JP5961834B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a slot machine, a pachinko machine and the like.

  Conventionally, in a game machine called a slot machine or a pachislot, a lottery for a winning combination is performed using random numbers, and reel control is performed according to the lottery result, and when a winning occurs, a game medium such as a medal is paid out. Recently, a replay time (hereinafter referred to as RT) in which a player can play a game while suppressing the insertion of medals by increasing the probability of winning a replay (replaying gamer) and among a plurality of reels provided. Depending on the stop operation mode (stop order) of these reels, game machines having an assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT) for performing reel stop control that generates / does not win a prize have appeared.

  In parallel with these game controls, effect control using a liquid crystal display device or a speaker is also performed. Since such an effect device tends to become larger and more complex in recent years, an effect control unit (hereinafter referred to as a sub-control unit) separate from a control unit (hereinafter referred to as a main control unit) that performs winning determination and reel control. In many cases, the game information is transmitted by one-way communication from the main control unit to the sub-control unit from the standpoint of fraud prevention, thereby distributing the processing load.

JP 2006-51189 A

  Although the main control unit and the sub control unit are connected by communication means such as a communication cable, in recent years, there are many cases in which this communication cable is improperly operated to cause the sub control unit to malfunction. For example, the above-described AT is originally performed because a large number of game tables are determined by the sub-control unit as to whether or not an AT can be granted based on the fact that a certain game control is performed by the main control unit. There has been a problem that an AT is illegally generated by making the sub-control unit recognize as if the game control by the main control unit that has not been performed is performed.

  For such a problem, a certain check function is provided on the sub-control unit side, and when game information transmitted from the main control unit corresponds to a check item, an error is displayed to limit the effect control. Can be considered. However, on the side of the sub-control unit, in addition to the effect control that directly benefits the player, such as AT, effect control based on the establishment of an internal winning combination such as a winning effect or a big bonus, or main control It is also necessary to perform effect control associated with effect control (so-called reel action) using a reel performed on the part side. If one-way communication from the main control unit to the sub-control unit is ensured, even if the sub-control unit side is in an error state, it cannot be recognized by the main control unit side. Since the game can continue with the operation of the stop button and the operation being enabled, the game may proceed despite the fact that the push order notification is not performed by the AT, which may be disadvantageous to the player, It is necessary to know the damage situation because the game can be continued even in a situation where fraud is being carried out.

  In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine in which, when an abnormality is detected by a sub-control unit, a subsequent gaming situation is grasped and an amusement store can take an appropriate action.

In view of the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes an internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination, a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, and a stop for stopping each of the plurality of reels. A stop operation receiving means for receiving an operation; a stop control means for stopping each of the plurality of reels that are rotationally driven based on the stop operation; and a symbol combination of the plurality of reels stopped by the stop control means. A main control unit comprising: a determination unit for determining; a game setting unit for setting a corresponding game state from a plurality of types of game states based on a determination result by the determination unit; and a game from the main control unit and a sub control unit that performs an effect relating to a game based on the information, a gaming table, comprising: a transmitting unit, a for transmitting the game information to the sub control unit from said main control unit, said sub-control Includes a stop operation mode notification means for performing notification indicating the mode of the stop operation, the abnormality determination means determines an abnormality if it does not receive normally the gaming information, at least wherein the stop operation mode notification means , when the abnormality determination means determines an abnormality, at least part of the period after the determination, which does not perform a notification indicating the mode of the stop operation, the sub control unit was determined to be the abnormal counting means for counting the number of elapsed game after the counting result notification unit for performing course game number notification indicating the counting result of the counting means, Bei example, said counting result notification means, wherein the abnormality determination means that an abnormality When it is determined, the number of elapsed games is notified .
The present invention also includes an internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination, a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, and a stop operation receiving means for receiving a stop operation for stopping each of the plurality of reels. Stop control means for stopping the plurality of reels that are rotationally driven based on the stop operation, determination means for determining a symbol combination of the plurality of reels stopped by the stop control means, and the determination Based on the determination result by the means, a main control unit having a game setting means for setting a corresponding game state from a plurality of types of game states, and an effect related to the game based on the game information from the main control unit A gaming machine comprising: a sub-control unit to execute; and a transmission means for transmitting the game information from the main control unit to the sub-control unit, wherein the sub-control unit sends a predetermined report to the player. And a notification means for determining an abnormality when the game information is not normally received, and a counting means for counting the number of elapsed games after the abnormality is determined. When the abnormality determination unit determines that there is an abnormality, the unit performs notification indicating the abnormality without performing notification indicating the mode of the stop operation for at least a part of the period after the determination. Is characterized in that when the abnormality determining means determines that there is an abnormality, a notification indicating the number of elapsed games counted by the counting means is provided.
The present invention also includes an internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination, a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, and a stop operation receiving means for receiving a stop operation for stopping each of the plurality of reels. Stop control means for stopping the plurality of reels that are rotationally driven based on the stop operation, determination means for determining a symbol combination of the plurality of reels stopped by the stop control means, and the determination Based on the determination result by the means, a main control unit having a game setting means for setting a corresponding game state from a plurality of types of game states, and an effect related to the game based on the game information from the main control unit A gaming machine comprising: a sub-control unit to execute; and a transmission means for transmitting the game information from the main control unit to the sub-control unit, wherein the sub-control unit sends a predetermined report to the player. And a notification means for determining an abnormality when the game information is not normally received, and a counting means for counting the number of elapsed games after the abnormality is determined. When the abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality is present, the means conceals the notification indicating the mode of the stop operation with the notification indicating the abnormality for at least a part of the period after the determination and performs notification indicating the abnormality The notifying means performs notification indicating the number of elapsed games counted by the counting means when the abnormality determining means determines that there is an abnormality .

  Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs, the amusement shop can take an appropriate response.

1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an inside view of the slot machine 100. FIG. It is a control block diagram of a slot machine. (A) It is a figure which shows the design drawn on the reels 110-112. (B) A payout chart showing combinations of winning combinations and the number of payouts. (A) It is a figure which shows the last stop appearance. (B) It is a figure which shows that the reel action was started. (C) It is a figure which shows that the specific stop appearance was displayed by the reel action. (A) It is a figure which shows that the left reel started rotation after the reel action. (B) It is a figure which shows that a normal game started. It is a figure which shows the transition relationship of high probability replay (RT). It is a figure which shows the example of cheating. (A) It is a figure which shows the example of AT provision in the past. (B) It is a figure which shows the example of suberror generation. (A) It is a figure which shows an example of AT provision in this invention. (B) It is a figure which shows an example of AT provision when a sub error occurs after AT starts. (A) It is a figure which shows an example of AT provision when a sub error generate | occur | produces after AT starts (grant number restriction | limiting). (B) It is a figure which shows an example of AT provision when a sub error occurs after AT starts (use of a low probability table). (A) It is a figure which shows an example of AT provision when a sub error generate | occur | produces after AT starts (addition number limitation). (B) It is a figure which shows an example of AT provision when a sub error has occurred after AT started (grant suspension by sub error, restart by cancellation). (A) It is a figure which shows the example of ART provision in the past. (B) It is a figure which shows an example of ART provision when a sub error generate | occur | produces. (A) It is a figure which shows an example of ART provision when a sub error has occurred (AT number limit). (B) It is a figure which shows an example of ART provision when a sub error has occurred (AT restriction). It is a figure which shows the relationship between RT transfer in the past, and a background image. It is a figure which shows the relationship between RT transfer, a background image, and a sub error. (A) It is a figure which shows the relationship between the continuous production in the past, and a sub error. (B) It is a figure which shows the relationship between the conventional reel action and a sub error. (A) It is a figure which shows the relationship between a continuous production and a sub error. (B) It is a figure which shows the relationship between a reel action and a sub error. It is a figure which shows the data structure of a game information command. It is a figure which shows a continuous production. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 1st sub control part main process. (B) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 1st sub control part command reception interruption process. (C) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 1st sub control part timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of command processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of AT lottery processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an effect setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of AT lottery process 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of effect setting processing 2. (A) It is a figure which shows AT lottery table. (B) It is a figure which shows RA lottery table. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a winning combination internal lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a reel rotation process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of RA execution processing. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of effect setting processing 3. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of effect setting processing 4. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an effect selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of command processing 2. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a suberror recovery process. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of effect setting processing 5. (A) It is a figure which shows push order alerting | reporting. (B) It is a figure which shows the elapsed game number after a suberror. (A) It is a figure which shows a sub error display screen. (B) It is a figure which shows the game information after a sub error. (A) It is a figure which shows the modification of a sub error display screen. (B) It is a figure which shows the warning screen of a sub error.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  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 reel 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of this optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the sections. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are five pay lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal win line and the lower horizontal pay line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right Five down-line winning lines and upper-right winning lines may be set as valid winning lines, and the same number of winning lines may be set as valid winning lines regardless of the number of bets.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a replay which is one of the winning combinations 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, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, a maximum of 3 cards are inserted, 2 when the bet button 131 is pressed, and 3 when the bet button 132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. 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. 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 for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112. 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. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

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

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

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

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door opened.

  The housing 101 is a box body that is surrounded by the upper surface plate 261, the left side plate 260, the right side plate 260, the lower surface plate 264, and the back plate 242, and that opens to the front surface. Inside the housing 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation port 249 provided on the upper portion of the back plate 242. The three reels 110 to 112 are arranged below the bottom. On the side plate 260 on the left side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, a sub control board storage case 220 containing a sub control board is disposed. Further, an external concentrated terminal plate 248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side.

  The lower surface plate 264 is provided with a medal payout device 180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply device 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400. Furthermore, a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power source is cut off is provided. Yes.

  A medal auxiliary storage 240 is arranged on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is arranged behind this (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 provided in the back plate 242 of the housing 101. ing.

  The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the housing 101 via a hinge device 276, and an effect device 160 and an effect control board for controlling the effect device 160 are provided above the symbol display window 113. An upper speaker 272 is provided (not shown). Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals etc. on the medal tray 161. Yes. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 143.

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

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

  First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel stop. A ROM 306 for storing a position, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency It is installed. Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 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 314 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 314 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 basic circuit 302 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in a range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit 338 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 a main control unit main process described later).

  In addition, a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage and a WDT 313 (watchdog timer) are provided.

  Further, the basic circuit 302 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 is inserted from various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal slot 141 every interruption time). Medal medal acceptance sensor, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal medal payout sensor paid out from medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110, The index sensor of the reel 111, the index sensor of the reel 112, etc.) are monitored.

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

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

  The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed in 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 sensor of the reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, and the index sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. Becomes L level. 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 with a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided on the reels 110 to 112, and a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided on a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals. A driving circuit 326 for driving a motor provided in the medal payout device 180 is provided, and various lamps 338 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertion possible lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, a game medal insertion lamp, and the like. 129 is provided with a drive circuit 328 for driving the game start lamp 121, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127).

  Further, an information output circuit 334 (external concentration terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the slot machine 100 is output to the information input circuit 652 provided.

  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.

  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 installed. 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, and controls the control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, lighting of the backlight A ROM 406 in which data for controlling patterns and various displays is stored is provided.

  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, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. Provided.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 controls the effect image display device 157 and various effect drive devices 160. The second sub-control unit 500 may be configured by a plurality of control units such as a control unit that controls the effect image display device 157 and a control unit that controls the various effect drive devices 165, for example. . The second sub-control unit performs display control of the effect image display device 157 and controls the drive device 165 for effect.

  Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure 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 (eight 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 “bell” symbol is assigned to the number 1 frame of the left reel 110, a “cherry” symbol is assigned to the number 1 frame of the middle reel 111, and a “bell” symbol is assigned to the number 11 frame of the right reel 112. "Watermelon" design is arranged respectively.

  Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination. Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a big bonus (BB1, BB2), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. . Corresponding symbol combinations are “white 7-white 7-white 7” for BB1, and “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” for BB2. Further, flag carryover is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 and BB2 are 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 BB1 and BB2 are not won in the game, a prize is won. Until then, the flag indicating the internal winning is maintained, and even after the next game, BB1 and BB2 are being internally selected, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 “white 7-white 7-white 7”, the symbol corresponding to BB2 The combination “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is in a state of winning a prize.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “REG-REG-REG”. Note that the RB carries over the flag as well as the above-mentioned BB. However, in the big bonus game (BB game), the start of the big bonus game without having the start condition that the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally or the symbol combination is displayed on the winning line. A regular bonus game may be set to automatically start such that when a regular bonus game is started later and one regular bonus game is completed, the next regular bonus game is immediately started. “Short (cherry, watermelon, bell)” (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cherry”, “watermelon”, “bell”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. The symbol combinations are “cherry-ANY-ANY” for cherry, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” for watermelon, and “bell-bell-bell” for bell. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol. When the cherry stops at the upper and lower tiers of the left reel, it is treated as a four-cherry and when it stops at the middle, it is treated as another internal winning combination as a two-cherry. In the present embodiment, the two middle cherries are particularly referred to as middle cherries.

  “Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The corresponding symbol combinations are “Replay-Replay-Replay”, “Replay-Bell-Replay”, and “Replay-Replay-Bell”, and “Replay-Bell-Replay” (hereinafter referred to as Replay 2). And “Replay-Replay-Bell” (hereinafter referred to as “Replay 3”) are to shift the RT state described later by displaying (winning) each winning symbol combination. At RT4, the replay 3 moves to RT5. In addition, each replay is controlled to stop or not win according to the pressing order, and in particular, Replay 2 and Replay 3 do not win in the left → middle → right pressing order (so-called forward pressing), and other irregular pressings. Wins are generated only in order. Only when a certain RT transition condition is satisfied, the RT transition is realized by notifying the push order mode. On the other hand, when there is no push order navigation, the operation is performed in an irregular push order. The RT transition is controlled by giving a penalty (for example, the AT generation lottery is not performed on the sub-control unit side or the lottery is performed using the low probability table).

  Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, it may be divided into a general game, a BB game, and an RB game.

  The winning combination that is won internally in the normal game includes a big bonus (BB), a regular bonus (RB), a replay (replay), and a small role (cherry, watermelon, bell).

  “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. “Regular Bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by the numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  In normal games, the result of the internal lottery is set to be largely lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), and the medal to be won The total number is less than the total number of medals inserted. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, When a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, there are cases where the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted, resulting in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player.

  The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be continuously executed repeatedly, and a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained. However, the BB game does not allow the RB game to be executed continuously and repeatedly, and sets the role to start the RB game (the symbol combination is, for example, replay-replay-replay), and if this role is won internally, or The RB game may be set to start when winning. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).

  The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and one predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” “normal game”). Increase the internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2 which is a predetermined value) and win a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is. A BB game ends when a predetermined number of wins are made (for example, 8 times) or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times). You may make it do.

  The winning combination that is internally won for the internal winning game of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) includes a replay and a small role. The big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are not won internally, and are game states in which a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) can be won.

  However, the probability of the internal winning of the replay may be changed from the next game internally won in the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB). Until the symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) wins, the total number of medals to be acquired is almost the same as the total number of inserted medals, and is compared with the normal game. The gaming state may be beneficial to the player.

  In particular, in the present invention, for the winning combination “Bell”, among the stop buttons 137 to 139 provided at three positions, the reel operated first does not generate a winning if it does not match the selected reel control. A so-called AT (assist time) game is provided. In other words, no winning will occur if the bell wins the inside, and no winning will occur unless the correct answer is reached (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a pushing order bell). When a specific gaming state called AT gaming is entered, the type of stop button to be subjected to the first stop operation is notified, so that a larger number of medals can be obtained compared to the case where the notification is not made.

  There is also a method of realizing the AT function by setting a plurality of push order bells as separate winning combinations and notifying the internal win flag of the push order bell won during the AT period.

  Further, forward pressing may be an operation of pressing the reels in the order of left, middle, and right, and reverse pressing may be an operation of pressing the reels in the order of right, middle, and left.

  Further, the control for making a winning / not-winning operation in accordance with the pushing order is similarly performed for the replay combination. Details will be described later.

  Next, an example of operation of a conventional reel action will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, it is assumed that the previous game has ended and the reels 110 to 112 stopped and displayed in the symbol display window 113 are stopped in the state shown in FIG. That is, as indicated by the symbol position number in FIG. 4, the left reel 110 is in a state in which the bell at the symbol position 19 is stopped at the middle stage (on the center line), and the middle reel 111 is at the middle position with the watermelon at the symbol position 7. The right reel 112 is in a state where the white 7 at the symbol position 0 is stopped at the middle stage. In the following description, it is assumed that the symbol position number is shown above the reels 110 to 112 in the symbol display window 113 and the symbol at this symbol position is stopped in the middle.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the reels 110 to 112 are automatically rotated from the stopped state, and the reel action is started. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, after a certain fluctuation period, the white 7 at the symbol position 0 is stopped and displayed on the reels 110 to 112, so that there is a situation that is advantageous for the player. It suggests that it occurred. This middle white 7 assortment is not a big bonus won in the lottery process and a winning has occurred, but it is an effect reel control by reel action to the last. In this embodiment, after a certain period of time after the reel starts to rotate, it automatically stops in the manner shown in FIG. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6A, in order to perform a winning control based on the internal winning combination, the reels are started to rotate in the order of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112. As shown, after the reel is rotated at a constant speed, the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is validated.

  These reel actions are not necessarily executed immediately after their execution is determined, but may be configured to be executed after a certain waiting time (also referred to as a latent state) has elapsed. .

  Next, the types of gaming states in the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the gaming state of the main control unit 300.

  In the present embodiment, the gaming state of the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 includes a normal gaming state (RT0 mode), a bonus internal winning state (RT1 mode), a bonus gaming state (RT2 mode), and a replay high probability. It can be roughly divided into a state (RT3 mode).

  The content of the normal gaming state (RT0 mode) is not particularly limited. For example, the result of the internal lottery is largely lost, and the total number of medals that can be obtained during the game when the player has played multiple times is In this embodiment, a bonus internal winning state (RT1 mode), a bonus gaming state (RT2 mode), and a replay high probability are described below. A gaming state other than the state (RT3 mode).

  In this normal gaming state (RT0 mode), when the special combination 1 to 3 (BB1, BB2, RB) is won internally, the bonus internal winning state (RT1 mode) is entered. When the re-gaming high probability state (RT3 mode) is completed for 200G, the normal gaming state (RT0 mode) is entered. This bonus internal winning state (RT1 mode) refers to a gaming state in which the symbol combinations corresponding to special roles 1 to 3 (BB1, BB2, RB) can be displayed on an effective winning line. This bonus internal winning state (RT1 mode) shifts to the case where internal winning is made in special roles 1 to 3 (BB1, BB2, RB) in the normal gaming state (RT0 mode) or the replay high probability state (RT3 mode). . Also, when the symbol combinations corresponding to the special combinations 1 to 3 (BB1, BB2, RB) are displayed on the valid winning line, the process is ended, and the bonus game state (RT2 mode) described below is entered.

  The content of the bonus game state (RT2 mode) is not particularly limited, but it is a game state in which the player is more profitable than the normal game state. In this embodiment, the total number of medals earned during the game is inserted during the game. A game state that exceeds the total number of medals won. The bonus game state (RT2 mode) is displayed on the winning line where the symbol combinations corresponding to the special roles 1 to 3 (BB1, BB2, RB) are valid in the special combination (bonus combination) internal winning state (RT1 mode). Migrate to the case. Further, the bonus game state (RT2 mode) is determined when a predetermined number of medals exceeding a predetermined number (for example, 240 for BB game and 104 for RB game) are paid out during the game. The process is finished, and a transition is made to a re-game high probability state (RT3 mode) described below.

  The content of the re-game high probability state (RT3 mode) is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the internal winning probability of the re-gamer is raised higher than the internal winning probability of the re-gamer in the normal game state (RT0 mode). It is a gaming state that changes. Therefore, the re-game high probability state (RT3 mode) of the present embodiment has a higher probability that the game can be continued without inserting medals, and is therefore more advantageous to the player than the normal game state (RT0 mode). It is in a gaming state. The high replay probability state (RT3 mode) ends when 200 games are played. In the present embodiment, AT game grant lottery is executed for the remaining 100 games in the RT3 mode, and a so-called ART (assist replay time) mode is set.

  Furthermore, when the Replay 2 which is the RT transition symbol in FIG. 4B is awarded, the RT4 which is more advantageous than the RT3 for the player is more advantageous than the RT4 when the Replay 3 is awarded. RT5 occurs. Details will be described later.

  Next, an example of a fraudulent action that causes an AT to occur illegally will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the uppermost number represents the number of games, the upper row represents the control flow of the main control unit 300, the lower row represents the control flow of the first sub-control unit 400, and the middle row represents the state of the communication unit. .

  For example, it is assumed that the game machine has a specification such that when the first sub-control unit counts that the replay has been won three times in succession, the AT is assigned to the prescribed game. First, in the first game, it is assumed that the main control unit 300 determines the replay winning. The winning determination command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 via the communication unit (downward arrow in the figure). In the first sub-control unit 400 that has received the winning determination command, the replay winning number counter is “1”. Become. Assume that the main control unit 300 determines a loss in the second game. In this case, a lost winning determination command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400, and the replay winning number counter that was “1” is cleared to “0” in the first sub-control unit 400. However, the communication unit is disturbed by radio waves or unauthorized devices, and the winning determination command is inhibited from being transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 (a broken line in the figure). Then, in spite of the second game in the main control 300, the first sub-control unit 400 recognizes that the game is not progressing, and the replay winning number counter is maintained at “1”. In the third game, it is assumed that the main control unit 300 determines the replay winning. The winning determination command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 via the communication unit, and in the first sub-control unit 400 that has received the winning determination command, the replay winning number counter becomes “2”. Assume that the main control unit 300 determines a bell in the fourth game. In that case, a bell winning determination command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400, and the replay winning number counter that was “2” is cleared to “0” in the first sub-control unit 400. However, cheating is also performed here, and the replay winning number counter is maintained at “2”. Assume that the main control unit 300 determines a loss in the fifth game. In this case, a lost winning determination command is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400, and the replay winning number counter that was “2” is cleared to “0” in the first sub control unit 400. However, cheating is also performed here, and the replay winning number counter is maintained at “2”. In the sixth game, it is assumed that the main control unit 300 determines the replay winning. The winning determination command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 via the communication unit, and in the first sub-control unit 400 that has received the winning determination command, the replay winning number counter becomes “3” and AT is given. . As described above, there is one that attempts to obtain illegal profits by obstructing game information that is inconvenient for a fraudster and causing the first sub-control unit 400 to receive only advantageous game information.

  In order to prevent such an illegal act, for example, when a game command is received on the sub-control unit side, the winning lottery information is collated with the internal lottery information at the start operation, the symbol position information at the stop operation, etc. If there is a contradiction, it is determined that there has been an illegal act in the communication unit, an error screen is displayed on the effect image display device 157, and the function of the first sub-control unit 400 is stopped. A method for preventing an action in advance can be considered (hereinafter, errors generated on the side of these sub-control units are referred to as sub-errors).

  However, in the communication unit, the communication function may be naturally inhibited by noise or the like, and even if it is determined as an error, it is not always an improper act. Therefore, unlike a hopper empty (medal run out) error or a selector detection error that occurs in the main control unit 300, it is advantageous for the player to stop the sub control unit immediately as an error just because a sub error has occurred. There is a problem that causes trouble when it is in a bad state.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), a game machine is assumed in which when a predetermined number of games (for example, 100 games) have elapsed after the bonus ends, an AT is given 100 games. Here, as shown in FIG. 9B, when a sub error occurs after 100 games have elapsed after the bonus has ended and AT has started, if the AT is stopped in response to the occurrence of the sub error, 200 games are played. For players who think that AT will continue until then, they would not be able to get the profit they should get, and they would be dissatisfied.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a sub error occurs after the player has obtained the right to receive a certain profit, the profit granting is given without ending, for example, as shown in FIG. Even if a sub error occurs after AT starts, AT is continued until 200 games. Or, if a sub error (timing A) occurs before the AT starts (applies), the error is displayed and no profit is given on the sub-control unit side, but the AT is started If a sub error (timing B) occurs after the AT, the AT is continued without being stopped.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that a fixed limit may be added to the profit provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the AT that was originally scheduled to be given 100 games is reduced to 50 games.

  Also, a lottery table for determining whether or not to generate push order navigation of AT is provided with a plurality of high and low probabilities, and when a sub error occurs, the lottery table for push order navigation is generated using the low probability table May be.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), when a sub error occurs after the start of AT, a benefit added accompanying the started AT, for example, an AT addition lottery may not be performed. .

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), when a sub error occurs at the 110th game after the start of AT, for example, the push order navigation execution frequency or a new AT addition lottery is limited, and the sub error occurs at the 135th game. When released, the restriction may be released and the remaining ATs may be executed up to the 200 + 25 = 225th game.

  Next, as a benefit given to the player, an embodiment of the present invention in a so-called ART in which RT is added to the above-described AT will be described.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a flow of game control on the main control unit side and the sub control unit side in a general ART. First, it is assumed that the watermelon is won internally as a result of the winning combination internal lottery process performed in the first game in which the game state on the main control unit side is RT3. The watermelon is a specific role for performing an AT generation lottery on the sub-control unit side. As a result of performing the AT generation lottery on the sub-control unit side that has received the internal winning information of the watermelon from the main control unit side, the AT of 50 games is 10 Assume that it is decided to start after the game. The 10 games until the start of AT are the RT transition combination navigation execution period, and when the RT transition combination such as Replay 2 and Replay 3 in FIG. By navigating, the RT state can be shifted. For example, when the RT transition combination push order navigation in which the replay 2 of FIG. 4B is aligned is activated as the RT transition combination in the third game after AT execution is determined, when the player operates according to the navigation, “Replay-Bell -"Replay" wins and the gaming state shifts from RT3 to RT4. Then, in the sixth game after the AT execution is determined, when the RT transition combination push order navigation 2 is activated as the RT transition combination and the replay 3 of FIG. “Replay-Replay-Bell” wins and the gaming state shifts from RT4 to RT5. Then, the AT is started at the 10th game after the AT execution is determined, the bell push order navigation is executed for about 50 games, and the AT ends at the 60th game after the AT execution is determined.

  An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to such an ART game control flow will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, first, it is assumed that the watermelon has won internally as a result of the winning combination internal lottery process performed in the first game in which the game state on the main control unit side was RT3. The watermelon is a specific role for performing an AT generation lottery on the sub-control unit side. As a result of performing the AT generation lottery on the sub-control unit side that has received the internal winning information of the watermelon from the main control unit side, the AT of 50 games is 10 Assume that it is decided to start after the game. Then, in the third game after the AT execution is decided, the RT transition combination push order navigation in which the replay 2 of FIG. 4B is aligned is activated as the RT transition combination, and when the player operates according to the navigation, “Replay- "Bell-Replay" wins and the gaming state shifts from RT3 to RT4. If a sub error occurs before the push order navigation for aligning the replays 3 of the sixth game in FIG. 14A is executed, the navigation for winning the replays 3 is not executed and AT execution is determined. At the 10th game after that, AT is started in the state of RT4.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14A, in addition to the limitation of the RT transition combination navigation, control that limits the AT that was scheduled for 50 games to 30 games may be performed.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 14B, when a sub error occurs before the RT transition combination push order navigation with replay 2 is activated, the two scheduled RT transition combination navigations are performed without being canceled. The subsequent AT may be stopped.

  Next, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied in a situation in which a continuous performance has occurred before and after the occurrence of a sub error will be described.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, when the RT transition combination navigation 1 (replay 2) is first notified and the stop operation is performed according to the contents of the navigation, the current RT state becomes RT4. By displaying the sunset background image on the effect image display device 157, it is suggested that the current image is RT4. Next, when the RT transition combination navigation 2 (replay 3) is notified and the stop operation is performed according to the contents of the navigation, when the current RT state becomes RT5, the night image is displayed on the effect image display device 157. To indicate that it is currently RT5. After that, as an advance notice that AT will be started, a line such as “Something will happen!” Is displayed together with the character, and a continuous production is started to despise the player's expectation. When the AT is actually started, a line “Come!” Is displayed to notify that the AT is started.

  In the case where a certain meaning or story is brought about by such a continuous production flow over the game, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the background image has changed, but the continuous production has not yet started. If a sub-error occurs at timing A, the subsequent production of “Something will happen!” And “Come!” Will not be performed, but “Something will happen!” If the sub-error occurs at timing B after the production is executed, if the continuous production is stopped as it is, the player will end in the middle of the production, and it will be in a state where it does not understand what happened, Even after the sub-error, “Came !!” is continuously produced, and AT is started without stopping.

  As described above, the game control (right) advantageous to the player determined before the occurrence of the sub error is executed even after the sub error, thereby preventing troubles between the player and the store clerk.

  Next, the relationship between the sub error and the effect executed on the sub control unit side will be described.

  The effect executed in the first sub-control unit 400 is not only the effect control in which the first sub-control unit 400 such as the AT determines whether or not to execute the effect, but also in the main control unit 300 A special role such as a big bonus that is determined to be executed, or an effect control called a reel action, which is performed in conjunction with the reel effect control using the reels 110 to 112, is also performed. Therefore, various problems occur if the production control on the side of the sub-control unit is uniformly restricted just because a sub-error has occurred. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating an example when a continuous effect is selected as an example of a problem.

  For example, when it is determined that a sub-error has occurred in the first game, it is assumed that a continuous performance is in progress that suggests that there is a possibility that the big bonus may have been won internally. A continuous performance is an effect that is performed over (multiplying) a plurality of games, has a certain storyline, etc., and is an effect that announces the success or failure of the last game (details will be described later). . If a sub-error occurs in the first game of the continuous production, if the production control performed in the second game is not uniformly performed, the second game of the continuous production is not executed. In that case, the production will end without knowing the result of the continuous production, the player can not determine whether the big bonus is won internally, even if it was actually going to stop the game, all big If you can't finish the game until you try to see if you have the bonus winning symbols, if you have a lot of big bonus winning symbols, or if you are not good at winning games, There are problems with fairness of the game.

  FIG. 17B is a diagram showing an example of a case where a sub error occurs after it is determined that a reel action is to be executed after several games and before the execution, as an example of a problem.

  For example, it is assumed that the reel control is determined to be executed by the main control unit 300 in the first game after three games (in the fourth game). If a sub-error occurs in two games while the reel action has not yet occurred, if the production control after the third game is not performed uniformly, the reel action that was scheduled to be executed in the fourth game will be The accompanying lamp, sound, effect image, and the like are not displayed, and the reels 110 to 112 are merely rotated.

  In order to solve such a problem, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18A, when a sub error occurs in the first game, the production control in the sub control in the second game is restricted to the sub control unit side. As for ATs that will ultimately determine whether or not to provide profits, it is determined whether or not to give profits on the side of the main control unit without considering the push order in consideration of the possibility of fraud in the communication unit The continuous production related to the big bonus is configured so as to be performed even after the sub error.

  Further, as shown in 18 (b), when the execution of the reel action is determined in the first game and the sub error occurs in the second game during the waiting (latent) period before the reel action is executed, 2 For the AT, which is finally determined whether or not to give a profit on the sub-control unit side, in the sub-control in the game, in consideration of the possibility that fraud is performed in the communication unit, the push order is not notified, The reel action for which it is determined whether or not the effect is executed on the main control unit side is configured to perform a lamp, sound, effect image, etc. associated with the reel action even after the sub error.

  The notification of the sub error is made by displaying the error screen on the effect image display device 157, but considering that the game in the main control unit 300 can be continued, the side lamp 144 is turned on, and the effect image display device is displayed. Display control 157 may be performed as usual, or only AT push order navigation directly related to the player's profit may be concealed with an error display or the like, and the normal performance may be continued.

  It should be noted that the performance performed over the plurality of games in the sub-error is not necessarily performed but may be configured to be performed with a predetermined probability.

  Next, a data structure of a game information command (hereinafter referred to as a transmission command) transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a list regarding transmission commands in the present embodiment, and shows external triggers, command names, upper and lower byte values, and lower byte contents. Note that the values of the upper and lower bytes in FIG. 19 are shown in hexadecimal notation.

  In this embodiment, the transmission command is composed of 2 bytes (16 bits), the upper 1 byte (upper byte) is the command type, and the lower 1 byte (lower byte) is the command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type). ). The first sub control unit 400 can determine the effect control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 according to the command type included in the received command, and information on the command data included in the command Based on this, it is possible to determine the contents of the effect control.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the value of the upper byte is “01H”, it indicates a setting change command, and the lower byte includes command data indicating that the setting is being changed or the setting change has been completed. In the case of a setting change command, the external trigger is a power-on & setting change operation. Therefore, when the power is turned on and the setting change operation is performed, information indicating that the setting change is in progress or the setting change end is set in the setting change command. The set change command is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub control unit 400.

  In a general slot machine, since the internal winning combination is determined and various game states are changed based on the operation of the start lever 135, a lot of game information is set when the start lever is received in FIG. Hereinafter, the description will be focused on the production information command when the start lever is received.

  The effect information command is a command transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400 a plurality of times (8 times in the present embodiment) for each interrupt process when the start lever operation is accepted. Specifically, in the production information command whose upper byte value is “15H”, the lower byte includes command data indicating the value of the gaming state (specifically, the gaming state shown in FIG. 7). An effect information command having a value of “16H” includes command data indicating the value of the remaining RT number (lower order) in the lower byte, and an effect information command having an upper byte value of “17H” is the remaining RT number in the lower byte. Command data indicating the (upper) value is included, and the production information command having the upper byte value of “18H” includes the command data indicating the value of the conditional device A (internal lottery result regarding the special role) in the lower byte. In the production information command whose upper byte value is “19H”, the lower byte includes command data indicating the value of the condition device B (internal lottery result regarding the general role), and the upper byte value is “1AH”. The production information command includes command data indicating the tenth and first place values of the number of medals earned in the game (the number of medals obtained in the bonus game state) in the lower byte, and the production information having the upper byte value of “1BH”. The command includes command data indicating the hundreds value of the number of acquired medals in the lower byte (the number of acquired medals in the bonus game state). The effect information command whose upper byte value is “1CH” includes the sum value (cumulative value) of the command data from “15H” to “1BH” described above in the lower byte.

  Here, the RT remaining number means the remaining number of games in the RT state. For example, when the remaining RT number is 1000, the value of the upper byte is “03E8H” in hexadecimal notation. However, “E8H” is set in the lower byte of the effect information command of “16H”, and “03H” is set in the lower byte of the effect information command of “17H”.

  In the present embodiment, the production information command is continuously transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400 when the start lever operation is accepted, so the production information command is also referred to as a continuous transmission command (abbreviated to a continuous transmission command). Say.

  Next, continuous production will be described with reference to FIG. For example, when (1) the execution of the continuous production is determined in the game, (1) the friend of the ally is displayed on the left side of the screen of the production image display device 157 at the timing when the right stop button 139 is operated at the third stop of the game. An image of 侍 is displayed. Next, (2) at the timing when the left stop button 137 is operated in the first stop operation of the game, the friend's trap is displayed on the left side of the effect image display device 157 and the enemy's trap is displayed on the right side of the screen. At the timing when the middle stop button 138 is operated for the stop operation, a screen is displayed on the effect image display device 157 where the friend's trap and the enemy's trap are cut, and when the right stop button 139 is operated for the third stop operation The image display device 157 displays a screen on which the ally's cocoon falls. As described above, the continuous performance is performed over a plurality of games (two games in the present embodiment), and the story story is generally advanced. In the present embodiment, it means that the ally's trap has fallen and the possibility of winning an internal bonus combination is low.

  Next, the control flow of the above-described embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300.

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

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step 1000. In this initial setting, setting of the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt inhibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 313, and initial setting Set the value. In step 1001, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on according to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Also, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated.

  In step 1002, the number of inserted medals is determined, and an effective winning line is determined. In step 1003, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired.

  In step 1004, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step 1003. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned ON. In the present invention, a lottery process for determining whether or not to perform a reel action is also performed. At that time, the internal winning information and game state of the winning combination, the type of operation of the stop button, the occurrence state of the winning, the number of payouts, etc. are referred to.

  In step 1005, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result. In step 1006, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. Here, when the execution of the reel action is determined, various stylistic reel controls are performed before the start of the normal game. In step 1007, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel stop control in which one of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected in step 1005. Stop based on data. When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to Step 1008. In step 1008, a winning determination is performed. Here, when a picture combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the player has won the bell. Also, the stop-displayed outcome is stored so that it can be referred to at the next start of reel rotation. In step 1010, if any winning combination with payout has been won, in step 1009, a medal payout process is executed in which the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines. In step 1010, game state control processing is performed. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, returning to step 1001 and repeating the above-described processing, the game proceeds.

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

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

  In step 1101, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step 1102, the WDT 313 is periodically updated (so that the WDT interrupt does not occur because the count value of the WDT 313 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) (so as not to detect a processing abnormality)). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step 1103, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step 1104, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318), and processing according to this status is performed (for example, the interrupt status of each acquired stop button 137 to 139). Based on the stop button reception process).

  In step 1105, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step 1106, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands as shown in FIG. 19 described above are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step 1107, external output signal setting processing is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step 1108, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step 1105 are read, and the presence or absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality is monitored. (Not shown) Error processing is executed. Further, according to the current gaming state, the medal selector 170 (medal blocker in which the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 338, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set.

  In step 1109, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. If the low voltage signal is on (when power supply is detected to be cut off), the process proceeds to step 1110. If the low voltage signal is off (when power supply is not cut off), the process proceeds to step 1111.

  In step 1111, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step 1101 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step 1110, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  Next, the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using a flowchart with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 23A 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.

  First, in step 2001 of FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in 2001. 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 step 2002, 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 step 2003.

  In step 2003, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step 2004, command processing is performed. When the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 receives a command from the main control unit 300, the CPU 404 analyzes the content and stores it as effect data in a predetermined area. At that time, it is also checked whether the transmission data is legitimate. Details will be described later.

  In step 2005, AT lottery processing is performed. Details will be described later.

  In step 2006, effect setting processing is performed. This is a process of selecting and setting an effect to be executed based on a game command transmitted from the main control unit 300, an AT lottery result determined by the first sub control unit 400, or the like. Details will be described later.

  In step 2007, an effect control process is performed. In this effect control process, effect data is read from the ROM 406 according to the set effect parameters, effect data is set in a predetermined area, and then effect control is performed. For example, if there is an effect parameter related to the reel action, an effect is displayed using the effect image display device 157, speakers 272, 277, etc., and if an AT flag described later is set, the player is notified of an advantageous operation procedure for winning. To do.

  In step 2008, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the set effect data, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

  In step 2009, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the set effect data, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step 2010, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the set effect data, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step 2002.

  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 step 2101 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

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

  In step 2201 of the timer interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step 2003 in the first sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step 2003, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step 2202 of the first sub-control unit timer interrupt process, a control command is transmitted to the set second sub-control unit 500, an effect random number value is updated, and the like.

  Next, command processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 2401, the upper byte of the command in the transmission command table of FIG. 19 is checked.

  In step 2402, it is determined whether or not commands are transmitted in order from 01H.

In step 2403, if the signals are not received in order (for example, 02H then 05
When receiving H), the reception error counter is incremented by one. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a command is not normally received due to the influence of noise or the like, and it is determined that a sub error has occurred when a reception error occurs three times.

  In Step 2404, it is determined whether or not the reception error counter is greater than 2.

  In step 2405, the sub error flag is turned on in order to notify the sub error.

  In step 2406, if the command can be received in order as determined in step 2402, the received command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 408.

  Next, the AT lottery process will be described with reference to FIG. The AT (assist time) is provided with a reel control table in which a bell winning is generated / not performed for each stop operation order of the reels 110 to 112, and configured so that a winning is not generated unless the operation order is determined in advance. Then, since the determined operation order is not notified, many medals cannot be obtained.However, when the operation order is notified at a predetermined opportunity, a stop operation is performed according to the suggestion content, so that many medals can be acquired. is there.

  In step 2301, it is determined whether or not it is the 100th game in RT3 after the end of BB in the RT transition diagram of FIG. In the present embodiment, the 100th game after the end of the BB is assumed to be an AT grant timing (ceiling), and an AT of 100 games is granted.

  In step 2302, in the determination in step 2301, when the game is 100th after the end of the BB, the AT stock game number counter indicating the AT execution period is set to 100.

  In step 2303, it is determined whether the current number of remaining RT3 games is greater than 100 games. In this embodiment, at the time when the number of remaining RT games reaches 100 out of 200G RT3 games, AT addition lottery (additional lottery) is started.

  In step 2304, AT is added and a lottery is performed. There are various AT lottery triggers such as winning a specific internal winning combination, stopping a specific symbol stop mode, player operation type, specific game state, number of digested games, etc. When it becomes a state, you may give AT directly without going through lottery. In the present embodiment, for example, when internal winning information of watermelon is transmitted from the main control unit 300, it is determined whether or not to perform a lottery with AT addition with a predetermined probability. AT game period is granted.

  In Step 2305, it is determined whether or not the AT addition lottery is won.

  In step 2306, if a winning is determined as a result of the AT addition lottery, an AT of a predetermined number of games (for example, 20 games) is given, so the number of games given to the AT stock game number counter is added.

  In step 2307, it is determined whether there is an AT stock game number (AT stock game number> 0).

  In step 2308, if there are AT stock games, the AT flag is turned on. The AT flag is flag information for determining whether or not to perform a navigation effect in the AT state. When there is an AT flag, the navigation effect is performed according to the determined operation order type in the effect control process described above. Is called.

  Next, the effect selection process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 2501, it is determined whether or not the sub error flag is currently ON.

  In step 2502, it is determined whether or not the AT flag is currently on.

  In step 2503, the sub error notification flag is turned on. That is, when a sub error has occurred and the AT is not operating, a sub error is notified.

  In step 2504, it is checked whether or not a display determination command has been received, and it is determined whether or not the number of games has been updated.

  In step 2505, when the number of games is updated, the AT stock game number counter is decremented by one.

  In step 2506, effect selection processing is performed. In this process, when an effect mode is selected based on a transmission command from the main control unit or when an internal winning command for a bell is received with the AT flag turned on, the push order mode is set.

  In this way, even when a sub error occurs, instead of notifying the sub error immediately, if game control advantageous to the player has been performed before the sub error, the game control is continuously executed. This can prevent unnecessary troubles between the player and the amusement store.

  Next, the control flow of the present invention will be described with respect to the embodiment involving RT transition described in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, in addition to the “replay-replay-replay” that does not involve the transition of the RT state, the “replay-bell- “Replay” and “Replay-Replay-Bell” for transition to the RT5 state. In order to win these replay roles, the operation must be performed in the order of pushing determined in the same manner as the AT described above after the internal winning has occurred. It is necessary to generate a push order navigation of roles. Hereinafter, the control along the flow of the game shown in FIGS. 13 to 14 will be described focusing on the first sub-control unit 400.

  The present embodiment can be realized by changing specific steps in the control of the first sub-control unit 400 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the AT lottery process 2.

  In Step 2601, it is determined whether or not the internal winning information of cherry or watermelon that is an AT lottery trigger in the present embodiment is received from the main control unit 300.

  In step 2602, an AT execution lottery is performed using the AT lottery table of FIG. For example, when the internal winning information of the watermelon is received and the random number for lottery is 30, it is AT winning. Also, instead of starting the AT immediately after winning the AT, there is a latent (holding) period of about 10 games in order to perform RT transitional navigation and a sign effect of the occurrence of AT.

  In step 2603, it is determined whether or not the AT lottery is won.

  In step 2604, if the AT is won, the number of AT latent games is set.

  In step 2605, if a winning is determined as a result of the AT lottery, an AT of a predetermined number of games (for example, 50 games) is given, so the number of games given to the AT stock game number counter is added.

  In step 2606, it is determined whether there is an AT stock game number (AT stock game number> 0).

  In step 2607, it is determined whether there is an AT latent game number (AT latent game number> 0).

  In step 2608, it is determined whether there is an AT stock game number.

  In step 2609, the AT flag is turned on.

  Next, the effect setting process 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 2701, it is determined whether or not the sub error flag is currently ON.

  In step 2702, it is determined whether there is an AT latent game number (AT latent game number> 0).

  In step 2703, it is determined whether or not the AT flag is on.

  In step 2704, the sub error notification flag is turned on. That is, when a sub error has occurred and the AT is in a latent state or not operating, the sub error is notified.

  In step 2705, it is checked whether or not a display determination command has been received, and it is determined whether or not the number of games has been updated.

  In step 2706, when the number of games is updated, the AT stock game number counter is decremented by one.

  In step 2707, when the number of games is updated, the AT latent game number counter is decremented by one.

  In step 2708, effect selection processing is performed.

  Next, in the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, for the effect as shown in FIG. 18 described above, an effect that continues across sub-errors, or an effect that requires a plurality of games from the execution decision of the effect until it is actually executed. Give an explanation.

  First, the winning combination internal lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 1301, the lottery process for each winning combination shown in FIG. 4B is performed using the extracted random value and the winning probability table.

  In step 1302, a lottery process for determining whether or not to execute a reel action (pseudo game) is performed. The RA execution lottery process is performed using the RA execution lottery table of FIG. For example, in the winning combination lottery process of step 1301, if the BB wins an internal winning, if the random number for lottery of 0 to 127 is “20”, the reel action is determined to be executed. As shown in FIG. 18B, since the timing is four games after the execution decision, the execution is suspended (hidden) for about three games until then.

  In step 1303, it is determined whether or not the lottery process in step 1302 has been won.

  In step 1304, the RA (reel action) execution flag stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 in FIG. 3 is turned on.

  In step 1305, the number of latent games is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 as in step 1304.

  In the process of updating the reel action related information as in steps 1304 and 1305, the reel action related information is set in the transmission buffer to the first sub control unit 400 at the same time, and the main control unit timer interrupt process is performed. To the first sub-control 400. The same applies to the following control processing.

  Next, the reel rotation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 1401, it is determined whether or not the current RA execution flag is ON.

  In step 1402, when the RA execution flag is on, that is, when RA execution is determined, RA execution processing is performed. Details will be described later.

  In step 1403, the number of latent games set in step 1305 of the winning combination internal lottery process is decremented by one.

  In step 1404, it is determined whether the number of latent games is lower than 0, that is, whether the reel action has already been executed.

  In step 1405, when the reel action has already been executed, the RA execution flag is cleared.

  In step 1406, normal game reel rotation start processing is performed.

  Next, the RA execution process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 1501, it is determined whether or not the number of latent games stored in the RAM 308 is 0, that is, whether or not the current game is a game for which a reel action is to be executed.

  In step 1502, a reel action is executed when the number of latent games is zero.

  Next, using the effect setting process 3 shown in FIG. 33, a sub error occurs before and after receiving the RA execution flag transmitted from the main control unit 300 based on the determination of the reel action execution described above on the sub control unit side. The flow of control in the case of having been performed will be described.

  In step 2801, it is determined whether or not the sub error flag is ON.

  In step 2802, it is determined whether or not the received RA execution flag information is ON, that is, whether or not the reel action is being executed or is scheduled to be executed by the main control unit 300.

  In step 2803, when the RA execution flag is off, the sub error notification flag is turned on.

  In step 2804, an effect corresponding to the reel action is selected.

  In this way, when there is an effect that is being executed or is scheduled to be executed before the occurrence of a sub error, even if a determination of a sub error is made, the effect is executed without being stopped, and the sub error is notified after the effect is finished. By doing this, it is possible to achieve consistency with the production on the main control unit side.

  Next, using the effect setting process 4 in FIG. 34 and the effect selection process shown in FIG. 35, execution of the continuous effect is determined based on the BB internal winning shown in FIG. The flow of control when it occurs will be described.

  In step 2951, it is determined whether or not the sub error flag is ON.

  In step 2952, it is determined whether or not the continuous effect counter is higher than 0, that is, whether or not the continuous effect is currently being executed. The continuous effect counter will be described later.

  In step 2953, when the continuous performance is not performed, the sub error notification flag is turned on.

  In step 2954, an effect selection process is executed.

  Next, the effect selection process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 2901, it is determined whether or not the continuous performance counter is greater than zero. This continuous effect counter is set in step 2904 described later.

  In step 2902, a continuous effect selection process is performed. In the present embodiment, when the BB wins an internal winning, the continuous performance selection table is used to determine whether or not the continuous performance can be executed and the performance type with a predetermined probability.

  In step 2903, it is determined whether or not execution of continuous production has been determined as a result of the lottery in step 2902.

  In step 2904, when execution of the continuous effect is determined, an initial value “2” is set in the continuous effect counter.

  In step 2905, the effect data is set in a predetermined area according to the type of the selected continuous effect.

  In step 2906, 1 is subtracted from the continuous effect counter.

  In step 2907, effect determination processing is executed.

  In this way, when a sub error occurs during the execution of the continuous production, the continuous production is not terminated in the middle, but the continuous production scheduled to be executed is terminated, and then the sub error is notified. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the game cannot be stopped halfway without the continuous effect being ended, the end being not notified, and the player being unable to determine whether the BB has been won internally.

  Next, processing after a sub error has occurred will be described. In this embodiment, even after a sub error occurs, specific game information such as the number of games after the sub error is displayed. This process can be realized by changing the contents of the command process of FIG. 24 and the effect setting process of FIG. This will be described below using a flowchart.

  First, the command processing 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 3001, the upper byte of the command in the transmission command table of FIG. 19 is checked.

  In step 3002, it is determined whether or not commands are transmitted in order from 01H.

In step 3003, when the signals are not received in order (for example, 05 after 02H)
When receiving H), the reception error counter is incremented by one. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a command is not normally received due to the influence of noise or the like, and it is determined that a sub error has occurred when a reception error occurs three times.

  In step 3004, it is determined whether or not the reception error counter is greater than 2.

  In step 3005, the sub error flag is turned on in order to notify the sub error.

  In step 3006, the sub error game number counter is cleared.

  In step 3007, if the command can be received in order as determined in step 3002, the received command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 408.

  In step 3008, a sub-error return process is performed. Details will be described later.

  Next, the sub error return processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 3201, it is determined whether or not the sub error flag is on.

  In step 3202, it is determined whether a door opening command has been received. The door opening command is a command transmitted from the main control unit 300 when the front door 102 is opened.

  In step 3203, it is determined whether a power recovery command has been received. The power interruption return command is a command transmitted when the main control unit 300 is turned on from a power interruption state.

  In step 3204, the sub error flag is cleared.

  As described above, when canceling the sub error flag, not only one command related to the error canceling operation transmitted from the main control unit 300 but also whether multiple commands are received or not is cancelled. It is desirable to increase security against fraud by configuring the system to perform control.

  Note that the command related to error cancellation may be a setting change command, a RAM clear operation command, or the like.

  In addition, the sub-error is canceled by a command related to error cancellation, but the push order notification function is not restored, and when another command related to error cancellation is received, the push order notification function is restored. You may comprise. In other words, it may be configured to have a plurality of stages until all the errors are cleared.

  Next, the effect setting process 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 3301, it is determined whether or not the sub error flag is on.

  In step 3302, the sub error notification flag is turned on.

  In step 3303, it is determined whether or not the number of games has been updated.

  In step 3304, the sub error game number counter is incremented by one.

  In step 3305, an effect selection process is executed.

  Next, a specific example of the screen during the sub error will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 39A is a diagram showing a screen in a normal state before occurrence of a sub error. When the notification of the pressing order is determined, the operation order of the stop button is displayed at the lower right of the effect image display device 157. When a sub error occurs from this state, as shown in FIG. 39B, the number of games that have elapsed since the occurrence of the sub error is displayed on the lower right without being notified of the pressing order. The notification of the sub error state is made by always lighting the side lamp 144.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 40A, when a sub-error occurs, a message “An error has occurred. Please call a clerk” may be displayed. Even in this case, the number of elapsed games after the sub error is displayed in the lower right.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 40 (b), predetermined game information may be monitored and displayed after a sub error. For example, in addition to the number of elapsed games after the sub error, the number of winnings that have occurred after the sub error and the time since the sub error may be displayed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 41A, the screen may be switched to display a guidance message “Please do not play games” and “A communication error has occurred”.

  Also, as shown in Fig. 41 (b), if a large number of balls have been generated by monitoring the transition of the number of balls, such as the number of differences during the sub-error, "!" May be displayed.

In this way, when a game is played even after a sub-error has occurred, it is possible to check fraud by monitoring the predetermined game information in consideration of the possibility of fraud and notifying the situation. When a sub error has occurred due to a noise that is not a fraudulent act but a spontaneous noise, it can also be used as a guideline for guaranteeing profits to the player.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a symbol display means for variably displaying symbols, a symbol control means for controlling the variability display, a main control section including at least the symbol control means, and the main control section. A game machine comprising: a sub-control unit that controls the effect device based on the game information; and a transmission unit that transmits the game information from the main control unit to the sub-control unit. A notification means for notifying the predetermined information; and an abnormality determination means for determining an abnormality when the game information is not normally received, wherein the notification means determines that the abnormality determination means is abnormal The sub-control unit does not perform at least a part of the notification for at least a part of the period after the determination, and the sub-control unit counts at least a part of the number of games after the abnormality is determined; The counting hand Counting result storage means for storing information relating to the counting result by, and comprising the.

  In the above-described embodiment, referring to the game information command transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400, whether or not an AT is granted or a game effect is selected. At that time, it is checked whether the received game information command is normal or not, and if it is determined to be abnormal, the production control performed by the first sub-control unit 400 is limited as a sub-error and a sub-error occurs. The number of subsequent games is counted and stored by a sub error number game number counter.

  Therefore, by stopping the notification directly related to profits such as push order navigation at the timing of abnormality determination, it is possible to respond illegally and promptly and to make it possible to confirm the gaming situation after the fraud, thereby making it easy to grasp the damage situation. In addition, when an error occurs instead of a fraud and a situation disadvantageous to the player occurs, it can be used as a guideline for the degree of subsequent compensation.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the symbol display means further comprises a plurality of symbol rows, provided corresponding to the symbol rows, and a stop means for stopping the variable display, and the operation of the stop means. Fluctuation stop control means for stopping and controlling the fluctuation display for each of the symbol sequences based on, and the notification means, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the operation order of the stop means advantageous to the player Although notifying, when the abnormality determining means determines that there is an abnormality, at least a part of the notification is not performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the notification of AT is limited when a sub error occurs during execution of AT which is a game control advantageous to the player by notifying the pressing order in which the internal winning combination is aligned.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud by limiting the AT push order notification that may be fraudulent.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the effect device is an image display means, and the notification means is provided on at least a part of the display area of the image display means when the abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality is present. At least one of the error information and the information related to the stored contents of the counting result storage means is displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, when a sub error occurs, the effect image display device 157 displays that an error has occurred, counts the number of games after the sub error occurs, and passes the progress to the lower right of the effect image display device 157. It was configured to display the number of games.

  Therefore, it is illegal for the player to recognize that there is an error at the same time, to make it easier for the store clerk to know that an error has occurred, and to know at a glance how many games were played after the error occurred. It is possible to easily determine whether or not it is, or the degree of compensation.

<Appendix 1>
The present invention described above is
1.
An internal winning combination determination means for determining an internal winning combination;
A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
Stop operation receiving means for receiving a stop operation for stopping each of the plurality of reels;
Stop control means for stopping each of the plurality of reels that are rotationally driven based on the stop operation;
Determination means for determining a symbol combination of the plurality of reels stopped by the stop control means;
Based on the determination result by the determination means, a game setting means for setting a corresponding game state from a plurality of types of game states;
A main control unit having
A sub-control unit that performs an effect related to the game based on the game information from the main control unit;
A game machine comprising: transmission means for transmitting the game information from the main control unit to the sub-control unit;
The sub-control unit
Stop operation mode notification means for performing notification indicating a mode of the stop operation;
An abnormality determining means for determining an abnormality when the game information is not normally received;
The stop operation mode notifying unit does not perform notification indicating the mode of the stop operation for at least a part of the period after the determination when the abnormality determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred.
The sub-control unit
Counting means for counting the number of elapsed games after the abnormality is determined;
Counting result notifying means for notifying the number of elapsed games indicating the counting result by the counting means,
The counting result notifying means is a game table that notifies the elapsed game number when the abnormality determining means determines that there is an abnormality.
The present invention also provides
2.
An internal winning combination determination means for determining an internal winning combination;
A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
Stop operation receiving means for receiving a stop operation for stopping each of the plurality of reels;
Stop control means for stopping each of the plurality of reels that are rotationally driven based on the stop operation;
Determination means for determining a symbol combination of the plurality of reels stopped by the stop control means;
Based on the determination result by the determination means, a game setting means for setting a corresponding game state from a plurality of types of game states;
A main control unit having
A sub-control unit that performs an effect related to the game based on the game information from the main control unit;
A game machine comprising: transmission means for transmitting the game information from the main control unit to the sub-control unit;
The sub-control unit
A notification means for performing predetermined notification to the player;
An abnormality determination means for determining an abnormality when the game information is not normally received;
Counting means for counting the number of elapsed games after the abnormality is determined,
When the abnormality determination unit determines that the abnormality is abnormal, the notification unit performs notification indicating the abnormality without performing notification indicating the mode of the stop operation for at least a part of the period after the determination.
The informing means is a gaming table that provides information indicating the number of elapsed games counted by the counting means when the abnormality determining means determines an abnormality.
The present invention also provides
3.
An internal winning combination determination means for determining an internal winning combination;
A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
Stop operation receiving means for receiving a stop operation for stopping each of the plurality of reels;
Stop control means for stopping each of the plurality of reels that are rotationally driven based on the stop operation;
Determination means for determining a symbol combination of the plurality of reels stopped by the stop control means;
Based on the determination result by the determination means, a game setting means for setting a corresponding game state from a plurality of types of game states;
A main control unit having
A sub-control unit that performs an effect related to the game based on the game information from the main control unit;
A game machine comprising: transmission means for transmitting the game information from the main control unit to the sub-control unit;
The sub-control unit
A notification means for performing predetermined notification to the player;
An abnormality determination means for determining an abnormality when the game information is not normally received;
Counting means for counting the number of elapsed games after the abnormality is determined,
When the abnormality determination unit determines that the abnormality is abnormal, the notification unit conceals the notification indicating the mode of the stop operation with the notification indicating the abnormality for at least a part of the period after the determination, and indicates the abnormality Is what
The informing means is a gaming table characterized in that when the abnormality determining means determines that there is an abnormality, the informing means indicates the number of elapsed games counted by the counting means.
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not particularly limit the present invention. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

  The present invention can be applied to game machines represented by slot machines, pachinko machines and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Slot machine 157 ... Effect image display apparatus 300 ... Main control part 400 ... 1st sub control part 500 ... 2nd sub control part

Claims (3)

An internal winning combination determination means for determining an internal winning combination;
A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
Stop operation receiving means for receiving a stop operation for stopping each of the plurality of reels;
Stop control means for stopping each of the plurality of reels that are rotationally driven based on the stop operation;
Determination means for determining a symbol combination of the plurality of reels stopped by the stop control means;
Based on the determination result by the determination means, a game setting means for setting a corresponding game state from a plurality of types of game states;
A main control unit having
A sub-control unit that performs an effect related to the game based on the game information from the main control unit;
A game machine comprising: transmission means for transmitting the game information from the main control unit to the sub-control unit;
The sub-control unit
Stop operation mode notification means for performing notification indicating a mode of the stop operation ;
An abnormality determining means for determining an abnormality when the game information is not normally received;
The stop operation mode notifying unit does not perform notification indicating the mode of the stop operation for at least a part of the period after the determination when the abnormality determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred .
The sub-control unit
Counting means for counting the number of elapsed games after the abnormality is determined;
E Bei and a count result notification unit for performing course game number notification indicating the counting result of said counting means,
The game table according to claim 1, wherein the counting result notifying means notifies the elapsed game number when the abnormality determining means determines that an abnormality has occurred . An internal winning combination determination means for determining an internal winning combination;
A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
Stop operation receiving means for receiving a stop operation for stopping each of the plurality of reels;
Stop control means for stopping each of the plurality of reels that are rotationally driven based on the stop operation;
Determination means for determining a symbol combination of the plurality of reels stopped by the stop control means;
Based on the determination result by the determination means, a game setting means for setting a corresponding game state from a plurality of types of game states;
A main control unit having
A sub-control unit that performs an effect related to the game based on the game information from the main control unit;
A game machine comprising: transmission means for transmitting the game information from the main control unit to the sub-control unit;
The sub-control unit
A notification means for performing predetermined notification to the player;
An abnormality determination means for determining an abnormality when the game information is not normally received;
Counting means for counting the number of elapsed games after the abnormality is determined,
When the abnormality determination unit determines that the abnormality is abnormal, the notification unit performs notification indicating the abnormality without performing notification indicating the mode of the stop operation for at least a part of the period after the determination.
The game table according to claim 1, wherein when the abnormality determining means determines that the abnormality is present, the notifying means performs notification indicating the number of elapsed games counted by the counting means . An internal winning combination determination means for determining an internal winning combination;
A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
Stop operation receiving means for receiving a stop operation for stopping each of the plurality of reels;
Stop control means for stopping each of the plurality of reels that are rotationally driven based on the stop operation;
Determination means for determining a symbol combination of the plurality of reels stopped by the stop control means;
Based on the determination result by the determination means, a game setting means for setting a corresponding game state from a plurality of types of game states;
A main control unit having
A sub-control unit that performs an effect related to the game based on the game information from the main control unit;
A game machine comprising: transmission means for transmitting the game information from the main control unit to the sub-control unit;
The sub-control unit
A notification means for performing predetermined notification to the player;
An abnormality determination means for determining an abnormality when the game information is not normally received;
Counting means for counting the number of elapsed games after the abnormality is determined,
When the abnormality determination unit determines that the abnormality is abnormal, the notification unit conceals the notification indicating the mode of the stop operation with the notification indicating the abnormality for at least a part of the period after the determination, and indicates the abnormality Is what
The game table according to claim 1, wherein when the abnormality determining means determines that the abnormality is present, the notifying means performs notification indicating the number of elapsed games counted by the counting means .