  “Re-game combination 1-2” is a combination that is won internally in the low-replay probability state (RT1). When this winning combination is won internally, the winning combination is either the replaying role 1 (normal replay) or the replaying role 2 (promotional replay). Although these roles are common in that replays are given, they differ in that the replaying role 2 is a role that shifts to the replay high probability ready state (RT2), which is a more advantageous gaming state for the player. . In other words, it is more advantageous for the player to win the re-game player 2 than to win the re-game player 1. For this reason, in the AT gaming state, when “re-gamer 1-2” is internally won, an effect of informing the stop operation order for aligning symbols corresponding to re-gamer 2 is executed.

  The “regame combination 1-3” is a combination that is won internally in the replay high probability ready state (RT2). When this winning combination is won internally, the winning combination is either the replaying role 1 (normal replay) or the replaying role 3 (falling replay). Although these combinations are common in that replays are given, the replay combination 3 shifts to the replay low probability state (RT1), which is a disadvantageous game state for the player, whereas the replay combination 1 However, the replay high probability state (RT2), which is a game state advantageous to the player, is maintained. That is, it is more advantageous for the player to win the re-game 1 than to win the re-game 3. For this reason, in the AT gaming state, when “re-gamer 1-3” is internally won, an effect of informing the stop operation order for aligning symbols corresponding to re-gamer 1 is executed.

  “Small 3a” is an internal winning combination in the gaming state except the special gaming state (RT4). When an internal winning is made for this role, the “bell design” is displayed on either the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of number 5 shown in FIG. 2) or the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (see the position of number 4 shown in FIG. 2). Is done. As described above, when the “bell symbol” is displayed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111, 12 medals are paid out, and when the “bell symbol” is displayed in the lower stage of the middle reel 111, four medals are paid out. . That is, it is more advantageous for the player to display the “bell symbol” on the upper stage of the middle reel 111 than on the lower stage of the middle reel 111. For this reason, in the AT gaming state, when “small role 3a” is internally won, an effect of informing the stop operation sequence for displaying “bell symbol” on the middle stage of the middle reel 111 is executed.

  In the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the AT flag provided in the RAM 408 of the first sub-control unit 400 is set to ON, an effect of entering the AT gaming state is executed in the first sub-control unit main process. The This AT flag is set to ON according to the AT number provided in the RAM 408 (sometimes referred to as the remaining AT number). Here, the number of ATs indicates the number of times that the AT flag set to OFF is switched on. In this embodiment, if the gaming state is one of the re-gaming low probability state (RT1) and the re-gaming high probability state (RT2), and the AT flag is off, the AT count is 1 or more. The AT flag is set to ON by subtracting 1 from the number of ATs. If the AT count is 0, the AT flag remains off. The number of ATs is stored in the RAM 408 of the first sub control unit 400 and is added according to a predetermined condition. In the present embodiment, when a small combination 2 is won internally, 1 may be added to the number of ATs by lottery. The AT flag set to ON is set to OFF when the gaming state shifts from the special gaming state (RT4) to the re-gaming low probability state (RT1).

  Note that the AT gaming state may be started and ended according to a predetermined condition (for example, when a specific gaming state is entered) regardless of the number of ATs. Further, a lottery for determining whether to add the number of ATs according to a predetermined condition may be executed. In a state where the AT game is being executed, the player can easily obtain medals. Depending on the length of this period or the like, there may be a situation that is more advantageous to the player than the special gaming state (RT4) described above.

<Outline of stepping motor>
Here, an outline of the stepping motor responsible for the rotational drive of the reel in the gaming machine of the present embodiment and the control (normal rotation) of the reels 110 to 112 in a normal game will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of a stepping motor.

  FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing the structure around the rotation axis of the stepping motor. This stepping motor is a so-called PM-type stepping motor, and includes a rotor R around which a plurality of magnets are arranged and a stator S in which four electromagnets having a so-called two-phase winding configuration are arranged in order. (See the enlarged view of FIG. 9A). In this embodiment, a PM type stepping motor is used, but another type of motor such as a so-called HB type stepping motor may be used.

  The magnets arranged on the rotor R are arranged so that N poles and S poles are alternately arranged at equal intervals, and the total number is 252. The four systems of electromagnets, electromagnet A1, electromagnet B1, electromagnet A2, and electromagnet B2, arranged on stator S, are arranged at equal intervals so as to face the magnet arranged on rotor R. The number of electromagnets in one system is 63, and 252 electromagnets are arranged in the entire stator S.

  This stepping motor applies force to the magnets arranged around the rotor R by controlling the four systems of electromagnets arranged on the stator S, and rotates the rotor R. FIG. 9B shows an example of control pulses used when controlling four systems of electromagnets. This pulse is an excitation type pulse called 1-2 phase excitation. In this method, the excitation pattern of the stator S is 8 patterns. In FIG. 9C, these eight excitation patterns are shown by signals for four electromagnets. This pattern is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

  When the reels 110 to 112 are rotated in the forward direction, control is performed to sequentially switch the pattern shown in FIG. 9C from top to bottom, such as pattern 1, pattern 2, pattern 3,. . Note that the control after the pattern 8 is switched to the pattern 1. Further, when the reels 110 to 112 are rotated in the reverse direction, the pattern shown in FIG. 9C is switched in order from the bottom to the top, contrary to the case where the reels 110 to 112 are rotated in the forward direction. Note that the control after the pattern 1 is switched to the pattern 8. Furthermore, when the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, control for maintaining the excitation pattern may be performed. However, in this embodiment, in order to maintain the stopped state with a larger torque, the stopped state of the reels 110 to 112 is maintained by an excitation method called so-called two-phase excitation.

  The stepping motor of the present embodiment can rotate the reels 110 to 112 once by switching the excitation pattern 504 times. That is, the positions of the reels 110 to 112 can be controlled in increments of 0.71 ° (360 ° / 504). When moving one symbol, it is necessary to switch the excitation pattern 24 times (504 times / 21 symbols) in either the forward direction or the reverse direction.

  Hereinafter, a change in the excitation pattern when the reel control is performed will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a table showing an excitation switching pattern corresponding to the reel control state.

  In FIG. 10, the reels 110 to 112 that are in a stopped state (stop control state) by operating the start lever 135 are gradually accelerated (acceleration control state) until reaching a constant speed, and then at a constant speed by an operation of stop operation. Details of excitation patterns (hereinafter referred to as excitation switching patterns) that are switched to perform a series of controls until the reels 110 to 112 that are rotating (constant speed control state / retraction control state) are stopped (brake control state). It is shown. In the present embodiment, this series of control is normally repeated for each of the reels 110 to 112. Note that, for example, the excitation pattern in the stopped state is not necessarily the same excitation pattern for reasons such as adjusting the excitation pattern so that the positions of the symbols applied to the reels 110 to 112 stop on the effective line of the display window 113. . For this reason, in FIG. 10, the excitation pattern that maintains the stopped state among the excitation patterns shown in FIG. 9C is used as a reference (excitation pattern offset value is 0), and excitation is performed in the forward direction therefrom. The excitation switching pattern is represented by the number of times the pattern is switched. FIG. 10 shows this number as the excitation pattern offset value. For example, when the reel is in a stopped state in the state of the excitation pattern 2, an excitation pattern offset value of 0 indicates that the excitation pattern 2 is present, and an excitation pattern offset value of 1 indicates that the excitation pattern offset value is 1. In other words, an excitation pattern offset value of 7 indicates excitation pattern 1. Also, the value shown in the holding time column of the table shown in FIG. 10 is a value obtained by multiplying the interrupt time by 1.504 ms, which is the interrupt time. In this embodiment, the excitation pattern holding time is determined based on the number of interruptions, but it is not necessary to use the number of interruptions as a reference.

  First, in the “stop control state” of the item “state”, an excitation switching pattern for maintaining the stop state of the reels 110 to 112 is shown. According to this excitation switching pattern, the stopped state of the reels 110 to 112 is maintained by maintaining one excitation pattern by the two-phase excitation method, and the current used by the stepping motor at that time is 20%. ing.

  Subsequently, control for starting rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is performed by operating the start lever 135. The item “state” “acceleration control state” indicates an excitation switching pattern for performing control for accelerating the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. For example, from when the initial excitation pattern offset value is 0 to when the excitation pattern offset value is 2, the excitation pattern offset value is 18 ms (12 interruptions) and the excitation pattern offset value is 1. It is shown that the state is maintained for 18 ms (12 interrupts) and the excitation pattern offset value is 2 for 4.5 ms (3 interrupts). According to this excitation switching pattern, the control for accelerating the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is executed by sequentially switching the excitation pattern of the 1-2 phase excitation method and gradually shortening the holding time. It has been shown. It is shown that the current used by the stepping motor in this control is 100%.

  After the rotation speeds of the reels 110 to 112 reach a constant speed, the rotation speeds of the reels 110 to 112 are maintained at a constant speed until a brake control state described later is reached based on the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139. In the item “state”, “constant speed control state / retraction control state”, an excitation switching pattern for keeping the rotation speed of the reels 110 to 112 at a constant speed is shown. Here, it is shown that all excitation patterns are held for 1.5 ms (one interruption). That is, this excitation switching pattern indicates that the 1-2 phase excitation method excitation pattern is sequentially switched at equal intervals in accordance with a desired speed. By this control, the rotation speed of the reels 110 to 112 is kept constant. The current used by the stepping motor in this control is 60%. In the constant speed control state / retraction control state, only a total of eight excitation pattern offset values of 0 to 7 are shown, but this control state is repeated until the reels 110 to 112 are in the brake control state.

  After the rotation speeds of the reels 110 to 112 reach a constant speed, control to stop the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is performed based on the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139. The item “state” “brake control state” indicates an excitation switching pattern for stopping the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. With this excitation switching pattern, one excitation pattern is maintained (75.2 seconds) by the two-phase excitation method, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is braked, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped. In order to shift to the above-described two-phase excitation stop control state after the brake control state, the brake control state 1 is always configured to be two-phase excitation. Further, it is shown that the current used by the stepping motor in this control is 100%.

  In the above-described constant speed control state / retraction control state, it is only necessary to switch each excitation pattern for each interrupt, and it is necessary to adjust the holding time according to the excitation pattern as in other control states. Absent. For this reason, in the present embodiment, a configuration is employed in which the holding time data is not used when in the constant speed control state / retraction control state, and processing for switching each excitation pattern for each interrupt is employed. In other control states, the excitation switching pattern shown in FIG. 10 is realized by using the data of the holding time corresponding to each excitation pattern. However, this configuration is merely an example, and a configuration using retention time data when in the constant speed control state / retraction control state may be employed.

<Details of stop button>
Next, the structure of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows the structure of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, three stop buttons 137 to 139 are provided. However, since the structure is common, the following description will be made without particularly distinguishing them.

  FIG. 11 shows button heads 137a to 139a, button bases 137b to 139b, springs 137c to 139c, a main body case 136a, a stop button substrate 136d, a harness 136c, a substrate case 136d, and a set screw 136e. Has been.

  The button heads 137a to 139a are fitted into end portions of the cylindrical button bases 137b to 139b facing the player. Hereinafter, the button bases 137b to 139b into which the button heads 137a to 139a are fitted are referred to as button units. Further, a player side surface of the button unit is referred to as an operation surface.

  In the main body case 136a, the board case 136d is fitted from the back side (the side opposite to the player side) so that the stop button board 136b is provided inside. The main body case 136a, the stop button substrate 136b, and the substrate case 136d are fixed by a set screw 136e. The stop button substrate 136b is provided with a harness 136c for connection to the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400.

  A hole is formed in the main body case 136a so that the button unit can be inserted, and the button unit is fitted into the hole with the springs 137c to 139c inserted therein. The button unit fitted in the main body case 136a cannot be inserted deeper than a predetermined depth so that the operation surface is at the same position as the surface of the main body case 136a. Further, the springs 137c to 139c provided inside the button unit are contracted between the button unit and the stop button substrate 136b and have a function of pushing the button unit to the player side. Here, the button unit is provided with a barb so that when pushed by the springs 137c to 139c, the button heads 137a to 139a stop in a state of protruding from the main body case 136a. That is, the button unit is in a state in which the button heads 137a to 139a protrude from the main body case 136a in the non-pressed state, and the operation surface is in the same position as the surface of the main body case 136a in the pressed state.

  Stop button sensors 137e to 139e are provided on the stop button substrate 136d. Each stop button unit is provided with a detection piece that is detected by the stop button sensors 137e to 139e in the pressed state. That is, these stop button sensors 137e to 139e are for detecting for each button unit whether the pressed state or the non-pressed state. Note that the detection results of these sensors are transmitted to the main control unit 300. The stop button sensors 137e to 139e correspond to an example of the detection unit of the present invention. The detection of the non-pressed state corresponds to an example of the first detection result, and the detection of the pressed state corresponds to an example of the second detection result.

  The stop button substrate 136d is provided with LEDs 137d to 139d. The LEDs 137d to 139d are controlled to be turned on / off by the main control unit 300.

<Outline of processing>
Hereinafter, processing in the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500 described above will be described with reference to flowcharts.

<Main control unit main processing>
First, a main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input resets by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG. 12 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 306 in advance.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step S101. In this initial setting, setting of a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt prohibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 314, and initial setting Set the value.

  In step S103, a game start process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S105. Details of the game start process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S105, the number of inserted medals is determined and an effective winning line is determined.

  In step S107, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired.

  In step S109, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step S107, and the result of the internal lottery is shown. Preparation for transmitting the internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned on.

  In step S111, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result. The reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

  In step S113, reel rotation start processing is executed to start rotation of all reels 110 to 112. Details of the reel rotation start process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S115, reel rotation stop processing is executed. In this process, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the stop table is referred to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, and the stop table is set. Any one of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of drawn frames. When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S117. Details of the reel rotation stop process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S117, a winning determination process is performed. Here, it is determined that the winning combination is won when a pattern combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114. For example, if “ANY-Cherry-ANY” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the cherry has been won. Details of the winning determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S119, if any winning combination with a payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines (medal payout processing (main)). Details of the medal payout process (main) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S121, game state update processing is performed. In the game state update process, a process for shifting the game state is performed when the start condition or the end condition shown in FIG. In addition, preparation for transmission of a game state update command indicating the current game state is made. Thus, one game is finished. Thereafter, the process proceeds by returning to step S103 and repeating the above-described processing. Details of the game state update process will be described later with reference to FIG.

<Main controller 300 timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step S203, the WDT 314 is periodically changed to the initial value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) so that no WDT interruption occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S205, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. A process is performed in which the error status is stored in the provided signal state storage area and the error status used in FIG. 16 is set based on the stored signal state storage area information. This error status indicates whether or not there is an abnormality in the device and its contents.

  In step S207, various game processes are executed, and processes according to the interrupt status are executed. Details of the various game processes will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S209, lamp update processing is performed. Details of the various game processes will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S211, timer update processing is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step S213, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands that have been prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, basic command, game start command, medal insertion command, start lever reception command, internal winning command, effect command associated with effect lottery processing, and reel associated with the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112. Rotation start command, stop button operation command accompanying acceptance of operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, spinning cylinder stop command accompanying stop processing of reels 110 to 112, winning determination command, medal payout command, reel stop command, gaming state update command , Error occurrence command, error release command, non-press State transition command), bit 0 is composed of command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type). The stop button operation command includes a stop button 1 operation command transmitted when the first stop operation is received, a stop button 2 operation command transmitted when the second stop operation is received, and a third stop operation. There are three stop button 3 operation commands transmitted when accepted.

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step S215, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S221. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219.

  In step S219, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main control unit main process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S221, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. Then, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  Next, the details of the game start process (step S103) in the main control unit main process of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the game start process (step S103) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S1001, an error confirmation process is executed. Details of this error confirmation processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1003, the interrupt control state is set to “no special processing”. The interrupt control state is information used for determination when executing processing according to the situation in the main control unit timer interrupt processing, and is stored in the RAM 308.

  In step S1005, preparation for transmitting a game start command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed. Note that the game start command set here is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 in step S213 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  In step S1007, a process of clearing the bet number of the previous game is executed. By executing this process, the control state of the betting number lamp is switched in the lamp update process executed later, and the player can be made aware that this process has been executed.

  In step S1009, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Details of the medal insertion / start operation acceptance process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the details of the medal insertion / start operation acceptance process (step S1009) in the game start process of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of medal insertion / start operation reception processing (step S1009) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S1101, an error check process is executed. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1103, the interrupt control state is set to “medal is being inserted”, and the process proceeds to step S1105.

  In step S1105, it is determined whether the re-game operation flag is set to ON. If this flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S1121, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1107. This flag is set to ON in a winning determination process described later (step S1521 in FIG. 19).

  In step S1107, the medal blocker state is set to the passing state, and the flow proceeds to step S1109. This medal blocker is for restricting the insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 141, and is provided inside the medal insertion slot 141. More specifically, when this medal blocker is set to the passing state, the medal can be inserted from the medal insertion slot 141, and when it is set to the return state, it is inserted to the medal insertion slot 141. The medals are discharged (returned) from the medal payout exit 155. That is, it can be said that the process of setting the medal blocker state to the passing state is a process that allows the player to recognize through the player's medal insertion operation.

  In step S1109, the number of medals inserted is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S1111. The number of medals inserted is added in a medal insertion process described later (step S2107 in FIG. 23).

  In step S1111, it is determined whether the value of the number of inputs acquired in step S1109 is zero. When this value is 0, it progresses to step S1113, and when that is not right, it progresses to step S1123.

  In step S1113, error check processing (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 16) is executed, and the flow proceeds to step S1115.

  In step S1115, it is determined whether the start lever 135 has been operated. If the start lever 135 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S1117, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1109.

  In step S1117, it is determined whether or not the value of the betting number has become a specified number. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1119; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1109. In the present embodiment, step S1117 is configured to be executed after step S1115. However, the determination process illustrated in step S1115 may be performed after the determination process illustrated in step S1117.

  In step S1119, the state of the medal blocker is set to the return state, and this medal insertion / start operation accepting process ends. If the medal blocker is already in the return state, the state is maintained.

  In step S1105, when the re-game operation flag is ON, in step S1121, the value of the bet number of the previous game is set as the value of the bet number, and the process proceeds to step S1115.

  In step S1113 which proceeds when the value of the number of inputs is not 0 in step S1111, the value of the number of inputs is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S1125.

  In step S1125, the value of the betting number and the value of the storage number are updated, and the process proceeds to step S1127. In the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, 1 is added to the bet number until the bet number becomes 3, and 1 is added to the value of the reserved number when the bet number is 3. In addition, 50 is the upper limit value of the number of storages, and is configured not to exceed this value in a medal insertion process (FIG. 23) described later.

  In step S1127, preparation for transmitting a medal insertion command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S1109. The medal insertion command set here is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step S213 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  Next, referring to FIG. 16, an error check process in each process of the game start process in FIG. 14, the medal insertion / start operation acceptance process in FIG. 15, and the medal payout process (main) in FIG. Details of step S1001, step S1101, step S1113 in FIG. 15, and step S1601 in FIG. 20 will be described. FIG. 14 shows an error check process in each of the game start process of FIG. 14, the medal insertion / start operation reception process of FIG. 15, and the medal payout process (main) of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of step S1101, step S1113 of FIG. 20, step S1601 of FIG.

  First, in the first step S1201, the error status is obtained and the process proceeds to step S1203.

  In step S1203, it is determined whether an error has been detected. If an error is detected, the process proceeds to step S1205. If no error is detected, the error confirmation process is terminated.

  In step S1205, the interrupt control state is set to “no special processing”, and the process proceeds to step S1207.

  In step S1207, preparation for transmitting the error occurrence command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S1209. The error occurrence command set here is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step S213 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  In step S1209, a display error code is set according to the content of the error, and the process proceeds to step S1211. When this process is executed, the lighting state of the game information lamp 126 changes, so that the player can recognize that it has been executed.

  In step S1211, it is determined whether an error cancel operation has been performed. Unless an error canceling operation is performed, step S1211 is repeatedly executed. When an error canceling operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S1213.

  In step S1213, the display error code set in step S1209 is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S1215.

  In step S1215, preparation for transmitting an error cancellation command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S1217. The error cancel command set here is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step S213 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  In step S1217, the error status acquired in step S1201 is cleared, and this error confirmation process is terminated.

  Next, details of the reel rotation start process (step S113) in the main control unit main process of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel rotation start process (step S113) shown in FIG.

  First, in first step S1301, it is determined whether or not the value of the game interval timer is zero. If the value of the game interval timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S1303. If not, step S1301 is executed again. Note that the game interval timer is a timer provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 in order to adjust the interval between games, and is counted down by the timer update process described above (step S209 in FIG. 13). In this embodiment, the value is initialized immediately before the reel rotation is started so that the value of the game interval timer becomes 0 when 4.1 seconds have elapsed from the previous reel rotation start (FIG. 17). Step S1303). This guarantees the minimum required time between games and suppresses gambling.

  In step S1303, the above-described game interval timer value is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S1305.

  In step S1305, the interrupt control state is set to “reel control in progress”, and the process proceeds to step S1307.

  In step S1307, the reel control state is set to the “acceleration control state”, and the reel rotation start process ends. Here, the reel control state is information indicating the control state of each reel, and is stored in the RAM 308. With reference to this information, the control relating to the rotation of the reel is executed. Further, at the same time when the reel control state is set (switched) in this way, processing for transmitting information indicating the excitation method and the ratio of the current used corresponding to the set reel control state to the drive circuit 322. Is also executed. As described above, in the present embodiment, the drive circuit 322 is configured to instruct the drive circuit 322 information indicating the excitation method and the ratio of the current used at the same time that the reel control state is set. First, in addition to an instruction to update an excitation pattern offset value, which will be described later, a process of transmitting information indicating the excitation method corresponding to the reel control state stored in the RAM 308 and the ratio of the used current to the drive circuit 322 is executed. It may be configured.

  Next, details of the reel stop control process (step S115) in the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel stop control process (step S115) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S1401, it is determined whether or not the reel control state of all the reels 110 to 112 is set to the “constant speed control state”. While the reel control states of all the reels 110 to 112 are not set to the “constant speed control state”, this step S1401 is repeatedly executed, and the reel control states of all the reels 110 to 112 are set to the “constant speed control state”. Then, the process proceeds to step S1403.

  In step S1403, it is determined whether or not the index sensors of all the reels 110 to 112 have been detected. This step S1403 is repeatedly executed while the index sensors of all the reels 110 to 112 are not detected, and when the index sensors of all the reels 110 to 112 are detected, the process proceeds to step S1405.

  In step S1405, all reels are set as “stoppable reels”, and the process advances to step S1407. Here, the “stoppable reel” is information indicating a reel that has been in a constant speed control state and has not been subjected to stop control since the constant speed control state has been set. The reel is configured to be able to execute stop control to be described later (step S2401 in FIG. 26).

  In step S1407, it is determined whether the reel control state of all the reels 110 to 112 is set to the “stop control state”. If the reel control state of all the reels 110 to 112 is set to “stop control state”, the process proceeds to step S1409, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1411.

  In step S1409, the interrupt control state is set to “no special process”, and the reel stop control process is terminated.

  In step S1407, which is performed when the reel control state of all the reels 110 to 112 is not set to the “stop control state”, it is determined whether or not the stop control execution flag is set to ON. If this flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S1413. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1407. Note that this stop control execution flag is set to ON in a stop button reception process described later (step S2411 in FIG. 26).

  In step S1413, the stop button operation invalid flag is set on, and the process proceeds to step S1415. Note that while the stop button operation invalid flag is set to ON, the operation of the stop button for the reel set as the stoppable reel is invalid.

  In step S1415, reel stop data (stop table data) that can be the next stop operation target is set, and the flow advances to step S1417.

  In step S1417, the stop button operation invalid flag is set to OFF, and the flow proceeds to step S1419. In the present embodiment, the flag is set to OFF when the next stop data is set. However, until the reel to be stopped is stopped (more specifically, The flag may be set to ON until the maximum time (for example, 190 ms) elapses until the brake control state is switched or the stop control state is switched.

  In step S1419, the stop control execution flag is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S1407.

  Next, details of the winning determination process (step S117) in the main process of the main control unit in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the winning determination process (step S117) shown in FIG.

  First, in first step S1501, it is determined whether or not all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in a non-pressed state. This step S1501 is repeatedly executed while all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not pressed, and the process proceeds to step S1503 when all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed.

  In step S1503, preparation for transmitting the non-pressed state transition command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S1505. Note that the non-pressed state transition command set here is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 in step S213 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  In step S1505, the interrupt control state is set to “no special processing”, and the process advances to step S1507.

  In step S1507, a winning determination is performed based on whether or not the symbol combination shown in FIG. 6 is in the stop mode aligned with the winning line shown in FIG. 2, and the process proceeds to step S1509.

  In step S1509, a winning determination result is set according to the determination result in step S1507.

  In step S1511, preparation for transmitting the winning determination command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed, and the process proceeds to step S1513. Note that the winning determination command set here is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step S213 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  In step S1513, based on the winning determination result set in step S1509, it is determined whether or not a re-game player has been won. If it has won the re-gamer, the process proceeds to step S1519. If it has not won the re-gamer, the process proceeds to step S1515.

  In step S1515, it is determined whether or not the re-game operation flag is set to ON. If this flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S1517, and if not, the winning determination process is terminated.

  In step S1517, the re-game operation flag is set to OFF, and the winning determination process ends.

  In step S1519, it is determined whether or not the re-game operation flag is set to ON. If this flag is set to ON, the winning determination process is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1521.

  In step S1521, the re-game operation flag is set to ON, and this winning determination process ends.

  Next, details of the medal payout process (main) (step S119) in the main process of the main control unit in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the medal payout process (main) (step S119) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S1601, an error confirmation process is executed. The details of this error confirmation processing are as described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1603, the number of payout requests is set based on the winning determination result (set in step S1509 in FIG. 19), and the process proceeds to step S1605.

  In step S1605, the interrupt control state is set to “medal paying out”, and the process proceeds to step S1607.

  In step S1607, it is determined whether or not the number of payout requests is zero. If the number of payout requests is 0, the process proceeds to step S1609. If the number of payout requests is not 0, step S1607 is executed again. The number of payout requests is subtracted until it becomes 0 in a medal payout process (interrupt) described later (FIG. 24).

  In step S1609, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a special gaming state. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1611. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1613.

  In step S1611, the value of the number of payouts is added to the value of the number of acquired medals, and the process proceeds to step S1613. The number of payouts is a value used to indicate the number of medals actually paid out according to the number of payout requests.

  In step S1613, the number of payouts is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S1615.

  In step S1615, the interrupt control state is set to “no special process”, and the medal payout process (main) is terminated.

  Next, the details of the game state update process (step S121) in the main process of the main control unit in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the game state update process (step S121) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S1701, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a special gaming state. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1703; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1711.

  In step S1703, it is determined whether the number of acquired medals exceeds a specified value. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S1705; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1709.

  In step S1705, the value of the number of acquired medals is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S1707.

  In step S1707, a replay low probability state (RT1) is set, and the process proceeds to step S1709.

  In step S1709, preparation for transmitting a gaming state update command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed, and this gaming state update process is terminated. Note that the gaming state update command set here is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step S213 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  In step S1711, which proceeds when the gaming state is not the special gaming state in step S1701, whether or not the gaming state transition condition shown in FIG. 7 is satisfied is determined based on the winning determination result (set in step S1509 in FIG. 19) and the internal state. Judgment is based on the winning results. When the game state transition condition shown in FIG. 7 is satisfied, a new game state is set (update of RT) according to the transition condition. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1709.

  Next, details of various game processes (step S207) in the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of various game processes (step S207) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S2001, the interrupt control state information stored in the RAM 308 is referred to. If this information is “medal is being inserted”, the process proceeds to step S2003. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2005.

  In step S2003, a medal insertion process is executed, and various game processes are terminated. Details of the medal insertion process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S2005, the interrupt control state information stored in the RAM 308 is referred to. If this information is “medal paying out”, the process proceeds to step S2007, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2009.

  In step S2007, a medal payout process (interrupt) is executed, and various game processes are terminated. Details of the medal payout process (interrupt) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S2009, the interrupt control state information stored in the RAM 308 is referred to. If this information is “reel control in progress”, the process proceeds to step S2011. If not, the various game processes are terminated.

  In step S2011, a reel control process is executed, and various game processes are terminated. Details of the reel control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the details of the medal insertion process (step S2003) in the various game processes of FIG. 22 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the medal insertion process (step S2003) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S2101, it is determined whether or not the value of “number of medals inserted + number of stored-number of bets” is 50. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2103, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2105.

  In step S2103, the medal blocker state is set to the return state, and this medal insertion process is terminated.

  In step S2105, it is determined whether or not there is a medal insertion (operation of a medal insertion slot 141 or a bet button). If there is a medal inserted, the process proceeds to step S2107. If not, the medal inserting process is terminated.

  In step S2107, the number of inputs is added. When the insertion of a medal from the medal insertion slot 141 is detected, 1 is added to the value of the number of insertions. Further, when the operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is detected, the insertion number is added according to the operated bet button, and the same value as the value added at this time is subtracted from the storage number. Note that the number of medals to bet (the value of “3-betting number” in the present embodiment) is set as the upper limit value of the number of insertions. For example, when three medals have already been bet, a bet button The number of inputs will not be added according to. In addition, the value of the number of storages is also set as the upper limit value of the number of insertions. For example, when the bet button 132 (MAX bet button) is operated in a state where the number of storages is 2, two instead of three medals Medals will be inserted. When the addition number adding process is completed, the medal insertion process is completed.

  Next, details of the medal payout process (interrupt) (step S2007) in the various game processes of FIG. 22 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the medal payout process (interrupt) (step S2007) shown in FIG.

  First, in first step S2201, it is determined whether or not the value of the number of payout requests is zero. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2217; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2203.

  In step S2203, it is determined whether or not the value of the storage number is 50. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2205; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2209.

  In step S2205, the driving state of the medal payout device 180 (hopper) is set, and the process proceeds to step S2207. With this process, the medal payout from the medal payout device 180 (hopper) is started.

  In step S2207, it is determined whether or not a medal payout has been detected based on a detection result of a sensor provided in the medal payout device 180 (hopper). If a medal payout is detected, the process proceeds to step S2211, and if not, the medal payout process (interrupt) is terminated.

  In step S2209 which proceeds when the value of the storage number is not 50 in step S2203, 1 is added to the value of the storage number, and the process proceeds to step S2211.

  In step S2211, 1 is subtracted from the value of the number of payout requests, and the process proceeds to step S2213.

  In step S2213, 1 is added to the value of the number of payouts, and the process proceeds to step S2215.

  In step S2215, preparation for transmitting a medal payout command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed, and this medal payout process (interrupt) is terminated. The medal payout command set here is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step S213 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  In step S2217, which proceeds when the value of the number of payout requests is 0 in step S2201, the driving state of the medal payout device 180 (hopper) is canceled, and this medal payout process (interrupt) is ended. With this processing, the medal payout from the medal payout device 180 (hopper) is stopped.

  Next, details of the reel control process (step S2011) in the various game processes of FIG. 22 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel control process (step S2011) shown in FIG.

  First, in first step S2301, it is determined whether or not the stop button operation invalid flag is set to OFF. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2303; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2305.

  In step S2303, stop button reception processing is executed, and the flow advances to step S2305. Details of the stop button reception process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S2305, the processes from step S2307 to step S2313 described below are repeated for the number of reels (for each reel), and the reel control process ends.

  In step S2307, it is determined whether the excitation switching flag is set to ON. If this excitation switching flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S2309, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2313.

  In step S2309, the excitation pattern offset value is updated, and the process proceeds to step S2311. More specifically, an instruction to update the excitation pattern offset value of the drive circuit 322 is given in this processing.

  In step S2311, the excitation switching flag is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S2313.

  In step S2313, each reel control process corresponding to the reel control state is executed. The details of each reel control process according to the reel control state will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, details of the stop button reception process (step S2303) in the reel control process of FIG. 25 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the stop button reception process (step S2303) shown in FIG.

  First, in first step S2401, it is determined whether or not an operation of a stop button corresponding to a stoppable reel has been accepted. If the operation of the stop button corresponding to the stoppable reel is received, the process proceeds to step S2403. On the other hand, when the operation of the stop button corresponding to the stoppable reel is not received, the stop button receiving process is ended. The operation of the stop button here means that the detection result of the stop button sensor is switched from the non-pressed state to the pressed state, that is, an up edge.

  In step S2403, at the timing when the stop button is operated, a process of acquiring the symbol position of the reel to be stopped (reel corresponding to the stop button operated in step S2401) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S2405.

  In step S2405, processing for deriving the number of drawn symbols is executed based on the symbol position acquired in step S2403 and the set stop data (see step S111 in FIG. 12 and step S1415 in FIG. 18). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2407.

  In step S2407, the reel control state to be stopped is set to the pull-in control state, and the process proceeds to step S2409.

  In step S2409, information indicating which reel is a stoppable reel is updated. Specifically, a process is performed to remove the reels that are to be stopped by operating the stop button from the stoppable reels. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2411.

  In step S2411, the stop control execution flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S2413. When this flag is set to ON, a predetermined process in the reel stop control process of FIG. 18 is executed (see step S1411).

  In step S2413, preparation for transmitting a stop button operation command to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed, and the stop button reception process is terminated. The stop button operation command set here is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step S213 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  Next, details of each reel control process (step S2313) corresponding to the reel control state in the reel control process of FIG. 25 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of each reel control process (step S2313) according to the reel control state shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S2501, the reel control state in the RAM 308 is referred to and it is determined whether or not the reel control state is the “acceleration control state”. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2503. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2505.

  In step S2503, an acceleration control process is executed, and each reel control process corresponding to the reel control state ends. Details of the acceleration control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S2505, which proceeds when the reel control state is not the "acceleration control state" in step S2501, it is determined whether or not the reel control state is the "constant speed control state". If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2507; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2509.

  In step S2507, a constant speed control process is executed, and each reel control process corresponding to the reel control state ends. Details of this constant speed control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S2505, which is performed when the reel control state is not the "constant speed control state" in step S2505, it is determined whether or not the reel control state is the "retraction control state". If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2511; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2513.

  In step S2511, a pull-in control process is executed, and each reel control process corresponding to this reel control state ends. Details of the pull-in control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S2509, which proceeds when the reel control state is not the “retraction control state”, it is determined whether or not the reel control state is the “brake control state”. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2515. Otherwise, each reel control process corresponding to this reel control state is terminated.

  In step S2515, a brake control process is executed, and each reel control process corresponding to this reel control state ends. Details of the brake control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the details of the acceleration control process (step S2503) in each reel control process according to the reel control state of FIG. 27 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the acceleration control process (step S2503) shown in FIG.

  First, in first step S2601, it is determined whether or not an acceleration start request has been made. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is the first interruption in which the acceleration control state is set by referring to a flag set at the time of shifting to the acceleration control state, a value of an excitation switching counter described later, or the like. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2617; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2603.

  In step S2603, the value of the excitation maintaining counter is updated (counted down), and the process proceeds to step S2605. Here, the excitation maintaining counter is a counter used for counting the number of interruptions for maintaining the excitation pattern. The value shown in the holding time column of the table shown in FIG. 10 is a value obtained by multiplying the interrupt time by 1.504 ms and multiplying it by the number of interrupts. In this embodiment, the number of interruptions is set in the excitation maintenance counter, and the same excitation pattern is maintained until the required number of interruptions is satisfied, so that the same excitation pattern is maintained over the holding time shown in FIG. It is configured. The value of the excitation maintaining counter is set in step S2623 described later when an acceleration start request is made and every time the excitation pattern is switched.

  In step S2605, it is determined whether or not the value of the excitation maintenance counter is zero. If this value is 0, the process proceeds to step S2607; otherwise, the acceleration control process is terminated.

  In step S2607, the excitation switching flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S2609. In addition, when this excitation switching flag is set to ON, the excitation pattern offset value shown in FIG. 10 is updated (step S2309 in FIG. 25).

  In step S2609, the value of the excitation switching counter is updated (counted down), and the process proceeds to step S2611. Here, the excitation switching counter is a counter used for counting the number of times of switching the excitation pattern offset value shown in FIG. For example, in the acceleration control state, the reel is accelerated by sequentially updating the excitation pattern offset value 32 times (see FIG. 10). This number of updates is set as an initial value of the excitation switching counter in step S2621 described later.

  In step S2611, the value of the symbol interval counter is updated (counted down), and the process proceeds to step S2613. Here, the symbol interval counter is information indicating how much the symbol is deviated from the position completely matching each position shown in FIG. For example, when a certain symbol is drawn into the middle stage of the reel where the stop operation is performed (for example, the position of the number 2 shown in FIG. 2 in the case of the left reel 110), this symbol at the time when the stop operation is performed It is assumed that the position is a position away from the upstream side by 1/3 symbols (for example, a position shifted further by 1/3 symbols upward from the position of number 1 shown in FIG. 2 in the case of the left reel 110). In this case, the number of drawn symbols is 1, and a value indicating a shift of 1/3 symbols is stored in the symbol interval counter. The initial value of the symbol interval counter is set in step S2621 described later.

  In step S2613, it is determined whether the value of the symbol interval counter is zero. When this value is 0, it progresses to step S2615, and when that is not right, it progresses to step S2617.

  In step S2615, the symbol position is updated. More specifically, information indicating the symbol displayed in the middle stage of the reel (the symbol position number in the left column of the table shown in FIG. 5) is updated. In addition, the value of the symbol interval counter is initialized.

  In step S2617, it is determined whether or not the value of the excitation switching counter is zero. When this value is 0, it progresses to step S2619, and when that is not right, it progresses to step S2623.

  In step S2613, the reel control state is set to the “constant speed control state”, and this acceleration control process ends.

  In step S2621, which proceeds when it is determined in step S2601 that there is an acceleration start request, the value of the excitation switching counter is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S2623. As described above, in this embodiment, the reel is accelerated by sequentially updating the excitation pattern offset value 32 times (see FIG. 13), and this switching number (32 times) is the initial value of the excitation switching counter. Set as Here, the value of the symbol interval counter described above is also initialized.

  In step S2623, the value of the next excitation maintenance counter is set. Specifically, the value of the number of interruptions corresponding to the holding time of each excitation pattern offset value shown in FIG. 10 is set, such as 12 for the first time, 12 for the second time, and 3 for the third time. . For example, when the value of the excitation maintaining counter is 12, this corresponds to a holding time of 18.0 ms (one interruption: 1.504 ms × 12 times). With the value set here, the holding time corresponding to each excitation pattern offset value in the acceleration control state of FIG. 10 is secured. After this process, this acceleration control process is terminated.

  Next, details of the constant speed control process (step S2507) in each reel control process corresponding to the reel control state of FIG. 27 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the constant speed control process (step S2507) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S2701, the value of the symbol interval counter is updated (counted down), and the process proceeds to step S2703.

  In step S2703, it is determined whether or not the value of the symbol interval counter is zero. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2705; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2709.

  In step S2705, the symbol interval counter is initialized, and the process advances to step S2707.

  In step S2707, the symbol position is updated, and the process advances to step S2709.

  In step S2709, the excitation switching flag is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step S2711.

  In step S2711, it is determined whether a signal (L level signal) from the index sensor is detected among the various sensors 318. If this signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S2713. If not, the constant speed control process is terminated.

  In step S2713, the symbol position and symbol interval counters are initialized. By step S2711 and step S2713, the symbol position and symbol interval counters are initialized every time the reel reaches the reference position. With this configuration, the error between the symbol position generated by the step-out and the like and the reel state derived by the symbol interval counter and the actual reel state is cleared. When step S2713 ends, the constant speed control process ends.

  Here, a supplementary explanation will be given for the symbol position and symbol interval counter described above. First, the symbol position is information indicating in which position on the reel the symbol displayed on the display window 113 is a symbol. The symbol interval counter is information indicating how much the symbols are deviated from the positions shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the position of the symbol and the deviation of the symbol are measured as follows.

  In the present embodiment, the reel can be moved by switching the excitation pattern. More specifically, in order to move the reel by one symbol, it is necessary to switch the excitation pattern 24 times. Here, the number of switching of the excitation pattern is related to the shift of the design. For example, when the excitation pattern is switched 12 times, the excitation pattern is switched by half the number of times of switching corresponding to one symbol, and the deviation is 1/2 (= 12 times / 24 times). Become. In this embodiment, first, the number of excitation pattern switching required for movement for one symbol is set as the initial value of the symbol interval counter (step S2621 in FIG. 28), and the number of times the excitation pattern is switched from this value. Is subtracted (step S2611 in FIG. 28, step S2701 in FIG. 29). Then, when the value of the symbol interval counter becomes 0, the symbol position information is updated assuming that the movement of one symbol is completed, and the value of the symbol interval counter is initialized again (FIG. 28). Step S2613, Step S2615, Step S2703 to Step S2707 in FIG. 29). By using the symbol position and symbol interval counter, the current state of the reels 110 to 112 can be grasped.

  In the constant speed control state, the excitation pattern is switched once for one interrupt. For this reason, the structure which grasps | ascertains the state of a reel only using a symbol space | interval counter, without using the data of the holding time corresponding to each excitation pattern offset value is employ | adopted. However, for example, when the excitation pattern is switched once by a plurality of interruptions, it may be impossible to grasp the reel state using only the symbol interval counter. In such a configuration, for example, a counter indicating the number of interruptions and a counter indicating the number of switching of excitation patterns may be separately provided.

  Next, details of the pull-in control process (step S2511) in each reel control process according to the reel control state of FIG. 27 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the pull-in control process (step S2511) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S2801, the pull-in counter is updated (counted down), and the process proceeds to step S2803. Note that the value of the pull-in counter is set in the stop button reception process (step S2405 in FIG. 26).

  In step S2803, it is determined whether or not the value of the pull-in counter is zero. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2805; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2809.

  In step S2805, the value of the brake counter is set, and the process proceeds to step S2807. This brake counter is a counter that is used to maintain a brake control state in which processing to stop the reels 110 to 112 is performed (the brake control processing is executed at every interruption) (see FIG. 31). In this embodiment, the brake control state is maintained until 50 interruptions are made (see the holding time in FIG. 10). Therefore, this value (50) is set as the value of the brake counter.

  In step S2807, the reel control state is set to the brake control state, and the pull-in control process ends.

  In step S2803, the constant speed control process is executed in step S2809 which is executed when the value of the pull-in counter is not 0 in step S2803. In step S2809, the same processing as the constant speed control processing described in FIG. 29 is executed. Therefore, the description of this constant speed control process is omitted here. When the constant speed control process ends, the pull-in control process ends.

  Here, the operation of the retraction will be described taking the case where the number of retraction symbols is 1 as an example. For example, when a certain symbol is drawn into the middle stage of the reel where the stop operation is performed (for example, the position of the number 2 shown in FIG. 2 in the case of the left reel 110), The position of the symbol is at a position away from the upstream side by 1 and 1/3 symbols (for example, the left reel 110 is further shifted from the position of number 1 shown in FIG. 2 by 1/3 symbols upward). And In this case, the number of drawn symbols is 1, and a value indicating a shift of 1/3 symbols is stored in the symbol interval counter. By the stop operation here, the value of the number of interrupts necessary for moving the 1 + 1/3 symbols at a constant speed is set in the pull-in counter. In the pull-in control process, the constant speed control process described with reference to FIG. 29 is executed until the pull-in counter becomes 0, and the excitation pattern switching is performed as many times as the number of interruptions. Thereby, the shift | offset | difference for 1 + 1/3 symbols is adjusted by constant speed rotation. After this adjustment, the target reel is set to the brake control state, and a brake control process described later is executed.

  Next, details of the brake control process (step S2515) in each reel control process according to the reel control state of FIG. 27 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the brake control process (step S2515) shown in FIG.

  In the first step S2901, the brake counter is updated (counted down), and the process proceeds to step S2903. Note that the value of the brake counter is set in the pull-in control process (step S2805 in FIG. 30).

  In step S2903, it is determined whether or not the value of the brake counter is zero. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2905; otherwise, the brake control process is terminated.

  In step S2905, the reel control state is set to the stop control state, and this brake control process is terminated.

  Next, details of the lamp update process (step S211) in the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG. 13 will be described using FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the lamp update process (step S211) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S2A01, the state of each lamp is set to the off state, and the process proceeds to step S2A03.

  In step S2A03, it is determined whether or not the re-game operation flag is set to ON. If this flag is on, the process proceeds to step S2A05, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2A07. The restart operation flag is a flag that is set to ON in the winning determination process (step S1521 in FIG. 19).

  In step S2A05, the lighting state of the replay lamp 122 is set to the lighting state, and the process proceeds to step S2A07.

  In step S2A07, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a special combination internal winning state. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2A09, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2A11.

  In step S2A09, the lighting mode of the special combination internal winning lamp 123 is set to the lighting state, and the process proceeds to step S2A11.

  In step S2A11, it is determined whether or not the interrupt control state is “medal being inserted”. If the interrupt control state is “medal is being inserted”, the process proceeds to step S2A13; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2A15.

  In step S2A13, a medal insertion lamp update process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S2A15. Details of the medal insertion lamp update process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S2A15, it is determined whether or not the interrupt control state is “medal paying out”. If the interrupt control state is “medal paying out”, the process proceeds to step S2A17; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2A19.

  In step S2A17, the lighting state of the payout number lamp 127 is set to a lighting state indicating the value of the payout number, and the process proceeds to step S2A19.

  In step S2A19, other lamp update processing is executed, and the lamp update processing is terminated. Details of this other lamp update processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 33, the details of the medal-in-progress lamp update process (step S2A13) in the lamp update process of FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the medal insertion lamp update process (step S2A13) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S2B01, it is determined whether or not the medal insertion number is three. If the medal insertion number is 3, the process proceeds to step S2B03, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2B05.

  In step S2B03, the lighting mode of the game start lamp 121 is set to a lighting state, and the process proceeds to step S2B05.

  In step S2B05, it is determined whether or not the re-game operation flag is set to ON. If this flag is on, the medal insertion lamp update process is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2B07. The restart operation flag is a flag that is set to ON in the winning determination process (step S1521 in FIG. 19).

  In step S <b> 2 </ b> B <b> 07, it is determined whether or not the value of “number of medals inserted + number of stored-specified number” is 50. If this condition is satisfied, the medal insertion lamp update process is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2B09.

  In step S2B09, the lighting state of the insertable lamp 124 is set to the lighting state, and this medal-in-progress lamp update process is terminated.

  Next, details of the other lamp update process (step S2A19) in the lamp update process of FIG. 32 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the other lamp update process (step S2A19) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S2C01, the lighting mode of the game information lamp 126 is set to a lighting state indicating a display error code (set in step S1209 in FIG. 16), and the process proceeds to step S2C03.

  In step S2C03, the lighting state of the betting number lamp 129 is set to the lighting state so as to display the betting number, and the process proceeds to step S2C05.

  In step S2C05, the lighting state of the storage number lamp 125 is set to the lighting state so as to display the storage number. Thereafter, the other lamp update processing is terminated.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
Next, processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 35A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 35B is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 35C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step S301 in FIG. 35A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S301. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed. In this process, an area for storing internal winning information that is information representing the result of the internal winning and an area for storing RT update information that is information indicating the gaming state are provided in the RAM 408, respectively.

  In step S303, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, 0 is substituted into the timer variable.

  In step S307, a first sub control unit command process, which is a process corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300, is executed.

  In step S309, effect control processing is performed. Here, the preparation for the production is performed according to the production reservation information in the production reservation area provided in the RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, performing a process such as reading the effect data from the ROM 406 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated. Details of the effect control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S311, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step S309, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

  In step S313, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read out in step S309, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step S315, an information output process is performed for setting to transmit a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read out in step S309, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step S303.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S321 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is performed by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S331, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S303 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. 35A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S303, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step S333, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S315, an effect random number update process, and the like are performed.

  Next, details of the effect control process (step S309) in the first sub-control unit main process of FIG. 35A will be described using FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect control process (step S309) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S3001, it is determined whether an internal winning command has been accepted. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3003. If this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3005.

  In step S3003, an internal winning command reception process is executed. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, this effect control process is terminated.

  In step S3005, it is determined whether a non-pressed state transition command has been accepted. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3007. If this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3009.

  In step S3007, non-pressed state transition command reception processing is executed. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, this effect control process is terminated.

  In step S3009, processing when a command other than the internal winning command and the non-pressed state transition command is received is executed. Thereafter, this effect control process is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 37, details of the internal winning command reception process (step S3003) in the effect control process of FIG. 36 will be described. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the internal winning command reception process (step S3003) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S3101, it is determined whether or not the small combination 1 has been internally won based on the information included in the internal winning command. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3103, and if this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3107.

  In step S3103, an effect pattern for notifying whether or not the special combination has been won internally is set. Specifically, one effect pattern is determined by lottery from a plurality of effect patterns, and processing for setting the determined effect pattern is executed. In addition, you may employ | adopt not only this structure but the structure by which the production pattern to set is predetermined. Further, the present process may be executed even when the special combination is independently won or lost. In the following, an effect executed by this effect pattern is referred to as a special combination determination effect.

  In step S3105, with reference to the effect pattern set in step S3103, effect data to be executed at the timing when the internal winning command is received from the effect data corresponding to the set effect pattern is set. The effect by the effect data set here is executed in the first sub-control unit main process (steps S311 to S315 in FIG. 35). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3115.

  In step S3107, based on the information included in the internal winning command, it is determined whether the small combination 2 has been internally won. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3109. If this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3115.

  In step S3109, a lottery for determining whether or not to grant the right to set the AT gaming state (hereinafter referred to as AT right) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S3111. The period during which the AT gaming state is set is not particularly limited. For example, the period until the set number of games have elapsed, the period until the set number of gaming states are transitioned, and the specific It may be a period until the game state is shifted to. Further, it is not always necessary to grant the AT right by lottery.

  In step S3111, an effect pattern for informing whether or not to grant the AT right is set based on the result of step S3109. Specifically, one effect pattern is determined by lottery from a plurality of effect patterns, and processing for setting the determined effect pattern is executed. In addition, you may employ | adopt not only this structure but the structure by which the production pattern to set is predetermined. Hereinafter, an effect executed by this effect pattern is referred to as an AT right determination effect.

  In step S3113, with reference to the effect pattern set in step S3105, effect data to be executed at the timing when the internal winning command is received from the effect data corresponding to the set effect pattern is set. The effect by the effect data set here is executed in the first sub-control unit main process (steps S311 to S315 in FIG. 35). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3115.

  In step S3115, other internal winning command reception processing is executed, and the internal winning command reception processing is terminated. In this process, in the AT gaming state, when an internal winning combination is made for a role requiring an operation condition (re-playing role 1-2, re-playing role 1-3, small role 3) ( For example, a process of setting effect data for notifying the correct answer pressing order) is executed.

  Next, details of the non-pressed state transition command reception process (step S3007) in the effect control process of FIG. 36 will be described using FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the non-pressed state transition command reception process (step S3007) shown in FIG.

  First, in first step S3201, it is determined whether or not a determination effect (special role determination effect, AT right determination effect) is being executed. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S3203. If this condition is not satisfied, the non-pressed state transition command reception process is terminated.

  In step S3203, effect data to be executed at the timing when the non-pressed state transition command is received is set, and the non-pressed state transition command reception process is terminated. In the present embodiment, at least when the determination effect is executed, the corresponding effect data is set based on the reception of the non-pressed state transition command regardless of whether or not the effect being executed has ended. Although it is configured, if a non-pressed state transition command is received before the running effect is finished, the corresponding effect is executed after waiting for the running effect to end. Also good.

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
Next, the processing of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 39A is a flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 39B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 39C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 39D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub-control unit 500.

  First, in step S401 in FIG. 39A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S401. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In step S403, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S405, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step S407, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command is received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400.

  In step S409, effect control processing is performed. Specifically, if there is a new command in step S407, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading effect data for performing image control relating to the background image and effect data relating to the shutter effect from the ROM 506 is executed. In addition, it includes a process of reading other effect data from the ROM 506 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step S411, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result in step S409. For example, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step S409, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed.

  In step S413, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S409. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S409, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control relating to a display image (notification image, background image) is executed. This image control process will be described later with reference to FIG. When this image control process ends, the process returns to step S403.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In step S421 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is predetermined by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S431, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S403 in the second sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 39A, and the original timer variable storage area is stored. Therefore, in step S403, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step S433, an effect random number update process is performed.

  Next, the image control process in step S413 in the main process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step S441, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 536), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information table and the like, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In step S443, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 534. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S445; otherwise, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it.

  In step S445, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in step S441, the CPU 504 includes information on the image data constituting the display image (the coordinate axis and image size of the VRAM 536). , VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 534. The VDP 534 performs parameter setting in accordance with the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In step S447, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504.

  In step S449, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 is input based on the end of image drawing. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S451. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input.

  In step S451, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Overview of operation>
Hereinafter, after describing the problems to be solved by the present embodiment, characteristic operations of the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described based on the above-described content.

  The stop button of the conventional slot machine is configured such that the next stop operation can be performed when the stop button on which the stop operation has been performed is not pressed. For this reason, for example, if a problem that the stop button remains pressed (sometimes simply referred to as a problem) occurs, the subsequent stop operation becomes impossible. Under such circumstances, since the subsequent stop operation becomes impossible, the player may be able to determine the problem, but depending on the condition of the problem, it may be disadvantageous to the player. Hereinafter, such an example will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram showing an operation example when a failure occurs in the stop button.

  FIG. 40A shows an example in which stop operations are performed in the order of (1) to (4). In addition, the liquid crystal display device 157 is provided with effects related to the stop operation according to each stage. In this example, it is assumed that the right stop button 139 corresponding to the right reel 112 has a problem. In addition, the hatching of the stop button in the figure indicates that the button is in the pressed state.

  In (1), the liquid crystal display device 157 performs an effect that prompts a stop operation in the order of the right reel 112, the middle reel 111, and the left reel 110. Here, it is shown that a stop operation is performed on the right reel 112 according to this effect, and the right reel 112 is stopped.

  Here, it is assumed that the right stop button 139 does not return to the non-pressed state immediately after detecting the pressed state due to a malfunction. In the following (2), it is shown that the stop operation is performed on the middle reel 111 in accordance with the effect of the liquid crystal display device 157. However, since the right stop button 139 remains pressed, the middle reel 111 is not stopped by a stop operation on the middle reel 111.

  Here, it is assumed that the previous right stop button 139 returns to the non-pressed state. Subsequently, (3) indicates that the stop operation has been performed on the left reel 110 in accordance with the effect of the liquid crystal display device 157. Here, since the right stop button 139 is in a non-pressed state, the stop operation for the left reel 110 is valid, and the left reel 110 stops. At this time, since it is determined that the operation order notified by the effect of the liquid crystal display device 157 is not followed, a message indicating this is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157.

  If a subsequent stop operation is performed after waiting for the reels to stop, the player may notice a malfunction because the middle reel 111 does not stop. However, if the above three stop operations are smoothly performed, the stop operation is performed on the left reel 110 before the middle reel 111 is noticed not to stop, and (1) in FIG. To (3). In this case, although the player can notice the malfunction, the notified operation order cannot be followed, which may be disadvantageous to the player. In addition, despite the fact that it is clearly detrimental, there is a possibility that the interest of the game will decline because there is no choice but to stop the remaining middle reel 111 as shown in (4). is there. In the example of FIG. 40 (a), an example in which the operation order cannot be followed has been given. However, for example, the above explanation is also given by the fact that the player cannot operate at the timing. There is a risk that the disadvantage and interest will decline.

  Here, in view of the above problems, a configuration is considered in which a subsequent stop operation can be performed even if the stop button that has received the stop operation does not return to the non-pressed state. FIG. 40B shows an example in which stop operations are performed in the order of (1) to (3) when such a configuration is adopted. As in FIG. 40A, in the liquid crystal display device 157, an effect that prompts a stop operation in the order of the right reel 112, the middle reel 111, and the left reel 110 is executed, and corresponds to the right reel 112. It is assumed that the right stop button 139 has a problem.

  In (1), it is indicated that a stop operation is performed on the right reel 112 according to the effect of the liquid crystal display device 157, and the right reel 112 is stopped. Here, it is assumed that after the right stop button 139 is pressed, the state does not return to the non-pressed state.

  In the following (2), it is shown that the stop operation has been performed on the middle reel 111. Here, the right stop button 139 remains pressed, but the stop operation on the middle reel 111 is not invalidated, and the middle reel 111 stops.

  Subsequently, (3) shows that a stop operation has been performed on the left reel 110. Again, the right stop button 139 remains pressed, but the stop operation on the left reel 110 is not invalidated and the left reel 110 stops. In this state, the operation order notified by the effect of the liquid crystal display device 157 is followed, and a message indicating that the operation order is not followed is not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 as shown in FIG.

  When the configuration that enables the subsequent stop operation is adopted even if the stop button that has received the stop operation is not in the non-pressed state, as described in FIG. 40B, as described in FIG. 40A. However, another problem that the failure of the right stop button 139 cannot be noticed occurs. Furthermore, if the next game is started as it is, the right reel 112 cannot be stopped, which causes a problem that the game cannot be advanced.

  The operation by the stop button affects the profits obtained from the game. For this reason, it is important to be aware of this as soon as possible when a problem occurs. However, since the player pays attention to the reel when operating the stop button, it is difficult to notice the malfunction. In addition, the structure and location of the stop button is difficult to notice. This will be specifically described below.

  The structure of the stop button is as described with reference to FIG. Since this stop button is for transmitting the timing to stop the reel, the operation is quickly detected. That is, when the pressed state is compared with the non-pressed state, the operation stroke is reduced. For this reason, even if the stop button remains in a non-pressed state, it is difficult to notice that it is in a non-pressed state at first glance. Further, since this stop button is arranged on the front surface of the game stand (see FIG. 1), it is difficult to determine whether the stop button is pressed or not pressed from the viewpoint of the player who is playing the game.

  Here, an outline of a configuration for solving the above-described problem in the configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 41 and 42. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration that is a feature of the present embodiment. FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating how the stop operation is handled for the presence or absence of a malfunction of the stop button in the present embodiment.

  In the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate by operating the start lever 135 and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped by operating the stop buttons 137 to 139. Is done. FIG. 41 shows an outline of processing from when all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped until the operation of the start lever 135 is accepted. This flow is for facilitating understanding of the features of the present embodiment, and details of processing existing between the steps are omitted.

  First, in step SX1, it is shown that some processing is executed until stop control is executed for the reels 110 to 112, and the process proceeds to step SX2 on condition that stop control is executed for all the reels 110 to 112. ing. Here, even if the stop button corresponding to the reel for which stop control has already been performed remains detected, the reel can be stopped by operating the stop button. FIG. 42A shows a flow from when the stop button 137 that has received a stop operation for the left reel 110 returns to a non-pressed state, and subsequently, when the stop operation for the middle reel 111 is accepted and the middle reel 111 stops. ing. This operation shows the operation when no trouble occurs in the stop button. On the other hand, FIG. 42B shows an operation in the case where a malfunction occurs in the stop button 137 that has received a stop operation on the left reel 110, but thereafter, as in the normal case shown in FIG. It is shown that a stop operation for the middle reel 111 is accepted and the middle reel 111 stops.

  Step SX2 indicates that if all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not pressed, the process proceeds to step SX3. That is, in this process, the predetermined process is not executed until all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not pressed.

  Step SX3 indicates that a predetermined process is executed. The predetermined process is a process by which the player can recognize that the process has been executed, and details will be described later.

  Step SX4 indicates that when the start lever 135 is operated, the process proceeds to a process for starting the next game.

  According to the above flow, even if a failure occurs in the stop buttons 137 to 139, the stop control is executed for the time being, and the game is advanced until all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped. Can do. For this reason, as described in FIG. 40A, it is possible to prevent a disadvantage and a decrease in interest due to the inability to execute the stop control.

  In addition, when all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not defective, a predetermined process is executed. On the other hand, when at least one of the stop buttons is defective, the predetermined process is not executed. By not performing this predetermined process, the player may be able to notice that there is a problem with the stop button. For this reason, as described with reference to FIG. 40B, it may be possible to prevent a situation in which the player cannot recognize the defect.

  Further, the predetermined process is a process executed before the game start process by the start lever 135. For this reason, the situation where a game progresses without being able to recognize the malfunction of the stop buttons 137-139 may be prevented.

  Here, the details of the predetermined processing in step SX3 will be described.

  First, the predetermined process is a process that allows the player to recognize that the predetermined process has been executed. As long as the process can be recognized by the player, for example, the process may be any of the process executed every game and the process not executed every game. Examples of the process not executed every game include, for example, The process performed according to the stop mode of a reel is mentioned. Further, the predetermined process may be a process that is executed without the player's operation, or may be a process that is executed as a result of the player's operation. As a result of this, the process may be recognized by the player, and in any case, the player may be able to recognize the malfunction of the stop button. Furthermore, this predetermined process is preferably a process that is executed only based on the fact that the problem has been solved, that is, all the stop buttons are not pressed, but all the stop buttons are not pressed. The process may be executed at least based on the fact that the state has been reached, and in any case, the player may be able to recognize the malfunction of the stop button.

  The subject of the predetermined process is not particularly limited, and may be the main control unit 300 or the first sub-control unit 400. In particular, when the subject is the main control unit 300, the subject is predetermined. When all of the stop buttons are not pressed when the process is executed, the game can be prevented from proceeding, so that the player may be able to recognize the malfunction of the stop button.

  In the present embodiment, the process of switching the lighting mode of the payout number lamp (step S2A17 in FIG. 32) is given as an example of a predetermined process that is executed each game mainly by the main control unit. Also, the process of switching the lighting mode of various lamps excluding the payout number lamp (step S2A05, step S2A09, step S2A13 in FIG. 32), the medal payout process (step S1603 in FIG. 20, FIG. 24), and the medal blocker in the passing state. The process to be set (step S1107 in FIG. 15) is given as an example of a predetermined process mainly performed by the main control unit 300. In addition, in the non-pressed state transition command receiving process (step S3007 in FIG. 36, FIG. 38), the process for setting effect data (step S3203 in FIG. 38) is an example of a predetermined process mainly performed by the first sub-control unit 400. It is listed as. It should be noted that regardless of the subject of the predetermined process, if a malfunction occurs in the stop button, the predetermined process is not executed while the reel can be stopped. Hereinafter, specific processing modes will be described with reference to the drawings, taking the processing of this embodiment as an example of the predetermined processing. Each of the predetermined processes described below may be performed alone or in combination with other predetermined processes, and in any case, the player may be aware of a malfunction of the stop button. There are cases where it is possible.

<First operation example>
FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a difference in appearance caused by the presence or absence of execution of a predetermined process. First, a case where there is no malfunction of the stop button shown in the upper part of FIG. In FIG. 43A, on the left side of the upper stage, when all reels are stopped through the third stop operation to the left reel 110, the middle stage winning line L1, the lower right winning line L2, and the upper right winning line L3 are small. The state where the symbol combination which comprises the hand 3 was prepared is shown.

  When all the reels stop in this way, the reel stop control process ends (Yes in step S1407 in FIG. 18), and then a winning determination process is executed (step S117 in FIG. 12, FIG. 19). In this winning determination process, after determining that all the stop buttons are in the non-pressed state (step S1501 in FIG. 19), it is determined which role has been won (step S1507 in FIG. 19). Processing for setting the determination result (step S1509 in FIG. 19) is executed.

  Subsequent to the winning determination process, a medal payout process (main) is executed, in which the number of payout requests is set (step S1603 in FIG. 20). Here, since the small combination 3 is won by three winning lines, 12 (4 sheets × 3) is set as the number of payout requests. When the interrupt control state is set to “medal paying out”, medals are paid out in accordance with the number of payout requests (step S1605 in FIG. 20, step S2007 in FIG. 22, and FIG. 24).

  Further, while the interrupt control state is set to “medal paying out”, in the lamp update process, the payout number lamp 127 is changed from the lighted state to the lighted state (lighted state indicating the number of paid-out medals in the game). They are switched (step S209 in FIG. 13 and step S2A17 in FIG. 32). In the upper right side of FIG. 43A, it is shown that “12” is displayed on the payout amount lamp 127 by the above processing.

  Next, a case where the stop button shown in the lower part of FIG. On the left side of the lower stage of FIG. 43 (a), when all reels are stopped through the third stop operation to the left reel 110, the middle stage winning line L1, right side, as in the upper stage of FIG. 43 (a). A state in which bell symbols are aligned on the downward winning line L2 and the upwardly winning line L3 is shown. Here, the right stop button 139 has a problem and remains pressed even though it is not pressed.

  As described above, when all the reels are stopped, the reel stop control process is ended (the process proceeds to Yes in step S1407 in FIG. 18). Subsequently, as in the case of the upper stage in FIG. This is executed (step S117 in FIG. 12, FIG. 19). However, in the winning determination process executed thereafter, it is determined that all the stop buttons are not pressed (step S1501 in FIG. 19), and the subsequent process is not executed.

  Therefore, in the state shown in the lower part of FIG. 43A, the medal payout process (step S1603 in FIG. 20 and FIG. 24) and the above-described process of switching the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 (step S2A17 in FIG. 32). If the stop button is normal (if there is no defect), processing that can be recognized by the player is not executed. 43A shows that the lighting state of the payout number lamp 127 remains in the extinguished state. In this way, by preventing the player from recognizing a process that should be executed if the stop button is normal due to a stop button failure, the player may be able to recognize the failure. is there. In the process of switching the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 (step S2A17 in FIG. 32), when stop control is executed for all the reels 110 to 112, all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not pressed. In this case, the fact that all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in a non-pressed state indicates that the process for switching the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 is a predetermined process. This corresponds to an example of a predetermined execution condition.

  In the example of FIG. 43 (a), the case where there is a payout has been described, but in this embodiment, the number of payouts even if there is no payout of medals, such as in the case of losing or winning a re-gamer. Is set to 0 (step S1603 in FIG. 20), and the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 is switched from the extinguished state to the lit state (lighting state displaying “0”) (step S2A17 in FIG. 32). Here, when the display of “0”, which is a lighting state when no medal is paid out, is the number of payout medals in the game, this lighting state is a lighting state indicating the number of payouts in the game. It can be said. In other words, in the present embodiment, the process of switching the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 from the unlit state to the lit state indicating the number of payouts in the game is executed in each game. As described above, in the present embodiment, the above-described process for switching the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 is performed for each game, thereby allowing the player to recognize the malfunction of the stop button for each game. May be possible.

  Note that, in this embodiment, as described above, the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 is changed from the off state to the above lighting state regardless of whether there is a medal payout or no medal payout. However, only when there is a payout, the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 may be switched from the off state to the above-described lighting state. However, since the player can recognize that there is a payout of medals from the stopped reel mode, the player may be able to recognize the malfunction of the stop button. In this case, the medal has been paid out and all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in a non-pressed state, which corresponds to an example of a predetermined execution condition of the present invention.

  Furthermore, unlike the present embodiment, consider a case where the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 is set to a lighting state (for example, a lighting state indicating 0) before the winning determination process is executed. When there is no medal payout, the player cannot recognize the malfunction of the stop button, but when there is a medal payout, the lighting state indicates the number of payouts in the game from the original lighting state. By switching to, as in the present embodiment, the player may be able to recognize the failure of the stop button. That is, at least when a medal is paid out (the player can recognize that there is a medal payout from the stopped reel mode), the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 is changed to a lighting mode indicating the number of payouts in the game. There is a case where it is possible to make a player recognize a problem by configuring so as to switch. In this case, the medal has been paid out and all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in a non-pressed state, which corresponds to an example of a predetermined execution condition of the present invention.

  In the description of FIG. 43 (a), the case where the process of switching the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 is treated as the predetermined process has been described, but the medal payout process is also the same as the predetermined process. It can be treated as a process. In this case, the condition corresponding to the predetermined execution condition of the present invention is the same as that when the process of switching the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 is handled as the predetermined process.

  Although illustration is omitted, when the re-game is won, if the stop button does not malfunction, the lighting mode of the re-game lamp is also switched. More specifically, when a re-game player is won, the re-game operation flag is set to ON (step S1521 in FIG. 19), and the lighting state of the re-game lamp 122 is switched from the off state to the on state in the lamp update process ( Step S209 in FIG. 13, step S2A05 in FIG. 32, when the re-game player is not won in the previous game). The process of switching the lighting mode of the re-game lamp 122 is also a process that can be recognized by the player. The re-game lamp 122 is not lit in every game, but the re-game lamp 122 is kept off when there is a problem with the stop button in the game that won the re-game. For this reason, when the player recognizes that the player has won the re-game player from the stopped reel mode, the player may be able to recognize this defect. Thus, the process of setting the replay lamp 122 to the point state can also be handled as the predetermined process. Note that the process of switching the lighting mode of the re-game lamp 122 (step S2A05 in FIG. 32) has won the re-game role in the previous game when stop control is executed for all the reels 110 to 112. And all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are executed in a non-pressed state. Here, the player has not won a re-game player in the previous game, and all the stop buttons 137 to 139 The non-pressed state corresponds to an example of a predetermined execution condition when the process of switching the lighting mode of the re-play lamp 122 is a predetermined process.

  Although not shown in the figure, if the player has not won the re-gamer in the previous game, the medal blocker is set to the passing state if there is no malfunction of the stop button. More specifically, if the re-game player is not won, the re-game operation flag is set to OFF (step S1517 in FIG. 19), and the medal blocker state is set to the passing state in the medal insertion / start operation acceptance process. (Step S1107 in FIG. 15), the player can perform the medal insertion operation. On the other hand, if there is a malfunction of the stop button, the medal blocker remains in the returned state (step S1119 in FIG. 15), and even if the player inserts a medal, the medal is discharged (returned) from the medal payout exit 155. End up. That is, the process of setting the medal blocker state to the passing state is a process that allows the player to recognize the medal insertion operation when the player has not won the re-gamer in the previous game. Thus, the process of setting the medal blocker state to the passing state can also be handled as the predetermined process. Note that the process of setting the medal blocker state to the passing state (step S1107 in FIG. 15) wins the re-gamer in the previous game when stop control is executed for all the reels 110 to 112. This process is executed when all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not pressed. Here, the player has not won a re-game player in the previous game, and all the stop buttons 137 to 139 The fact that 139 is in the non-pressed state corresponds to an example of a predetermined execution condition when the processing for setting the medal blocker state to the passing state is the predetermined processing.

<Second operation example>
Next, with reference to FIG. 43 (b), an example of an operation when no medal is paid out (for example, when a re-game player is won or lost) will be described. The left side of the upper stage of FIG. 43 (b) shows a state in which no winning line is available when all reels are stopped through the third stop operation to the left reel 110. In this case, the winning determination process (step S117 in FIG. 12) and the medal payout process (main) (step S119 in FIG. 12) are the same as the flow described with reference to FIG. 0 is set (step S1603 in FIG. 20), and the lighting mode of the payout number lamp 127 is switched from the extinguished state to the lighting state displaying “0” (step S2A17 in FIG. 32).

  Subsequent to the medal payout process (main) (step S119 in FIG. 12), a game state update process (step S121 in FIG. 12, FIG. 21) and a game start process (step S103 in FIG. 12, FIG. 14) are executed. The In the medal insertion / start operation acceptance process (step S1009 in FIG. 14, FIG. 15) executed in the game start process, the interrupt control state is set to “medal insertion in progress”.

  When the interrupt control state is set to “medal insertion”, the lighting state of the medal insertion enabling lamp 124 is switched from the off state to the lighting state in the medal insertion lamp update processing during the lamp update processing (step of FIG. 13). S209, step S2A13 in FIG. 32, step S2B09 in FIG. 33). In the upper right side of FIG. 43B, it is shown that the lighting state of the medal insertion enabling lamp 124 is in the lighting state by the above processing.

  Although illustration is omitted, when a re-game is won, the game is started without executing the process for switching the lighting mode of the medal insertion enable lamp 124 as described above in the medal insertion lamp update process. Processing for switching the lighting state of the lamp 121 from the unlit state to the lit state is executed (step S2B03 in FIG. 33).

  Next, a case where there is a problem with the stop button shown in the lower part of FIG. The left side of the lower part of FIG. 43 (b) shows a state in which no winning line is available when all the reels are stopped through the third stop operation to the left reel 110. Here, the right stop button 139 has a problem and remains pressed even though it is not pressed.

  As described above, when all the reels are stopped, the reel stop control process is ended (the process proceeds to Yes in step S1407 in FIG. 18), and a winning determination process is executed (step S117 in FIG. 12, FIG. 19). In the winning determination process executed thereafter, it is determined that all the stop buttons are not pressed (step S1501 in FIG. 19), so that the subsequent process is not executed.

  In this state, a process of switching the lighting mode of the medal insertion possible lamp 124 (step S2B09 in FIG. 33) and a process of switching the lighting mode of the game start lamp 121 (FIG. 33), which were executed in the upper operation of FIG. If the stop button is normal, such as step S2B03) of 33, the process that can be recognized by the player is not executed. On the right side of the lower part of FIG. 43B, it is shown that the medal insertion enabling lamp 124 remains off. In this way, by preventing the player from recognizing a process that should be executed if the stop button is normal due to a stop button failure, the player may be able to recognize the failure. is there. In the process of switching the lighting mode of the medal insertion enabling lamp 124 (step S2B09 in FIG. 33), when stop control is executed for all the reels 110 to 112, a re-game player is won in the previous game. This process is executed when all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not pressed. Here, the player has not won a re-game player in the previous game, and all the stop buttons 137 to 139 The fact that 139 is in the non-pressed state corresponds to an example of a predetermined execution condition when the process of switching the lighting mode of the medal insertion enabling lamp 124 is a predetermined process.

  In the description of FIG. 43B, the player recognizes the failure of the stop button by the lighting mode of the medal insertion enable lamp 124, that is, the predetermined process is a process of switching the lighting mode of the medal insertion possible lamp 124. Although a certain case has been described with emphasis, the process of setting the game start lamp 121 to the lighting mode can also be handled as the predetermined process (particularly, when a re-game is won). In the process of switching the lighting mode of the game start lamp 121 (step S2B03 in FIG. 33), when stop control is executed for all the reels 110 to 112, a re-game player is won in the previous game, and This process is executed when all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in a non-depressed state. Here, a re-game player is won in the previous game, and all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in a non-depressed state. This corresponds to an example of a predetermined execution condition when the process of switching the lighting mode of the game start lamp 121 is a predetermined process.

  Further, the process of switching the lighting mode of the medal insertion enable lamp 124 and the replay lamp 124 is configured such that the medal payout process is not executed when a malfunction of the stop button occurs as in this embodiment. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the medal payout process is executed even when the stop button is not defective.

<Third operation example>
Here, a process of lighting the game information lamp 126 and the betting number lamp 129 after the third stop operation will be described.

  After the third stop operation, the lighting state of the game information lamp 126 is switched according to the following flow. First, after the third stop operation, a medal payout process (main) is executed through a winning determination process (step S117 in FIG. 12) (steps S119 and FIG. 20 in FIG. 12). In this medal payout process (main), an error confirmation process is executed (step S1601 in FIG. 20, FIG. 16), and a display error code is set here (step S1209 in FIG. 16). When this display error code is set, in the lamp update process (step S209 in FIG. 13, FIG. 32) of the main control unit timer interrupt process, the lighting mode of the game information lamp 126 is changed from the off state to the on state (display error code). Are switched on (step S2A19 in FIG. 32, step S2C01 in FIG. 34).

  However, if there is a problem with the stop button, the process after the winning determination process is not executed, so that the lighting mode of the game information lamp 126 cannot be switched in the above flow. In this way, if the stop button is normal, the process of turning on the game information lamp 126 that can be recognized by the player is not executed due to the failure of the stop button, so that the player may be able to recognize the failure. is there. In the process of switching the lighting mode of the game information lamp 126 (step S2C01 in FIG. 34), an error is detected (display error code is set) when stop control is executed for all the reels 110 to 112. And is executed when all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in the non-pressed state. Here, an error is detected and all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in the non-pressed state. This is equivalent to an example of a predetermined execution condition when the process of switching the lighting mode of the game information lamp 126 is a predetermined process.

  On the other hand, after the third stop operation, the betting number lamp 129 is switched from the lighting state (lighting state indicating the betting number) to the off state in the following flow. First, in the lamp update process (step S209 in FIG. 13, FIG. 32) of the main control unit timer interrupt process, the lighting mode of the bet number lamp 129 is switched to the above-described lighting state based on the bet number (step S2A19 in FIG. 32). , Step S2C03 in FIG. 34). After the third stop operation, the game start process is performed through a winning determination process (step S117 in FIG. 12), a medal payout process (main) (step S119 in FIG. 12), and a game state update process (step S121 in FIG. 12). This is executed (step S103 in FIG. 12, FIG. 14). In this process, the value of the bet amount is cleared (step S1007 in FIG. 14). When the value of the betting number is cleared, the lighting state of the betting number lamp 129 is switched from the above-mentioned lighting state to the non-lighting state in the lamp update process (step S209 in FIG. 13, FIG. 32) of the main control unit timer interruption process. (Step S2A19 in FIG. 32, Step S2C03 in FIG. 34).

  Thus, the process in which the lighting mode of the betting number lamp 129 is switched as described above can be handled as the predetermined process. More specifically, since the process of switching the lighting mode of the bet number lamp 129 that can be recognized by the player as described above is not executed due to the failure of the stop button, the player may be able to recognize the failure. is there. In the process of switching the lighting mode of the betting number lamp 129 (step S2C03 in FIG. 34), when stop control is executed for all the reels 110 to 112, all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not pressed. In this case, the fact that all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in a non-pressed state indicates that the process for switching the lighting mode of the betting number lamp 129 is a predetermined process. This corresponds to an example of a predetermined execution condition.

<Fourth operation example>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 44 and 45, an example of the operation when the special combination is won internally will be described. FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating reel stop data and a stop mode based on the reel stop data when the special combination is won internally. FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an example different from FIG. 43 showing the difference in appearance caused by the presence or absence of execution of a predetermined process.

  44 (a) and 44 (b) show a part of the stop table of the left reel 110. FIG. Of these, FIG. 44 (a) is a stop table that is referenced only when the special role is independently won internally, and (b) is referenced except when the special role is independently won internally. Is a stop table. Note that any stop table is a stop table corresponding to the first stop operation.

  In this figure, the symbol number on the left is a value indicating the symbol position on the reel. The black circle shown at the stop position is a symbol indicating that the symbol stops as it is when a stop operation is performed when the corresponding symbol is in the middle of the reel. On the other hand, the arrow shown at the stop position is a symbol indicating that even if a stop operation is performed when the corresponding symbol is in the middle stage of the reel, it does not stop at that position and the pull-in control is executed. is there. At this time, the number of symbols moved by the pull-in control is shown in the pull-in number column. For example, if the stop operation is performed when the Seven 2 symbol corresponding to the symbol number 9 is in the middle stage of the reel, this symbol is stopped in the middle stage of the reel. In addition, if a stop operation is performed when the bell symbol at symbol number 12 is in the middle stage of the reel, this symbol is not stopped at the middle stage of the reel, and the drawing-in control for three symbols is executed and corresponds to symbol number 9. Seven 2 symbols to stop at the middle of the reel.

  The stop table shown in FIG. 44 (a) is used only when a special combination is won internally. Seven 2 symbols corresponding to symbol number 9 are allowed to stop at the middle level only when this stop table is read. That is, as shown in FIG. 44 (c), when the first 2 stop operation is performed on the left reel 110, if the Seven 2 symbol stops in the middle stage, the player may have won the special role alone. It is structured so that it can be grasped.

  Note that this configuration is an example, and for example, such a stop table may be referred to only when a special combination is won internally with another combination. In addition, when a special combination is won internally, such a stop table may be referred to regardless of overlap with other combinations. Note that the case where the special role is won internally includes the case where the special role is won internally and carried forward until winning.

  In addition, in the stop table described above, when the first stop operation is performed on the left reel 110, the player can grasp the internal winning of the special role by allowing the Seven 2 symbols to stop in the middle stage. The example to make was demonstrated. This configuration is an example, and is not limited to the first stop operation, for example, but may be a stop table that allows the 7-symbol to stop at the middle stage of the left reel 110. In addition, for example, a stop table that allows a Seven 2 symbol to be tempered in the middle row (both the first stop and the second stop are the Seven 2 symbols stopped in the middle row) only when the special role is won internally. May be. That is, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44 (c), a description will be given of a case where a specific stop mode that can grasp that the player has won the special role internally is configured only by the stop mode of the first stop reel. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and a specific stop mode may be configured by a plurality of reels or all reels.

  Next, the operation when the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 are stopped in the order shown in FIG. 44 (c) but no special prize is won will be described with reference to FIG. . First, the case where there is no malfunction of the stop button shown in the upper part of FIG. 45 will be described. The upper left side of FIG. 45 shows a state where the Seven 2 symbols are stopped at the middle stage of the left reel 110 when all the reels are stopped through the third stop operation to the right reel 112. As described above, FIG. 45 shows a state in which a special combination is won internally.

  When all the reels are stopped, the reel stop control process ends (the process proceeds to Yes in step S1407 in FIG. 18), and a winning determination process is executed (steps S117 and FIG. 19 in FIG. 12). Here, after determining that all the stop buttons are not pressed (step S1501 in FIG. 19), it is set as a winning determination result that no winning combination has been won (step S1509 in FIG. 19).

  Subsequent to the winning determination process, a medal payout process (main) is executed, but since no winning combination is won here, 0 is set as the number of payout requests (step S1603 in FIG. 20). Note that the operation when 0 is set as the number of payout requests has been described with reference to FIG.

  Subsequent to the medal payout process (main) (step S119 in FIG. 12), a game state update process (step S121 in FIG. 12, FIG. 21) is executed. Here, since the special combination is won internally, the gaming state is shifted to the special combination internal winning state (RT3) by the game state update process (step S1711 in FIG. 21).

  When the gaming state shifts to the special combination internal winning state (RT3), the lighting state of the special combination internal winning lamp 123 is switched from the extinguished state to the lit state in the lamp update process (step S209 in FIG. 13, step S2A09 in FIG. 32). . In the upper right side of FIG. 45, it is shown that the lighting mode of the special role internal winning lamp 123 is switched as described above by the above processing.

  Next, a case where there is a problem with the stop button shown in the lower part of FIG. 45 will be described. The lower left side of FIG. 45 shows a state where the Seven 2 symbols are stopped at the middle stage of the left reel 110 when all the reels are stopped through the third stop operation to the right reel 112. Here, the left stop button 137 has a problem, and after the stop operation is performed, the left stop button 137 does not return to the non-pressed state. As described above, FIG. 45 shows a state in which a special combination is won internally.

  45, when all the reels are stopped, the reel stop control process is terminated (the process proceeds to Yes in step S1407 in FIG. 18), and a winning determination process is executed (FIG. 12). Step S117, FIG. 19). In the winning determination process executed thereafter, it is determined that all the stop buttons are not pressed (step S1501 in FIG. 19), so that the subsequent process is not executed.

  In this state, the game state update process (step S1711 in FIG. 21) is executed to shift the game state to the special role internal winning state despite the fact that the specific stop mode is derived by the stopped reel. Thus, in the lamp update process, the process of switching the lighting mode of the special role internal winning lamp 123 as described above is not executed (step S209 in FIG. 13 and step S2A09 in FIG. 32). On the lower right side of FIG. 45, it is shown that the lighting state of the special role internal winning lamp 123 remains off. In this way, by preventing the player from recognizing a process that should be executed if there is no stop button failure, the player can be made aware of the failure. More specifically, in the case of this operation, the lighting state of the special combination internal winning lamp 123 remains in the off state although it is understood that the special combination is won internally by the reel stop mode. Therefore, it is possible to make the player recognize the defect more. In the process of switching the lighting mode of the special combination internal winning lamp 123 (step S2A09 in FIG. 32), when the stop control is executed for all the reels 110 to 112, the gaming state is the special combination internal winning state. Yes, and is executed when all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in a non-depressed state. Here, the game state is the special role internal winning state, and all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are not in the non-pressed state. The pressing state corresponds to an example of a predetermined execution condition in the case where the process of switching the lighting mode of the special role internal winning lamp 123 is a predetermined process.

  In addition, in FIG. 45 described above, an example in which the lighting state of the special combination internal winning lamp 123 cannot be switched as described above by not executing the process of switching the gaming state has been described. This configuration is an example, and it is only necessary that the special combination internal winning lamp 123 that is turned on when the stop button is not pressed is not turned on when the stop button is not pressed.

  The special combination internal winning lamp 123 may be a lamp controlled by the first sub-control unit 400.

  As described above, in this operation example, the example in which the process of switching the lighting mode of the special role internal winning lamp 123 from the unlit state to the lit state is treated as the predetermined process is described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, a process in which the lighting mode is switched when it becomes a stop mode that is derived only when the role in which the AT right lottery to be described later is executed is won internally may be treated as the predetermined process. A process in which the lighting mode is switched when the combination in which the AT right lottery is executed is determined to have been won may be treated as the predetermined process.

  In the above description (first to fourth operation examples), an example has been given in which the process of switching the lamp lighting mode as described above is handled as the predetermined process. However, the present invention is not limited to such a process of switching the lamp lighting mode. A process that can be recognized by the player, such as a process for switching the operation mode of the movable object and a process for switching (moving) the position of the movable object, may be performed as the predetermined process.

  In addition, in the case of a configuration in which stop control is not performed even if another stop button is operated when another stop button is in a pressed state as in the past, it may be possible to identify a stop button having a problem. is there. On the other hand, in the configuration of the present embodiment using the predetermined processing described above, it is possible to recognize the failure of the stop button, but it is impossible to specify which stop button has the failure. In this way, the anxiety given to the player is increased, but there are cases where it is possible to promptly call the store clerk and deal with the problem. For this reason, even if the stop button that was in the pressed state temporarily returns to the non-pressed state, the store clerk can be called to deal with it early.

<Fifth operation example>
Next, an example of a predetermined process mainly using the first sub control unit 400 will be described. In this example, when a malfunction occurs in the stop button, a part of the above-described determination effect is not executed. First, the determination effect will be described.

  As described above, one of the effects executed by the first sub-control unit 400 is a special combination determination effect. This special role determination effect is an effect that is executed on the condition that the small role 1 is internally elected, and is configured so that the content differs depending on whether or not the special role is internally elected (see FIG. 37, step S3103). FIG. 46 shows an effect pattern table for special combination determination effects.

  FIG. 46A shows an effect pattern table that is referred to when the special combination is won internally. This production pattern has a plurality of production patterns A1 to An, and production data to be executed in response to the received command is set in each production pattern. Among these, one production pattern is set by lottery, and production is executed in order according to each command. FIG. 46B shows an effect pattern table that is referred to when the special combination is not won internally. This production pattern has a plurality of production patterns from patterns B1 to Bn, and production data to be executed corresponding to the received command is set in each production pattern. Among these, one production pattern is set by lottery, and production is executed in order according to each command.

  For example, when the production pattern A1 is set, first, the “production data A1-1” is executed by receiving the internal winning command (step S109 in FIG. 12). Subsequently, by receiving a stop button operation command (step S2413 in FIG. 26) corresponding to each of the first stop operation to the third stop operation, “effect data A1-2” and “effect data A1-3”. “Production data A1-4” is executed. Furthermore, “effect data A1-5” is executed by receiving the non-pressed state transition command (step S1503 in FIG. 19) corresponding to the fact that all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in the non-pressed state.

  One of the effects executed by the first sub-control unit 400 is an AT right determination effect. This AT right determination effect is an effect that is executed on the condition that the small role 2 is elected internally, and is configured so that its contents differ depending on whether or not the AT right is granted (FIG. 37). Step S3111). FIG. 47 shows an effect pattern table for AT right determination effect.

  FIG. 47 (a) shows an effect pattern table that is referred to when an AT right is granted. This production pattern has a plurality of production patterns from patterns C1 to Cn, and production data to be executed corresponding to the received command is set in each production pattern. Among these, one production pattern is set by lottery, and production is executed in order according to each command. FIG. 47 (b) shows an effect pattern table that is referred to when the AT right is not granted. This production pattern has a plurality of production patterns from patterns D1 to Dn, and production data to be executed corresponding to the received command is set in each production pattern. Among these, one production pattern is set by lottery, and production is executed in order according to each command.

  For example, when the effect pattern C1 is set, first, “effect data C1-1” is executed by receiving the internal winning command (step S109 in FIG. 12). Subsequently, by receiving a stop button operation command (step S2413 in FIG. 26) corresponding to each of the first stop operation to the third stop operation, “effect data C1-2” and “effect data C1-3”. “Production data C1-4” is executed. Furthermore, “effect data C1-5” is executed by receiving the non-pressed state transition command (step S1503 in FIG. 19) corresponding to the fact that all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in the non-pressed state.

  46 and 47, the device to be produced is not limited to the liquid crystal display device 157, but at least one of various devices such as the speakers 272, 277 and the lamp 420. Anything that runs on the device is acceptable. Moreover, the structure which uses common production data by a different production pattern may be sufficient. In the special combination determination effect, the determination result is shown by the effect that is executed when the non-press command is received, but a common effect may be adopted for effects before this. That is, in the effect table of FIG. 46, an effect pattern (FIG. 46 (a)) selected when the special combination is won internally and an effect pattern (FIG. 46) selected when the special combination is not internally won. 46 (b)), it is possible to adopt a configuration in which only the effect data at the time of receiving the non-pressed state transition command is different, and the other effect data is used otherwise. 47, the effect pattern selected when the AT right is granted (FIG. 47A) and the effect pattern selected when the AT right is not granted. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which only the effect data at the time of receiving the non-pressed state transition command is different from that in FIG. 47 (b), and other common effect data is used.

  Further, a configuration in which common effect data is used for the special role determination effect and the AT right determination effect described above may be adopted. In this case, the effect data corresponding to the non-pressed state transition command is used. Different effect data (effect data that can identify which one of the special effect determination effect and the AT right determination effect) can be identified, or the effect data corresponding to the non-pressed state transition command is shared, and then The effect data to be used may be different effect data (effect data that can identify which one of the special effect determination effect and the AT right determination effect is determined).

  Next, a specific example of the determination effect will be described. FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of each determination effect.

  First, FIG. 48A shows an example of the special combination determination effect. In this effect, two characters play a game, and it is informed whether or not the special combination is won internally by the result. In this example, the production from receiving the internal winning command to receiving the third stop button operation command is common in both cases where the internal winning is made and not. Thereafter, the player can know whether or not the special combination is won internally by the effect when the non-pressed state transition command is received.

  Next, FIG. 48B shows an example of the AT right determination effect. In this effect, as in FIG. 48 (a), two characters play a game, and it is notified whether or not the AT right is granted based on the result. In this example, the production from receiving the internal winning command to receiving the third stop button operation command is common in both cases where the internal winning is made and not. Thereafter, the player can know whether or not the AT right is granted by the effect when the non-pressed state transition command is received.

  Both the special role determination effect and the AT right determination effect described above are related to the effect in which the effect executed until the third stop operation indicates the final determination result. For this reason, at the time when a series of effects until the third stop operation is started, it is possible to make the player recognize that the effect indicating the determination result is executed.

  In the above description, the example in which the production progresses with the command as an opportunity has been described. However, the production related to the production showing the determination result is executed before that (from the game start to the third stop operation). I just need it.

  Next, the operation when a failure occurs in the stop button will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows the difference in appearance caused by the presence or absence of execution of a predetermined process by the first sub-control unit 400. Here, FIG. 49 (a) shows a case where the special combination determination effect is being executed, and FIG. 49 (b) shows a case where the AT right determination effect is being executed. .

  In the case of no abnormality shown in the upper part of FIG. 49 (a), when a non-pressed state transition command is received after receiving the third stop button operation command in the effect of FIG. 48 (a). The change in production is shown. This change corresponds to the fact that the third stop operation is performed on the left stop button 137 and all the stop buttons are not pressed.

  On the other hand, in the case where there is an abnormality shown in the lower part of FIG. For this reason, after the third stop operation is performed on the left stop button 137, all the stop buttons are not in the non-pressed state, and it is shown that the production does not change.

  In the case of no abnormality shown in the upper part of FIG. 49 (b), when a non-pressed state transition command is received after receiving the third stop button operation command in the effect of FIG. 48 (b). The change in production is shown. This change corresponds to the fact that the third stop operation is performed on the left stop button 137 and all the stop buttons are not pressed.

  On the other hand, in the case where there is an abnormality shown in the lower part of FIG. 49 (b), the right stop button 139 has a problem and cannot return to the non-pressed state. For this reason, after the third stop operation is performed on the left stop button 137, all the stop buttons are not in the non-pressed state, and it is shown that the production does not change.

  As described with reference to FIG. 48, the present embodiment employs a configuration in which an effect related to this is executed before the determination result is notified by the non-pressed state transition command. That is, before the determination result is notified, the player can be reminded that this effect is executed. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 49, when a failure occurs in the stop button, the determination result recalled by the player is not notified, so the player may be able to recognize the failure of the stop button. Note that the above-described process for notifying the determination result is that the special combination determination effect (step S3103 in FIG. 37) or the AT right determination effect (step S3111) when stop control is executed for all the reels 110 to 112. ) Is set, and all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in a non-pressed state. Here, a special combination determination effect or an AT right determination effect is set, and The fact that all the stop buttons 137 to 139 are in the non-pressed state corresponds to an example of a predetermined execution condition when the process for notifying the determination result is a predetermined process.

  Note that a command that triggers execution of an effect for notifying the determination result is transmitted at least when all stop buttons are in a non-pressed state after stop control is executed for all reels. Any command can be used, and the same effect can be obtained by using such a command. Specifically, this command may be a command that is transmitted without the player's operation, or may be a command that is transmitted as a result of the player's operation.

  Furthermore, this command is preferably a command that is transmitted before the next game is started (before the start lever operation for starting the next game is performed). By configuring in this way, it may be possible to prevent the game from proceeding without being able to recognize the abnormality of the stop button.

  Further, the effect of notifying the determination result may be configured such that the effect is executed based on the operation of the operation unit detected by the first sub-control unit being received by the first command. Good. Even in such a case, the same effect can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the predetermined process in the present embodiment is not limited to the process for executing the effect indicating the result of the effect executed immediately before as in the present embodiment, and the effect executed immediately before is switched, or Any process may be used as long as the process is terminated, and the process is not necessarily required to execute the effect. Even when the predetermined process is configured in this way, the same effect may be obtained.

<Others>
In the present embodiment, when there is a problem with the stop button, the player is made aware of this problem and is not disadvantageous to the player. Specifically, it has a first configuration that enables a subsequent stop operation even when the stop button that has received the stop operation remains pressed. Furthermore, if the stop button is in a non-pressed state, a predetermined process that allows the player to recognize that the stop button has been executed is executed, while the stop button must be in a non-pressed state (any stop button is pressed). For example, the second configuration is such that the predetermined processing is not executed.

  The second configuration is configured by the main control unit 300 in the first to fourth operation examples, and is configured by the first sub-control unit 400 in the fifth operation example. As described above, the second configuration may be a configuration in which the predetermined process that allows the player to recognize that the execution has been executed is executed according to the state of the stop button, and there is no restriction on the subject to be executed. . The configurations described in the above operation examples can be effective regardless of whether they are employed alone or in combination with each other.

  In the above-described embodiment, the problem that the stop button remains retracted has been described as an example. However, for example, even a sensor abnormality may be recognized by the above configuration.

In the above explanation,
A plurality of reels (reels 110 to 112) that are driven to rotate;
Stop buttons (stop buttons 137 to 139) provided corresponding to the plurality of reels,
Detecting means (stop button sensors 137e to 139e) for detecting an operation on the stop button;
Reel control means (main control unit 300) for executing control related to the plurality of reels, including stop control for stopping rotation of each of the plurality of reels;
A gaming machine comprising predetermined control means (main control unit 300 or first sub-control unit 400) for executing control relating to a game,
The reel control means includes
Of the plurality of reels, the stop is performed on the reel corresponding to the stop button whose detection result is switched from the first detection result (non-pressed state) to the second detection result (pressed state). Configured to be able to perform control,
Regardless of whether the detection result of the detection means for the other stop button is the first detection result, the stop control can be executed,
The predetermined control means includes
It is configured to be able to execute a predetermined process (step SX3 in FIG. 41) that allows the player to recognize that it has been executed,
When the stop control is executed for all of the plurality of reels, a predetermined execution condition that is satisfied at least when the detection result of the detection unit for all the stop buttons becomes the first detection result is satisfied. There is described a game stand that performs the predetermined processing based on the above.

Moreover, it is a game stand as described above,
The predetermined control means includes
Main control means (main control unit 300) for executing control relating to the progress of the game;
The main control means includes
As the predetermined process, there is described a game table characterized by executing a process to be executed next in order to advance the game.

Moreover, it is a game stand as described above,
The predetermined control means includes
Sub-control means (first sub-control unit 400) for controlling the production means;
The sub-control means is
A gaming machine characterized in that, as the predetermined processing, a processing for executing a predetermined effect (FIGS. 46 to 49, an effect upon reception of a non-pressed state transition command) is executed by the effect means. Has been.

Moreover, it is a game stand as described above,
The sub-control means is
Before executing the processing for causing the effect means to execute the predetermined effect, the effects (FIGS. 46 to 49, effects from the internal winning command to the stop button stop command (third time)) connected to the predetermined effect are performed. There is described a game machine characterized by executing a process to be executed by the effect means.

Moreover, it is a game stand as described above,
Lottery means (main control unit 300) for deriving one lottery result from a plurality of types of lottery results by lottery;
Production means (liquid crystal display device 157, speakers 272, 277, various lamps) for performing the production,
The lottery means
One lottery result is derived by lottery from a plurality of types of lottery results including specific lottery results (special roles) that are advantageous to the player,
The reel control means includes
Executing the stop control based on at least the result of the lottery means,
When the specific lottery result is derived, the stop control for stopping the plurality of reels in a specific stop mode is configured to be executable,
When the specific lottery result is not derived, the control for stopping the plurality of reels in the specific stop mode is configured to be impossible (FIG. 44).
The predetermined control means includes
Executing a process for controlling the effect means;
As the predetermined process, a process for causing the effect means to execute an effect indicating that the specific lottery result has been derived (the effect upon receiving the non-pressed state transition command) is executed. A gaming table characterized by being a thing is described.

100 slot machines 110 to 112 reel 113 display window 121 game start lamp 122 replay lamp 123 special role internal winning lamp 124 medal insertion possible lamp 126 game information lamp 127 payout number lamp 129 bet number lamp 130 to 132 bet button 135 start lever 137 139 Stop button 157 Liquid crystal display device 272, 277 Speaker 420 Various lamps 300 Main control unit 400 First sub control unit 500 Second sub control unit

Claims (2)

A plurality of rotationally driven reels;
A stop button provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
A detection knowledge means you detect the non-depressed state pressed state, and that the stop button has not been pressed to the stop button is depressed,
Reel control means for executing control related to the plurality of reels, including stop control for stopping rotation of each of the plurality of reels;
A game machine comprising first control means for executing control relating to a game,
The reel control means includes
Wherein of the plurality of reels, to reel detection result by the detection means corresponding to the stop button switches to the depressed state from the non-depressed state, be one that performs the stop control,
Are those detection results of said detecting means with respect to the other of said stop button to execute the stop control regardless of whether the a non-depressed state,
The first control means includes
It is configured to be able to execute a first process that allows the player to recognize that it has been executed,
After the stop control for all of said plurality of reels is performed, based on a detection result of said detecting means is Tsu Do and the non-depressed state for all of the stop button, the first processing A game machine characterized by being executed. The game stand according to claim 1,
A second control means for executing control relating to the game;
The second control means includes
A process that allows the player to recognize that the process has been executed, and is configured to be able to execute a second process different from the first process,
After the stop control is executed for all of the plurality of reels, the second process is executed based on the detection result of the detection means for all the stop buttons being in the non-pressed state. A game stand characterized by what it does.