JP5967625B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a specific effect is executed at a preset time, and more particularly to a gaming machine configured to control execution of a specific effect according to the state of the effect.

In gaming machines represented by slot machines, it is generally known that a demonstration effect (standby effect) is executed at a timing when a non-working time of the gaming machine has passed for a certain period of time . For example, it is configured to measure the time since power-on and the time when it is not operating, and is in a state where it is not operating, and is configured to perform a demonstration when the measuring time reaches a specific time ( For example, Patent Document 1) and those that transmit a synchronous effect instruction from a hall computer and perform a synchronous effect with a plurality of gaming machines according to the instruction are known (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-029413 A JP 2005-052264 A

However, in a conventional gaming machine, when a specific effect (specific effect) other than the demonstration effect (standby effect) as described above is executed, the effect or demonstration effect (standby) that is executed according to the game state in the main control means. There is a problem that confusion between the production and the specific production occurs.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and it is possible to prevent the effect or demonstration effect (standby effect) executed according to the game state in the main control means from being confused with the specific effect. An object is to provide a gaming machine.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a main control unit that controls the progress of a game, an effect output unit that outputs an effect, a time measurement unit that measures the time since power-on, and an effect An effect state setting means for switching the state, an effect selection means for selecting an effect corresponding to the effect state switched by the effect state setting means, and an effect state for executing the specific effect from the first effect state. Specific effect preparation means for switching to the second effect state, and a sub-control means having effect execution means for causing the effect output means to output the effect selected by the effect selection means and the effect output means. , When the progress of the game has not been performed for a predetermined time, a standby effect can be output to the effect output means, and the effect selection means has the effect state as the effect state. A probability that a predetermined performance suggesting the feasibility of a special game that is advantageous to the player when the first performance state is selected, and the predetermined performance when the performance state is the second performance state. The specific production preparation means is configured such that, when the production state is the first production state, the time measured by the time measurement unit is set to a first value. As a trigger, the effect state is switched to the second effect state, and when the effect state is the second effect state, the effect execution means counts the time counted by the time measuring means. When the value of 2 is triggered, even if the game is not progressing for a predetermined time, the specific effect is output to the effect output unit without outputting the standby effect to the effect output unit. It is, the specific The output preparation means is configured to provide the predetermined value under a predetermined condition even if the time measured by the time measurement means becomes the first value when the effect state is the first effect state. The effect state is not switched to the second effect state until the condition is resolved .

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the time from the power-on time measured by the time measuring means reaches the first value, the effect state is switched to the second effect state, and the time is measured in the second effect state. When the time counted by the means becomes the second value, the specific effect is output to the effect output means, so that the effect executed according to the game state in the main control means and the specific effect are It is possible to prevent confusion.

  As a modification of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the effect state setting means is configured to switch the effect state to a third effect state when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the effect selection When the specific effect is being executed by the effect executing means, the means stops the specific effect based on the fact that a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the effect executing means causes the An effect according to the third effect state may be output, and the specific effect may be executed when the effect according to the third effect state ends.

  Further, as a modification of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the specific effect preparation unit is configured such that, when the effect state is the third effect state, the time measured by the time measuring unit is the first time. Even if the value becomes 1, the effect state may not be switched to the second effect state.

  When a special effect or continuous effect for a special game is being executed (third effect state), do not switch to the second effect state, and when the third effect state is reached, stop the specific effect By doing so, the specific effect is not executed in the third effect state, so that the player can be surely suggested the game state by these effects without interfering with the output of the special effect and the continuous effect. So it does not affect the player's profit.

  Further, as a modification of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the effect execution means changes the effect state from the second effect state to the first effect state when the output of the specific effect by the effect output means ends. You may comprise so that it may switch to.

  When the output of the specific effect ends, the output of the effect corresponding to the gaming state is not hindered by quickly returning the effect state to the original state.

  Further, as a modification of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the effect selection means has a selection probability of a predetermined effect among the effects according to the game state when the effect state is the second effect state. You may comprise so that it may become low.

  In the second effect state, which is a preparation state for executing the specific effect, for example, the possibility of executing the specific effect can be increased by configuring the selection effect such as the continuous effect to be low.

  Further, as a modification of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the main control means displays a plurality of symbols, and changes the symbol display means to display each of the plurality of symbols by changing the symbol display means. A starting means for starting and a stopping means for stopping the fluctuation of the symbol display means, and the specific effect preparation means, when the symbol of the symbol display means is fluctuating, The gaming state may not be switched to the second effect state even when the time measured by the time measuring unit reaches the first value.

  In such a gaming machine, the game state changes depending on the combination of symbols that are changing on the active line after the symbols that are changing (for example, the game state changes from the normal game state to the special game state). If the production state is switched during the production state, the production state may change frequently. Therefore, when the design fluctuates, it is possible to prevent such a change in the production state by not changing the production state. it can.

  Further, as a modification of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the effect executing means is when the operation is not performed for a predetermined time or more and when the first effect state or the second effect state, You may comprise so that the said effect output means may output a standby effect.

  Further, as a modification of the gaming machine according to the present invention as described above, the effect executing means is configured such that the time measured by the time measuring means in a state where the standby effect is output to the effect output means. When the value becomes 2, the standby effect may be stopped and the specific effect may be output to the effect output means.

  Some of these gaming machines are configured to execute a standby effect if no operation is performed for a certain period of time, and such a standby effect is executed regardless of the progress or state of the game. is there. Therefore, when the standby effect is being executed, the possibility of executing the specific effect can be increased by canceling the standby effect and executing the specific effect.

  As a modification of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the first value may include the second value and be in a predetermined range before the second value.

  In addition, as a modification of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the game machine includes an execution time table storage unit that stores at least one of the first value and the second value, and the specific effect preparation unit includes the execution You may comprise so that at least one of the said 1st value and the said 2nd value may be taken out from a time table memory | storage means, and the other value may be determined.

  Thus, by defining the first value for switching to the second effect state in association with the second value that is the timing for executing the specific effect, at least one of the first or second value is set. By doing this, it is possible to specify the switching to the second effect state and the execution timing of the specific effect.

  If the gaming machine according to the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to prevent the effect or demonstration effect (standby effect) executed according to the game state in the main control means from being confused with the specific effect.

It is a front view of a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of control of a slot machine. It is a top view which shows an example of the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel outer peripheral surface. It is explanatory drawing which shows the combination of a combination and a symbol. It is a block diagram which shows the control system in a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the timing of operation of an operation means, and the action | operation of a reel. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the minimum game time. FIG. 52 shows an explanatory diagram showing a game state transition in the slot machine. A flow of processing until the player performs a bet operation and a start lever operation at the start of the game is shown. The flow of processing from reel rotation to stop is shown. The flow of processing after reel stop is shown. An example of a flow of control commands transmitted from the main control board to the effect control board of the sub control board in one game is shown. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the process in an effect control board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the production state managed with a production control board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of an execution time table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of the lottery table of a specific production. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a specific production preparation means. It is a flowchart which shows the process of an effect selection means. It is a flowchart which shows the process of an effect state setting means. It is a flowchart which shows the process of an effect execution means.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 1, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of control of the slot machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a symbol arrangement on the reel outer peripheral surface. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing combinations of symbols and symbols, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system in the slot machine 1, and FIG. 6 shows the timing of operation of the operating means 30 and the operation of the reels 21a to 21c. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the minimum gaming time, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the gaming state in this slot machine 1.

  This slot machine 1 provides a game for acquiring a predetermined number of game medals by aligning the symbols displayed on the three reels 21a to 21c on a predetermined line, as shown in FIG. As described above, the symbol display means 20 for displaying symbols by the reels 21a to 21c, the operating means 30 for accepting the player's operation, the main control board 100 for controlling the game, and the effect means 40 for producing the game, The sub-control board 200 that controls the effect means 40 is configured.

(Main control board 100)
The main control board 100 is a means for overall control including the progress and effects of the game in the slot machine 1 and controls the driving (rotation and stop) control of the role lottery means 110 for performing the lottery of the roles and the symbol display means 20. Reel control means 120 to be performed, stop symbol determination means 130 to determine a symbol when the symbol display means 20 is stopped, payout control means 140 to control the payout of game medals at the time of winning, setting values related to the payout rate Set value setting means 150, flag information storage means 160 for storing the lottery result of the role lottery means 110, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the effective line, which will be described later, stop when the special role is won by the role lottery means 110 Special role carry-over means 170 for holding the winning state until the winning (until winning), and game state control means for controlling the progress and state of the game And it is configured with a 80. As shown in FIG. 5, the main control board 100 includes a main CPU 101 that performs calculations, a random number generator 102 that performs a lottery of roles, and data that is captured when the main CPU 101 performs various controls. It has a RAM 103 for temporarily storing, a ROM 104 for storing a program necessary for the progress of the game, etc., and an I / F circuit 105 for communicating with the sub-control board 200. 106 is configured to be able to transmit and receive data. In the main control board 100, the main CPU 101 is configured to execute a game control program recorded in the ROM 104 by developing it in the RAM 103 and controlling the game.

  The symbol display means 20 is electrically connected to the output side (right side in FIG. 2) of the main control board 100. The symbol display means 20 includes three rotatable reels (left reel 21a, middle reel 21b, right reel 21) on which various symbols are drawn along the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder, reel driving means (left reel driving means 22a). Medium reel drive means 22b, right reel drive means 22c), and reel position detection means (left reel position detection means 23a, middle reel position detection means 23b, right reel position detection means 23c). . The three reels 21 a to 21 c are provided in parallel in the left-right direction, and are arranged so that three symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction can be seen from the reel display window 11 formed in the front door 3 of the slot machine 1. . Therefore, these reels 21 a to 21 c are arranged so that a total of nine symbols can be seen from the reel display window 11 of the slot machine 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, 21 symbols from No. 0 to No. 20 are displayed on each of the reels 21a to 21c, and are variably displayed in order of increasing numbers. In FIG. 3, red 7, blue 7, and special symbols are symbols particularly related to a special role described later of the slot machine 1. A blank is a symbol that does not constitute a role. Further, the reel driving means 22a to 22c are constituted by stepping motors or the like, and are connected to the rotation center portions of the reels 21a to 21c, and their operations are controlled by the reel control means 120 of the main control board 100. Further, the reel position detecting means 23a to 23c are for detecting the stop positions of the respective reels 21a to 21c and determining the symbols displayed on the effective lines. The reel position detecting means 23a to 23c The detected value is read by the main control board 100 and passed to the stop symbol determination means 130. A hopper device 50 for paying out game medals is connected to the output side of the main control board 100, and its operation is controlled by the payout control means 140.

  Further, an operating means 30 is electrically connected to the input side (left side in FIG. 2) of the main control board 100, and this operating means 30 is a bet button 31 (a 1 bet button 31a and a MAX bet button 31b). , A start lever 32, a stop button 33 (a left stop button 33a, a middle stop button 33b, a right stop button 33c), and a settlement button 34. The start lever 32 is a lever operated when starting the reels 21a to 21c provided as the symbol display means 20, and has a function as a start means. The stop button 33 (33a to 33c) is a button operated by the player when stopping each of the rotating reels 21a to 21c, and has a function as a stopping means. The bet button 31 is a switch that is operated when the player inserts (bets) a stored medal into the game, and the symbol combination line is activated by the operation. The medal insertion slot 51 shown in FIG. 1 is a part for inserting a game medal to activate the active line, as with the bet button 31. The insertion of a game medal from the medal insertion slot 51 is a bet. This is included in the operation of the button 31. When game medals are inserted in excess of the number that can be bet in one game, it is stored in the slot machine 1 (game medium storage means 141) within the range of a predetermined number. It is configured. The settlement button 34 is a button for paying out game medals stored in the slot machine 1 and bet game medals.

(Role lottery means 110)
The combination lottery unit 110 includes a random number generation unit 111 that generates a random number value, a random number extraction unit 112 that extracts a random number value from the random number generation unit 111, and a winning probability of each of a plurality of combinations within a range that the random number value can take. A role lottery table storage unit 114 that stores a correspondingly defined role lottery table; a random number determination unit 113 that determines whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the random number value acquired by the random number extraction unit 112 and the role lottery table; , And is configured. Here, as the combination, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of types of special combinations, a plurality of types of small combinations, and a replay are provided. When the winning combination lottery means 110 wins any winning combination, the winning combination flag is turned on to the flag information storage means 160 described later.

  Here, a special role is for a player who can expect to win a game medal more than a normal game state (a game medal more than a normal game) when a combination of symbols corresponding to that role stops (wins) on the active line. (A state where an advantageous special game is executed), and a BB (Big Bonus) or MB (Middle Bonus) is provided. BB is a role to be transferred to BB game which is one of special games (so-called a game in which a continuous action device for a first type special object operates), and MB is another one of special games. It is a role to shift to a certain MB game (a game in which a so-called accessory continuous operation device related to a second type special accessory operates). For example, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when three game medals are inserted and a game is played, a combination of symbols corresponding to any of the special roles 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 4 is effective. When stopped (winning) on the line, it is configured to shift to BB game or MB game. The BB game is a game in which a general game and a bonus game in which a predetermined small role is won with a high probability can be repeated until the number of game medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 345). In addition, the MB game is a game that can be repeatedly performed until all the small roles are won without being drawn and the number of game medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 253). In this MB game, the reel control means 120, which will be described later, has one frame from when the stop button 33 (33a to 33c) is pressed against at least one of the three reels 21a to 21c. Within a minute, it is determined to stop the rotation of the reels 21a to 21c (in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the left reel 21a corresponds).

  A small role is a role to which a predetermined number of game medals are paid out, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the role and the number of game medals to be paid out differ depending on the type of the small role. Is set. In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a small combination 1 to a small combination 3 are set as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the replay is a re-playing role in which a game can be played again while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the game.

  FIG. 4 also shows the winning probability of a combination in each gaming state described later. Here, the special role indicates the winning probability of addition for each BB and MB. In addition, “-” shown for each combination indicates that the drawing of the combination is not performed in the gaming state, and in the special gaming state when the MB wins and wins, the drawing of the combination is not performed, The game is played with all the small roles elected. Furthermore, the lottery probability at the time of losing is a probability obtained by subtracting from 1 the total winning probability of the special combination, small combination and replay (replaying combination).

(Reel control means 120)
The reel control unit 120 controls the start and stop of the rotation of the reels 21a to 21c according to the timing when the start lever 32 and the stop button 33 of the operation unit 30 are operated. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when the start lever 32 is operated at time t0, the reel control unit 120 rotates the reels 21a to 21c, and then the stop buttons 33a to 33 at time t1 to t3. Each time 33c is operated, a gaming state (for example, a normal gaming state, a special gaming state, etc.) managed by a gaming state control unit 180, which will be described later, a lottery result by the combination lottery unit 110, and a stop button 33 ( Based on the timing at which the left stop button 33a, middle stop button 33b, and right stop button 33c) are operated, the stop positions of the reels 21a to 21c corresponding to the operated stop buttons 33a to 33c are determined and stepping is performed. The driving of the motor is controlled, and the rotation of each of the reels 21a to 21c is determined at the determined position. The stops.

  Here, although not shown, a symbol combination line is provided in a portion including the reel display window 11 of the slot machine 1. The “design combination line” is a design line when the reels 21a to 21c are stopped, and is a line that forms a design combination. In the present embodiment, with respect to the 3 × 3 symbols displayed on the reel display window 11 as described above, the lines provided respectively in the middle, upper, and lower stages in the horizontal direction, and the diagonal directions in the lower right and lower left directions. A total of 5 lines of each line. And three symbols which continue on the upper and lower sides of each reel 21a-21c are located on one or more symbol combination lines, respectively. In addition, the structure of this symbol combination line is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this structure.

  Further, among the five symbol combination lines, an effective line and an invalid line are set from the symbol combination lines according to the number of game medals inserted by the player. In the present embodiment, the “effective line” is a line that is determined to be a prize and a profit corresponding to the combination is given to the player when a combination of symbols corresponding to any combination stops on the line. It is. On the other hand, an “invalid line” is a line that is not set as an active line among symbol combination lines, and even if a combination of symbols corresponding to any combination stops on that line, This is a line that does not give profits (such as paying out game medals) according to the game. In other words, the invalid line is a line that is not a target of combination of symbols in the first place.

  The reel control means 120 is configured to stop the reels 21a to 21c corresponding to a predetermined range from that point when the stop buttons 33a to 33c are pressed against the rotating reels 21a to 21c. Yes. Specifically, when each of the stop buttons 33a to 33c is pressed, the rotation of the corresponding reels 21a to 21c is stopped within a predetermined time Ts. This time Ts is, for example, 0.19 seconds, and this corresponds to four frames of symbols displayed on the reels 21a to 21c. Therefore, as a result of the lottery by the lottery means 110, if any of the winning combinations is not won, even if the stop buttons 33a to 33c are pressed when the symbols constituting any of the winning combinations are on the active line. The stop positions of the reels 21a to 21c are determined so as not to stop any combination of symbols on the effective symbol combination line (effective line). On the other hand, if any combination is won, the combination of the combination of the winning combination on the symbol combination line (effective line) that is valid when there is a corresponding symbol within the predetermined range. The stop positions of the reels 21a to 21c are determined so as to stop.

  In addition, the reel control means 120 wins special roles, and when the special role is carried over by the special role carry-over means 170 described later, The operation of the reels 21a to 21c is controlled so as to stop the replay on the effective line with priority. Such control when stopping the reels 21a to 21c may be performed using a reel control table.

  Further, the reel control means 120 is configured to control the operation of the reels 21a to 21c so that the interval between the previous game and the next game is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (minimum game time) T0. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the next game is started after the minimum game time T0 has elapsed since the start lever 32 was operated at time t0 and the reels 21a to 21c started to rotate (from time t0). When the start lever 32 is operated again at the time t5 after the time t4 when the time T0 has elapsed), the reels 21a to 21c start rotating according to the operation of the start lever 32 (the reel 21a at the time t5). ˜21c rotation is started). However, as shown in FIG. 7, when the start lever 32 is operated at time t5 ′ before the time t4 when the minimum game time T0 elapses, the reel control means 120 detects when the start lever 32 is operated ( At time t5 ′), the rotation of the reels 21a to 21c is not started, and the rotation of the reels 21a to 21c is started when the minimum game time T0 has elapsed (time t4). For example, 4.1 seconds is set as the minimum game time T0.

(Stop symbol determination means 130)
When all of the reels 21a to 21c are stopped, the stop symbol determination means 130 determines whether or not a combination of symbols is aligned on any of the above-mentioned effective lines. It is determined that the combination has been established (winned) in the game. At this time, the stop symbol determining means 130 determines the symbol located on the effective line by detecting the angle and the number of steps when the stepping motor is stopped, for example, using the reel position detecting means 23a to 23c. Based on this, the presence or absence of a winning combination (winning) is determined. When the table is used for the control when stopping the reels 21a to 21c, the stop symbol determining means 130 does not determine the symbol combination after the reels 21a to 21c are actually stopped. When the stop position of the reels 21a to 21c is determined by the control means 120 using a table, the combination of symbols that stop on the effective line may be determined.

(Payout control means 140)
The payout control means 140 pays out medals in accordance with the winning combination (small winning combination 1 to 3 in the slot machine according to the present embodiment) as a result of the determination by the stop symbol determining means 130. Here, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined number (for example, 50) of game medals can be stored therein by the game medium storage unit 141 provided in the payout control unit 140 (hereinafter referred to as “game medals”). The game medals stored in the slot machine 1 are called “credits”). When a game medal with a maximum bet number (three in the present embodiment) or more is inserted from the medal insertion slot 51 or when a winning combination for paying out a game medal is won, the payout control means 140 receives the game medal. It is stored (stored inside) in the game medium storage means 141. When the number of stored game medals (credits) exceeds a predetermined number (50 in the above case), the payout control means 140 causes the hopper device 50 to pay out the excess number of game medals. It is configured as follows. Further, the payout control means 140 is configured to cause the hopper device 50 to pay out a bet game medal and a stored game medal (credit) when the settlement button 34 is operated. At this time, the number of game medals being bet and the number of storages in the game medium storage unit 141 is zero.

(Set value setting means 150)
The set value setting means 150 performs settings relating to a lottery or payout of a combination in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment by operating a setting switch (not shown). For example, 6 set values from 1 to 6 can be set, and the winning lottery means 110 changes the winning probability of the winning combination according to the set value, and thereby the payout rate of game medals to be paid out It is configured to change the (payout rate).

(Flag information storage means 160)
The flag information storage unit 160 stores the type of the winning combination and the fact that the flag is turned on when a flag for any combination is turned on by the combination lottery unit 110. As will be described later, the timing at which the information stored in the flag information storage means 160 is erased (the timing at which the winning flag is turned off) differs between the special combination and other combinations. That is, in the case of a special role, the information stored in the flag information storage means 160 is erased on condition that the special game symbols are aligned on the active line, and the special role symbols are not aligned on the active line. After the next game, the symbol is carried over until the symbol is aligned on the active line, but in the case of a role other than that, the end of the game is completed regardless of whether the symbol for that symbol is aligned on the active line. It will be erased and will not be carried over to the next game.

(Special role carry-over means 170)
The special role carry-over means 170 wins the special role by the role lottery means 110, and when the flag for the special role is set in the flag information storage means 160, until the symbols of the selected special role are aligned on the active line, Carrying over the winning combination (maintaining the flagged state), and when the symbols of the special combination are on the active line, the carry-over of the special combination ends (the flag is lowered). For other roles, the flag is lowered (cannot be carried over to the next game) if the symbols cannot be aligned in the winning game.

(Game state control means 180)
The game state control means 180 controls the game state in the slot machine 1 and is configured to include a normal game control means 181, a special game control means 182, and a re-game probability variation game control means 183. . As shown in FIG. 8, in an initial state such as when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on or reset (also referred to as “RAM clear”), the game state control means 180 is a normal game control means 181. This slot machine 1 enters the normal gaming state (not inside) RT0. Here, “non-inside” means a state in which a special role is not won, such as when power is turned on or RAM is cleared. When the special combination is won by the combination lottery means 110, the state shifts to the bonus internal state RT2. Here, “inside” means a state in which a special role is won, but the symbols corresponding to the special role are not aligned on the active line, and the game state control means 180 continues. Normal game control means 181 is executed. When the bonus internal medium state RT2 is entered, the special combination carry-over means 170 carries over the winning combination until the winning special symbols are aligned on the active line (that is, the bonus internal intermediate state RT2 is continued).

  In the bonus internal medium state RT2, when the symbols corresponding to the special combination won on the active line are aligned, the game state control unit 180 executes (activates) the special game control unit 182 and the slot machine 1 State B is entered. When the state shifts to the special game state B, a game (special game) advantageous to a player who can expect to acquire a game medal more than the normal game is executed until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. Here, the predetermined end condition is, for example, a case where a predetermined number or more of game medals are paid out to the player in the special game state. When a predetermined end condition is satisfied in the special game state B, the operation of the special game control means 182 is finished, and the normal game control means 181 is executed to shift to the normal game state RT0 (re-game probability variation game state RT1). Can also be configured to migrate).

  Further, when the predetermined condition is satisfied when the player is in the normal gaming state RT0 (for example, when predetermined symbols are aligned on the active line or a predetermined number of games are consumed), the gaming state control means 180 replays. The probability variation game control means 183 is executed, and the slot machine 1 shifts to the re-game probability variation game state RT1. A re-game probability variation game is a game in which the winning probability of a re-gamer (replay) is different from that of a normal game (this game state is also called “replay time (RT)”. As shown in FIG. 4, the winning probability of the re-gamer (replay) is set higher than that of the normal game). Even in this re-playing probability variation gaming state RT1, if a special combination is won, the bonus internal medium state RT2 is entered. If the symbols corresponding to the special combination are aligned on the active line in this state, it is determined that the winning combination is won and the special gaming state B is entered. Transition. On the other hand, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the re-game probability variation gaming state RT1 (a predetermined small role is won and the symbols corresponding to the small role are aligned on the active line or the predetermined number of games is digested). The gaming state control means 180 executes the normal gaming control means 181 and the slot machine 1 shifts to the normal gaming state (not inside) RT0.

  In any gaming state, when a small role is won and the corresponding symbols are aligned on the active line (winning), a predetermined number of game medals are paid out (or stored) by the payout control means 140, When the replay (replaying game) is won and the corresponding symbols are aligned on the active line, the replay is executed. Further, the above description of the gaming state is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the transition of the gaming state.

(Sub control board 200)
In such a slot machine 1, the main control board 100 that controls the game and the sub-control board 200 that controls the effects of the game are separated so that the game result cannot be influenced from the outside. It is configured. Therefore, the main control board 100 transmits a control command including information related to the game (control state) such as the above-described winning result and game state to the sub control board 200 in order to control the effect executed on the sub control board 200. The presentation control board 300 of the sub-control board 200 receives this control command, determines the presentation mode, the image display device 41 constituting the presentation means 40, and various presentation lamps 42. In addition, the sound emitting unit (speaker) 43 is configured to produce effects using video, light, and sound effects.

  In the sub-control board 200, the effect control board 300 and the image sound generation board 400 are connected to a bus 210 as shown in FIG. The effect control board 300 is provided with a sub CPU 310, a random number generator 320, a RAM 330, a ROM 340, and an I / F circuit 350, which are connected to the bus 210. On the other hand, the image sound generation board 400 is provided with an image control IC 410 and a sound source IC 440 connected to the bus 210 described above. Further, a video RAM 420, an image ROM 430, and an image display device 41 are connected to the image control IC 410. A sound source ROM 450 and an amplifier 460 are connected to the sound source IC 440, and upper and lower speakers 43 (43a, 43b) are connected to the amplifier 460. In addition, the above-described various effect lamps 42 (42a, 42b) are also connected to the bus 210, and the lighting / extinguishing operation thereof is controlled by the effect control board 300.

  The sub CPU 310 expands and executes the effect control program recorded in the ROM 340 in the RAM 330, and controls the image control IC 410 and the sound source IC 440 provided on the image sound generation substrate 400 to control the image display device 41 and the speaker 43 ( 43a, 43b) is used to produce a game with video and sound effects. The video displayed on the image display device 41 is displayed when the image control IC 410 expands and executes the image information stored in the image ROM 430 on the video RAM 420, and from the speaker 43 (43a, 43b). The output sound effect (music, voice, sound effect, etc.) is reproduced from the sound information extracted from the sound source ROM 450 by the sound source IC 440 and output from the speaker 43 (43a, 43b) via the amplifier 460.

  The effect executed by the sub CPU 310 is determined according to the control command received by the sub CPU 310 via the I / F circuit 350, as described above, from the main control board 100. Although controlled, a part of the aspect (pattern) of the effect is configured to be determined using the random number value generated by the random number generator 320 provided on the effect control board 300.

(Processing on the main control board 100)
Next, processing in each game controlled by the main control board 100 will be described using FIGS. 9 to 12 together. Here, FIG. 9 shows the flow of processing from when the player starts betting and start lever operation, FIG. 10 shows the flow of processing from reel rotation to stop, and FIG. 11 shows after the reel stops. FIG. 12 shows an example of the flow of control commands transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 300 of the sub control board 200 in one game. In the following description, a function based on a game control program executed by the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 is referred to as “main control means”.

  When the game is started, the main control means manages the game state by the game state control means 180 (step S600). In other words, if the current game state is the special game state B or the replay probability variation game state RT1, and the previous game satisfies the special game end condition or the regame probability variation game end condition, the game state shifts to the normal game state RT0. If the current gaming state is the normal gaming state RT0 and the transition condition to the re-gaming probability variation gaming state RT1 is satisfied in the previous game, the gaming state transitions to the re-gaming probability variation gaming state RT1. Then, when the game can be executed, the main control means transmits a current game state and a game state command C500 indicating that the game medal can be accepted (bet) to the sub-control board 200 (step S601). ).

  At the start of the game, the player inserts a game medal from the medal insertion box 51, or operates the bet button 31 (1 bet button 31a or MAX bet button 31b) to determine the number of game medals desired by the player. Make a bet. The main control means monitors that the bet operation is performed (step S602). When the bet operation is performed, the bet is made by the number of game medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 51 or by the operation of the bet button 31. Bet information including information such as the number of game medals is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 as a bet command C501 (step S603). When the replay (replaying game) symbols are aligned on the active line in the previous game, a bet command C501 indicating that a game medal has been automatically inserted is transmitted.

  Further, the main control means monitors whether or not the start lever 32 has been operated by the player (step S604). When the start lever 32 is operated, the winning lottery means 110 performs lottery drawing (step S605). When the winning lottery is performed by the winning lottery means 110, the main control means transmits information (starting operation information) on which the start lever 32 has been operated to the sub control board 200 as a start lever reception command C502 (step S606). For example, when the start lever 32 is operated, when the control (freeze control) for delaying the start of rotation of at least a part of the reels 21a to 21c is performed for a predetermined time, the main control means is the sub control board. A standby effect command C503 is transmitted to 200 (step S607), and a condition device state number command C504 for instructing the determination of the effect mode including the winning information that is the lottery result of the combination is transmitted to the sub-control board 200. (Step S608).

  Subsequently, the main control means controls the reel drive means 22a to 22c to be driven and controlled by the reel control means 120 to rotate all the reels 21a to 21c. First, the start of the previous game (reel) 21a to 21c (start of rotation) to monitor whether the minimum game time has elapsed (step S609), and if the minimum game time has elapsed, set the minimum game time count to 0 and start timing again (Step S610) and all the reels 21a to 21c are rotated (Step S611). In step S611, when the reel control unit 120 starts rotating the reels 21a to 21c, the reel control unit 120 transmits first to third cylinder rotation start commands C505 to C507, which are variation start information, to the sub-control board 200. . Here, among the three reels 21a to 21c, when the rotation of the left reel 21a starts, the first drum rotation start command C505 is transmitted, and when the rotation of the middle reel 21b starts, the second cylinder rotation start command C506 is transmitted. Then, when the rotation of the right reel 21c is started, a third cylinder rotation start command C507 is transmitted. Therefore, the first to third cylinder rotation start commands C505 to C507 are not necessarily transmitted in the order shown in FIG. In this way, the reels 21a to 21c are rotated by the reel driving means 22a to 22c, so that the symbols on the reels 21a to 21c are variably displayed in the vertical direction in the reel display window 11 at a predetermined speed.

  When the player operates each of the stop buttons 33a to 33c, an operation signal generated at that time is input to the main control board 100. In a state where the reels 21a to 21c are variably displayed, the main control means monitors the input of this operation signal by a stop operation on the player's stop buttons 33a to 33c (step S612), and the operation signal is displayed. Upon receipt, the reel control means 120 determines a unique stop position based on the lottery result of the combination and the position of the symbol (reception position) on the reels 21a to 21c when the stop buttons 33a to 33c are operated, and the stop button 33a By controlling the driving of the reel driving units 22a to 22c corresponding to .about.33c, stop control of the reels 21a to 21c related to the reel driving units 22a to 22c is performed (step S613). Here, among the stop operations for the three reels 21a to 21c that rotate, the first operation is called the first stop and the next operation is the second regardless of the order in which the three stop buttons 33a to 33c are operated. This is called stop and the last operation is called third stop. In addition, the main control means uses the first stop button 33a to 33c as operation information each time the three stop buttons 33a to 33c are pushed by the player and the rotation of the corresponding reels 21a to 21c is stopped. A reception command C508, a rotation rotation stop command C509, a second stop reception command C510, a rotation rotation rotation stop command C511, a third stop reception command C512, and a rotation rotation rotation stop command C513 are transmitted to the sub-control means (step S614). ). Among these control commands, the first to third stop acceptance commands C508, C510, and C512 are commands indicating that the operation of the stop buttons 33a to 33c has been accepted, and (first to third) spinning cylinders. The rotation stop commands C509, C511, and C513 are commands indicating that the reels 21a to 21c have stopped. Further, the operation information of the stop buttons 33a to 33c includes information on the symbols stopped at the middle stage (stop position) and information on the positions of the reels 21a to 21c when the stop buttons 33a to 33c are pressed. Also, information (symbol reception position information) related to symbols in the middle of the reel display window 11 is included. The processes in steps S612 to S614 are repeated until the rotation of all the reels 21a to 21c is stopped (step S615).

  Next, the main control means determines whether or not the symbol corresponding to any combination (the combination won by lottery) on the active line has been stopped by the stop symbol determination unit 130 (step S616), and the reel 21a. The operation symbol display command C514 indicating the information regarding the combination of the displayed symbols for instructing the start of the production corresponding to the stopped symbols is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 (step S617). This operation symbol display command C514 is a command for instructing the sub-control board 200 to execute the corresponding effect when, for example, the symbols of the special combination and re-playing combination are aligned on the active line. Also sent when there is no production. Further, the main control means transmits information indicating that the payout of game medals has been started to the sub-control board 200 as a medal payout start command C515 (step S618). In the medal payout start command C515, the number of medals to be paid out is set, and 0 is set when symbols other than the small part from which game medals are paid out are aligned on the active line. As a result of the above determination, when it is determined that the symbol (bonus symbol) corresponding to the special role is displayed on the active line (step S619), the main control means uses the gaming state control means 180 to play the special game. The control means 182 is executed to shift to the special game state B (in the above case, BB game or MB game) (step S620). When it is determined that the symbols corresponding to the small roles 1 to 3 (small role symbols) are aligned (winned) when the bonus symbols are not aligned on the active line (step S621), the main The control means pays out a game medal corresponding to the small role won by the payout control means 140 (step S622), and when the payout of the game medal is completed, a medal payout end command C516 is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 (step S623). ). Further, when it is determined that there are no small role symbols on the active line and there are symbols (replay symbols) corresponding to the replay (replaying role) on the active line (step S624), the main control is performed. The means performs control to execute the re-game (step S625). Thus, when the process for one game is completed, the main control means transmits the information to the sub-control board 200 as an operation end command C517 (step S626).

  Although not shown in FIG. 12, when the main control board 100 detects that an error has occurred in the slot machine 1, an error notification command is transmitted to the sub control board 200. For example, when it is detected that the front door 3 is opened, an error notification command is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 as a control command notifying that effect. When it is detected that the error state has returned to the normal state, an error cancellation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 as a control command notifying that effect. For example, when the front door 3 is closed, an error cancel command notifying that is transmitted. In addition, when the main control board 100 detects that the game medals are jammed or there is no game medals to be paid out in the hopper device 50, the hopper device 50 detects that it takes a predetermined time or more to pay out the game medals. When an error notification command for notifying that there is an abnormality is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 and the abnormal state is canceled and the state before the error is restored, an error cancellation command for notifying that is transmitted. Further, when the power is cut off for some reason during the game, when the power is turned on again, an error cancel command notifying that is transmitted to the sub-control board 200. Further, when the settlement button 34 is operated between the end of the previous game and the operation of the start lever 32 of the next game, a control command indicating that the settlement has been completed indicates that the settlement has started. Is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200.

(Production by production control board 300)
As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, an effect is executed by the effect control board 300 of the sub control board 200 in accordance with the progress of the game controlled by the main control board 100. In addition, the effect control board 300 is configured to execute a standby effect when no operation is performed for a predetermined time or more after the previous game ends. Furthermore, the production control board 300 has a preset time (in this embodiment, the elapsed time since the power is turned on is a preset time), and if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the progress of the game Regardless of this, a special effect (hereinafter referred to as “specific effect”) is executed. Hereinafter, the effects by the effect control board 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of processing in the effect control board 300, FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing a transition of effect states managed by the effect control board 300, and FIG. 15 is an execution time table. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure of a lottery table for a specific effect.

(Production control means 311)
As shown in FIG. 13, presentation control means (sub-control means) 311 which is a program read from the ROM 340 is executed on the sub CPU 310 of the presentation control board 300. The RAM 330 also has a counter means 331 for storing a counter value used for measuring time, and an execution time table storage means for storing an execution time table in which a time (the above-mentioned elapsed time) for executing a specific effect is set. 332, an effect state storage unit 333 for storing an effect state, which will be described later, a win count storage unit 334 for storing the number of wins for the special role, and an effect setting information storage unit 335 for storing information (effect setting information) regarding the effect for each effect state. A specific effect lottery table storage unit 336 for storing a lottery table for drawing lottery effect patterns for a specific effect, and an effect pattern storage unit 337 for storing an effect pattern to be executed are provided. The effect control means 311 further includes a time measurement means 312, a specific effect preparation means 313, a table selection means 314, an effect state setting means 315, a special role winning number counting means 316, an effect selection means 317, and an effect execution means. 318 is configured.

(Direction management)
In the effect control board 300 of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, an effect is executed according to the gaming state controlled by the main control board 100, and this aspect of the effect is managed as an effect state as shown in FIG. doing. Specifically, it comprises a normal performance state D1, a specific performance preparation state D2, a non-transition state D0, and a special game performance state D3. As will be described later, the effect setting information stored in the effect setting information storage unit 335 is selected according to each effect state, and the effect is selected according to the effect setting information.

  First, when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the game state on the main control board 100 is the normal game state RT0, and the effect control board 300 is also in the normal effect state (first effect state) D1. In the normal effect state D1, the effect control board 300 executes an effect corresponding to the normal game state RT0. Specifically, it is set so that a lottery result of a combination is notified, or a normal notice effect and a continuous notice effect indicating the winning reliability of a special character are executed at a predetermined frequency.

  In the normal performance state D1, the counter value of the counter unit 331 passes one minute before the time (execution time) set in the execution time table stored in the execution time table storage unit 332 (first value). The production control board 300 shifts the production state to the specific production preparation state (second production state) D2 at a predetermined timing. The specific effect preparation state D2 is a state before the specific effect is executed, and when the effect setting information corresponding to the specific effect preparation state D2 is used, the occurrence frequency of the normal notice effect and the continuous notice effect is the normal effect state. It is set to be lower than in the case of D1. When the counter value of the counter unit 331 reaches the execution time (second value) in the specific effect preparation state D2, the effect control board 300 executes the specific effect. When this specific effect ends, the effect control board 300 shifts the effect state to the normal effect state D1.

  On the other hand, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal effect state D1, the effect control board 300 shifts the effect state to the non-transition state (third effect state) D0. When in this non-transition state D0, even if it is one minute before the time (execution time) set in the execution time table, it is not shifted to the specific effect preparation state D2. For this reason, when in the non-transition state D0, the specific effect is not executed by the effect control board 300. As the non-transition state D0, for example, when in the normal performance state D1, the special role is won and the bonus internal medium state RT2 is obtained. When the player is selected on the control board 300, or after notifying the player that the special role is won by the normal notice effect or the continuous notice effect, the game state RT1 is changed to the replay probability variation gaming state RT1 on the main control board 100. There is a case where an effect that suggests to the player that the game state is a re-gaming probability variation game state is executed. In addition, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the non-transition state D0 (for example, transition from the replay probability variation game state RT1 to the normal game state RT0), the effect control board 300 shifts the effect state to the normal effect state D1. Let

  In addition, when in the normal performance state D1 or the non-transition state D0, when the special role symbols are aligned and the main control board 100 shifts to the special game state B, the effect control board 300 changes the effect state to the special game effect state ( The third production state is shifted to D3. In this special game effect state D3, an effect for the special game is executed. Even in such a special game effect state D3, even if it is one minute before the time (execution time) set in the execution time table, it is not shifted to the specific effect preparation state D2. Therefore, even when in the special game effect state D3, the specific effect is not executed. When the special game is finished on the main control board 100 (when the special game state B is shifted to the normal game state RT0), the effect state is shifted to the normal effect state D1.

  Further, when the condition for shifting to the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3 is established while in the specific effect preparation state D2, the effect control board 300 changes the effect state to the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3. Transition. At this time, when the specific effect is being executed, the effect control board 300 is configured to stop the execution of the effect, shift to the effect state, and execute the effect corresponding to the effect state. Yes. As described above, when the transition from the specific performance preparation state D2 to the non-transition state D0 or the special game performance state D3 is made, the transition to the specific performance preparation state D2 is made until the next execution time set in the execution time table. There is no.

  It should be noted that in the normal performance state D1 or the specific performance preparation state D2 (except after the execution of the specific performance is started), a predetermined time is required between the end of the previous game and the start of the next game (before the betting operation). When the betting operation is not performed for the predetermined time (when a so-called non-game state in which no game is being performed continues for a predetermined time or longer), the effect control board 300 executes the standby effect. However, if the standby effect is being executed when in the specific effect preparation state D2, the effect control unit 311 stops the standby effect and executes the specific effect at the time set in the execution time table. In addition, the normal performance state D1 and the non-transition state D0 shown in the above description can also be configured from subdivided states.

(Time measuring means 312)
The time measuring unit 312 executes a counter value update process (added by 1) stored in the counter unit 331 as an interrupt process of the sub CPU 310. When the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the value of the counter value stored in the counter means 331 is 0. Therefore, when this counter value is multiplied by an interrupt interval (for example, 16 milliseconds), The elapsed time from can be obtained.

(Specific production preparation means 313)
The specific effect preparation means 313 is one minute of the time (execution time) set in the execution time table stored in the execution time table storage means 332 corresponding to the elapsed time corresponding to the counter value stored in the counter means 331. When the previous time has passed, the effect state storage unit 333 has a function of setting the specific effect preparation state D2 as the effect state. All the reels 21a to 21c are stopped from the time when the start lever 32 is operated (when the effect control board 300 receives the start lever reception command C502) (the rotation rotation stop command C513 for the third stop is received). ) Until the specific production preparation state D2 is not set. Also, even when the elapsed time corresponding to the counter value has passed the execution time, the specific effect preparation state D2 is not set until one minute before the next execution time. That is, if the execution time elapses after the start lever 32 is operated and one minute before the execution time and before the rotation of all the reels 21a to 21c stops, the specific performance preparation is performed for the execution time. The state D2 is not set (that is, the specific effect is not executed).

(Table selection means 314)
As described above, the time for executing the specific effect (the elapsed time since the power is turned on) is set using the execution time table stored in the execution time table storage means 332, but the slot according to the present embodiment. The machine 1 stores a plurality of execution time tables in which different execution times are set, and is configured to be selectable by the table selection unit 314. FIG. 15 shows an execution time table stored in the execution time table storage means 332. In FIG. 15, a table in which the execution time is not set, that is, the specific effect is not executed (FIG. 15). (A)) A table in which a specific effect is executed every 3 hours (FIG. 15B), a table in which a specific effect is executed every hour (FIG. 15C), and specified every 30 minutes The case where it has four tables of the table (FIG.15 (d)) in which an effect is performed is shown. In FIG. 15, the number of executions is shown for ease of explanation, but it is only necessary to list the execution times.

  For example, the table selection means 314 is provided with a selection button and a table number display section (such as a 7-segment LED) in the casing of the slot machine 1 and operates the selection button to display an execution time table of the number displayed on the display section. The table number may be displayed on the image display device 41 using the start lever 32, the stop button 33, and the image display device 41, and the number displayed by the start lever 32 and the stop button 33. It is also possible to configure to select the execution time table. The specific effect preparation unit 313 uses the execution time table selected by the table selection unit 314 to switch the effect state to the specific effect preparation state D2. Note that the execution time table illustrated in FIG. 15 is an example, and more tables can be used, or a table in which execution times at different time intervals are set can be used.

(Production state setting means 315)
The production state setting unit 315 has a function of determining the production state on the production control board 300 according to the game state in the main control unit 100 and setting the production state storage unit 333 in response to a request from the production selection unit 317. As described above, when the effect state is the non-transition state D0 and the special game effect state D3, the specific effect is not executed, so the effect state setting means 315 effects the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3. When the state is switched, the specific effect is stopped by the effect execution means 318.

(Special feature winning count counting means 316)
The special role winning number counting means 316 is the number of times (for example, the special bonus 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 4) won by the special lottery means 110 of the main control board 100. ) Is counted and stored in the winning count storage means 334. The special role winning number counting means 316 detects, for example, a special winning from the operation symbol display command C514 transmitted from the main control board 100, and updates the value of the winning number storage means 334 (1 to this value). Add one by one).

(Production selection means 317)
The effect selection means 317 receives the control command transmitted from the main control board 100, and generates an effect pattern according to the progress of the game on the main control board 100 and the effect state stored in the effect state storage means 333. It has a function of selecting (referred to as “normal effect” in order to distinguish this from the standby effect and the specific effect) and causing the effect execution means 318 to execute it. The effect selection means 317 also has a function of causing the effect execution means 318 to execute a standby effect when a bet operation is not performed for a predetermined time after the previous game ends. The normal effect is selected by reading the effect setting information stored in the effect setting information storage means 335 based on the effect state set in the effect state storage means 333 and selecting the effect pattern based on the effect setting information. The For example, the effect setting information includes an effect pattern lottery table, and an effect pattern is selected using a random number generated by the random number generator 320. As for the stand-by effect, it is possible to prepare a plurality of effect patterns and perform lottery using random values.

(Production execution means 318)
The effect execution means 318 has a function of executing an effect using the image display device 41, the effect lamp 42, or the sound emitting unit 43. The effect execution means 318 is configured to execute the normal effect and the standby effect determined by the effect selection means 317 and the specific effect using the effect pattern stored in the effect pattern storage means 337.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of effect patterns are prepared for the specific effect, and the lottery table stored in the specific effect lottery table storage unit 336 and the random number generator 320 generate the specific effect. A random effect is used for lottery, and a specific effect of the effect pattern selected by the lottery is executed. FIG. 16 shows a lottery table stored in the specific effect lottery table storage unit 336, and six effect patterns are set values (set values set by the set value setting unit 150). Are transmitted to the production control board 300 as a control command) and the number of winning of the special role (the number of winning of the big bonus (BB)). Therefore, the effect execution means 318 selects a lottery table from the specific effect lottery table storage means 336 based on the set value transmitted from the main control means 100, takes out the number of wins for the special role from the win count storage means 334, and Then, the random number value is taken out from the random number generator 320, and the effect pattern of the specific effect is determined and executed from the set value, the number of winning special roles, and the random value. Thus, by using a set value as a parameter for selecting a lottery table, it is possible to execute an effect that suggests this set value with a predetermined probability.

  In addition, when the execution of the specific effect ends, the effect execution unit 318 sets the normal effect state D1 in the effect state storage unit 333. Further, when the effect state is switched to the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3 by the effect state setting means 315, the execution of the specific effect is stopped.

(Processing flow in the production control board 300)
Now, an effect process controlled by the effect control board 300 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the process of the specific effect preparation means 313, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the process of the effect selection means 317, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the process of the effect state setting means 315. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing of the effect execution means 318.

  When the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the effect control means 311 of the effect control board 300 includes a time measurement means 312, a specific effect preparation means 313, a special role winning count counter 316, an effect selection means 317 and an effect execution means. Step 318 is executed as an interrupt process of the sub CPU 310. The effect state setting means 315 is called from the effect selection means 317 and executed.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the specific effect preparation means 313 reads the execution time table selected by the table selection means 314 from the execution time table storage means 332, and extracts the execution times one by one in the set order (step S700). Then, with reference to the counter value stored in the counter means 331, it is monitored that the execution time read in step S700 is one minute before (step S701). Then, when one minute before the execution time, it is determined whether or not the condition for switching the effect state to the specific effect preparation state D2 is satisfied (step S702). Here, the condition for switching to the specific performance preparation state D2 is that the start lever 32 is not operated and the reels 21a to 21c are not rotating (that is, before the start lever reception command C502 is received, or the third That is, after receiving the stop spinning stop command C513) and that the current performance state is the normal performance state D1 (not the non-transition state D0 or the special game performance state D3). If it is determined in step S702 that the condition for switching to the specific effect preparation state D2 is satisfied, the specific effect preparation unit 313 sets the specific effect preparation state D2 in the effect state storage unit 333 (step S703). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S702 that the condition for switching to the specific performance preparation state D2 is not satisfied, it is further determined whether or not the execution time has elapsed (step S704), and it is determined that the execution time has not elapsed. If it is, the process returns to step S702 to determine whether or not the switching condition is satisfied. If it is determined in step S703 that the effect state is to be switched and if it is determined in step S704 that the execution time has elapsed, the process returns to step S700, and the execution time stored in the execution time table storage unit 332 is returned. The next execution time is read from the table, and the above processing is repeated.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the effect selection means 317 determines whether or not a control command has been transmitted from the main control board 100 (step S710), and if it is determined that a control command has not been transmitted, the previous game ends. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S711). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the gaming state command C500 was received (whether or not a time during which the bet command C501 is not transmitted has exceeded a predetermined time). When it is determined in step S711 that the predetermined time or more has not elapsed, the process returns to step S710, and when it is determined that the predetermined time or more has elapsed, the current effect state, that is, effect state storage means It is determined whether or not the effect state set in 333 is the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3 (step S712). When it is determined in step S712 that the current effect state is the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3, the process returns to step S710, and when it is determined that the current effect state is not the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3, the standby effect is performed. An effect command for execution is transmitted to the effect execution means 318 (step S713), and the process returns to step S710. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S710 that the control command has been transmitted, the settlement button 34 is operated to complete the settlement process, that is, whether the control command transmitted from the main control board 100 is a settlement end command. If it is determined (step S714) and it is determined that it is a payment end command, the process proceeds to step S712, and if the current effect state is not the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3, the effect execution means 318 is on standby. An effect is executed (steps S712 and S713).

  If it is determined in step S714 that the control command transmitted from the main control means 100 is not the settlement end command, whether or not the rotation of all the reels 21a to 21c has stopped, that is, the control command is the third cylinder It is determined whether or not it is a stop command C513 (step 715), and if it is the third cylinder stop command C513, the production state setting means 315 is executed (step S716).

  As shown in FIG. 19, the production state setting unit 315 determines the production state based on the control command transmitted from the main control board 100 (step S <b> 720), and is set in the current production state, that is, the production state storage unit 333. It is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the production state (step S721), and when it is determined that there is no need to change the production state, the process ends. If it is determined in step S721 that the production state needs to be changed, it is determined whether or not the current production state is the specific production preparation state D2 (step S722). It is determined whether or not the effect state switching is the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3 (step S723). If the effect state is not the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3, the process ends. To do. When it is determined in step S723 that the state is switching to the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3, the effect execution means 318 determines whether or not the specific effect is being executed (step S724). If not, the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3 is set in the effect state storage means 333 and the process is terminated (step S726). Is stopped (step S725), and then the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3 is set in the effect state storage means 333, and the process ends (step S726).

  Returning to FIG. 18, when it is determined in step S715 that it is not the third cylinder stop command C513, and when the effect state setting means 315 is executed in step S716, the control command (specifically, transmitted from the main control means 100). Specifically, an effect pattern corresponding to the condition device state number command C504) including the lottery result and the current effect state is determined, the effect command is transmitted to the effect execution means 318 (step S717), and the process returns to step S710. .

  In FIG. 20, the effect execution means 318 determines whether or not the effect state set in the effect state storage means 333 is the specific effect preparation state D2 (step S730). If it is determined in step S730 that the current effect state is the specific effect preparation state D2, it is determined whether or not it is the execution time of the specific effect (step S731). If it is determined in step S731 that it is not the execution time of the specific effect, the process returns to step S730. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S731 that it is the execution time of the specific effect, the random number value is extracted from the random number generator 320, the number of times the special role is won is extracted from the winning number storage unit 334, and the specific effect lottery table storage unit 336 is acquired. Among the lottery tables stored in the table, the effect pattern of the specific effect is determined by lottery from the lottery table corresponding to the current set value using the number of winning of the specific role and the random value (step S732). Then, the effect pattern of the specific effect determined in this way is taken out from the effect pattern storage means 337, and the specific effect using the image display device 41, the effect lamp 42 or the sound emitting unit 43 is executed (step S733). When this specific effect ends, the effect execution unit 318 sets the normal effect state D1 in the effect state storage unit 333 (step S734), and returns to step S730.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S730 that the current effect state is not the specific effect preparation state D2, it is determined whether or not an effect command is received from the effect selection means 317 (step S735), and if not received, the process proceeds to step S730. Returning and receiving, the effect pattern according to the effect command is read, and the effect using the image display device 41, the effect lamp 42 or the sound emitting unit 43 is executed (step S736). When the performance is finished, the process returns to step S730, and the above processing is repeated.

(Effect of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment)
As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, before the specific effect is executed by the effect execution means 318, the effect state on the effect control board 300 is a specific effect preparation with a low occurrence frequency of a continuous effect or the like. Since it shifts to the state D2, the execution possibility of this specific effect can be made high. In addition, it is possible to prevent an effect of notifying that a special role has been won or an effect in a specific gaming state from being confused with the specific effect. Furthermore, when the special game effect is being executed (special game effect state D3) or when the continuous effect is being executed (non-transition state D0), these specific effects are not executed. Since the player can be surely notified or suggested, the player's profit is not affected.

  In addition, by selecting the same execution time table in a plurality of slot machines 1 arranged adjacent to each other, a specific effect can be executed simultaneously on a plurality of units. Can look like.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of effect patterns of specific effects are provided, and these effect patterns are determined by lottery based on the set value and the number of special winnings. The set value of the slot machine 1 can be suggested to the person by this specific effect. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the selection probability of the production pattern is changed not only by the set value but also by the number of special roles won, the accuracy of suggesting the set value improves as the number of wins increases. Since the selection probability of the effect selection table can be set as described above, it is possible to prevent the setting value from being suddenly suggested with high accuracy immediately after the power is turned on.

(Modification)
First, in the embodiment described above, the time set in the execution time setting table (elapsed time since power-on) is read, and the state is shifted to the specific effect preparation state D2 from one minute before this time. However, this transition period may be longer or shorter than 1 minute. In the above description, the case where the time (elapsed time) at which the specific effect is executed is set in the execution time setting table has been described. However, the time to shift to the specific effect preparation state D2 may be set. You may set the time (from start time to end time) which has changed to the specific performance execution state D2. Thus, by defining the elapsed time for switching to the specific effect preparation state D2 in association with the time at which the specific effect is executed, the time for shifting to the specific effect execution state D2 or the time for executing the specific effect By setting at least one of them, it is possible to specify the switching to the specific effect execution state D2 and the execution timing of the specific effect.

  Furthermore, in the above description, the case where the elapsed time from the time of power-on is measured by counting the counter value by the time measuring means 312 has been described. However, a clock function is provided and the time at which a specific effect is executed is directly set. It can also be configured to specify. In the above description, the case where the time at which the specific effect is executed is defined as the execution time table stored in the execution time table storage unit 332 has been described. However, this execution time can be set for each slot machine 1. It is also possible to configure as described above.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the occurrence frequency of the normal notice effect and the continuous notice effect is reduced when the specific effect preparation state D2 is entered has been described. It is also possible to configure such that it is executed only when a special combination is won by the combination lottery means 110 (that is, only when the combination is inside), and is not executed when it is not inside.

  In the above embodiment, if the condition for shifting to the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3 is satisfied during execution of the specific effect, the specific effect is canceled and the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3. However, when the non-transition state D0 or the special game effect state D3 executed by stopping the specific effect is finished (from these effect states D0 and D3 to the normal effect state D1). When the game state of the main control board 100 is not inside (normal game state RT0), the continuous effect is executed. If it is, the specific effect that was interrupted instead of the last loss effect is executed). In this case, the interrupted specific effect can be configured to be executed again from the point of interruption, or the specific effect can be configured to be executed from the beginning regardless of the state at the time of being interrupted. .

  Moreover, although the above embodiment demonstrated the case where it comprised so that a setting value might be suggested by selection of the production pattern of a specific production, the above-mentioned production state suggestion and assist time (press of stop button 33a-33c) were demonstrated. When it is configured to determine whether or not the symbols of the small role are aligned according to the order, it is also possible to indicate the lottery state of the game that presents this pushing order to the player) is there.

  Moreover, in the above embodiment, if a betting operation is not performed for a predetermined time or more after the end of the previous game, a standby effect is performed. Although the case where it comprised so that it may be performed was demonstrated, even if a predetermined time passes, when the production | generation state transfers to the specific production preparation state D2 before the predetermined time passes after completion | finish of the last game. It is also possible to configure not to execute the standby effect.

1 slot machine (game machine)
21a-21c reel (design display means)
32 Start lever (starting means)
33 (33a-33c) Stop button (stop means)
41 Image display device (effect output means)
100 Main control board (main control means)
200 Sub-control board (sub-control means)
300 Production control board (sub control means)
312 Time measurement means 313 Specific effect preparation means 315 Effect state setting means 317 Effect selection means 318 Effect execution means 332 Execution time table storage means

Claims (1)

Main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Production output means for outputting the production;
A time measuring means for measuring the time from power-on,
Production state setting means for switching the production state,
Effect selecting means for selecting an effect according to the effect state switched by the effect state setting means,
A specific effect preparation means for switching the effect state from the first effect state to a second effect state that is an effect state for execution of the specific effect; and
Sub-control means having production execution means for causing the production output means to output the production selected by the production selection means and the specific production,
When the progress of the game is not performed for a predetermined time, a standby effect can be output to the effect output means,
The effect selecting means includes a probability that a predetermined effect suggesting the feasibility of a special game advantageous to a player when the effect state is the first effect state, and the effect state is the first effect state. The probability that the predetermined effect is selected when the two effect states are different,
The specific effect preparation means, when the effect state is the first effect state, takes the effect state as the second value when the time counted by the time measuring means becomes a first value. Switch to the production state,
The performance executing means is configured to execute the game for a predetermined time when the time measured by the time measuring means reaches a second value when the performance state is the second performance state. Even if it is not in a situation, the specific effect is output to the effect output means without outputting the standby effect to the effect output means ,
The specific effect preparation means may be configured such that when the effect state is the first effect state, even if the time counted by the time measurement means becomes the first value, The gaming machine is characterized in that the effect state is not switched to the second effect state until a predetermined condition is resolved .

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