JP5928746B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

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

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-5351

  However, when different symbol combinations are associated with each BB role, it is necessary for the player to stop the corresponding symbol combination on the active line after detecting that the player has won any of the BB roles. There is a concern that there is a possibility that the player may feel frustrated. On the other hand, when it is configured to suggest a combination of symbols corresponding to a game won for any of the BB roles, a new problem that a sense of expectation for BB winning in a game that is not won for the BB role is impaired. Is concerned.

  The above problems are not limited to the slot machines as exemplified above, but a game in which a plurality of special roles that are valid until a corresponding winning is established and a special pattern that is different for each special role is associated. This is a problem that also applies to machines and other gaming machines that display a variety of patterns in a variable manner and then end the variable display.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suggesting a special picture corresponding to a special role won in a suitable form. .

In the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of circulation display means for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of pictures, a start operation means operated to cause each of the circulation display means to start cyclic display of the pictures, and the start operation A lottery means for lottery based on the operation of the means, a stop operation means operated to stop the cyclic display of the pattern, and a cyclic display of the pattern based on the operation of the start operation means. Display control means for controlling display of each circulation display means so as to stop the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the stop operation means, and the lottery result of the combination is a special winning combination, and each circulation display A privilege granting means for granting a privilege when a special symbol combination formed by a specific symbol of the means stops at a predetermined effective position, and the lottery result of the role is the special role winning In a gaming machine comprising reservation means for storing and storing the special role winning until the special pattern combination stops at the effective position, and having a plurality of the special roles and associating different special pattern combinations for each special role, The first special combination associated with the first special picture combination including the first specific picture of the first circulation display means and the first specific picture of the second circulation display means as the special role, and the first circulation A second special combination associated with a second special picture combination including the first specific picture of the display means and a second specific picture different from the first specific picture of the second circulation display means; A third special role associated with a third special picture combination including the second specific picture of the cyclic display means and the first specific picture of the second cyclic display means, and the first cyclic display means The second specific pattern and the second circulation table At least a fourth special role associated with a fourth special symbol combination including the second specific symbol of the means, and a winning special symbol forming a winning special symbol combination corresponding to the selected special character can be suggested If the winning means is one of the special roles, the stop picture grasping means for grasping for each circulation display means the picture stopped at the first position, and based on the grasp result of the stop picture grasping means, Suggestion determining means for determining whether or not a winning specific picture is suggested, and suggesting picture determining means for determining which of the circulating display means to indicate the winning specific picture based on the grasping result of the stop picture grasping means; The suggestion determining means, when the stop picture grasping means grasps that the winning special picture combination has not been formed while any of the winning specific pictures has stopped at the effective position To determine that the winning specific picture is suggested, and the suggested picture determining means determines, for the cyclic display means that the winning specific picture is stopped at the effective position, to indicate the winning specific picture of the cyclic display means, For the circulation display means in which the winning specific picture has not stopped at the effective position, it is determined that the winning specific picture of the circulation display means is not suggested, and the suggesting means suggests that the suggestion determining means suggests the winning specific picture If it is determined, the suggested picture determination means before all the circulation display means start the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means after all of the circulation display means stop the circulation display. the winning certain picture suggests, the special role by but be displayed emphasized compared to the other picture of the circulating display means winning specific pattern of circulating display means determines that suggest If you win any, characterized by comprising an informing means for informing that it has won in any one of the special role without notifying the winning special picture combination and corresponding special role that was elected.

  It is possible to suggest a special picture corresponding to the special role won in a suitable form.

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

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

Means 1. A plurality of circulation display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of patterns (designs);
Start operation means (start lever 41, first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58) operated to cause each circulation display means to start cyclic display of the picture;
Lottery means (lottery processing function of the main control device 101) for lottery drawing based on the operation of the start operation means;
Stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) operated to stop the cyclic display of the pattern;
Display control means for starting display of the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means and controlling the display of each of the cyclic display means so as to stop the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the stop operation means ( (Slip table setting processing function and reel control processing function of the main control device 101),
The lottery result of the winning combination is a special winning combination (1st to 18th BBs), and the specific patterns (“red 7” symbol and “blue 7” symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M and the right reel) The “red 7” symbol, “blue 7” symbol, and “white 7” symbol) of the reel 32R are stopped at a predetermined effective position (effective line) to form a special pattern (combination of 1BB to 18BB symbols). Privilege granting means (BB start processing function S604 of the main control device 101) for granting a privilege (transition to the BB state) in the case,
When the lottery result of the combination is the special combination winning, the reservation means (RAM 106 of the main control device 101) for storing the special combination winning until the special design is formed,
In a gaming machine having a plurality of the special roles and associating different special patterns for each special role,
A suggestion means (light emitting unit 33) capable of suggesting a winning specific design (a winning BB design of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R) forming a winning special design (combination of winning BB design) corresponding to the selected special role;
When one of the special roles is won, stop picture grasping means (stop symbol number determination function S405 of the main control device 101, display control device 81) grasps the picture stopped at the first position (lower stage) for each circulation display means. Stop appearance grasping function S1402),
Suggestion determining means (a stop symbol command processing function and a winning command processing function of the display control device 81) for determining whether or not the winning specific pattern is suggested based on a grasp result of the stop picture grasping means;
Provided with a suggestion design determining means (a stop design command processing function of the display control device 81) for determining which of the circulation display means is to be suggested based on the grasp result of the stop picture grasping means. A featured gaming machine.

  According to this means, when one of the special roles is won, one of the winning specific designs that form a winning special design corresponding to the selected special role may be suggested. By adopting such a configuration, even if it has a configuration in which there are a plurality of special roles and different special designs are associated with each special role, the winning special design is formed after winning one of the special roles. It is possible to reduce the number of games required until. As a result, it is possible to reduce the opportunity for the player to feel frustrated. In addition, by adopting a configuration that suggests one of the winning specific pictures, it is possible to cause the player to guess a winning specific picture other than the suggested winning specific picture, and the player can play the game while reducing the number of games played. It becomes possible to participate actively. As a result, it is possible to suggest the winning special picture in a suitable form.

  Mean 2. In the above means 1, when the suggestion determining means grasps that the winning special design is not formed at the same time as any of the winning specific symbols is stopped at the effective position, the winning designating means A game machine characterized in that it is determined to suggest a design, and the suggestion design determination means determines to suggest a winning specific design stopped at the effective position among the winning specific designs.

  According to this means, when any of the winning specific pictures stops at the effective position, although the winning special picture is not formed, the winning specific picture stopped at the effective position is suggested. With such a configuration, the player may operate the stop operation means to form a special picture including the suggested winning specific picture in the subsequent game. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of games required to win a special symbol after winning one of the special roles. Further, when it is detected that the player has won one of the special roles, it is presumed that the stop operation means is operated to form a special picture that the player himself has won. For this reason, it is suggested that the special design that the player guessed is not the winning special design, but the winning special design was included by suggesting the winning specific design that stopped at the valid position among the winning specific designs. And the frustration felt by the player can be mitigated.

  Means 3. In the above means 1 or 2, when the suggesting means determines that the suggestion determining means suggests the winning specific picture, the suggesting means suggests the winning specific picture after all of the circulating display means stops circulating display. A gaming machine characterized by

  According to the present means, since the winning specific picture is suggested after all of the circulating display means has stopped the circular display, the stop operating means is operated to form a special picture that the player is assumed to have won. It is possible to suggest a winning specific picture above.

  Means 4. In any one of the above means 1 to 3, when the suggestion means determines that the suggestion determination means suggests the winning specific picture, the start operation means after all the circulation display means stop the circulation display. A game machine characterized by suggesting the winning specific picture before each circulation display means starts the cyclic display of the picture based on the above operation.

  According to this means, the winning specific picture is suggested before all the cyclic display means start the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means after all the cyclic display means stop the cyclic display. . By suggesting the winning specific picture after all of the circulating display means have stopped the circular display, the winning specific picture is displayed after operating the stop operating means to form a special picture that the player presumes won. It becomes possible to suggest. Further, the player operates the stop operation means to stop the cyclic display of the picture by suggesting the winning specific picture before each circulation display means starts the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means. In this case, the stop operation means can be operated to form a special pattern including the suggested winning specific pattern.

  Means 5. In the above means 1 or 2, when the start operating means is operated to start the cyclic display of the picture, the suggestion determining means uses the grasp result of the stop picture grasping means in the immediately preceding game round. And determining whether or not to suggest the winning specific picture, and when the suggesting means determines that the suggesting determining means suggests the winning specific picture, each of the circulation display means starts cyclic display of the picture A gaming machine characterized by suggesting the winning specific picture before the game.

  According to this means, the winning specific picture is suggested before each circulation display means starts the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means. When the player operates the stop operation means to stop the circulation display of the picture by suggesting the winning specific picture before each circulation display means starts the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means In addition, the stop operation means can be operated to form a special picture including the suggested winning specific picture.

  Means 6. In the above means 1 or 2, when the suggestion means determines that the suggestion determination means suggests the winning specific picture, the game times next to the game times determined by the suggestion determining means to suggest the winning specific picture A game machine characterized by suggesting the winning specific picture before each circulation display means starts the cyclic display of the picture after the start operating means is operated to start the game.

  According to this means, the winning specific picture is suggested before each circulation display means starts the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means. By adopting such a configuration, the player stops to stop the cyclic display of the pattern even in the case of the configuration in which the winning specific picture is suggested in the game time next to the game time determined to suggest the winning specific picture. When operating the operation means, the stop operation means can be operated to form a special picture including the suggested winning specific picture.

  Mean 7 In the above means 5 or 6, there is provided delay means for delaying the start timing at which each of the circulation display means starts the cyclic display of the pattern when the suggestion determination means determines that the winning specific picture is suggested. A gaming machine.

  According to this means, when the winning specific picture is suggested, the start timing at which each circulation display means starts the cyclic display of the picture is delayed. By adopting such a configuration, in the time until each circulation display unit starts to display the cyclic display of the pattern, the winning specific picture is suggested using the stop result of each cyclic display means in the game game immediately before the winning specific picture is suggested. It becomes possible to do.

  Means 8. In any one of the above means 1 to 7, when the suggesting means suggests the winning specific picture, the suggesting means highlights the winning specific picture of the circulating display means as compared with other pictures of the circulating display means. A gaming machine characterized by

  According to this means, when the winning specific picture is suggested, the winning specific picture of the circulation display means is highlighted as compared with other pictures of the circulation display means. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible for the player to pay attention to the picture of each circulation display means, and the winning specific picture is suggested without impairing the original characteristic of the gaming machine that operates the stop operation means aiming at the picture. It becomes possible.

  Means 9. In any one of the above means 1 to 8, when the suggesting means suggests the winning specific design, second suggesting means (auxiliary display unit 65) for displaying the suggested content until the winning special design is formed. A gaming machine characterized by having it.

  According to this means, when the winning specific picture is suggested, the suggested content is displayed on the second suggesting means until the winning special picture is formed. By adopting such a configuration, even if the player forgets the suggested winning design, the special design including the winning specified design suggested by confirming the second suggestion means is formed. It is possible to operate the stop operation means to make it happen.

Means 10. A plurality of circulation display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of patterns (designs);
Start operation means (start lever 41, first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58) operated to cause each circulation display means to start cyclic display of the picture;
Lottery means (lottery processing function of the main control device 101) for lottery drawing based on the operation of the start operation means;
A plurality of stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) operated to individually stop the cyclic display of the pattern;
Display control means for starting the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means and controlling the display of each of the circulation display means so as to stop the cyclic display of the corresponding picture based on the operation of the stop operation means. (Slip table setting processing function and reel control processing function of main control device 101),
The lottery result of the winning combination is a special winning combination (1st to 18th BBs), and the specific patterns (“red 7” symbol and “blue 7” symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M and the right reel) The “red 7” symbol, “blue 7” symbol, and “white 7” symbol) of the reel 32R are stopped at a predetermined effective position (effective line) to form a special pattern (combination of 1BB to 18BB symbols). Privilege granting means (BB start processing function S604 of the main control device 101) for granting a privilege (transition to the BB state) in the case,
When the lottery result of the combination is the special combination winning, the reservation means (RAM 106 of the main control device 101) for storing the special combination winning until the special design is formed,
In a gaming machine having a plurality of the special roles and associating different special patterns for each special role,
A suggestion means (light emitting unit 33, etc.) capable of suggesting a winning specific design (winning BB design of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R) forming a winning special design (combination of winning BB design) corresponding to the selected special role;
When one of the special roles is won, an operation timing grasping means for grasping an operation timing of the stop operation means,
Based on the grasp result of the operation timing grasping means, suggestion determining means for determining whether or not the winning specific picture is suggested;
A gaming machine comprising: a suggestion design determining means for determining which of the circulation display means to suggest the winning specific picture when the suggestion determining means determines to suggest the winning specific picture.

  According to this means, when one of the special roles is won, one of the winning specific designs that form a winning special design corresponding to the selected special role may be suggested. By adopting such a configuration, even if it has a configuration in which there are a plurality of special roles and different special designs are associated with each special role, the winning special design is formed after winning one of the special roles. It is possible to reduce the number of games required until. As a result, it is possible to reduce the opportunity for the player to feel frustrated. In addition, by adopting a configuration that suggests one of the winning specific pictures, it is possible to cause the player to guess a winning specific picture other than the suggested winning specific picture, and the player can play the game while reducing the number of games played. It becomes possible to participate actively. As a result, it is possible to suggest the winning special picture in a suitable form.

  Means 11. In the means 10, the suggestion determining means is a case where the winning special design is not formed, and the operation timing grasping means is any timing at which the winning specific design can reach the effective position. If it is determined that the stop operation means has been operated, it is determined that the winning specific picture is suggested, and the suggestion design determining means is a circulation corresponding to the stop operation means operated at the timing among the winning specific pictures. A gaming machine, characterized in that it is determined to suggest a winning specific picture of the display means.

  According to this means, when any of the stop operation means is operated at a timing at which the winning specific picture can be reached at an effective position although no winning special picture is formed, the stop operated at the timing The winning specific picture of the circulation display means corresponding to the operation means is suggested. With such a configuration, the player may operate the stop operation means to form a special picture including the suggested winning specific picture in the subsequent game. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of games required to win a special symbol after winning one of the special roles. Further, when it is detected that the player has won one of the special roles, it is presumed that the stop operation means is operated to form a special picture that the player himself has won. For this reason, the special design estimated by the player is configured by suggesting the winning specific design of the circulation display means corresponding to the stop operation means operated at a timing at which the winning specific design can reach the effective position. Although it is not a winning special picture, it is possible to suggest that the winning specific picture was included, and it is possible to alleviate the frustration felt by the player.

  Any one of the means 3 to 9 may be applied to the means 10 or 11, and in such a case, a synergistic effect can be expected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  There are 18 types of BB winnings of the first to 18th BB winnings as winnings for which the game state is shifted. “Red 7” or “blue 7” symbol of the left reel 32L, “red 7” symbol, “blue 7” symbol, “white 7” symbol of the middle reel 32M, and “red 7” of the right reel 32R If any of the symbol, “Blue 7” symbol, or “White 7” symbol stops on the active line, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus state (hereinafter referred to as “BB state”) as a BB winning. To do. For example, when the “red 7” symbol, the “red 7” symbol, and the “red 7” symbol are stopped from the left on the active line, the first BB prize is established.

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

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

  Hereinafter, a combination of symbols corresponding to each winning prize is also referred to as a winning symbol combination. For example, the 6BB symbol combination is a combination of symbols for winning the 6BB, that is, a combination of “red 7” symbol, “blue 7” symbol, and “white 7” symbol. The symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponding to the winnings are also referred to as winning symbols. For example, the 6BB symbol is a “red 7” symbol on the left reel 32L, a “blue 7” symbol on the middle reel 32M, and a “white 7” symbol on the right reel 32R.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  After obtaining the random number, in steps S302 to S306, a lottery table for determining whether or not the winning combination is selected. Specifically, first, in step S302, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the RB state. If not in the RB state, it is further determined in step S303 whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state. If the current gaming state is neither the BB state nor the RB state, the normal state lottery table is selected in step S304. If the current gaming state is the BB state, the BB state lottery table is selected in step S305. If the current gaming state is the RB state, the RB state lottery table is selected in step S306. Select. Here, in this slot machine 10, six-stage winning probabilities from “Setting 1” to “Setting 6” are prepared in advance. When the power is turned on, a setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turned ON. By performing a predetermined operation, it is possible to set which winning probability is to execute the internal processing. In steps S304 to S306, when the setting state is “setting 1”, the lottery table with the lowest expected value of medal payout is selected, and when “setting 6”, the lottery table with the highest expected value of medal payout is selected. .

  The lottery table will be briefly described. FIG. 13 is a normal state lottery table selected in the normal state of “setting 3”. In the lottery table, the same number of index values IV as the number of combinations to be determined are set. Each index value IV is uniquely associated with each winning combination, and a point value PV is set. ing. That is, in the normal state in the slot machine 10, the determination is made for 23 types of re-game, watermelon, bell, first and second cherries, and first to 18th BBs.

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

  Thereafter, in step S309, whether or not the combination corresponding to the index value IV is determined. In the combination determination, it is determined whether or not the determination value DV exceeds 65535. If 65535 is exceeded, the process proceeds to step S310, and the winning flag of the combination corresponding to the index value IV at that time is set in the winning flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106. For example, if the determination value DV exceeds 65535 when IV = 3, a bell winning flag is set in step S310.

  By the way, when the set winning flag is one of the replay winning flag, the watermelon winning flag, the bell winning flag, the first cherry winning flag, or the second cherry winning flag, the corresponding winning flag is set. It is reset after the game is over (see S203 of the normal process). On the other hand, when the winning flag is any one of the first to 18th BB winning flags, these BB winning flags are reset on condition that the corresponding BB winning is established. That is, the first to 18th BB winning flags may be valid over a plurality of games. In step S310 in a state where any BB winning flag is carried over, if the current index value IV is 1 to 5, the winning flag corresponding to the index value IV is set, and the current index value IV is 6 to 23. If so, the corresponding BB winning flag is not set. In other words, in a game in which any BB winning flag is carried over, when winning a replay or a bell, watermelon, first or second cherry, the corresponding winning flag is set, while any BB is won. Even if it is a case, a new BB winning flag is not set.

  If the determination value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S309, it means that the combination corresponding to the index value IV is lost. In such a case, 1 is added to the index value IV in step S311, and in the subsequent step S312, it is determined whether or not there is a combination corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a determination target to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV added by 1 exceeds the maximum value of the index values IV set in the lottery table. If there is a determination target to be determined whether or not, the process returns to step S308 and continues to determine whether or not the combination is correct. At this time, in step S308, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the determination value DV (that is, the current determination value DV) used to determine whether or not the previous winning combination is a new determination value DV, In step S309, whether or not a winning combination is determined based on the determination value DV. By the way, when the winning combination determination is performed using the lottery table shown in FIG. 13, the winning probability of each BB is about 1/640, the winning probability of watermelon is 1/256, and the winning probability of Bell is about 7 respectively. The winning probability for each cherry is 1/512, and the winning probability for replay is about 1 / 7.3. That is, the probability of winning any of the cherries is 1/256, and the probability of winning any of the BBs is about 1/202. In addition, the probability of losing no winning combination is about 1 / 1.4.

  After the winning flag is set in step S310, or when it is determined in step S312 that there is no determination target to be determined, it means that the winning combination determination has ended. In such a case, a lottery result command is set in step S313. Here, the lottery result command is a command that is transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp the result of the combination determination.

  Thereafter, in step S314, a slip table setting process for setting a slip table (stop table) for reel stop control is performed, and this process ends. Here, the slip table is a table in which it is determined how much the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are slid (rotated) and stopped from the timing when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated. In other words, the slip table is a symbol that has reached the base point position (lower stage in the present embodiment) when the stop switches 42 to 44 are pressed, and actually stops at the base point position. This is a stop data group from which a relationship with a stop symbol (stop symbol number) can be derived.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the BB determination process, it is determined in step S602 whether any of the first to 18th BB winning flags is set. If any of the first to 18th BB winning flags is set, the process proceeds to step S603, and whether or not the corresponding BB winning is established based on the winning winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. judge. If a BB winning is established, a BB start process is executed to shift the gaming state to the BB state in step S604. Specifically, the BB winning flag is cleared and the BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RAM 106, and the gaming state is set to the BB state. In addition, 400 is set in a remaining payout counter provided in the state information storage area 106c for counting the number of remaining medals that can be paid out during the BB state.

  When the BB determination process ends, a status command is set in step S605, and this process ends. Here, the state command is a command transmitted to the display control device 81 in order to grasp the current gaming state. In step S605, when it is determined that none of the first to 18th BB winning flags is set (step S602 is NO), a state command indicating a normal state is set. In addition, when any of the first to 18th BB winning flags is set, but it is determined that the BB winning is not established (NO in step S603), the state means that the BB carryover state is set. Set the command. Furthermore, when the BB start process is performed in step S604, a status command indicating that the status is the BB status is set.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Here, in the received command check process in step S1007, various processes performed from winning one of the first to 18th BBs until determining to notify the winning BB symbol combination are shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Will be described in detail.

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

  In step S1301, it is determined whether or not a lottery result command has been received. If it has not been received, the process is terminated. If the lottery result command is received, the process proceeds to step S1302, and the information indicated by the lottery result command, that is, the lottery result of the combination performed by the main controller 101 is stored in the lottery result storage area 88a of the RAM 88. After that, in step S1303, it is determined whether or not the value of the notification counter for counting the number of games provided in any one of the first to 18th BBs is 0 while being provided in the effect information storage area 88c. If the value of the notification counter is 0, the process further proceeds to step S1304, and it is determined whether or not one of the first to 18th BBs has been won based on the information stored in the lottery result storage area 88a. If any of the first to 18th BBs is won, the notification counter is set to 6 in step S1305, and this process is terminated. Further, when it is determined in step S1303 that the value of the notification counter is not 0, or when it is determined that none of the first to 18th BBs is won although the value of the notification counter is 0 (step S1303). If both steps S1304 are NO), this process is terminated as it is.

  As described above, in the lottery result command process, when any one of the first to 18th BBs is won, 6 is set in the notification counter in the game won for any one of the first to 18th BBs.

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

  In step S1401, it is determined whether or not a stop symbol command has been received. If it has not been received, the process is terminated. If a stop symbol command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1402, and the information indicated by the stop symbol command, that is, the stop output of the reel that has been stopped this time, is stored in the RAM 88. Thereafter, in step S1403, it is determined whether or not the BB symbol is included in the stoppage of the reel that has stopped this time. Specifically, when the reel stopped this time is the left reel 32L, it is determined whether the “red 7” symbol or the “blue 7” symbol is stopped in any of the upper, middle, and lower tiers. If the stopped reel is the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R, has any of the “red 7” symbol, “blue 7” symbol, or “white 7” symbol stopped in any of the upper, middle and lower tiers? Determine whether or not. If the BB symbol is not stopped, the present process is terminated as it is. If the BB symbol is stopped, it is further determined in step S1404 whether or not the stopped BB symbol is a winning BB symbol. If the BB symbol is not a winning BB symbol, the process is terminated. If it is a winning BB symbol, a stop reel flag indicating the currently stopped reel is set in the effect information storage area 88c in step S1405, and a stop position flag indicating the stop position of the winning BB symbol is generated in step S1406. The information is set in the information storage area 88c, and this process is terminated.

  Here, the configuration of the effect information storage area 88c will be briefly described. The effect information storage area 88c is provided with a stop reel flag storage area and a stop position flag storage area. The stop reel flag storage area is provided in correspondence with each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. When the left reel 32L stops, the left stop storage area for storing the stop reel flag and the middle reel 32M stop. In this case, a middle stop storage area for storing the stop reel flag and a right stop storage area for storing the stop reel flag when the right reel 32R stops are configured. The stop position flag storage area has a left reel storage area, a middle reel storage area, and a right reel storage area, and each reel area has an upper storage area, a middle storage area, and a lower storage area. Storage area. That is, the stop position flag storage area is composed of nine storage areas. Therefore, for example, in the situation where the 1st BB is won, if the stop symbol command indicating that the 6th “watermelon” symbol of the left reel 32L has stopped at the lower stage is received, the winning BB symbol 7th Since the “red 7” symbol is stopped in the middle stage, the stop reel flag is set in the left stop storage area and the stop position flag is set in the middle storage area of the left reel storage area.

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

  In step S1501, it is determined whether or not a winning command has been received. If it has not been received, this processing is terminated. If a winning command has been received, it is determined in step S1502 whether a BB winning has been established. If the BB winning is not established, the process proceeds to step S1503, and based on the information stored in the lottery result storage area 88a, it is determined whether or not any of the first to 18th BBs is won. If none of the BBs is won, the process is terminated. When one of the first to 18th BBs is won, 1 is subtracted from the value of the notification counter in step S1504, and it is determined whether or not the value of the notification counter is 0 in step S1505. If the value of the notification counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S1506, and a winning BB notification flag for displaying the winning BB symbol combination on the auxiliary display unit 65 is set in the effect information storage area 88c. If it is determined in step S1505 that the value of the notification counter is not 0, or if the winning BB notification flag is set in step S1506, the process proceeds to step S1507, and any of the storage areas constituting the stop reel flag storage area is determined. Whether the stop reel flag is set or not is determined. If the stop reel flag is not set in any storage area, the present process is terminated. If the stop reel flag is set in any storage area, the process proceeds to step S1508, and the light emission for lighting the light emission display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R provided in the light emission unit 33 is performed. A start flag is set in the effect information storage area 88c, and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1502 that a BB prize has been established, the notification counter value is cleared to 0 in step S1509, and in step S1510, a stop reel flag, a stop position flag, a winning BB notification flag, and light emission. A flag clear process for clearing various flags set in the effect information storage area 88c such as a start flag is executed, and this process ends.

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

  In step S1601, it is determined whether or not a start command has been received, and if not received, the process is terminated. If a start command has been received, the process advances to step S1602 to determine whether or not a light emission start flag has been set. If the light emission start flag is not set, the process is terminated as it is. If the light emission start flag is set, the light emission start flag is cleared in step S1603, and the process is terminated.

  Here, a specific process executed by the drive data output process based on the execution result of the received command check process in the game in which one of the first to 18th BBs is won and the game in which the BB win is carried over will be described. .

  In the drive data output process (more specifically, device control process S1103), when the winning BB notification flag is set, a process of displaying the winning BB symbol combination on the auxiliary display unit 65 is executed. As described above, in the lottery result command processing, 6 is set in the notification counter in the game won in any of the first to 18th BBs, and the value of the notification counter is decremented by 1 in the winning command processing. The winning command is a command transmitted from the main controller 101 to the display controller 81 after all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. For this reason, when one of the first to 18th BBs is won, after the end of the six games including the game, that is, when the fifth game ends after winning any BB, the notification counter The value becomes 0 and the winning BB symbol combination is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65.

  In the drive data output process, when the light emission start flag is set, the stop position flag storage area is referred to, and the light emission display unit corresponding to the storage area where the stop position flag is set is lit in red. To do. For this reason, in a game where one of the first to 18th BBs is won, if the winning BB symbol of any reel stops on the active line and no BB winning is established, the game ends. Later, the reel where the winning BB symbol is stopped and the light emitting display portion corresponding to the stop position are lit in red, indicating that the stopped “7” symbol is the winning BB symbol. The lighting of the light-emitting display unit continues in red until the next game is started, and ends when the light emission start flag is cleared in step S1603 of the start command process.

  Here, as a specific example, the relationship between the stop appearance of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R and the light emission mode of the light emission display portions 34L-36L, 34M-36M, 34R-36R in the situation where the fourth BB is won, This will be described with reference to FIG. If the fourth BB is won, the winning BB symbol of the left reel 32L is “red 7” symbol, the winning BB symbol of the middle reel 32M is “blue 7” symbol, and the winning BB symbol of the right reel 32R is “ Red 7 ”symbol.

  In the situation where the fourth BB is won, when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated to stop the combination of the 8BB symbols on the effective line, the combination of the 8BB symbols does not stop on the effective line. For example, the stop event shown in FIG. Specifically, in the left reel 32L, the “watermelon” symbol is stopped at the upper stage, the “red 7” symbol is stopped at the middle stage, and the “watermelon” symbol is stopped at the lower stage. In the middle reel 32M, the “blue cherry” symbol is stopped at the top, the “watermelon” symbol is stopped at the middle, and the “white 7” symbol is stopped at the bottom. In the right reel 32R, the “replay” symbol is stopped at the top, the “red cherry” symbol is stopped at the middle, and the “blue 7” symbol is stopped at the bottom. In this case, since the “red 7” symbol which is the fourth BB symbol is stopped in the middle stage of the left reel 32L, the pair of left and right light emitting display portions 35L provided at positions corresponding to the middle symbol of the left reel 32L are lit in red. It is suggested that the “red 7” symbol on the left reel 32L is the winning BB symbol. The pair of left and right light emitting display portions 36M and 36R provided at positions corresponding to the “white 7” symbol of the middle reel 32M and the “blue 7” symbol of the right reel 32R are not lit red, so It is suggested that the “7” symbol and the “blue 7” symbol on the right reel 32R are not winning BB symbols.

  The player can make the first BB, the third BB, and the fourth BB by the stop appearance of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and the light emission modes of the light emitting display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R shown in FIG. , 6BB can be grasped.

  Therefore, when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated to stop the combination of the first BB symbols on the effective line, the combination of the first BB symbols does not stop on the effective line, for example, as shown in FIG. It will be a stop turn to show. Specifically, in the left reel 32L, the “watermelon” symbol is stopped at the upper stage, the “red 7” symbol is stopped at the middle stage, and the “watermelon” symbol is stopped at the lower stage. In the middle reel 32M, the “red 7” symbol is stopped at the top, the “replay” symbol is stopped at the middle, and the “red cherry” symbol is stopped at the bottom. In the right reel 32R, the “replay” symbol is stopped at the upper stage, the “red 7” symbol is stopped at the middle stage, and the “watermelon” symbol is stopped at the lower stage. In this case, since the “red 7” symbol as the fourth BB symbol is stopped at the middle stage of the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R, a pair of left and right provided at positions corresponding to the middle symbol of the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R. The light emitting display portions 35L and 35R are lit in red, indicating that the “red 7” symbol of the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R is the winning BB symbol. Further, since the pair of left and right light emitting display portions 34M provided at positions corresponding to the “red 7” symbol of the middle reel 32M is not lit in red, it is suggested that the “red 7” symbol of the middle reel 32M is not the winning BB symbol. The

  29A and 29B, the player can determine whether the reel 32L, 32M, and 32R has stopped and the light emission display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R. The winning BB symbol is the “red 7” symbol, the winning BB symbol of the middle reel 32M is the “blue 7” symbol, and the winning BB symbol of the right reel 32R is the “red 7” symbol, that is, the fourth BB is won. You can grasp what you are doing. As a result, in the next game shown in FIG. 29B, each of the stop switches 42 to 44 is operated so that each of the symbols stops on the active line, whereby the fourth BB symbol as shown in FIG. 29C. Stops on the active line and the 4th BB prize is established.

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

  In a game where one of the first to 18th BBs is won, if the winning BB symbol of one of the reels stops on the active line and no BB winning is established, the winning BB is finished after the game ends. The reel that the symbol is stopped and the light emitting display portion corresponding to the stop position are lit in red, and the stopped “7” symbol is suggested to be the winning BB symbol. By adopting such a configuration, even if the configuration includes 18 types of BB roles and 18 combinations of BB symbols as in the present embodiment, a BB prize is awarded after winning one of the BBs. It is possible to reduce the number of games required to be established. As a result, it is possible to reduce the opportunity for the player to feel frustrated. If the configuration does not suggest the winning BB symbol, it is necessary to try 18 BB symbol combinations one by one, and a maximum of 18 games are required before the BB winning is achieved. For example, the left reel 32L When the winning BB symbol is suggested, the number of combinations of BB symbols that need to be tried is reduced to nine. When the winning BB symbol of the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R is suggested, it is necessary to try. This is because the number of BB symbol combinations is reduced to six. By adopting a configuration that suggests a winning BB symbol rather than suggesting a winning BB symbol combination, it is possible to make the player guess the winning BB symbol of the reel that is not suggested, and the BB symbol that needs to be tried It is possible to actively participate in the game while reducing the number of combinations. As a result, it is possible to suggest a combination of winning BB symbols in a suitable form.

  When the winning BB symbol of any reel stops on the active line and the BB winning is not established, the configuration suggests that the “7” symbol stopped on the active line is the winning BB symbol did. With such a configuration, it is possible to alleviate the frustration felt by the player. When the player senses that one of the first to 18th BBs has been won, the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated to stop the combination of the BB symbols that the player has assumed to win on the effective line. I guess that. For this reason, by adopting a configuration that suggests the winning BB symbol that is stopped on the active line among the winning BB symbols, the combination of the BB symbols estimated by the player does not correspond to the winning combination, but the winning BB symbol is It is possible to suggest that it was included, and it is possible to give the player the impression that it was ugly rather than frustrating.

  When the winning BB symbol is suggested, the configuration is suggested after the game is ended, that is, after all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to suggest the winning BB symbol after operating the stop switches 42 to 44 to stop the combination of the BB symbol presumed to be won by the player on the effective line. Thus, it becomes possible to match the guess results of the player with each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. In addition, since the player is assumed to start the operation of the stop switches 42 to 44 after the symbols to be aimed at by the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are determined in advance, the game is suggested by adopting a configuration suggested after the game is over. It is possible to avoid that the progress of the light is interrupted or that the red lighting of the light-emitting display unit hinders the aiming of the symbol of the rotating reel.

  A pair of left and right light emitting display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R are provided at positions corresponding to nine symbols that can be visually recognized from the front of the slot machine 10, and if the winning BB symbol is suggested, the winning BB symbol is displayed. The light emitting display portion corresponding to the position where the light is stopped is lit red. With this configuration, the winning BB symbol can be highlighted as compared with the other eight symbols, and the player can easily recognize that it is the winning BB symbol. Further, the stoppage of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is based on the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44, that is, the operation timing of the player. For this reason, by adopting a configuration that suggests the winning BB symbol using the stop event, it becomes possible to watch the stop event and operate the stop switches 42 to 44 more actively aiming at the symbol. The winning BB symbol can be suggested without impairing the original characteristics of the slot machine 10.

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

  (1) In the above embodiment, the configuration is such that 18 types of BB combinations of the first to 18th BBs are set. However, the configuration is not limited to 18 types, and any configuration that sets a plurality of BB combinations may be used. The number is arbitrary.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the “red 7” symbol or “blue 7” symbol of the left reel 32L, the “red 7” symbol, the “blue 7” symbol, the “white 7” symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the right 18 types of BB symbols are formed by combining the “red 7” symbol, the “blue 7” symbol, and the “white 7” symbol on the reel 32R. However, this configuration is changed. For example, an arbitrary symbol of the left reel 32L, a “red 7” symbol, a “blue 7” symbol, a “white 7” symbol of the middle reel 32M, a “red 7” symbol, a “blue 7” symbol of the right reel 32R, Nine types of BB symbol combinations are formed by combining the “white 7” symbol. Even in such a configuration, when the player senses that one of the BBs has been won, any combination of the “7” symbols of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R is a winning combination. It becomes necessary to guess what will happen. For this reason, if it is set as the structure which suggests winning BB symbol like the said embodiment, there can exist the effect mentioned above.

  (3) In the above embodiment, a pair of left and right light emitting display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R are provided at positions corresponding to the nine symbols that can be viewed from the front of the slot machine 10, respectively. Although the winning BB symbol is suggested by turning on the light emitting display portion corresponding to the position where the BB symbol stops, the configuration is changed.

  For example, in order to suggest that the “red 7” symbol of the left reel 32L is the winning BB symbol, the light emitting display portions 34L to 36L provided on the left and right sides of the left reel 32L are lit red, and the “ When it is suggested that the “white 7” symbol is the winning BB symbol, the light emitting display portions 34R to 36R provided on the left and right sides of the right reel 32R are lit in red. Even in such a configuration, the winning BB symbol may be suggested due to the correspondence between the light-emitting display unit that is lit red and the BB symbol that is visible on the reel sandwiched between the light-emitting display units. it can.

  Alternatively, in order to suggest that the “blue 7” symbol of the left reel 32L is the winning BB symbol, the light emitting display portions 34L to 36L provided on the left and right of the left reel 32L are lit in blue, and the “ When it is suggested that the “white 7” symbol is the winning BB symbol, the light emitting display portions 34R to 36R provided on the left and right sides of the right reel 32R are lit in white. Even in such a configuration, the winning BB symbol can be suggested by the correspondence between the position of the light-emitting display unit that is turned on and the light emission color of the light-emitting display unit.

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

  (4) In the above embodiment, the winning BB symbol is indicated by turning on the light emitting display portion corresponding to the stop position of the winning BB symbol in red. It is good also as a structure which displays a BB symbol on the auxiliary | assistant display part 65, and maintains the said display until the combination of winning BB symbol stops on an effective line. In such a configuration, even if the player has forgotten the suggested winning BB symbol, by checking the auxiliary display unit 65, the combination of the BB symbols including the suggested winning BB symbol. It is possible to operate each of the stop switches 42 to 44 so as to stop them on the effective line.

  As a configuration for displaying the suggested winning BB symbol on the auxiliary display unit 65, for example, when winning any BB and not suggesting any winning BB symbol, the auxiliary display unit 65 displays “? ??? "is displayed. When the “Red 7” symbol is suggested as the winning BB symbol of the left reel 32L, “Red 7 ??” is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65, and the winning reel BB symbol of the right reel 32R is displayed in the next game. When the “white 7” symbol is suggested, “red 7 ··· white 7” is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65.

  Alternatively, if any BB is won and no winning BB symbol is suggested, the symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R forming the combination of BB symbols are displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65, and the winning combination is displayed. A configuration may be adopted in which BB symbols that are not BB symbols are sequentially hidden.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30 (a), the auxiliary display portion 65 has a “red 7” symbol and a “blue 7” symbol as the BB symbol of the left reel 32L, and the BB of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R. All the “red 7” symbols, “blue 7” symbols, and “white 7” symbols that are symbols are displayed. In the situation where the fourth BB is won, when the stoppage shown in FIG. 29A is made, as shown in FIG. 30B, the “blue 7” symbol of the left reel 32L and the middle The “white 7” symbol on the reel 32M and the “blue 7” symbol on the right reel 32R are not displayed. In the subsequent game, when the stop outcome shown in FIG. 29B is reached, as shown in FIG. 30C, the “red 7” symbol of the middle reel 32M and the “white 7” of the right reel 32R. The symbol is not displayed. Even if it is a case where it is such a structure, it is clear that there exists an effect similar to the said embodiment.

  (5) In the stop symbol command processing in the above embodiment, it is configured to determine whether the winning BB symbol is stopped at any one of the upper, middle, and lower stages, but this configuration is changed. That is, the ROM 86 of the display controller 81 defines a light emission display table that defines the correspondence between the symbol numbers of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and the light emission display portions 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R to be lit red. Is stored in advance. Then, in the stop symbol command processing, it is determined whether or not the light emission display portion is to be lit in red using the reel and symbol number stopped this time indicated by the stop symbol command and the light emission display table. Even if it is a case where it is such a structure, it is clear that there exists an effect similar to the said embodiment.

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

  (6) In the above embodiment, after the game is over, the light emitting display portion is lit red to indicate the winning BB symbol. However, the light emitting display corresponding to the position where the winning BB symbol stops at the start of the next game. It is good also as a structure which lights a red part and suggests winning BB symbol. Specifically, in the above embodiment, the light emission start flag is set in the winning command process, but it is determined whether the stop reel flag is set in the start command process, and the stop reel flag is set. When set, the light emission start flag is set. For example, when a constant speed rotation command is received, the light emission start flag is cleared. Even in such a configuration, the winning BB symbol can be suggested in a situation where the system waits until the wait time elapses, that is, in a situation where each reel 32L, 32M, 32R has not started rotating. It can be expected that the same effects as those of this embodiment can be achieved. When the winning BB symbol is suggested, the winning BB symbol is indicated if the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is not started until a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed in addition to the wait time. Time can be ensured and the winning BB symbol can be suggested in a suitable form.

  In the case where a winning BB symbol is suggested at the start stage of the next game using the stop game in the previous game, steps S1403 to S1406 in the stop symbol command processing (see FIG. 26) of the above embodiment are performed. The processing may be executed in, for example, a start command process at the start stage of the next game.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the light-emitting display unit is lit red after the game ends to indicate the winning BB symbol. It is good also as a structure which turns on red and suggests winning BB symbol. However, with such a configuration, there is a concern that the visibility when aiming at the symbol of another reel may be hindered depending on the lighting intensity or the like of the light emitting display unit.

  (8) When one of the first to 18th BBs is won, it may be notified that any BB has been won. At this time, the winning BB symbol combination is not notified. In such a configuration, the player operates the stop switches 42 to 44 in order to stop the combination of winning BB symbols that the player himself has won in the subsequent game on the active line. It becomes possible to suggest the winning BB symbol in a relatively early game after winning that BB.

  (9) In the above embodiment, when the fifth game is over after winning any BB, the combination of the winning BB symbols is notified regardless of whether the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop. However, the number of games to be played before notifying the winning BB symbol combination is arbitrary. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which does not alert | report the combination of winning BB symbol. In the configuration in which the winning BB symbol is suggested using the light emitting display units 34L to 36L, 34M to 36M, and 34R to 36R, the player can grasp the winning BB symbol combination without notifying the winning BB symbol combination. Because it can.

  (10) The winning BB symbol described in the above embodiment is suggested to a slot machine capable of executing a so-called continuous effect that suggests the presence or absence of a BB winning or a combination of winning BB symbols after performing a predetermined effect over a plurality of games. You may apply the structure to do. For example, in the above embodiment, when any BB is won, the notification counter is set to 6, and when the fifth game is finished, the winning BB symbol combination is notified. The continuous production is executed from the game won to the end of the fifth game. In such a configuration, after enjoying the continuous performance, each stop switch 42-44 is operated to stop the combination of the winning BB symbols, or the winning BB symbol is stopped to stop the winning BB symbol combination as soon as possible in one game. It is possible to allow the player to select whether to operate each of the stop switches 42 to 44 in the hope that this will be suggested. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the chance that the player feels frustrated, and it is possible to suggest a combination of winning BB symbols in a suitable form.

  In addition, you may combine this structure and the structure of the said another example (4), and a synergistic effect can be anticipated in such a case.

  (11) In the above embodiment, when the winning BB symbol is included in the stop appearance of the reel that has stopped this time, the light emitting display portion corresponding to the stop position of the winning BB symbol is lit in red. Such a configuration is changed. That is, when the stop switch is operated at a timing at which the winning BB symbol can reach any one of the upper, middle and lower stages, whether or not the winning BB symbol is stopped at any of the above positions. Regardless, the auxiliary display unit 65 is configured to suggest the winning BB symbol of the reel corresponding to the stop switch operated at the timing.

  At this time, the main control device 101 is configured to transmit the arrival symbol command indicating the arrival symbol number acquired in step S403 to the display control device 81, and the display control device 81 reaches the arrival indicated by the received arrival symbol command. It is set as the structure which determines whether a winning BB symbol is suggested from a symbol number. Explaining with a specific example, in the situation where the 1st BB is won, the left stop switch at the timing when the “replay” symbol No. 1 to the “red 7” symbol No. 7 of the left reel 32L has reached the lower stage When 42 is operated, the “red 7” symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65 as the winning BB symbol of the left reel 32L.

  When a re-game is won in a situation where the first BB is won, a sliding table for preferentially establishing a re-game win is set. For this reason, for example, the “replay” symbols of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are stopped in a middle row, and the left stop switch 42 is operated at the timing when the first “replay” symbol of the left reel 32L reaches the lower row. If it is, the 4th “bell” symbol of the left reel 32L stops at the lower stage and a re-game winning is established on the middle line L2. At this time, No. 7 “Red 7” symbol, which is the winning BB symbol, does not stop in any of the upper, middle and lower tiers. In other words, even if the player operates the stop switches 42 to 44 at a timing at which the combination of the first BB symbols can be stopped on the active line, There is a possibility that the “Red 7” symbol, which is the winning BB symbol, does not stop in any of the upper, middle and lower tiers. Therefore, by determining whether or not the winning BB symbol is suggested based on the operation timing of the stop switch, if any BB and another winning combination are won, a winning corresponding to the other winning combination is established. The winning BB symbol can be suggested while the winning BB symbol can be suggested in a suitable form.

  As another specific example, in the situation where the first BB is won, the right stop switch at the timing when the 19th “bell” symbol to the 2nd “red 7” symbol of the right reel 32R reach the lower stage. When 44 is operated, the “red 7” symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65 as the winning BB symbol of the right reel 32R.

  In the situation where the first BB is won, the 7th “red 7” design of the left reel 32L and the 15th “white 7” design of the middle reel 32M stop at the lower stage, and the 2nd “red” of the right reel 32R. 7 ”When the right stop switch 44 is operated at the timing when the symbol reaches the lower stage, the right reel 32R stops after sliding for one symbol or more in order to avoid the seventh BB winning. Therefore, in such a case, although the right stop switch 44 is operated at a timing at which the “red 7” symbol which is the winning BB symbol of the right reel 32R can be stopped at the lower stage, the right reel 32R The “Red 7” symbol does not stop in any of the upper, middle and lower stages. That is, even if only one of the BBs is won, there is a possibility that the winning BB symbol does not stop at any of the upper, middle and lower stages. Therefore, by determining whether or not the winning BB symbol is suggested based on the operation timing of the stop switch, the winning BB symbol can be suggested in a suitable form.

  (12) In the above embodiment, when the winning BB symbol stops at any one of the upper, middle and lower positions, the light emitting display portion is lit red to indicate the winning BB symbol after the game ends. , Change this configuration. For example, when the winning BB symbol stops at any one of the upper, middle, and lower positions, the winning BB symbol is suggested on the condition that a predetermined operation unit is further operated thereafter. As the predetermined operation unit, a winning BB symbol suggesting switch may be newly provided, or the left stop switch 42 or the like may also function as a winning BB symbol suggesting switch. However, it is necessary to have the above function in addition to the operation unit operated to start the next game such as the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 and the start lever 41.

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

  (14) In the above-described embodiment, as a privilege to be given, in addition to the privilege that the game state shifts and the privilege of re-playing, it is configured to include a privilege to pay out medals, but is limited to this configuration Instead, any configuration may be used as long as the player is given some kind of privilege. For example, a configuration in which a prize other than a medal is paid out instead of a medal to pay out a medal may be used. Further, in a slot machine that does not have an actual medal insertion or medal payout function and manages credits owned by a player, an increase in credited medals corresponds to provision of a privilege.

  (15) In the above embodiment, a slot machine having three reels arranged in parallel and having five lines as effective lines has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, five reels arranged in parallel It may be a slot machine provided or a slot machine having seven effective lines.

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

  (17) In the above embodiment, an example in which the slot machine 10 is embodied is shown, but the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused. That is, in the slot machine, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions, a gaming machine having a ball insertion and ball payout function such as a pachinko machine may be used.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine as a gaming machine, 32 ... Reel as a circulating body, 33 ... Light emitting unit, 41 ... Start lever as start operation means or start operation means, 42-44 ... Stop operation means Stop switch as 56, first credit insertion switch as start operation means or input operation means, 57 ... second credit insertion switch as start operation means or input operation means, 58 ... as start operation means or input operation means Third credit insertion switch, 63: upper lamp constituting auxiliary production execution means, 64: speaker constituting specific role winning suggestion means, 65: auxiliary display unit constituting suggesting means, 81: suggesting means or specific winning choice suggestion Display control device constituting means, etc. 82... CPU, 87... ROM as storage means, 88. The main control device as a RAM, 101 ... main control board as a storage unit, 102 ... CPU constituting the various control means such as a lottery means and the main control unit.

Claims (1)

A plurality of circulation display means for circulating and displaying a plurality of kinds of patterns;
Start operation means operated to start the cyclic display of the picture on each circulation display means;
Lottery means for performing a lottery of a role based on the operation of the start operation means;
Stop operation means operated to stop the cyclic display of the pattern;
Display control means for starting display of the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the start operation means, and controlling display of each of the circulation display means so as to stop the cyclic display of the picture based on the operation of the stop operation means; ,
A bonus granting unit that grants a bonus when the lottery result of the winning combination is a special winning combination and the special symbol combination formed by the specific symbol of each circulation display unit stops at a predetermined effective position;
When the lottery result of the combination is the special combination winning, the reservation means for storing and storing the special combination winning until the special picture combination stops at the effective position,
In a gaming machine having a plurality of special roles and associating different special picture combinations for each special role,
The first special combination associated with the first special picture combination including the first specific picture of the first circulation display means and the first specific picture of the second circulation display means as the special role, and the first A second special combination associated with a second special picture combination including the first specific picture of the cyclic display means and a second specific picture different from the first specific picture of the second cyclic display means; A third special combination associated with a third special picture combination including the second specific picture of the one cyclic display means and the first specific picture of the second cyclic display means; A fourth special role associated with a fourth special picture combination including the second specific picture and the second specific picture of the second circulation display means,
A suggestion means capable of suggesting a winning specific design forming a winning special design combination corresponding to the selected special role,
If one of the special roles is won, stop picture grasping means for grasping for each circulation display means the picture stopped at the first position;
Based on the grasp result of the stop picture grasping means, suggestion determining means for determining whether or not to suggest the winning specific picture;
Based on the grasping result of the stop picture grasping means, the suggested picture determining means for deciding which circulation display means to suggest the winning specific picture,
The suggestion determining means suggests the winning specific picture when the stop graphic grasping means grasps that any of the winning specific pictures is stopped and the winning special picture combination is not formed at the effective position. Decide
The suggestion design determining means determines, for the circulation display means that the winning specific picture has stopped at the effective position, to suggest the winning specific picture of the circulation display means, and the winning specific picture does not stop at the effective position. The circulation display means is determined not to suggest the winning specific picture of the circulation display means,
When the suggestion means determines that the suggestion determination means suggests the winning specific picture, each circulation display means is operated based on an operation of the start operation means after all of the circulation display means stop the circulation display. Before the start of the cyclic display of the picture, the winning specific picture is displayed by highlighting the winning specific picture of the cyclic displaying means determined to be suggested by the suggesting picture determining means in comparison with other pictures of the cyclic displaying means. the suggested,
In the case where any of the special roles is won, it is provided with a notifying means for notifying that one of the special roles has been won without notifying the winning special picture combination corresponding to the selected special role. Gaming machine.

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