JP5935110B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game table.

  Conventionally, for example, a slot machine (pachi-slot) is known as one of game machines. This slot machine uses, for example, a predetermined number of game media, and when the start lever is operated, a lottery to determine an internal winning combination from a plurality of combinations is performed and a plurality of reels are rotated to be determined. The reel is stopped based on the internal winning combination and the operation result of the stop button. Then, the winning is determined according to the stopped reel mode, and a profit corresponding to the winning combination determined is awarded. This series of processing is configured, for example, to be performed by the main control unit.

  On the other hand, some of these slot machines have been proposed to give a player a profit or a disadvantage when a stop button operation condition (operation order, operation timing, etc.) is satisfied. ing. And the thing which performs the production | presentation regarding the operating condition of a stop button and improves the interest of a game is proposed (for example, patent document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4785212

  However, the effects related to the operation conditions of the conventional stop button have room for improvement in terms of improving the fun of the game.

  The objective of this invention is providing the game stand which can improve the interest of a game using the production | presentation regarding the operating condition of a stop button.

According to the present invention,
A start lever operated to start the game,
A plurality of reels that are driven to rotate based on the fact that a plurality of types of symbols are applied and the game is started,
A stop button operated to individually stop the plurality of rotating reels;
Display means;
Display control means for controlling the display means,
It is possible to start the rotation of the plurality of reels in the current game based on the fact that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of rotation of the plurality of reels in the previous game. A gaming machine that stops a plurality of reels based on an operation of the stop button, and provides a profit according to a mode of the plurality of stopped reels,
The display control means includes
It is possible to cause the display means to perform an operation suggestion display that is a display suggesting an operation condition of the stop button,
Examples operation suggests displaying a first operation suggested display, operating conditions that suggest that it is possible to perform a different second operating suggestion display the said first operation indicating display,
In at least some of the games in which the operation suggestion display is performed, the first operation suggestion display is performed at a timing when the game is started, and the rotation is started at the timing at which the plurality of reels are started. amusement machine, characterized in that in which to perform the second operation suggests displayed instead of the single operation suggests indication is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game stand which can improve the interest of a game using the production | presentation regarding the operating condition of a stop button can be provided.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). The circuit block diagram of a control part. The front view which looked at the symbol display window 113 and each reel 110-112 provided in the slot machine 100 from the front. The figure which expanded and showed the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) planarly. (A) is a figure which shows the kind of internal winning combination (including an operating combination), the symbol combination corresponding to each combination, and the number of grants, (b) is a figure which shows the lottery data of each combination. FIG. 7 shows transition transition diagrams and transition conditions of the gaming state of the slot machine 100. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of the main control unit 300. The flowchart which shows the flow of the internal lottery process of the main control part 300. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of reel rotation start processing of the main control unit 300. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) is a flowchart of a main process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of a command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400, and (c) is a first sub control. 6 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the unit 400. The figure which shows the transition transition figure and transition conditions of the production control state of the 1st sub-control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the presentation control process of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of internal winning command reception of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of AT state 1 internal winning command reception of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of the reel rotation start command reception of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. (A) is a diagram showing an example of the effect type of the operation effect, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the effect pattern, (c) is a diagram showing an example of the selection rate of the effect type. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of AT state 2 internal winning command reception of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of the game state update command reception of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of AT state 1 gaming state update command reception of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of each precursor setting process of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of each precursor end process of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the AT state 1 completion | finish process of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of AT state 2 gaming state update command reception of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. (A) is a flowchart of a main process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of a command reception interrupt process of the second sub-control unit 500, and (c) is a second sub-control. 6 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. The figure explaining the progress example of the production | presentation at the time of winning a type 5 operation production | presentation. (A)-(c) demonstrates the example from which the length of a fluctuation period fluctuates. (A) is a figure which shows the example which made the operation effect pattern the animation, (b) is explanatory drawing of one kind of effect time. (A) is explanatory drawing of another example which fluctuates a fluctuation period, (b) is a conceptual diagram of the relationship of each timing. (A)-(d) is explanatory drawing of the other example from which the operation effect pattern switches.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the gaming machine (here, a slot machine) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). FIG. 3 is a front view of the symbol display window 113 and the reels 110 to 112 provided in the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front.

  A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are housed inside the center of the main body 101, and can be rotated inside the slot machine 100. Has been. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are roughly displayed in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 (each may be referred to as a symbol display area), and a total of nine symbols can be seen. ing.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, the symbols displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 (position 1 shown in the figure) are displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 and the middle stage of the left reel 110 (position 2 shown in the figure). The symbol to be displayed is displayed in the middle stage of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure), the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel, and the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (position 4 in the figure). The symbol is displayed on the middle reel upper symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle reel 111 (position 5 in the drawing) is the middle reel middle symbol, and the symbol displayed on the lower reel 111 (position 6 in the drawing) is displayed. The symbol displayed on the lower stage of the middle reel, the upper stage of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the figure) is the upper stage of the right reel, and the picture displayed on the middle stage of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the figure) is the right reel. Middle design, bottom of right reel 112 (in the figure The symbols displayed in to 9 position) is called the right reel lower symbol respectively.

  Each of the symbols of each of the reels 110 to 112 is displayed in a vertical direction on the reels 110 to 112 through the symbol display window 113, for a total of nine. Then, by rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 is provided in the slot machine 100 so that a plurality of types of symbols are applied and driven to rotate.

  In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as an effect image display device 157 can also be adopted as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  Backlights (not shown) for illuminating individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 are arranged on the rear surfaces of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. The main control unit 300, which will be described later, determines the position of the symbol in the rotation direction on the reel based on the detection result of the sensor, and stops the reels 110 to 112 so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line. .

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates an effective winning line. The winning line is a line for determining whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to the combination described in FIG. 5 described later is displayed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Middle line L1 composed of middle reel middle symbol and right middle symbol, upper left reel symbol, upper reel L2 composed of middle reel upper symbol and right reel upper symbol, left reel lower symbol, middle reel lower symbol and right Lower line L3 composed of lower reel design, left reel lower design, middle reel middle design and right reel upper design composed of right reel upper design, left reel upper design, middle reel middle design and right reel lower design There are five winning lines, a downward-sloping line L5.

  An effective winning line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “effective line”) is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. In each case, for example, when one medal is bet, the middle line is valid, when two medals are bet, three lines with the upper line and the lower line are added, and three medals are bet The five lines to which the upper right line and the lower right line are added are effective as the winning line. The number of winning lines is not limited to 5 lines.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific combination (specifically, a special combination) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later, or that a special combination internal winning state has been established. . The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal insertion is unnecessary) when winning a replay role that is one of the roles in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, every time the 1-bet bet button 130 is pressed, up to 3 cards are inserted, and when the 2-bet bet button 131 is pressed, 2 cards are inserted and the MAX bet button 132 is pressed. When it is done, 3 sheets are inserted.

  The one-bet bet button 130, the two-bet bet button 131, and the MAX bet button 132 are operation units that receive a predetermined insertion instruction operation for game media electronically stored in the storage means. Further, further limiting, the one-bet bet button 130, the two-bet bet button 131, and the MAX bet button 132 are game media stored electronically in storage means for electronically storing game media for use in the game. It is a throwing-in operation part which receives the operation for the instruction | indication for using for game.

  The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. is there. That is, operating the one-bet bet button 130, the two-bet bet button 131, and the MAX bet button 132, and inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 141 corresponds to an insertion operation. Further, as will be described later, since the game start operation can be accepted by performing the input operation, the input operation is one of a plurality of types of game operations for proceeding with the game.

  The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7 segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch that is operated to start a game. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141, the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated, or the automatic insertion is made by winning a re-gamer, the game starts when the start lever 135 is operated. Then, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate.

  The operation with respect to the start lever 135 instructs the start of the game, and corresponds to the start operation. Since the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started by performing the start operation, the start operation is one of a plurality of types of game operations for proceeding with the game. In addition, the start lever 135 is a predetermined operation unit among a plurality of operation units that receives the player's operation, and in particular, is a start operation reception unit that receives the start operation. In other words, the start lever 135 is a rotation instruction operation unit that receives an operation for an instruction to start rotation of the reels 110 to 112 by an operation by the player.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139 including a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches that are operated to individually stop the plurality of rotating reels 110 to 112, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112.

  More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 can be The right reel 111 can be stopped by operating.

  Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. The order of stopping the stop buttons 137 to 139 in order to stop the reels 110 to 112 that are rotating is referred to as a stop operation order or simply an operation order.

  Each stop button 137 to 139 may be provided with a light emitter, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be turned on to notify the player.

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

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

  The sound hole 180 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160.

  The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and an effect image display device 157 disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction before the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 appears on the front side (player side) of the slot machine 100. Yes. The effect image display device 157 displays various information related to the game and displays effect images. The effects performed by the effect device 160 include effects related to operation conditions for the stop buttons 137 to 139.

  The display member shielded by the shutter 163 is not limited to the effect image display device 157, but may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display) , A dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen.

  Note that the speaker 272, the speaker 277, various lamps, and the like also correspond to the rendering means. That is, the effect means can include an effect image display device 157, various speakers, various lamps, and the like. The first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later, are control units (for example, the first sub-control unit 400, the second sub-control unit 500, etc.) that control these rendering means. That is, the first sub-control unit 400 or the second sub-control unit 500 controls the effect means and corresponds to the effect control means.

  Note that the control unit that directly controls the effect image display device 157 is the second sub-control unit 500, but what effect image the first sub-control unit 400 displays on the second sub-control unit 500. Since it is an instruction and the effect image display device 157 is indirectly controlled, the first sub-control unit 400 may be expressed as controlling the effect image display device 157.

  Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control unit (first control unit) that receives a command transmitted by the main control unit 300 and executes a process according to the command. A sub-control unit 400 and a second sub-control unit 500). In the case of the present embodiment, the sub-control unit receives a command from the main control unit 300 and performs a process related to the control of the effect, and the command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a role, and reel stop position. ROM 306 for storing etc., RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc. A WDT (watchdog timer) 314 is mounted. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later.

  The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

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

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 performs various sensors 318 (medal insertion operation detection sensor, start lever 135 sensor, bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet Each of button 132 sensor, medal detection sensor of medal selector, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from medal payout device 180, and reels 110-112 The status of the index sensor etc. is monitored. The CPU 304 can acquire the state of each sensor from a predetermined port of the I / O 310.

  When the start operation is detected in a state where the start operation for the start lever 135 can be accepted, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random value generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random value generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  Two medal insertion operation detection sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141, and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by the player. A stop button 137 sensor, a stop button 138 sensor, and a stop button 139 sensor are installed in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect a stop operation by the player.

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

  The index sensors of the reels 110 to 112 become L level each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel passes, for example. When detecting this signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

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

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

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

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

  The main control unit 300 outputs (or enables output) information to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 does not output information to the main control unit 300 (or does not output it). The reason (that is, the reason for the one-way communication) is that an illegal signal is input to the main control unit 300 from an external device or an illegally modified first sub-control unit. This is to prevent unauthorized processing from being performed in the process such as the lottery of the combination performed by the control unit. Another reason is that the one-way communication reduces the inspection burden of the inspection organization that inspects the game machine program. The main control unit 300 in this embodiment is provided so that the result of the process performed by the first sub-control unit 400 cannot be input.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency. It is equipped with.

  The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

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

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

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.) are provided to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. It is connected.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. Second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of effect device 160 including display control of effect image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 is, for example, a control unit that controls display of the effect image display device 157, a control unit that controls various drive devices for effect (for example, a control unit that controls motor driving of the shutter 163). ), And the like.

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

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

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

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

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 536 are connected to the VDP 534 via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 306 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) is developed in a plane.

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

<Type of role>
Next, the types of roles of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the types of internal winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each combination, and the number of each combination awarded (the number of medals to be paid out when winning). In the present embodiment, medals are awarded as profits according to the modes (here, symbol combinations) of the stopped reels 110 to 112.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing lottery data for each combination, and shows the internal winning probability for each gaming state. The gaming state includes a replay low probability state (sometimes referred to as RT0), a special combination internal winning state (sometimes referred to as RT1), and a special gaming state (sometimes referred to as RT2).

  “Condition device” in FIG. 5B indicates the type of the combination subject to internal lottery. The internal winning probability is a value obtained by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the lottery value by 65536 by 100. For example, in RT0, the lottery value of the small combination 1 is 1024, and the winning probability of the small combination 1 is 1024/65536 * 100≈1.6%. For the internal winning probability of each combination, the numerical data corresponding to the range of the lottery data associated with each combination is obtained from the lottery data prepared in the ROM 306. It is obtained by a value divided by (for example, 65535). The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. Although not shown in the drawing, the loss is one of the lottery results. In this lottery data, a plurality of settings (for example, settings 1 to 6) with different winning probabilities for at least one combination are prepared, and a game store staff or the like arbitrarily selects and sets one of the set values. Can do.

  The combination of the slot machine 100 includes a special combination, a replay combination, and a small combination (small combination 1 to small combination 3). Needless to say, the type of combination is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  Among the combinations in the present embodiment, the special combination is a combination that makes a transition to the special gaming state, and the re-playing combination is called an “operating combination” as a combination that can be replayed without newly inserting medals. However, the “combination” in the present embodiment includes a special combination and a re-playing combination that are actuating combinations.

  In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator that does not accompany a medal payout (no medal payout) is displayed on the active line. Includes winnings for gamers.

  The special combination is a combination (operating combination) in which a special game is started by winning a prize. The corresponding symbol combination is “BAR-BAR-BAR”. In the case of this embodiment, when a special combination is won, medals are not paid out. The special role can be won internally at RT0, and the internal winning probability (16384/65536 = 25%) is set with a relatively high probability. RT1 and RT2 are not subject to internal lottery.

  For special roles, carry over the flag. That is, when the special combination is won internally, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300), but even if the special combination is not won in the game, The state in which the flag indicating the internal winning is kept is maintained, and the internal combination is being won for the special combination even after the next game, and the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” corresponding to the special combination is in a state of winning all together.

  The main controller 300 shifts the gaming state to RT2 (special gaming state, which will be described in detail later in FIG. 6) based on the display of this symbol combination.

  The re-game player is a player (operator) who can play a game without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. When the re-gamer wins, the main control unit 300 automatically inserts the same bet number as the previous bet number. The corresponding symbol combination is “Replay-Replay-Replay. The re-playing player can win internally in RT0 and RT1, and the internal winning probability is set lower in RT0.

  A small role (small role 1 to small role 3) is a role in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a prize. Corresponding symbol combinations are as follows: small role 1 is “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” (watermelon), small role 2 “ANY-Cherry-ANY” (Cherry) and small part 3 are “Bell-Bell-Bell” (Bell). The symbol combination “ANY-Cherry-ANY” of the small role 2 may be any symbol as long as the symbol of the middle reel 111 in the effective line is “Cherry”, and the symbol of the left reel 110 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol. Means.

  The number of medals to be paid out when winning a small combination 1 to a small combination 3 is as shown in “Number of awarded” in FIG. For the small combination 3, the number of medals to be paid out when winning is different depending on the gaming state, 2 in RT2, and 9 in RT0 and RT1.

  The small combination 1 and the small combination 2 can be internally won in RT0 and RT1, and the internal winning probability is set to be the same in any gaming state. The small role 3 can be won internally in any of RT0 to RT2. The internal winning probability is set to be the same in RT0 and RT1, and the internal winning probability is set to be higher than that in RT0 and RT1 in RT2. In this embodiment, 100% internal winning is achieved.

  In this embodiment, the small role 3 is a role in which operation conditions for the stop buttons 137 to 139 are set. In order to win the small role 3, the small role 3 is internally won and the operation condition is set. Satisfaction is required. Examples of the operation condition include the operation order of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and the operation timing. In the present embodiment, the operation condition is the operation order of the stop buttons 137 to 139.

  The operation order may specify all of the first to third stop operations, or any one stop as in the case where only the first stop operation is specified and the second and third stop operations are not specified. Operations may be defined. Further, any two stop operations may be defined.

  The operation sequence can be set from up to 6 types (left → middle → right, left → right → middle, middle → left → right, middle → right → left, right → left → middle, right → middle → left). However, four types (middle → left → right, middle → right → left, right → left → middle, right → middle → left) may be used.

  The operation condition may be set by, for example, determining one by lottery when the small combination 3 is won internally. Further, for example, when a plurality of combinations of combinations of the small combination 3 and other combinations are set for each operation condition and the small combination 3 is internally won, the operation condition may be determined at the same time.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the type and transition of the gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing transition transition diagrams and transition conditions of the gaming state of the slot machine 100.

  With reference to FIG. 6, as described above, in this embodiment, the gaming state is divided into RT0 to RT3. The gaming state changes according to the arrows in the figure. RT0 is set in the initial state such as when the power is turned on. If the special combination is won internally at RT0 and the game is not won, the gaming state is set to RT1. If the special combination is won internally at RT0 and the game is won, the game state is set to RT2.

  When a special combination is won in RT1, the gaming state is set to RT2. In RT2, the game is a so-called two-sheet game, and when the total number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number (here, 32 as an example), the game state is set to RT1. In RT1, 100% internal winning is made to the small role 3, but the payout is 2, so RT1 is in a gaming state in which an increase in the net increase cannot be expected. In the case of the present embodiment, the probability that the special combination is won internally is relatively high (25%) as described above, and it is easy to shift to RT1. When it is difficult to win a special combination based on reel stop data, the specification is such that the period during which the game is played at RT1 becomes longer.

<Processing of main control unit>
Next, the main process of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit 300. Basic control of the game is performed mainly by the CPU 304 of the main controller 300, and the CPU 304 repeatedly executes the main process of the main controller shown in FIG.

  When power is turned on to the slot machine 100, first, various initial setting processes are executed in S1. In S2, processing related to multiplication setting / start operation reception is performed. First, the main control unit 300 determines whether or not an electronic medal insertion operation using the one-bet bet button 130, the two-bet bet button 131, and the MAX bet button 132 or a direct medal insertion operation from the insertion port 141 is performed. Is determined by detection by the sensor circuit 320, and when there is an insertion operation, the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on according to the number of received medals. In the case where the player has won the re-game player in the previous game, the same number of bets as the previous game can be played without additional insertion of medals.

  Further, the main control unit 300 advances the game to a state in which the sensor circuit 320 detects whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated as the number of bets has reached 3, and the start lever 135 has been operated. If it is determined that it has been made, the number of inserted medals is confirmed, and the process proceeds to S3.

  In S3, a valid winning line is determined. In S4, the random number generated by the random value generation circuit 316 is acquired. In S5, an internal lottery process for a combination is performed. Here, at least an internal lottery for lottery of internal winning of the combination is performed. Moreover, you may perform the lottery (for example, the lottery which selects the content of production from multiple types) regarding an effect. FIG. 8 shows the internal lottery process of S5. In S11, an internal winning combination is determined. In the internal lottery of the combination, the combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and the lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in S4. As a result of the internal lottery, when an internal winning is made for any combination, the internal winning flag of that combination is turned ON. In S12, preparation is made for transmitting an internal winning command including at least information capable of identifying the determined internal winning combination. The prepared command is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in S36 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  In the internal lottery process of S5, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result. For the reel stop data for the role for which the operation condition of the stop operation is questioned, the operation condition is also set. When the reel stop data corresponding to these is selected, the operation condition is also set. In this way, operating conditions are set when a specific combination is won internally. When a stop operation that violates the operation condition is performed, control is performed so that the corresponding symbol combination is not displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 7, in S6, reel control for starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is performed. Details will be described later.

  In S7, a reel stop control process is performed. Here, first, acceptance of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is validated by satisfying a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is, for example, that the drive control setting of the reels 110 to 112 is a constant speed control state set after the acceleration control state of all the reels 110 to 112 and is provided in all the reels 110 to 112. This is a case where an accurate symbol position can be confirmed by detecting the index sensor.

  Thereafter, when a valid stop button is operated, the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is brought into the pull-in control state, and is rotated to the target position based on the reel stop data prepared based on the selection in S5. When it reaches the position, the brake control state is set, and the reel is stopped at the target position.

  That is, the reel stop control is based on the result of the internal lottery in S5 and the timing of the stop operation. In the reel stop control, basically, if there is an internal winning combination, it is allowed to display a symbol combination corresponding to that combination, and in the case of a loss, any combination of symbols corresponding to any combination is allowed. The reel stop control such as so-called pull-in / kick-up is performed so as not to be displayed.

  In S7, each time the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation are accepted, a command including information regarding which stop button is operated and information regarding when the stop button is operated is transmitted. Prepare to do. These prepared commands are transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in S36 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to S8. In S8, winning determination is performed. Here, when a symbol combination corresponding to some combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the combination has been won. Also, the internal winning flag is reset unless the flag is carried over.

  In S9, a medal grant process is performed. Here, if a winning combination is awarded, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out. In this way, medals are awarded as profits according to the modes (here, symbol combinations) of the stopped reels 110 to 112.

  In S10, game state control processing is performed. In the game state control process, control for shifting the game state is performed. For example, when a special role is won, a special game state (RT2) is prepared so that it can be started from the next game. Prepare to start the gaming state (RT0). Also, for example, when the special combination is won internally and no winning is made, preparation is made so that the special combination internal winning game state (RT1) can be started from the next time. In addition, preparation for transmitting a command including information indicating the current gaming state is made. These prepared commands are transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in S36 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG.

  Thus, in this embodiment, a privilege is given to the player based on the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, the game proceeds by returning to S2 and repeating the above-described processing.

  Next, the reel rotation start process in S6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of reel rotation start processing performed by the main control unit 300.

  In S21, it is determined whether or not the game interval counter is zero. The game interval counter is a counter that measures the time between consecutive games, and limits the number of games per unit time to suppress gambling. If a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) counted by this counter has not elapsed since the start of reel rotation in the previous game, the reel rotation in the current game is not started. If the game interval counter is 0, the process proceeds to S22, and if not 0, the process returns to S21.

  In S22, an initial value is set in the game interval counter. In S23, reel stop data for the first stop is prepared based on the selection in S5. In S24, the interrupt control state is set to the reel control state.

  In S25, the control state of each reel 110-112 is set to the acceleration control state. In S26, a reel rotation start command is prepared for transmission. The prepared command is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in S36 of the main control unit timer interrupt process of FIG. Thus, one unit of processing is completed.

  Next, a timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 300.

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

  In S31, a timer interrupt start process is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed. In S32, WDT (watchdog timer) is restarted.

  In S33, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, the detection results of a plurality of sensors connected to the sensor circuit 320 are monitored via the input port of I / 0310, and the monitoring results are provided in the RAM 308 for each sensor. Store the storage area.

  In S34, various game processes are performed. Here, various processes according to the interrupt control state are performed. Conversely, the interrupt control state is information for selecting the content of the game process. For example, when the interrupt control state is the reel control state, the excitation data corresponding to the control state set for the motor provided in each reel is referred to by referring to the control state set for each reel. Are set sequentially to control each reel. For example, when the reel control state is the acceleration control state, excitation data corresponding to the acceleration control state is sequentially set, and the corresponding reel is accelerated.

  In S35, timer update processing is performed. Various timers such as the game interval counter described above are updated in units of time. In S 36, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various set commands are transmitted to the sub-control unit 400. The sub-control unit 400 can determine the presentation control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the received command. In S37, an external signal setting process is performed. Here, predetermined information (for example, information relating to the gaming state) is transmitted from the information output circuit 334 to the information input circuit 652 of the external device.

  In S38, device monitoring processing is performed. Here, an error state of various devices such as the medal selector 170 is monitored. In S39, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, if the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to S41. If the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to S40.

  In S40, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in S41 is set in each original register. On the other hand, in S41, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 as return data, and power-off processing such as initialization of the input / output port is performed. .

<Processing of first sub-control unit>
The processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processing executed by the first sub-control unit 400, and FIG. 11A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  The main process of the first sub control unit 400 is executed when a reset signal is input to the first sub control unit 400. First, various initial settings are performed in S51 of FIG. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in S51. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In S52, it is determined whether or not the timer variable stored in the timer variable storage area which is a predetermined storage area of the RAM 408 of the first sub-control unit 400 is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to S53. In S53, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

  In S54, first sub-control unit command processing is performed. The CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 determines whether or not a command has been received from the main control unit 300, and when receiving a command, performs a predetermined process according to the received command. For example, when the internal information of the main control unit 300 (game state, internal winning result, winning result, etc.) is updated, the internal information of the first sub control unit 400 is updated accordingly.

  In S55, an effect control process is performed. Here, processing related to effect control such as setting of effect data is performed based on the processing executed in S54. Details will be described later.

  In S56, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in S55, this command is output to the sound source IC 418. In S57, when there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read in S55, this command is output to the drive circuit 422. In S58, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read out in S55, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to S52. Thus, one unit of main processing is completed.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300.

  In S61, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408 as an unprocessed command. Thus, one unit of command reception interrupt processing is completed.

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

  In S71, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in S42 in the first sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Therefore, in S32 of FIG. 9A, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In S72, various update processes are performed. For example, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500, update processing of various random numbers such as a rendering random number value, and the like are performed. Thus, one unit of timer interrupt processing is completed.

<Direction control state>
The effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The figure is a diagram showing transition transition diagrams and transition conditions of the effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400. The effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400 can be managed by storing a flag indicating the effect control state in a predetermined area of the RAM 408.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400 is broadly divided into a normal state and an AT state. In the AT state, an effect related to operation conditions for the stop buttons 137 to 139 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an operation effect) is performed. It is possible not to perform the operation effect in the normal state. It should be noted that the relationship between the gaming state described with reference to FIG. 6 and the effect control state can be shifted to the AT state only when, for example, RT1 is set.

  The operation effect includes a notification effect that notifies the player of the operation conditions. As described above, the operation condition is set for the small combination 3. The player cannot recognize this unless the set operation condition is notified. The player is advantageous by notifying the operation condition by the notification effect. Therefore, the AT state can be regarded as an advantageous game state by the player, and the effect control state in which the AT state is set may be referred to as an AT game.

  The AT state is set by winning the transition lottery in the normal state. In the case of the present embodiment, the transfer lottery is performed on the condition that a small combination 1 or a small combination 2 has been won internally.

  In the present embodiment, the AT state is distinguished into AT state 1 and AT state 2. First, the AT state 1 is set, and when the remaining number of games in the AT state 1 (referred to as the AT1 game number) becomes 0, the AT state ends and the normal state is set. The initial value of the number of AT1 games may be a fixed value or a variable value determined by lottery. In the present embodiment, the fixed value is set to 50 times.

  When the transition lottery is won in the AT state 1, the AT state 2 is set after digesting the precursor effect game for a predetermined number of times (referred to as the number of precursor games). In the case of the present embodiment, the transfer lottery is performed on the condition that a small combination 1 or a small combination 2 has been won internally. The number of precursor games may be a fixed value or a variable value determined by lottery. In this embodiment, it is a fixed value and 5 times.

  When the remaining number of games in AT state 2 (referred to as the number of AT2 games) becomes 0, AT state 2 ends. If the number of AT1 games is 1 or more when the AT state 2 ends, the AT state 1 is set again. The initial value of the number of AT2 games may be a fixed value or a variable value determined by lottery. In the present embodiment, the fixed value is set to 50 times.

  In the present embodiment, in the AT state 2, a lottery that gives a player a privilege when a predetermined condition is satisfied is performed. In the case of this embodiment, when a small combination 1 or a small combination 2 is won internally, a lottery that gives a bonus to a player is performed.

  The content of the privilege may be anything as long as it is advantageous to the player. However, in this embodiment, the content of the privilege is added to the number of AT1 games, and a lottery to determine whether or not to add is added. Call it. The number of additions may be a fixed value or a variable value determined by lottery. In the present embodiment, the fixed value is set to 50 times. Therefore, for example, if the number of extra games is won with 10 AT1 games, the number of AT1 games will be 60, and after AT state 2 has ended, AT1 state will continue at least for the number of games of 60 times. Will be.

<Examples of operation effects>
The AT state 2 is more advantageous to the player than the AT state 1 in that a privilege may be obtained, and during the AT game, the player's interest is whether or not the AT state 2 is set. It becomes easier to face. Therefore, in the operation effect during the AT game, it is possible to improve the interest of the game by performing the effect suggesting whether or not to shift to the AT state 2. Hereinafter, an example of the operation effect will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of an operation effect type, FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of an operation effect pattern, and FIG. 10C is a diagram showing an example of a selection rate of the operation effect type. It is.

  The pattern of the operation effect indicates the content of the operation effect. In the present embodiment, two types of patterns A and B are set. The effect of one pattern or combination effect of these two types constitutes a unit operation effect. Therefore, the individual effects of pattern A and pattern B may be referred to as operation effects, and the entire combination of pattern A and pattern B may be referred to as operation effects.

  Both pattern A and pattern B shown in FIG. 17B are notification effects in which the operating conditions are notified. In this embodiment, the effect image display device 157 displays an image. Note that the effect means for performing the operation effect is not limited to the image display device 157.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the operation condition is the operation order of the stop buttons 137 to 139. In the example of FIG. 17B, notification that the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated in the order of middle → right → left is notified. doing. The pattern A and the pattern B are different from each other. In particular, in the pattern B, the number display portion indicating the operation condition is changed from the pattern A and the operation condition is emphasized.

  The type of operation effect indicates a condition for causing the effect image display device 157 to perform the effect pattern A or the effect pattern B. In this embodiment, five types of type 1 to type 5 are set. In the case of the present embodiment, the condition for performing the operation effect is a condition that is satisfied according to the progress of the game, and two types of effect start conditions are defined. Specifically, as an example, the first effect start condition is when an internal winning command (S12 above) transmitted from the main controller 300 is received, and the second effect start condition is a reel rotation start command (S26 above). )) Is the starting condition for production.

  Type 1 allows only pattern A to be performed on condition that an internal winning command is accepted. Type 2 allows only pattern B to be performed on condition that the internal winning command is accepted. Type 3 allows only pattern A to be performed on condition that a reel rotation start command is received. Type 4 allows only pattern B to be performed on condition that a reel rotation start command is received. Type 5 causes pattern A to be performed on the condition that the internal winning command is accepted, and pattern B to be performed on the condition that the rotation start command is accepted.

  Type 5 differs from types 1 to 4 in that it is an operation effect in which pattern A and pattern B are continuously performed. The effect of pattern B may be an effect that is added to the effect of pattern A without ending pattern A being executed, or may be an effect that is performed by ending pattern A. Further, in the present embodiment, the operation effect based on the operation effect pattern A is continuously switched from the operation effect based on the operation effect pattern B, and it is not always necessary to do this, that is, based on the operation effect pattern A. An operation effect based on the operation effect pattern B may be performed after the operation effect is not performed once, and another effect is interposed between the end of the effect of the pattern A and the start of the effect of the pattern B. Also good.

  Both the internal winning command and the reel rotation start command are commands transmitted before the timing when the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 becomes valid (S7 in FIG. 7, sometimes referred to as stop operation validation timing). . That is, in the type 5 operation effect, the effect start condition for performing the operation effect of the pattern A and the pattern B is a condition that is satisfied before the stop operation activation timing, and the effect is performed before the player performs the stop operation. The contents are made recognizable.

  The reel rotation start command is a command transmitted from the main control unit 300 after the internal winning command. That is, in the type 5 operation effect, the effect start condition for performing the pattern B operation effect is a condition that is satisfied after the effect start condition for performing the pattern A operation effect is satisfied. Is made to be able to recognize the change of effect (pattern A → pattern B) before performing the stop operation.

  The reception of the internal winning command and the reception of the reel rotation start command are an example of an effect start condition for performing the operation effect of pattern A and pattern B in type 5, and other conditions that are satisfied before the stop operation enable timing There may be. However, since the condition for performing the operation effect is a condition that is satisfied according to the progress of the game as in the present embodiment, the effect linked to the game operation is executed, so the effect switching in type 5 is performed. It can be easily recognized by the player. Note that “before the stop operation validation timing” means that the stop operation validation timing may be the same.

  Next, the selection rates of types 1 to 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows the selection rates of types 1 to 5 in each state when the AT state is set. In the case of the present embodiment, in the AT state 1, any one of “non-predictor”, “false predictor”, and “predictor” is set. “Pre-sign” means a state in which the transition lottery is won in the AT state 1 and the pre-play game is being digested. The “false premonition” is a state that is set when the transition lottery is lost in the AT state 1 and is a state in which the player expects this even though the precursor effect game is not being digested. “Non-predictor” is a normal state (default state) that is neither “pre-predictor” nor “false presage”. These states can be managed by storing a flag indicating each state in a predetermined area of the RAM 408.

  In the non-predictive state, the pattern in which the operation effect pattern is changed by the reel rotation start command and the pattern in which the operation effect is started by the reel rotation start command are not selected.

  Type 5 is selected only in the case of “Pre-sign”. Therefore, when a type 5 operation effect is performed, the AT state 2 is set, and the player's expectation can be improved.

  In this precursor, the ratio that the pattern B is selected as the operation effect is higher than in the non-predictor and the false precursor, and if the pattern B is performed, the possibility that the AT state 2 is set increases. That is, it can be said that the pattern B is an operation effect pattern advantageous to the player, and similarly, types 2, 4 and 5 including the pattern B are advantageous operation effect types.

  In this embodiment, the pattern A may be switched from the pattern A to the pattern B which is a more advantageous operation effect pattern as in the type 5, but the operation effect type to be switched from the advantageous operation effect pattern B to the operation effect pattern A is Not set. Although it is not always necessary to do this, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game by switching the operation effect to such an advantageous operation effect.

<Example of effect control processing of sub-control unit 400>
<Production control processing>
A processing example of the sub-control unit 400 related to the above-described AT state control and operation effect will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect control process in S55 of FIG. In S81, it is determined whether the target command of the command processing in S54 is an internal winning command. If yes, go to S82, otherwise go to S83. In S82, an internal winning command reception process is performed. Details will be described later.

  In S83, it is determined whether the target command of the command processing in S54 is a reel rotation start command. If applicable, the process proceeds to S84, and if not, the process proceeds to S85. In S84, a reel rotation start command reception process is performed. Details will be described later.

  In S85, it is determined whether the target command of the command processing in S54 is a gaming state update command. If applicable, the process proceeds to S86, and if not, the process proceeds to S87. In S86, a game state update command reception process is performed. Details will be described later. In S87, other command reception processing is performed. Thus, one unit of effect control processing is completed.

<Process when receiving internal winning command>
Next, the internal winning command reception process in S82 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the internal winning command reception process.

  In S91, it is determined whether or not the effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400 is the normal state. If it is the normal state, the process proceeds to S92, and if it is not the normal state, the process proceeds to S93.

  In S92, normal state internal winning command reception processing is performed. Here, when the internal winning command indicates the internal winning of the small combination 1 or the small combination 2, the transfer lottery for determining whether or not to shift to the AT state is performed. In the case of winning the transition lottery, the effect control state is set to the AT state 1 and the initial value of the number of AT1 games is set to 50 in the normal state gaming state update command reception process (S142 in FIG. 19) described later. .

  In S93, it is determined whether or not the effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400 is the AT state 1. If it is AT state 1, the process proceeds to S94, and if it is not AT state 1 (when it is AT state 2), the process proceeds to S95. In S94, an AT state 1 internal winning command reception process is executed. Details will be described later. In S95, an AT state 2 internal winning command reception process is executed. Details will be described later.

<Processing when AT state 1 internal winning command is accepted>
Next, the AT state 1 internal winning command reception process in S94 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of processing at the time of AT state 1 internal winning command reception.

  In S101, it is determined whether or not the internal winning command indicates the internal winning of the small role 2. If applicable, the process proceeds to S102, and if not, the process proceeds to S107. In S102, a state-specific operation effect type lottery process is performed. Here, the type of operation effect is determined by lottery from Type 1 to Type 5 according to the selection rate shown in FIG.

  In S103, it is determined whether or not the operation effect type 1 or type 5 is won in the lottery in S102. If applicable, the process proceeds to S104, and if not, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S104, the operation effect pattern A indicating the correct operation order is set as the operation condition of the stop buttons 137 to 139. The correct operation order is an operation order for winning the winning combination 3 in the internal winning combination. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S107.

  In S105, it is determined whether or not the operation effect type 2 is won in the lottery in S102. If applicable, the process proceeds to S106, and if not, the process proceeds to S107.

  In S106, the operation effect pattern B indicating the correct operation order is set as the operation condition of the stop buttons 137 to 139. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S107.

  In S107, it is determined whether or not the precursor flag is ON. The main sign flag is a flag that is turned on when “the present sign is in the middle”, and is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 408 (the same is true for storing other flags below). If it is ON, the process of one unit is terminated. If it is OFF, the process proceeds to S108. In S108, it is determined whether or not the internal winning command indicates the internal winning of the small combination 1 or the small combination 2. If applicable, the process proceeds to S109, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S109, a lottery for shifting to the AT state 2 is performed. In S110, it is determined whether or not the transition lottery in S109 has been won. If winning, the process proceeds to S110, and if not winning (if lost), the process proceeds to S112. In S111, the sign preparation flag is set to ON. The forewarning preparation flag is a flag indicating that preparation for shifting the state to “in the forefront” is in progress. In S112, the false precursor preparation flag is set to ON. The false precursor preparation flag is a flag indicating that preparation for shifting the state to “in false precursor” is in progress. Thus, one unit of processing is completed.

<Processing when AT state 2 internal winning command is accepted>
Next, the AT state 2 internal winning command reception process in S95 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flow chart showing the flow of processing at the time of AT state 2 internal winning command reception.

  In S131, it is determined whether or not the internal winning command indicates the internal winning of the small role 3. If applicable, the process proceeds to S132, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S132, an operation effect pattern A indicating the correct operation order is set as an operation condition of the stop buttons 137 to 139. In the case of this embodiment, in the AT state 2, the operation effect type 1, that is, the operation effect pattern A is performed.

  In S133, it is determined whether or not the internal winning command indicates the internal winning of the small combination 1 or the small combination 2. If applicable, the process proceeds to S134. If not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S134, the number of AT1 games is added and the number of games is drawn. The AT state 2 is a more advantageous state than the AT state 1 because the number of added games is drawn in this way.

  In S135, it is determined whether or not a lottery of the number of games added in S134 has been won. If it is won, the process proceeds to S136. If it is not won, one unit of processing is terminated. In S136, 50 is added to the number of AT1 games. Thus, one unit of processing is completed.

<Reel rotation start command reception processing>
Next, the reel rotation start command reception process in S84 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a reel rotation start command is received.

  In S121, it is determined whether or not the small combination 3 is internally won in the current game. If applicable, the process proceeds to S122, and if not, one unit of processing is terminated. In S123, it is determined whether or not the operation effect type 3 is won as a result of the lottery in S102. If it is won, the process proceeds to S124, and if not, the process proceeds to S125. In S124, the operation effect pattern A indicating the correct operation order is set as the operation condition of the stop buttons 137 to 139.

  In S125, as a result of the lottery in S102, it is determined whether or not the operation effect type 4 or type 5 is won. When winning, the process proceeds to S126, and when not winning, one unit of processing is terminated. In S126, the operation effect pattern B indicating the correct operation order is set as the operation condition of the stop buttons 137 to 139. Thereby, when the type 5 of the operation effect is won, the pattern of the operation effect is switched from the pattern A to the pattern B.

  In the reel rotation start command reception process, a process for setting a pattern is not defined for the case where the type 1 and type 2 of operation effects are won. As shown in FIG. 17A, in the case of operation effects type 1 and type 2, the operation effect is started when the internal winning command is received, and the operation of the same pattern is performed when the reel rotation start command is received. This is because there is no need to set a pattern because the production is only continued. However, the same pattern may be reset (overwritten) when a reel rotation start command is received in the program. Thus, one unit of processing is completed.

<Processing when game state update command is accepted>
Next, the processing at the time of accepting the game state update command in S86 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a game state update command is received.

  In S141, it is determined whether or not the effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400 is the normal state. If it is the normal state, the process proceeds to S142, and if it is not the normal state, the process proceeds to S143.

  In S142, normal state gaming state update command reception processing is performed. Here, if the lottery for shifting to the AT state is won in S92, the effect control state is set to the AT state 1 and the initial value of the number of AT1 games is set to 50.

  In S143, it is determined whether or not the effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400 is the AT state 1. If it is AT state 1, the process proceeds to S144. If it is not AT state 1 (when it is AT state 2), the process proceeds to S145. In S144, an AT state 1 gaming state update command reception process is executed. Details will be described later. In S145, an AT state 2 gaming state update command reception process is executed. Details will be described later.

<AT state 1 game state update command reception process>
Next, an AT state 1 gaming state update command reception process in S144 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when accepting an AT state 1 gaming state update command.

  In S151, it is determined whether or not the main sign preparation flag or the false sign preparation flag is ON. If applicable, the process proceeds to S152; otherwise, the process proceeds to S153. In S152, each precursor setting process is performed. Details will be described later. In S153, it is determined whether or not the main precursor flag or the false precursor flag is ON. If applicable, the process proceeds to S154, and if not, the process proceeds to S155. In S154, each precursor termination process is performed. Details will be described later.

  In S155, AT state 1 end processing is performed. Details will be described later. Thus, one unit of processing is completed.

<Each sign setting process>
Next, each precursor setting process in S152 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of each precursor setting process.

  In S161, it is determined whether or not the precursor preparation flag is ON. If it is ON, the process proceeds to S162. Note that when the false precursor flag is ON, this precursor is prioritized as OFF. If the precursor sign preparation flag is OFF (if the false precursor preparation flag is ON), the process proceeds to S165.

  In S162, an initial value is set to the number of the precursor games. In S163, the precursor flag is turned ON. In S164, the sign preparation flag is turned off.

  In S165, an initial value is set for the number of false precursor games. If the false precursor flag is ON, it is kept ON and the number of false precursor games is set to an initial value. In S166, the false precursor flag is turned ON. In S164, the false precursor preparation flag is turned OFF. Thus, one unit of processing is completed.

<Early sign end processing>
Next, each precursor setting process in S154 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of each precursor end process.

  In S171, it is determined whether or not the precursor flag is ON. If it is ON, the process proceeds to S172, and if it is OFF (if the false precursor flag is ON), the process proceeds to S176.

  In S172, the number of the precursor game is subtracted by one. In S173, it is determined whether or not the number of precursor games is zero. If it is 0, the process proceeds to S174. If it is not 0, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S174, the AT state 2 is set as the effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400. In S175, the precursor flag is turned OFF and one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S176, the number of false precursor games is decremented by one. In S177, it is determined whether or not the number of false precursor games is zero. If it is 0, the process proceeds to S178. If it is not 0, one unit of processing is terminated. In S178, the false precursor flag is turned OFF and one unit of processing is terminated.

<AT state 1 end processing>
Next, the AT state 1 end process in S155 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of AT state 1 end processing.

  In S181, the number of AT1 games is decremented by one. In S181, it is determined whether or not the number of AT1 games is zero. If it is 0, the process proceeds to S183. If it is not 0, one unit of processing is terminated.

  In S183, it is determined whether or not the main precursor flag or the false precursor flag is ON. If it is ON, one unit of processing is terminated. In this case, even if the number of AT1 games is 0, if the present precursor game or the false precursor game is in the middle of digestion, the AT state 1 is terminated after digesting these. In the middle of the sign game, the AT state 2 is set after the digestion and the AT state continues. In addition, if the winning lottery to shift to the AT state 2 is won during the digestion of the false precursor game, the AT state 2 is set after the precursor game is digested, and the AT state continues.

  If neither the main precursor flag or the false precursor flag is OFF, the process proceeds to S184. In S184, it is determined whether or not the effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400 is the AT state 2. If the state is AT state 2, one unit of processing is terminated. In this case, even if the number of AT1 games is 0, the AT state is not terminated while the AT state 2 is set. If the winning game number lottery is won during the setting of the AT state 2, the AT1 game number is added, so that the AT state 1 is set again after the end of the AT state 2.

  When the production control state of the first sub-control unit 400 is not the AT state 2, the process proceeds to S185, the production control state of the first sub-control unit 400 is set to the normal state, and one unit of processing is terminated.

<AT state 2 game state update command reception processing>
Next, an AT state 2 gaming state update command reception process in S145 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of processing at the time of accepting an AT state 2 gaming state update command.

  In S191, the number of AT2 games is decremented by one. In S192, it is determined whether or not the number of AT2 games is zero. If it is 0, the process proceeds to S193. If it is not 0, one unit of processing is terminated. In S193, the effect control state of the first sub-control unit 400 is set to the AT state 1, and one unit of processing is terminated.

<Processing of second sub-control unit>
Next, the process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, in S201 of FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in S1501. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In S202, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to S203.

  In S203, the received command from the first sub control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command. In S204, 0 is substituted for the timer variable. In S205, command processing is performed. The CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. In S206, an effect control process is performed. For example, if it is determined in S205 that there is a new command, the effect data corresponding to this command is read from the ROM 506, and if the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated. .

  In S207, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in S206, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed. In S208, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in S206, image control corresponding to this command is performed (details will be described later), and the process returns to S202. For example, when there is an image control command (image display command) related to an operation effect from the first sub-control unit 400, the effect image display device 157 is caused to perform an operation effect with an image based on this control command. Thus, one unit of main processing is completed.

  Next, a command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In S81 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 508 (S211). Thus, one unit of command reception interrupt processing is completed.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is predetermined by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle. In S221, the timer variable referred to in S202 of FIG. In S222, various update processes are performed. Thus, one unit of timer interrupt processing is completed.

  Next, the image control process of S208 in the main process of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In S231, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 536), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information table, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 536 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In S232, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 534. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to S233. If not, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for.

  In S233, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in S101, the CPU 504 has information on the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axis, image size, VRAM 536). VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 534. The VDP 534 performs parameter setting in accordance with the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In S234, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504. In S235, it is determined whether or not the generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 is input based on the end of image drawing. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to S236. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In S236, the scene display counter which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and one unit of image control processing is terminated.

<Progress example of operation production>
An example of the progress of the operation effect will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram for explaining an example of the progress of the effect when the type 5 operation effect is won.

  When the start lever 135 is operated, the processing of S3 to S5 in FIG. 7 is performed, and the internal winning command is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 that has received the internal winning command sets the operation effect pattern A in S104 of FIG. Thereby, the image of the operation effect pattern A is displayed on the effect image display device 157.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 300 performs the process of S6 in FIG. 7, and a reel rotation start command is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 that has received the reel rotation start command sets the operation effect pattern B in S126 of FIG. Thereby, the image of the operation effect pattern B is displayed on the effect image display device 157.

  When viewed from the player, the operation effect pattern A starts when the start lever 135 is operated, and the operation effect pattern B appears to start when the reels 110 to 112 start rotating.

  In the operation effect pattern A, an operation order for winning an internal winning combination in the current game is shown (in the example of FIG. 26, middle → right → left). In the operation effect pattern B, the operation order for winning the internal winning combination in this game is shown (middle → right → left in the example of FIG. 26), but the display mode is different from the pattern A. Yes. Since the production mode changes, the interest of the game can be improved.

  Here, in the case of the present embodiment, a period from when the first effect start condition (here, reception of the internal winning command) is satisfied to when the second effect start condition (here, reception of the reel rotation start command) is satisfied. The length is configured to be variable. This period may be referred to as a variable period. An example in which the length of the variation period varies will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the case of the present embodiment, as described in S21 of FIG. 9, the time between consecutive games is maintained for a certain time or more depending on the game interval counter. For this reason, the length of the variation period varies depending on the game digestion speed (sometimes referred to as game speed) by the player.

FIG. 27A illustrates a case where the game speed is high, and illustrates a case where the process waits until the game interval counter becomes 0 in S21 of FIG. In this case, the fluctuation period is relatively long. When a type 5 operation effect is won, both the operation effect pattern A and the operation effect pattern B can be recognized more reliably when viewed from the player.

FIG. 27B illustrates a case where the game speed is a medium speed, and illustrates a case where the process waits for a while until the game interval counter becomes 0 in S21 of FIG. In this case, the fluctuation period is shorter than when the game speed is high. When a type 5 operation effect is won, both the operation effect pattern A and the operation effect pattern B can be recognized from the viewpoint of the player.

FIG. 27 (c) exemplifies the case where the game speed is slow, illustrates a case where not a pending in S21 of FIG. In this case, the fluctuation period is extremely short. In the processing of the program, although there is a time difference between the first effect start condition, the satisfaction, and the second effect start condition, it is very small. When a type 5 operation effect is won, when viewed from the player, the operation effect pattern B can be recognized, but it is difficult to recognize the operation effect pattern A.

As described above, in this embodiment, the length of the fluctuation period varies. Since the time until when the FIG. 27 (b) Operation production which case the comparing the based on the operation performance pattern A in FIG. 27 (a) is switched to the operation effect based on the operation effect pattern B varies, the progress of a game A novel operation effect that changes the switching timing of the operation effect pattern according to the speed can be performed. Furthermore, in the case of FIG. 27 (c) since the start lever operation substantially simultaneously with the reel rotation start is made, even if the operation rendering type 5 is selected, the operation effect based on the operation performance pattern A manipulation effect The operation effect based on the pattern B is immediately switched to allow the player to recognize only the operation effect based on the operation effect pattern B, so that a more innovative operation effect can be performed.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, an effect based on the operation effect type 1 in which the operation effect pattern A is performed from the operation of the start lever 135 is also performed. Therefore, for a player having a relatively fast game speed, the operation effect pattern B is performed. In some cases, the period of expectation for the change of the game fluctuates, and the game can be kept bored.

  Similarly, in this embodiment, since the operation effect based on the operation effect type 1 is also performed, for a player with a slow game speed, the operation effect pattern A is switched to the operation effect pattern B when the start lever is operated. In some cases, it is possible to increase the game speed by stiring up the desire to enjoy or not.

  Further, when the game speed is low, when the type 2 or type 4 is won and when the type 5 is won, the only effect that can be seen by the player is the operation effect pattern B, making it difficult to distinguish between the types. Type 5 is a type that is won only during the precursor, and is an operation effect type in which the transition to the AT state 2 is promised. Therefore, there is a case where the player is motivated to know whether or not the type 5 is won and the game speed can be increased.

<Second embodiment>
The operation effect of the pattern B may change the effect mode continuously or stepwise. FIG. 28 (a) shows an example thereof.

  In the first embodiment, the operation effect pattern B is assumed to be composed of one still image at the right end of the figure, but in this embodiment, the image continuously changes from the left end to the right end image of the figure. It has become an animation. When switching from the operation effect pattern A to the operation effect pattern B as in type 5, the operation effect pattern A is changed step by step until the operation effect finally shown by the operation effect pattern B is reached. In some cases, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable while switching the operation effect pattern. In the example of FIG. 28A, the numerical display portion is gradually deformed from the numerical display portion (substantially circular) of the pattern A, and has a display form (substantially oval) shown at the right end.

  When the operation effect is an animation, it is an effect that requires a predetermined time to complete the operation effect. It is preferred for the player that this is not interrupted and completed.

  Here, the term “one way” is basically from the start of the production until the end of the production. However, when the change of the image ends and the still image is continuously displayed, or there is a change of the image but the image already displayed. In the case of repetition, it means from the start of production to the start of continuous display of still images, or from the start of production to the start of repeated display of images already displayed.

  Therefore, for example, in the case where the operation effect of the pattern B is an effect that requires a predetermined time for a series of operations such as animation, the stop buttons 137 to 139 after the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started during this time. It is preferable that the time is shorter than the time until the predetermined timing at which the operation for becomes effective. FIG. 28B shows an example.

  In the example shown in the figure, when the operation effect pattern B is an animation as described above, the time required for the reproduction is less than the time from when the reel rotation is started until the stop buttons 137 to 139 are activated. It is not always necessary to do this, but by doing so, the player can recognize the operation effect finally shown by the operation effect pattern B before the player tries to perform the operation. There are cases where it can be made easier.

  As described above, it is not always necessary to perform the operation effect finally indicated by the operation effect pattern B before the stop buttons 137 to 139 become effective, but the operation effect before the stop buttons 137 to 139 become effective. The operation effect based on the pattern B needs to be started.

<Third embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the first presentation start condition is the reception of the internal winning command, the second presentation start condition is the reception of the reel rotation start command, and the length of the variation period is set using the game interval counter. Although it changed, it is not restricted to this. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of another example of changing the change period.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29A, the first effect start condition is the reception of the reel rotation start command, and the second effect start condition is that the stop operation for the stop buttons 137 to 139 is activated. Command reception.

  The length of the change period is changed by varying the start of rotation of the reels 110 to 112. In game machines represented by slot machines, in order to make the relative relationship of the symbol positions of each reel random, the delay time is set by lottery for all reels or reels except one reel. There is a case where a random delay is performed to rotate the corresponding reel based on the fact that the delay time has elapsed. By performing this random delay, even if the operation effect pattern switching timing (second effect start condition) is set when the stop button is activated, a novel operation effect that varies the variation period can be performed. The first effect start condition may be when the start lever is operated (accepting an internal winning command). Even in this case, the same effect can be obtained.

  As described above, various conditions and principles can be adopted as the first effect start condition, the second effect start condition, and the change principle of the change period. With reference to FIG. 29 (b), the relationship of each timing in one game will be described as a summary. As shown in the figure, the satisfaction timing of the second effect start condition is before the timing of enabling the stop button in the game (for the stop based on the internal winning result in the game). As described in the present embodiment, the satisfaction timing of the second effect start condition may be a stop button activation timing.

  Similarly, the satisfaction timing of the first effect start condition is also before the timing of enabling the stop button (for the stop based on the internal winning result in the game) in the game. And the interval (fluctuation period) of the satisfaction timing of the 1st production start condition and the satisfaction timing of the 2nd production start condition should just fluctuate.

  Although it is not always necessary to synchronize the timing of starting the operation effect based on each operation effect pattern according to the progress of the game as in each embodiment, the operation effect can be switched by doing in this way. In some cases, the player can easily recognize the player.

<Fourth embodiment>
Another example in which the operation effect pattern is switched like the type 5 operation effect will be described with reference to FIG. In each example, an effect example that starts on the left side when the first effect start condition is satisfied (may be referred to as a first operation effect), and an effect example that starts on the right side when the second effect start condition is satisfied (when referred to as a second operation effect) Is).

  FIG. 30A shows an example of an operation effect when the operation timing is adopted as an operation condition for the stop buttons 137 to 139, and the operation timing is notified by a display of “Aim at 7”. In the second operation effect, unlike the first operation effect, the display area of “Aim at 7” is large and the display mode is different.

  FIG. 30B shows an example of an operation effect when the operation order is adopted as an operation condition for the stop buttons 137 to 139, and the first operation effect indicates an incorrect answer operation order (middle → right → left). The operation effect is an operation effect indicating an operation order different from the operation order for winning the internal winning combination in the game. The second operation effect is an operation effect indicating the correct operation order (right → middle → left), and is an operation effect indicating the operation order for winning the internal winning combination in the game. The first operation effect may be the correct operation order, and the second operation effect may be the incorrect operation order.

  FIG.30 (c) has shown the example of an operation effect at the time of employ | adopting both an operation order and operation timing as operation conditions with respect to the stop buttons 137-139, and the 1st operation effect is an operation order (forward press) and operation timing. The second operation effect is an operation effect indicating the operation order (reverse pressing) and the operation timing (targeting 7). The first operation effect and the second operation effect are different effects in terms of display of the operation order, and one of them displays the incorrect operation order. Thus, the display content of a part of the operation conditions may be different between the first operation effect and the second operation effect.

  FIG. 30D shows a display mode and display content different between the first operation effect and the second operation effect, and is a combination of the operation effect examples shown in FIGS. 30A and 30C. It is a thing.

  In summary, the second operation effect after switching may have the same operation condition content as the first operation effect before switching as in the present embodiment, but may have different modes. A part or all of the contents of the operation conditions indicated as the previous first operation effect may be different and may have the same aspect, or a part or all of the contents of the operation conditions before the switching may be different. May be different, and even in such a case, a novel operation effect can be performed.

  The above-mentioned operation effect in which part or all of the operation conditions for winning the internal winning combination in the game differs is an operation effect indicating the operation condition determined irrespective of the internal winning result of the game. It can also be said. Therefore, it may be an operation effect that shows the same operation condition as a result of the determination, and there may be different cases. Even in such a case, a novel operation effect can be performed.

<Summary of Embodiment>
1. The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A plurality of reels (for example, 110-112) which are provided with a plurality of types of symbols and are driven to rotate,
A stop button (eg, 137-139) operated to individually stop the plurality of rotating reels;
Production means (for example, 157);
An effect control means for controlling the effect means (for example, 400), and a game table that gives a profit in accordance with the stopped aspects of the plurality of reels (for example, S9),
The production control means includes
As an effect related to the operation condition for the stop button, it is possible to cause the effect means to perform a first operation effect (for example, pattern A) and a second operation effect (for example, pattern B) different from the first operation effect. And
Based on the fact that the first condition (for example, the first effect start condition) is satisfied, the first operation effect is performed, and on the basis of the second condition (for example, the first effect start condition) being satisfied. The second operation effect is performed,
The first condition is:
A condition (e.g., internal winning command reception, rotation start command reception) that is satisfied before a predetermined timing at which an operation on the stop button for stopping the plurality of reels in order to give the profit is valid,
The second condition is:
A condition that is satisfied before the predetermined timing and that is satisfied after the first condition is satisfied (for example, rotation start command reception, stop button activation command reception),
The length of the period from when the first condition is satisfied to when the second condition is satisfied is configured to be variable.

  According to this structure, the game stand which can improve the interest of a game using the production | presentation regarding the operating condition of a stop button can be provided.

2. The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
The first condition and the second condition are:
The conditions are satisfied (for example, reception of an internal winning command, reception of a rotation start command, reception of a stop button enabling command) according to the progress of the game.

  According to this configuration, since the operation effect is switched in conjunction with the player's operation, the player can easily recognize the change of the operation effect.

3. The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A start lever (for example, 135) operated to start a game,
The plurality of reels are:
Based on the fact that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start lever was operated and rotation in the previous game was started, rotation in the current game is started (for example, FIG. 9),
The first condition is:
It is a condition that is satisfied by operating the start lever (for example, internal winning command reception),
The second condition is:
It is a condition that is satisfied when rotation of the plurality of reels is started (for example, rotation start command reception).

  According to this configuration, it is possible to perform a novel operation effect in which the switching timing changes according to the progress speed of the game.

4). The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
The second operation effect is
It is an effect that requires a certain amount of time to complete (for example, Fig. 28)
The predetermined time is
The time is shorter than the time from the start of rotation of the plurality of reels until the predetermined timing is reached (for example, FIG. 28).

  According to this configuration, it is possible to make the player easily recognize the changed operation effect.

5. The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
The production control means includes
The first operation effect is performed until the second condition is satisfied after the first condition is satisfied, and the first operation is performed on the basis that the second condition is satisfied. The second operation effect is performed following the effect (for example, FIG. 26).

  According to this configuration, it is possible to easily recognize the switching of the operation effect.

6). The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
The length of the period varies depending on the timing at which the second condition is satisfied (for example, rotation start command reception, stop button validation command reception).

  According to this configuration, it is possible to make the period depend on the second condition.

7). The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
The first condition is a condition that is satisfied according to a game start operation by a player.

  According to this configuration, the first operation effect can be easily recognized by the player, or the start of the first operation effect can be linked to the player's operation.

8). The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
Equipped with time measuring means (for example, a game interval counter) for measuring the time between consecutive games,
The second condition is a condition that is satisfied according to the start operation and a time measurement result of the time measuring means (for example, FIG. 27).

According to this configuration, the length of the period can be changed at the start operation timing of the player.
9. The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A start lever (eg 135) operated to start the game;
A plurality of reels (for example, 110-112) that are rotationally driven based on the fact that a plurality of types of symbols are applied and the game is started,
A stop button (eg, 137-139) operated to individually stop the plurality of rotating reels;
Display means (for example, 157);
Display control means (for example, 400) for controlling the display means,
Based on the elapse of a predetermined time since the rotation of the plurality of reels in the previous game has started, the rotation of the plurality of reels in the current game is started (for example, FIG. 9), and the stop button The gaming machine is configured to stop the plurality of reels based on an operation, and to provide a profit corresponding to the stopped state of the plurality of reels (for example, S9),
The display control means includes
It is possible to cause the display means to perform an operation suggestion display (for example, FIG. 26) which is a display suggesting an operation condition of the stop button,
The operation suggestion display can be performed in a first display mode (for example, pattern A) and a second display mode (for example, pattern B) different from the first display mode,
In at least some of the games in which the operation suggestion display is performed, the operation suggestion display is performed in the first display mode at the timing when the game is started, and rotation of the plurality of reels is started. The operation suggestion display is performed instead of the first display mode to the second display mode at the timing (for example, type 5).
10. The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
In the game in which the operation suggestion display is performed, the display control means can perform an operation suggestion display of a type selected from a plurality of types (for example, FIGS. 17 (a) (c)),
The plurality of types include at least a first type (eg, type 5) and a second type (eg, type 2),
In the first type, the operation suggestion display is performed in the first display mode at the timing when the game is started, and the first display mode is started at the timing when the rotation of the plurality of reels is started. The operation suggestion display is performed instead of the second display mode (for example, type 5),
The second type is to cause the operation suggestion display to be performed in the second display mode at the timing when the game is started (for example, type 2),
The case where the first type of operation suggestion display is performed and the case where the second type of operation suggestion display is performed have different expectations for the player (for example, FIG. 17 (c)). It is characterized by.
11. The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A start lever (eg 135) operated to start the game;
A plurality of reels (for example, 110-112) that are rotationally driven based on the fact that a plurality of types of symbols are applied and the game is started,
A stop button (eg, 137-139) operated to individually stop the plurality of rotating reels;
Display means (for example, 157);
Display control means (for example, 400) for controlling the display means,
Based on the elapse of a predetermined time since the rotation of the plurality of reels in the previous game has started, the rotation of the plurality of reels in the current game is started (for example, FIG. 9), and the stop button The gaming machine is configured to stop the plurality of reels based on an operation, and to provide a profit corresponding to the stopped state of the plurality of reels (for example, S9),
The display control means includes
It is possible to cause the display means to perform an operation suggestion display (for example, FIG. 26) which is a display suggesting an operation condition of the stop button,
The operation suggestion display can be performed in a first display mode (for example, pattern A) and a second display mode (for example, pattern B) different from the first display mode,
In at least some of the games in which the operation suggestion display is performed, the operation suggestion display is performed in the first display mode at the timing when the game is started, and rotation of the plurality of reels is started. The operation suggestion display is performed instead of the second display mode from the first display mode at the timing (for example, type 5),
The operation suggestion display performed in the second display mode is
It is an effect that requires a predetermined time to be performed (for example, FIG. 28),
The predetermined time is
The time is shorter than the time required for the operation on the stop button to become effective after the rotation of the plurality of reels is started (for example, FIG. 28).
12 The game table (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A start lever (eg 135) operated to start the game;
A plurality of reels (for example, 110-112) that are rotationally driven based on the fact that a plurality of types of symbols are applied and the game is started,
A stop button (eg, 137-139) operated to individually stop the plurality of rotating reels;
Display means (for example, 157);
Display control means (for example, 400) for controlling the display means,
It is possible to start the rotation of the plurality of reels in the current game based on the fact that a predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation of the plurality of reels in the previous game was started (for example, FIG. 9). The plurality of rotating reels are stopped based on the operation of the stop button, and a profit according to the mode of the stopped reels is given (for example, S9),
The display control means includes
It is possible to cause the display means to perform an operation suggestion display (for example, FIG. 26) which is a display suggesting an operation condition of the stop button,
As the operation indicated display, performed the first operation suggested display (e.g. pattern A), a second operation indicating display different operating conditions to be suggested to said first operation indicating display (e.g. pattern B), the Is possible,
In at least some of the games in which the operation suggestion display is performed, the first operation suggestion display is performed at a timing when the game is started, and the rotation is started at the timing at which the plurality of reels are started. Ru der which to perform the second operation suggests displayed instead of the single operation suggests displaying a (e.g. type 5) this is characterized.

Claims (1)

A start lever operated to start the game,
A plurality of reels that are driven to rotate based on the fact that a plurality of types of symbols are applied and the game is started,
A stop button operated to individually stop the plurality of rotating reels;
Display means;
Display control means for controlling the display means,
It is possible to start the rotation of the plurality of reels in the current game based on the fact that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of rotation of the plurality of reels in the previous game. A gaming machine that stops a plurality of reels based on an operation of the stop button, and provides a profit according to a mode of the plurality of stopped reels,
The display control means includes
It is possible to cause the display means to perform an operation suggestion display that is a display suggesting an operation condition of the stop button,
Examples operation suggests displaying a first operation suggested display, operating conditions that suggest that it is possible to perform a different second operating suggestion display the said first operation indicating display,
In at least some of the games in which the operation suggestion display is performed, the first operation suggestion display is performed at a timing when the game is started, and the rotation is started at the timing at which the plurality of reels are started. amusement machine, characterized in that in which to perform the second operation suggests displayed instead of the single operation suggestion display.

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