JP6221108B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines by lottery whether or not to give a game profit to a player.

  In a slot machine as a gaming machine, a winning combination is drawn in accordance with the insertion of a medal (game medium) by a player and the operation of a start switch, and a plurality of rotating reels with various symbols are rotated. Then, according to the lottery result and the player's operation of the stop switch, the rotating reels are sequentially stopped, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line that is the payout target line, a predetermined number The player is given a gaming profit (hereinafter simply referred to as gaming profit) according to the winning combination.

  In addition, the slot machine is provided with a plurality of game states with different degrees of advantage of the player as the game progresses. For example, a bonus game state is provided in which a winning combination of a small role to which medals are paid out is higher than a normal game state by displaying a symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination among the winning combinations. In addition, when a winning combination set as a winning condition is won when the operation mode of the stop switch is a predetermined operation mode, that is, a predetermined operation order, a predetermined operation timing, or a combination thereof, By notifying the operation order and operation timing of the stop switch (hereinafter, this notification is simply referred to as an auxiliary effect), the player can easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination on the active line. The so-called RT (assist time) gaming state and the winning probability of the replay role are set higher than the normal gaming state to suppress the consumption of medals, thereby increasing the lottery opportunity of the winning role for the consumption of medals. (Replay time) Some gaming machines have a gaming state.

  In the above-mentioned AT gaming state, in the event that an assisting effect is being made, if the gaming profit is not obtained due to an incorrect operation order or timing of the stop switch, the security information is temporarily stored and the next game A technique for guaranteeing the right to acquire a gaming profit by executing an auxiliary effect again is known (for example, Patent Document 1). Such a game state advantageous to the player is strictly managed together with a history of game states executed after the power is turned on (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-167199 A JP 2008-188062 A

  The gaming state described above has a great influence on the player's gaming profit, and therefore requires strict management. In addition, in order to protect the player's gaming profit, the gaming state must be maintained without being reset even if an unexpected (unusual) power disconnection (hereinafter simply referred to as a power interruption) such as a power failure occurs. Therefore, in a gaming machine, lottery that affects the player's gaming profit, although it is information that has to be maintained over a plurality of games, including gaming status, or information that has occurred within one game. The determination information, which is information such as the result, is retained regardless of the type of power interruption (whether or not it is an unexpected power interruption), and is restored after the power is turned on again.

  By the way, in the above-described AT gaming state, an auxiliary effect is made, and if the player does not follow the auxiliary effect, the operation mode of the stop switch is a predetermined operation mode, that is, a predetermined operation order or a predetermined operation. The symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination set as the winning condition that is the timing or a combination of these cannot be displayed on the active line, and the gaming profit that should have been originally obtained will be missed. In addition, depending on the operation order and operation timing of the stop switch, a winning combination that ends the AT gaming state or the RT gaming state may be won. At this time, if an auxiliary effect capable of avoiding the end of the AT gaming state or the RT gaming state is made, the player can continue the AT gaming state or the RT gaming state by following the auxiliary effect. .

  However, since such an auxiliary effect is only a part of the effect, unlike the continuation information and determination information described above, a series of auxiliary effects are not held at the time of power interruption and a power interruption occurs in the middle of a game. Will be erased and will not be restored by power cycling. Then, the player cannot reliably win the winning combination in which the operation order and operation timing of the stop switch are set as winning conditions, and there is a possibility that the gaming profit that should have been originally obtained may be missed. In addition, depending on the stop switch operation order and operation timing, winning the winning combination that will end the AT gaming state and RT gaming state, the operation order to avoid the end of the AT gaming state and RT gaming state by auxiliary production, If the auxiliary performance is erased due to power interruption even though the operation timing has been notified, the player will select the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination that will end the AT gaming state or the RT gaming state on the effective line. The AT gaming state and the RT gaming state that should originally be able to continue may be terminated unintentionally.

  At this time, as in the case of continuation information and determination information, even if an attempt is made to hold an effect image (auxiliary effect) in which the operation order and operation timing are notified immediately before the power interruption, the effect varies depending on the progress of the game, and the past state Some layers are displayed in layers, so even if one still image is kept in the middle, it cannot be restored to the continuation of the presentation. You will miss it.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of protecting a player's gaming profit even by an unexpected power interruption.

To solve the above Symbol issues, other gaming machine of the present invention the bet means for betting a game medium for use in a game, with the proviso bet game media based on the operation of the start switch, winning Based on the winning combination lottery means for determining one of the winning combination lottery, the plurality of rotating reels each having a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged thereon, and the operation of the start switch. Based on the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel that is rotating, the reel control means for controlling the stop of each rotating reel corresponding to the operated stop switch, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery Is displayed on the active line, the payout control means for paying out the game medium corresponding to the winning combination, and a plurality of winning combinations When winning in double, based on any of the operation order of the winning combination is possible prize, sends a command for executing an effect on the liquid crystal display unit, execution effect of displaying the stop switch to be operated in the liquid crystal display unit The reel control means controls the rotation of the rotating reel corresponding to the stop switch that is not operated before the power is turned off, and transmits the command to the liquid crystal display unit again. to restore the state it was in before the power was removed Te, demonstration execution means, the stop switch to be operated the stop switch to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit corresponding has already been operated before power-off is not displayed, the liquid crystal before power-off A stop switch to be operated, which is displayed on the display unit but the corresponding stop switch is not operated, is displayed again.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to protect the player's gaming profits even when a power interruption occurs unexpectedly.

It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is an external view in the state which opened the front door for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an effective line and a symbol combination. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the state transition of a game state. It is a figure which shows the winning combination lottery table for normal game states. It is a figure which shows the winning combination lottery table for internal game states. It is a figure which shows the winning combination lottery table for bonus game states. It is a figure which shows the winning combination lottery table for RT gaming states. It is a figure which shows a specific game lottery table. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the effect execution means. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of a command storage means. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the initialization process of the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the sub process of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed the initialization process of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed the command reception process of the sub control board. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow of the process of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated. To do.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, a mechanical configuration and an electrical configuration of a slot machine (game machine) that can be played by a player will be briefly described. A typical process will be described.

(Mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a casing 102 that is a substantially rectangular box, and a connecting member that is rotatable with respect to the front opening of the casing 102. A front upper door 104 attached to the front door 104, a front lower door 106 positioned below the front upper door 104 and attached to the front opening of the housing 102 so as to be openable and closable like the front upper door 104. It is located at the lower part of the door 106 and has a tray part 108 for storing medals paid out from the medal outlet 108a.

  An operation unit installation base 122 is formed in the upper part of the front lower door 106. The operation unit installation base 122 is provided with a medal insertion unit 124, a bet button 126, a start switch 128, a stop switch 130, a settlement button 132, and the like. ing.

  A medal insertion unit (game medium receiving means) 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation base 122 receives insertion of a medal as a game medium through a medal insertion slot (insertion slot) 124a, and is provided on the back surface of the front lower door 106. Send a medal to a medal selector (not shown). The medal selector includes a blocker (not shown) that guides medals inserted outside the insertion period during which medals can be inserted or a non-standard medal to the medal outlet 108a, and a standard medal that is inserted within the insertion period. And a inserted medal detection unit 124b for detecting the passage of. Here, the medal guided to the medal discharge port 108 a is discharged to the tray portion 108. When a player inserts more medals than the prescribed number, which is the number of inserted medals necessary to start one game, the prescribed number of medals exceeds the prescribed number (for example, 50). The upper limit is electronically stored in the slot machine 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as “credit”).

  Here, one game refers to a series of games that can receive a single payout on condition that a medal is inserted. Here, the specified number is fixed to “3”. However, depending on the model of the slot machine 100, the specified number may be different, or even if the model is the same model, the specified number may be fixed. There is. In addition, when the number of medals required to start one game can be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of specified numbers, the maximum number among the plurality of specified numbers is called the maximum specified number, and the minimum number is the minimum specified It is called a number. If the specified number is selectable between 1 and 3, the maximum specified number is “3” and the minimum specified number is “1”. Here, since the specified number is fixed to “3”, the maximum specified number and the minimum specified number are “3”.

  The bet button 126 is a push-type button switch that inputs (bets) a prescribed number of medals out of credited medals. The settlement button 132 is a push-type button switch that accepts a credited medal return (settlement) request operation. By operating the settlement button 132, the player can make a settlement request to settle the bet medals or electronically credited medals, and in response to the settlement request, the bet medals or electronic Medals that have been credited are discharged from the medal outlet 108a.

  The start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation unit installation base 122 is formed by a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a start operation of one game by the player. The start switch 128 can also be formed by a button switch that can detect a pressing operation.

  A colorless and transparent symbol display window 136 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided at a substantially lower center of the front upper door 104, and a reel in a position corresponding to the symbol display window 136 in the housing 102. A unit 134 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the reel unit 134 has three rotating reels (left reel 134a, middle reel 134b, and right reel 134c) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each of the regions equally divided into 21, Each player is provided so as to be independently rotatable, and the player can visually recognize the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c through the symbol display window 136. The reel unit 134 starts to rotate the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c in response to the operation of the start switch 128.

  The stop switch 130 located in the center of the operation unit installation base 122 is a button switch provided corresponding to each of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c and capable of detecting a player's pressing operation. A player's stop operation to stop each of the reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c is detected. The three button switches related to the stop switch 130 are particularly referred to as stop button switches, and are referred to as a stop button switch 130a, a stop button switch 130b, and a stop button switch 130c in order from the left.

  A liquid crystal display unit 138 for displaying various images associated with the production is provided at the upper center of the front upper door 104. In addition, an effect lamp 142 made up of, for example, a high-intensity light emitting diode (LED) is provided on the upper or left and right of the front upper door 104.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, speakers that produce auditory effects such as sound effects and musical sounds are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 138 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and the inner surface left and right positions on the back surface of the front lower door 106. 140 is provided. Further, below the reel unit 134 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 264 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 108a is provided. The medal payout device 264 includes a medal storage unit 264a for storing medals, a payout control unit 264b for discharging medals stored in the medal storage unit 264a from the medal discharge port 108a, and medals discharged from the medal discharge port 108a. And a payout medal detection unit 264c. Specifically, the payout control unit 264b is rotatably supported by the main body exterior of the payout control unit 264b, and a plurality of medal insertion holes are arranged in the circumferential direction in which medals dropped from the medal storage unit 264a are inserted one by one from above. And a disc motor (not shown) for rotating the disc. The medals inserted in the medal insertion holes are rotated one by one through the pushing mechanism. In addition, the medals are successively discharged one by one by sequentially inserting the next medals into the medal insertion holes vacated by the discharge.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, among the symbols provided on the left reel 134 a, the middle reel 134 b, and the right reel 134 c, a symbol display window is provided inside each of the rotating reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c. A reel backlight 144 (see FIG. 4) is provided that individually irradiates the upper, middle, and lower stages of each of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to 136 (which can be the target of an effective line) independently from the back surface. ing. Further, a reel upper light 146 that directly irradiates the front of all of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c is also provided on the upper surface of the rear surface of the symbol display window 136.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the operation unit installation base 122, a main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit are provided on a substantially horizontal plane of the step unit 122 a provided between the symbol display window 136 and the stop switch 130. 154 is provided. Further, a sub-credit display unit 156 and a sub-payout display unit 158 are provided between the symbol display window 136 and the operation unit installation base 122. The main credit display unit 152 and the sub credit display unit 156 display the number of credits, and the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158 display the number of paid out medals. Note that the sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 can also display various numerical values associated with the effects.

  A power switch 148 is provided at an arbitrary position in the housing 102. The power switch 148 is configured by a switch that can detect a pressing operation, such as a rocker switch, and is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100 to switch between two states of a power-off state and a power-on state. Used.

(Electrical configuration of the slot machine 100)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 is mainly controlled by a main control board 200 and a sub control board 202. Here, among the programs related to the progress of the game, a particularly important process such as a lottery of a winning combination to be used for a game and winning the prize is executed on the main control board 200, and other processes related to effects, for example, are performed on the sub-control board. 202 is executed.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs, a main RAM 200c that functions as a work area, and the like, and comprehensively controls the entire slot machine 100. To do. However, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 200c, and even when the power is cut off, the data is retained without being erased unless the initialization process of the main RAM 200c is intentionally executed. .

  The main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b. The initialization means 300, the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means. 306, a determination unit 308, and a payout control unit 310. The initialization unit 300 executes an initialization process in the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets medals for use in games. The winning combination lottery means 304 determines either a winning combination or a loss through a winning combination lottery. The reel control unit 306 controls rotation and stop of the rotating reel. The determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line. The payout control means 310 pays out a medal corresponding to the winning combination based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line. Each functional unit will be described in detail later.

  The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from the inserted medal detection unit 124b, the bet button 126, the start switch 128, the stop switch 130, the settlement button 132, and the power switch 148, and based on the received detection signals, The main CPU 200a executes various processes. Further, a main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit 154 are connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control unit 310 displays a medal credit number and a payout number on both display units 152 and 154. Control.

  In addition, a reel drive control unit 258 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive control unit 258 drives the stepping motor 262 based on the rotation start signal of the rotating reel transmitted from the main control board 200 based on the operation signal of the start switch 128, and based on the operation signal of the stop switch 130. The driving of the stepping motor 262 is stopped based on the stop signal of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c and the detection signal of the rotation position detection circuit 260 transmitted from the main control board 200.

  The medal payout device 264 is connected to the main control board 200. A detection signal from the payout medal detection unit 264c is input to the main control board 200, and the payout control unit 310 counts the number of medals to be paid out according to the detection signal, and outputs from the payout control unit 264b. Control the discharge of medals.

  The main control board 200 is provided with a random number generator 256. The random number generator 256 sequentially increments the count value, loops within a predetermined numerical range, and extracts the count value at a predetermined time point to obtain a random number. The random number generated by the random number generator 256 is used to determine a gaming profit to be given to the player, for example, a winning combination (winning winning lottery random number).

(Table used in main control board 200)
In the slot machine 100, a plurality of game states are provided when the game progresses, and a plurality of winning combination lottery tables corresponding to these game states and set values are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning combination lottery means 304 extracts a corresponding winning combination lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current gaming state and set value stored in the main RAM 200c, and based on the extracted winning combination lottery table, the start switch 128. It is determined which winning combination lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal corresponds to which winning combination or lose in the winning combination lottery table.

  Here, the winning combination extracted from each winning combination lottery table includes a replay combination, a small combination, and a bonus combination. The state in which the symbol combinations corresponding to such winning combinations are aligned on the active line is called display (winning), and the state until winning the winning combination and displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed internally. Winning status. Among the winning combinations, the replay combination is a combination that can execute one game again without making a new bet of medals by the player when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line. A small combination is a combination that allows a predetermined number of medals to be paid out according to the symbol combination by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination on the active line. The bonus combination is a winning combination that can shift the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the bonus gaming state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the active line. Here, the bonus gaming state is a gaming state that uses a winning combination lottery table in which the winning probabilities of small roles are set so that medals substantially increase when determining the winning combination, which is more advantageous than the normal gaming state. A state of gaming. In the following, the gaming benefits given to the winning combination and the player will be described.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining effective lines and symbol combinations. FIG. 5A shows an effective line in the present embodiment. Here, there are five effective lines. Specifically, among the nine symbols facing the symbol display window 136, the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop at the middle stage of the left reel 134a, middle reel 134b, and right reel 134c are connected. Line B, the upper stage of the left reel 134a, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, the line B1 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols stopped at the lower stage of the right reel 134c, the lower stage of the left reel 134a, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, the right reel 134c The line B2 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop on the upper stage, the line C1 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop on the upper stage of the left reel 134a, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, the upper reel, and the left reel 134a. The line C2 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols to be stopped at the lower stage, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, and the lower stage of the right reel 134c. Each is set as a valid line.

  Further, as shown in the symbol combination of FIG. 5B, in this embodiment, as the winning combination, “Replay 1”, “Replay 2”, “Replay 3” (hereinafter, “Replay 1” to “Replay 3”). ”May be abbreviated as“ Replay 1-3 ”),“ Bell ”,“ Watermelon 1 ”,“ Watermelon 2 ”,“ Watermelon 3 ”,“ Watermelon 4 ”,“ Watermelon 5 ”,“ Watermelon 6 ”, “Watermelon 7”, “Watermelon 8” (hereinafter, “Watermelon 1” to “Watermelon 8” may be abbreviated as “Watermelon 1-8”), “Cherry”, “Big bonus” (hereinafter referred to as “BB”) ) ”And“ Regular Bonus (hereinafter referred to as “RB”) ”, a total of 15 types of winning combinations are provided. Among these, the winning roles “Replay 1 to 3” correspond to the above replay roles, “Bell”, “Watermelon 1 to 8” and “Cherry” correspond to the above small roles, and “BB” and “RB” above. Equivalent to a bonus role.

  If the winning combination “Replay 1” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, among the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 1”, the “replay” symbols written on each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c. Can be displayed on the same active line, and as described above, one game can be executed again without betting by the player. If the winning combination “Replay 2” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, among the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 2”, the “Bell” symbol written on the left reel 134a is on the active line. The “replay” symbol written on each of the middle reel 134b and the right reel 134c can be displayed on the same active line as described above, and one game can be executed again without placing a bet by the player. If the winning combination “Replay 3” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, “replay” written on each of the left reel 134a and the middle reel 134b among the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 3”. The symbol can be displayed on the same active line, the “bell” symbol on the right reel 134c can be displayed on the same active line as above, and one game is executed again without placing a bet by the player. it can.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is on the active line when the stop switch 130 is pressed, the symbol is stopped on the active line. Thus, stop control is performed. In addition, when the stop switch 130 is pressed, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are not on the effective line, but in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotary reels 134a, 134b, 134c. When it exists in the range (drawing range) corresponding to four symbols, stop control is performed so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are drawn on the active line. Hereinafter, when “stop control” or “display is possible” is simply referred to, it includes a process of drawing a symbol constituting a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination within such a pull-in range.

  In each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the “replay” symbol and the “bell” symbol are arranged so that they can be displayed on the effective line by the stop control described above (FIGS. 3 and 5). (See (b)). Accordingly, when the winning combination “Replays 1 to 3” is won, the symbol combinations corresponding to these winning combinations “Replays 1 to 3” are always displayed on the active line. In this way, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replays 1 to 3” is displayed on the active line, it is possible to start the next one game without inserting medals.

  In addition, when the winning combination “Bell” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, among the symbol combinations corresponding to “Bell”, the “Bell” symbol written on each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c is the same. Can be displayed on the active line. Then, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Bell” is displayed on the active line, ten medals are paid out to the player. In addition, as will be described in detail later, the stop control when winning the winning combination “Bell”, the winning mode (for example, whether the winning combination “Bell” has been won alone, or other winning combination was won, Furthermore, it is set differently depending on which other winning combination has been won. Therefore, as described above, in each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the “bell” symbol is arranged so as to be displayed on the effective line (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 5B). Even if the winning combination “Bell” is won, depending on the winning mode, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Bell” is not necessarily displayed on the active line.

  In addition, when the winning combination “Watermelon 1” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the “Watermelon A” symbols written on the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b and the right reel 134c can be displayed on the same effective line. It becomes. In addition, if the winning combination “Watermelon 2” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the “Watermelon A” symbol written on the left reel 134a and the middle reel 134b can be displayed on the same effective line, and the right reel The “watermelon B” symbol described in 134c can be displayed on the same effective line as described above. Similarly, if the winning combination “Watermelon 3” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the “Watermelon A” symbol written on the left reel 134a and the right reel 134c can be displayed on the same active line. The “Watermelon B” symbol written on the reel 134b can be displayed on the same effective line as described above. In addition, if the winning combination “Watermelon 4” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the “Watermelon A” symbol written on the left reel 134a can be displayed on the active line, and is displayed on the middle reel 134b and the right reel 134c. The “Watermelon B” symbol to be displayed can be displayed on the same effective line as described above. If the winning combination “Watermelon 5” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the “Watermelon B” symbol written on the left reel 134a can be displayed on the active line, and is displayed on the middle reel 134b and the right reel 134c. The “Watermelon A” symbol to be displayed can be displayed on the same effective line as described above. In addition, if the winning combination “Watermelon 6” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the “Watermelon B” symbol written on the left reel 134a and the right reel 134c can be displayed on the same effective line, and the middle reel The “watermelon A” symbol indicated by 134b can be displayed on the same effective line as described above. If the winning combination “Watermelon 7” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the “Watermelon B” symbol written on the left reel 134a and the middle reel 134b can be displayed on the same effective line, and the right reel The “watermelon A” symbol indicated by 134c can be displayed on the same effective line as described above. In addition, when the winning combination “Watermelon 8” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the “Watermelon B” symbols written on the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b and the right reel 134c can be displayed on the same effective line. It becomes.

  When the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “watermelons 1 to 8” is displayed on the active line, ten medals are paid out to the player. In each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the “watermelon A” symbol and the “watermelon B” symbol are arranged so that they may not be displayed on the active line even by the stop control described above (FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 (b)). Therefore, even if the winning combination “watermelons 1 to 8” is won, the player cannot always display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “watermelons 1 to 8” on the active line.

  In addition, when the winning combination “Cherry” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, “Cherry” symbols indicated on the left reel 134a are displayed on the active line among the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination “Cherry”. It becomes possible. When the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 134a is displayed on the active line, two medals are paid out to the player. In the left reel 134a, the “cherry” symbol is arranged so that it can be displayed on the effective line (see FIGS. 3 and 5B). Therefore, when the winning combination “Cherry” is won, the player can always display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Cherry” on the active line.

  In addition, when the winning combination “BB” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the “red 7” symbol or the “blue 7” symbol written on each rotating reel 134a, 134b, 134c is on the same active line. It can be stopped. When the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” is displayed on the active line, the BB gaming flag is turned ON, so that the gaming state is set to the BB gaming state, and the next one game (hereinafter simply “ After the “next game”), the game can be executed in the BB gaming state (bonus gaming state) until a predetermined number of medals (for example, 465) are paid out. In each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the “blue 7” symbol and the “red 7” symbol are arranged so that they may not be displayed on the active line even by the above stop control ( 3 and FIG. 5 (b)). Therefore, even if the winning combination “BB” is won, the player cannot always display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” on the active line.

  In addition, when the winning combination “RB” is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the “BAR” symbols written on the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c can be displayed on the same effective line. When the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “RB” is displayed on the active line, the RB game flag is turned ON, so that the gaming state is set to the RB gaming state, and after the next game, a predetermined number of medals ( The game can be executed in the RB game state (bonus game state) until it is paid out. In each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the “BAR” symbol is arranged so that it may not be displayed on the active line even by the stop control described above (FIGS. 3 and 5B). )reference). Therefore, even if the winning combination “RB” is won, the player cannot always display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “RB” on the active line.

  If any winning combination is won, an internal winning flag corresponding to each winning combination is established (ON), and the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, the right reel according to the establishment status of the internal winning flag. Each stop control of 134c will be performed. At this time, if the small combination is won, but the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combinations cannot be displayed on the active line in the one game, the internal winning flag is turned OFF in the game. In other words, the right to win a small role is limited only to the game, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game.

  On the other hand, when the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB” is won, the BB internal winning flag or the RB internal winning flag is established (ON), and the BB internal winning flag or the RB internal winning flag is set. As shown in FIG. 6 (1), the game state managed by the main control board 200 changes from the normal game state to the internal medium game state corresponding to the bonus game state preparation state, as shown in FIG. In the middle game state, the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c are controlled to be stopped. At this time, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB” cannot be displayed on the active line, the BB internal winning flag or the RB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game as it is. Thus, the winning combination “BB” and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “RB” can be displayed on the active line in the next and subsequent games. Then, when the player displays the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB” on the active line, as shown in (2) of FIG. The gaming state in which the game is in progress changes from the internal medium gaming state to the bonus gaming state. In addition, when a predetermined number of medals are paid out in the bonus game state, the game state managed by the main control board 200 changes from the bonus game state to the normal game state, as shown in FIG.

  In addition, when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 1 to 3” that is the replaying role is established, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line and the next game without requiring a medal. After the processing necessary for performing is performed, the internal winning flag is turned OFF.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a normal gaming state winning combination lottery table used when determining the winning combination lottery random number in the normal gaming state. Here, an area corresponding to the total number of winning combination random numbers (65536) is divided into a plurality of winning areas (1 to 20), and for each winning area, each of the winning combination and the winning combination or lose is selected. A winning range value (numerical value) indicating the ratio as a relative number is associated. For example, the winning area 1 is associated with 8500 as the winning range value and “Replay 1” is associated with the winning combination. Therefore, the probability that the winning combination “Replay 1” is won is 8500/65536. The same association is made for the other winning areas 2 to 20. The winning combination lottery means 304 sequentially acquires a winning range value from a plurality of winning areas in the winning combination lottery table for the normal gaming state, subtracts the winning range value from the winning combination lottery random number, If it is less than 0, the winning combination associated with the winning area at that time is used as the lottery result. The lottery procedure can be applied to other lotteries.

  In addition, according to the normal gaming state winning combination lottery table, a plurality of winning combinations may be won. For example, the winning area 2 is associated with 500 as the winning range value, and the winning combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination “Replay 3” are associated as the winning combination. When the winning combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination “Replay 3” are won in the same manner as in the winning area 2, the symbol combination corresponding to which winning combination is displayed on the active line. Stop conditions are set.

  For example, when the winning area 2 is determined by the winning combination lottery and the stop switch 130 is operated to stop the first reel 134c first (first stop) among the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c. The stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 2” is displayed on the active line. On the other hand, when the stop switch 130 is operated to stop the left reel 134a or the middle reel 134b for the first time, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 3” is displayed on the active line. Made. Here, as described above, the “replay” symbol and the “bell” symbol can be displayed on the effective line regardless of the timing at which the stop switch 130 is pressed on the symbol arrangement. Therefore, even if the player operates the stop switch 130 to stop any one of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c first, the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination can be displayed. The combination of symbols displayed differs depending on the stop order.

  In such a duplicate winning combination of replay roles, it is a condition that a symbol combination corresponding to a specific winning combination (here, a symbol combination corresponding to “Replay 2”) is displayed on the active line. The RT gaming state can be started. For example, the player operates the stop switch 130 to stop the right reel 134c for the first time by knowing that the winning area 2 has been won or the order of operation through the auxiliary effect, and the specific winning combination The symbol combination (for example, “Replay 2”) is displayed on the active line, and the gaming state managed by the main control board 200 is changed from the normal gaming state to the RT gaming state as shown in (4) of FIG. It is possible to migrate. In addition, when a symbol combination corresponding to a specific winning combination (in this case, a symbol combination corresponding to “Replay 3”) is displayed on the active line, as shown in (5) of FIG. In addition, when the RT gaming state ends, the player may first stop the right reel 134c by winning the winning area 2 or knowing the operation order through an auxiliary effect. By operating the stop switch 130, a symbol combination of a specific winning combination (for example, “Replay 2”) is displayed on the active line, and the RT gaming state can be continued while avoiding the end of the RT gaming state. .

  The winning area 4 is associated with 700 as the winning range value, and the winning combination “Bell”, the winning combination “Watermelon 1”, and the winning combination “Watermelon 4” are associated with each other. Here, in the winning areas 4 to 15, when any two winning roles of the winning roles “Watermelons 1 to 8” and the winning role “Bell” are won simultaneously, any winning combination is supported. A stop condition is set as to whether the symbol combination to be displayed is displayed on the active line.

  For example, when the winning area 4 is determined by the winning combination lottery, and the winning combination “Bell”, the winning combination “Watermelon 1” and the winning combination “Watermelon 4” are won, the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, the right reel When the stop switch 130 is operated to stop the left reel 134a first (first stop) among 134c, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “bell” is displayed on the active line. Is made. On the other hand, when the stop switch 130 is operated to stop the middle reel 134b or the right reel 134c for the first time, the stop control is performed as follows. In other words, when the stop switch 130 is operated when the symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Watermelon 1” or the winning combination “Watermelon 4” is on the active line, the winning combination “Watermelon 1”. Alternatively, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Watermelon 4” are displayed on the effective line, and the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Watermelon 1” or the winning combination “Watermelon 4” are on the effective line. However, if the stop switch 130 is operated when it is within the range of 4 frames, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Watermelon 1” or the winning combination “Watermelon 4” are effective lines. Stop control so that it pulls up.

  Here, as described above, the “bell” symbol can be displayed on the effective line even if the stop switch 130 is pressed at any timing on the symbol arrangement. On the other hand, depending on the operation timing of the stop switch 130, the “watermelon A” symbol and the “watermelon B” symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “watermelon 1” and the winning combination “watermelon 4” are displayed on the active line. I can't. Therefore, the winning combination “Watermelon 1” and the winning combination “Watermelon 4” are more difficult to win than the winning combination “Bell”, and the operations are not performed in order of stopping to win the winning combination “Bell”. In this case, so-called spillage is likely to occur. Therefore, when the winning combination “Bell”, the winning combination “Watermelon 1” and the winning combination “Watermelon 4” are won, the winning combination “Bell” is operated by operating the stop switch 130 in the order shown in FIG. It is advantageous for the player to win a prize.

  In the winning areas 4 to 15, any two winning roles of the winning roles “watermelons 1 to 8” are to be selected and overlapped with the winning role “Bell”. The stop operation for winning a prize is set differently depending on the winning area. Since the player cannot usually know which winning combination is won, by providing the winning areas 4 to 15 as described above, any of the winning combinations “Watermelon 1 to 8” Even if two winning combinations and the winning combination “Bell” are won, it is extremely difficult to win the winning combination.

  However, even when winning a winning combination in which the player's gaming profit differs according to the operation order of the stop switch 130, the player can grasp a specific winning combination (for example, by understanding the operating order through the auxiliary effect) , “Bell”) can be displayed on the active line, and more medals can be obtained than in the normal gaming state.

  The winning area 20 is associated with a winning range value 40336 and “losing”. Such a loss is not accompanied by a medal payout or the like, but by displaying a specific symbol combination on the active line, it can be used for a game start / end condition or a game profit lottery opportunity.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a winning combination lottery table for an internal medium gaming state. The internal medium gaming state winning combination lottery table is used when determining the winning combination lottery random number in the internal medium gaming state. As described above, the internal medium gaming state is set when the BB internal winning flag or the RB internal winning flag is carried over, and is ended by winning the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB”. According to the internal medium game state winning combination lottery table, the bonus combination is not further won, and the winning probability of the winning combination “Replay 1” is shown in the normal gaming state winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. Higher than that. In addition, the winning probabilities of the winning combination “Replay 2”, the winning combination “Replay 3” and each of the small combinations are set equal to the winning combination lottery table for the normal gaming state.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a bonus game state winning combination lottery table. This bonus game state winning combination lottery table determines the winning combination random number in the BB gaming state or the RB gaming state set by winning the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB”. It is used for. According to this bonus game state winning combination lottery table, the bonus combination and replay combination are not further won, and the winning probability of each small combination is higher than that of the normal gaming state winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. Is set.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an RT gaming state winning combination lottery table. The RT gaming state winning combination lottery table is determined in the RT gaming state set by displaying a predetermined symbol combination (for example, a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 2”) on the active line. It is used when determining a lottery random number. In the RT gaming state winning combination lottery table, the winning combination for the normal gaming state shown in FIG. 7 shows the winning probability for the winning combination “Replay 1” and the winning combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination “Replay 3”. It is set higher than the lottery table. Therefore, the consumption of medals can be suppressed, and the lottery opportunities for the winning combination for the consumption of medals can be increased. In addition, in the RT gaming state winning combination lottery table, a bonus combination is set as in the normal gaming state winning combination lottery table. When the bonus combination is won, as shown in FIG. The gaming state managed at 200 transitions from the RT gaming state to the internal medium gaming state.

  Here, the winning combination lottery table for the normal gaming state, the winning combination lottery table for the internal medium gaming state, the bonus combination lottery table for the bonus gaming state, and the winning combination lottery table for the RT gaming state have been described. The winning combination lottery table is not limited to this, and various winning combination lottery tables can be used according to the gaming state.

(Sub-control board 202)
Referring back to FIG. 4, the sub control board 202, like the main control board 200, includes a sub CPU 202a that is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 202b that stores programs, a sub RAM 202c that functions as a work area, and the like. It has a semiconductor integrated circuit and controls the production based on commands from the main control board 200. Similarly to the main RAM 200c, a backup power source (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 202c, and even when the power is turned off, data is retained without being erased. The sub-control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator 256 as in the case of the main control board 200, and the random number generated by the random number generator 256 is mainly used to determine the mode of production (production. Lottery random number).

  The sub-control board 202 functions by the sub CPU 202a cooperating with the sub RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub ROM 202b. The initialization determining unit 330, the command receiving unit 332, the specific game lottery unit 334, An effect determining unit 336, an effect executing unit 338, a command accumulating unit 340, and a command group transmitting unit 342 are provided. The initialization determining unit 330 executes initialization processing in the sub control board 202. The command receiving means 332 receives commands from other control boards such as the main control board 200 and performs processing for the commands. Based on the winning combination command, the specific game lottery means 334 determines whether or not to give a profit related to the specific game advantageous to the player by the specific game lottery. The effect determining means 336 determines the effects of the game performed on each device of the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142 based on the lottery result determined by the winning combination lottery means 304. The effect execution means 338 controls the devices (the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142) that execute the effect according to the determined game effect, and causes the plurality of device control means to be described later to execute the effect. The device command, which is a command for that purpose, is transmitted. The command storage unit 340 stores a plurality of device commands generated in the sub control board 202 in the sub RAM 202c (storage unit), and forms a command group including the device commands. The command group transmission unit 342 transmits again the command group stored in the sub RAM 202c by the command storage unit 340 when the power is turned on again after an unexpected power failure. Each functional unit will be described in detail later.

  Here, the specific game refers to, for example, a game in an AT gaming state (AT game) in which the game proceeds advantageously with respect to the player. The specific game lottery means 334 determines, for example, whether or not the AT game state can be executed by the specific game lottery based on the winning combination command on the condition that the game state managed by the main control board 200 is the normal game state. When the AT gaming state is won, as shown in FIG. 6 (7), the gaming state managed by the sub-control board 202 transitions from the non-AT gaming state in which the auxiliary effect is not performed to the AT gaming state. Further, when the number of continuations, which is a predetermined number of games that can be continued in the AT gaming state, determined simultaneously with the execution of the AT gaming state is reached, as shown in (8) of FIG. The managed gaming state transitions from the AT gaming state to the non-AT gaming state. In addition, the specific game lottery means 334 also executes a lottery for determining whether or not to add the number of continuations in the AT gaming state, a so-called extra lottery. Here, when the number of continuations is added, the AT gaming state is maintained for a long time by the added number of games, and the player can advance the game advantageously.

  In the present embodiment, a so-called ART gaming state in which the gaming state managed by the main control board 200 is changed to the RT gaming state in accordance with the transition of the gaming state managed by the sub-control board 202 to the AT gaming state. Realized. Hereinafter, the transition from the AT gaming state to the ART gaming state will be described.

  According to the normal gaming state winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 7, when the gaming state managed by the main control board 200 is the normal gaming state, the winning probability is 500/65536 (winning area 2). The combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination “Replay 3” are won in duplicate. Therefore, when the winning combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination “Replay 3” are duplicated, the player operates the stop switch 130 to stop the right reel 134c first (first stop), thereby winning the winning combination. The symbol combination corresponding to the role “Replay 2” is displayed on the active line, and the gaming state managed by the main control board 200 can be changed from the normal gaming state to the RT gaming state (see (4) in FIG. 6). . However, in the present embodiment, if the gaming state managed by the sub-control board 202 is a non-AT gaming state, even if the winning combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination “Replay 3” are duplicated, the fact is not notified. In addition, operation of the stop switch 130 that stops the first reel 134c first (first stop) is prohibited. Specifically, for example, in the non-AT gaming state, when the stop switch 130 for stopping the reels other than the left reel 134a first is operated, whether or not to shift to the AT gaming state for a predetermined number of games. You will not be able to receive the gaming profits that you can originally receive, such as being unable to receive the AT lottery. Also, even if the gaming state is changed to the RT gaming state by operating the stop switch 130 that stops the right reel 134c for the first time, it is not the AT gaming state, and therefore the symbol corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 3”. The combination is displayed on the active line and the normal gaming state is restored. Therefore, in the non-AT gaming state, the player first stops the right reel 134c in order to prevent the game from proceeding disadvantageously in a game in which the winning combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination “Replay 3” are won. (1 stop) The stop switch 130 is not operated. By doing so, it is possible to intentionally limit the transition to the RT gaming state in the non-AT gaming state while creating a transition opportunity to the RT gaming state.

  On the other hand, when the gaming state managed by the sub control board 202 transitions from the non-AT gaming state to the AT gaming state, the winning combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination “Replay 3” for winning the transition to the RT gaming state are won (winning) Waiting for probability 500/65536), the so-called ART ready state (AT gaming state but not RT gaming state). In response to the winning combination of the winning combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination “Replay 3”, the winning combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination “Replay 3” are won through the auxiliary performance in the AT gaming state, or The operation order in which the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 2” can be displayed on the active line is notified. Then, the player can display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 2” on the active line and is managed by the main control board 200 in addition to the AT gaming state managed by the sub-control board 202. The gaming state can be changed from the normal gaming state to the RT gaming state. Further, in the AT gaming state, the operation of the stop switch 130 that stops the first reel 134c first (first stop) is permitted. Therefore, the player can make a transition to the ART gaming state without receiving a penalty such as a disadvantageous progression of the game.

  Further, when the AT gaming state reaches the number of continuations and the gaming state managed by the sub control board 202 transitions from the AT gaming state to the non-AT gaming state, the game advantageous to the player is only the RT gaming state. Here, since the RT gaming state does not end immediately, the winning combination “Replay 1” has a high winning probability for one or more games, but the winning combination “Replay 2” and the winning combination If the winning combination of “Replay 3” is won, the supplementary effect is not performed, so the player cannot grasp the winning, and as described above, the stop that stops the left reel 134a first. By operating the switch 130 (without operating the stop switch 130 that stops the first reel 134c first (first stop)), the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay 3” is displayed on the active line, The gaming state managed by the main control board 200 transitions from the RT gaming state to the normal gaming state (see (5) in FIG. 6). Thus, the ART gaming state is ended. As described above, the specific game lottery means 334 can substantially determine whether or not the ART game state can be executed by determining whether or not the AT game state can be executed by the specific game lottery. In the present embodiment, for easy understanding, the sub control board 202 manages the start and end of the ART gaming state.

  The effects are provided through the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub credit display unit 156, the sub payout display unit 158, and the like as the game progresses. It is a visual and audible expression means that can give a story to the game and can suggest a lottery result of the winning combination with a more dynamic image. Here, a visual effect expressed through the liquid crystal display unit 138 is referred to as a liquid crystal display effect, and a command transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204 that controls the liquid crystal display unit 138 to execute the liquid crystal display effect is referred to as a liquid crystal command. . An auditory effect expressed through the speaker 140 is referred to as a speaker output effect, and a command transmitted to the sound control means for controlling the speaker 140 in order to execute the speaker output effect is referred to as a voice command. Further, the visual effect expressed through the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub-credit display unit 156, the sub-payout display unit 158, and the like is referred to as a light-emitting effect. A command transmitted to the light emission control means for controlling the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub credit display unit 156, the sub payout display unit 158, etc. is referred to as a light emission command. Further, the liquid crystal control board 204, the sound control means, and the light emission control means are collectively referred to as device control means, and the liquid crystal command, the sound command, and the light emission command are collectively referred to as device commands. In executing such an effect, in particular, with respect to the bonus combination described above, the BB internal winning flag and the RB internal winning flag can be carried over over a plurality of games. It can be performed throughout the game, and the player's sense of expectation can be enhanced. In addition, even if none of the winning roles has been won, it is possible to make the player have a high dividend expectation through the production as if the player has been won, so that the player will not get bored. It becomes.

  As an effect suggesting the lottery result of the winning combination described above, there is an auxiliary effect. For example, the winning combination may not always display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination on the active line only by appropriately stopping the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c. When a player wins a winning combination, the player performs an auxiliary effect before performing a stop operation, thereby prompting a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination to be displayed on the active line.

(Table used in sub-control board 202)
A plurality of specific game lottery tables and the like are stored in the sub ROM 202b. The specific game lottery means 334 extracts the corresponding specific game lottery table from the sub ROM 202b based on the winning combination determined by the winning combination lottery means 304, and the specific game lottery random number is specified based on the extracted specific game lottery table. It is determined whether or not it corresponds to the winning of (AT game here).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific game lottery table. Here, an area corresponding to the total number of specific game random numbers (65536) is divided into two winning areas. The winning area 1 is associated with the winning range value 100 and the winning of the specific game. The winning range value 65436 is associated with the loss. Therefore, the probability that the specific game (AT game) is won is 100/65536. In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, when an AT game is won and a transition is made to the AT gaming state, a transition is also made to the RT gaming state, and a game (ART gaming) is substantially realized in the ART gaming state. Is done.

(Restoring auxiliary production)
Hereinafter, the auxiliary effect executed by the sub control board 202 will be briefly described, and then the restoration of the auxiliary effect at the time of power interruption will be described.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the effect execution means 338. In the specific gaming state, for example, when the winning area 4 of the RT gaming state winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 10 is determined by the winning combination lottery, the winning combination lottery means 304 indicates the winning combination command indicating the winning of the winning area 4 Is transmitted to the sub-control board 202. The effect determining means 336 of the sub control board 202 wins the winning area 4 of the RT gaming state winning combination lottery table based on the winning combination command, that is, the winning combination “Bell”, the winning combination “Watermelon 1” and the winning combination. The duplicate winning of “Watermelon 4” is grasped, and the game effect, here the auxiliary effect, is determined based on the winning combination command.

  In such overlapping winning, if the stop switch 130 is operated to stop the left reel 134a first (first stop) among the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c, the operation of all three rotating reels is performed. Regardless of the timing, the reel control means 306 selects a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Bell” regardless of whether the next stopped (second stopped) rotating reel is the middle reel 134b or the right reel 134c. When the stop control is performed so that the middle reel 134b or the right reel 134c is first stopped, the winning combination “Watermelon 1” or the winning combination “Watermelon 4” is selected. When the first, second, and third stops are made at the timing when the corresponding symbol combination can be displayed on the active line The stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Watermelon 1” or the winning combination “Watermelon 4” is displayed on the effective line, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Bell” is not displayed on the effective line. Made.

  Here, since only the winning combination “Bell” is a winning combination that can be surely won regardless of the stop operation timing of all the rotating reels, the effect execution means 338 sends a liquid crystal command to the liquid crystal control board 204 as an auxiliary effect. Then, the liquid crystal display unit 138 displays an image indicating that the left reel 134a is to be first stopped as shown in FIG. When the player performs the first stop operation on the left reel 134a in accordance with the auxiliary effect, the reel control unit 306 operates the left reel 134a corresponding to the operation according to the predetermined stop control corresponding to the winning combination “Bell”. The sub-control board 202 receives a first stop command indicating that the stop button switch 130a corresponding to the left reel 134a has been operated as the first stop operation while stopping the symbols constituting the combination to be displayed on the active line. Send to.

  In response to the first stop command, the effect execution means 338 newly transmits a liquid crystal command to the liquid crystal control board 204 to change the effect mode. For example, the middle reel 134b or the right reel as shown in FIG. The liquid crystal display unit 138 displays an image indicating that 134c should be stopped. When the player performs the second stop operation on the middle reel 134b in accordance with the auxiliary effect, the reel control means 306 operates the middle reel 134b corresponding to the operation according to the predetermined stop control in accordance with the symbol corresponding to the winning combination “bell”. The symbols constituting the combination are stopped so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Bell” are displayed on the activated effective line in response to the first stop operation, and the second stop operation is A second stop command indicating that the stop button switch 130b corresponding to the reel 134b has been operated is transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

  In response to the second stop command, the effect execution means 338 newly transmits a liquid crystal command, a voice command, and a light emission command to the liquid crystal control board 204 to change the effect mode. For example, as shown in FIG. An image indicating that the right reel 134c should be stopped is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138. When the player performs the third stop operation on the right reel 134c in accordance with the auxiliary effect, the reel control means 306 operates the right reel 134c corresponding to the operation in accordance with the predetermined stop control and the symbol corresponding to the winning combination “Bell”. The symbols constituting the combination are stopped so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Bell” are displayed on the activated active line in response to the first stop operation, and the right as the third stop operation. A third stop command indicating that the stop button switch 130c corresponding to the reel 134c has been operated is transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

  In response to the third stop command, the effect execution means 338 newly transmits a liquid crystal command, a voice command, and a light emission command to the liquid crystal control board 204 to change the effect mode. For example, as shown in FIG. An image indicating that the stop operation has been completed is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138. At this time, the determination means 308 of the main control board 200 determines the winning combination of the winning combination “Bell” based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Bell” is displayed on the active line, and also wins the winning combination A winning command indicating the combination “bell” and the payout number “10” is transmitted to the sub-control board 202. The effect execution means 338 changes the effect mode in accordance with the winning command, and displays, for example, an image indicating that a medal is paid out on the liquid crystal display unit 138 as shown in FIG.

  Thus, the player can acquire more medals than the normal gaming state through the auxiliary effect. However, such an auxiliary effect is erased due to a sudden power interruption, and cannot be restored unlike continuation information and decision information, simply by turning on the power again as in the prior art. For example, after the effect execution means 338 displays a video indicating that the left reel 134a should be first stopped as shown in FIG. 12A, before the player performs the first stop operation on the left reel 134a, If a power interruption occurs, when the power is turned on again, the video in FIG. 12A is deleted, and only the background video based on the game state in which the user is staying is displayed. Then, the player cannot grasp the order in which the stop switch 130 should be operated, and can surely win the winning combination “Bell” that should be able to win regardless of the timing of the stop operation. There is a risk of missing game profits. At this time, as in the case of continuation information and decision information, even if an attempt is made to retain the effect image immediately before the power interruption, the auxiliary effect varies according to the progress of the game, and is displayed by overlapping a plurality of layers based on the past state. Even if a still image shown in FIG. 12A, for example, is held in the middle, the flow before and after the production cannot be restored.

  After all, when trying to completely restore the effect, such as an auxiliary effect, the process corresponding to the process executed in the sub-control board 202 from the start of the one game is executed, not only the effect displayed at the time of power interruption, It is necessary to reproduce the flow of production before and after that. However, if all the processes from the start of the one game are to be performed separately, the processing load on the sub-control board 202 increases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the effect immediately before the power interruption is restored through the result of the process performed on the sub control board 202 before the power interruption. As the means, here, the device commands generated by the sub-control board 202 from the start of the one game to the time when the power interruption occurs are reproduced and sequentially executed. Therefore, the sub-control board 202 stores the generated commands as a command group in the sub-RAM 202c, and transmits the stored command group again when the power is turned on again. By doing so, the state before power interruption can be restored.

  Specifically, the command accumulating unit 340 of the sub control board 202 includes an insertion command generated by the betting unit 302, a winning combination command generated by the winning combination lottery unit 304, and a stop command ( Device commands (liquid crystal commands, voice commands) generated in the sub-control board 202 corresponding to the commands such as the first stop command, the second stop command, the third stop command) and the winning command generated by the determination means 308 , A light emission command) is stored in the sub-RAM 202c.

  The above command group is the timing at which the state in each game is generated and switched, here, at the end of one game (at the time of receiving a winning command or payout command), 1 at the time of preparation for starting the game (at the time of receiving an input command) Or, it is reset at the start of one game (at the time of receiving the winning combination command) (in this embodiment, it is reset to the start preparation time of one game), and only the transmitted command is stored in the sub-RAM 202c. However, when resetting at the end of one game, it is reset immediately after storing the winning command or payout command in the sub-RAM 202c. By doing so, the command group can be a command from the start of one game to just before a power interruption occurs. Here, among the device commands, the liquid crystal commands are held with different storage areas each time they are transmitted, and the voice commands and the light emission commands are overwritten and held in one storage area. This is because the voice command and the light emission command can be realized independently with only one command regardless of the past state, whereas the liquid crystal command can be realized only when the past display state exists. Because there is. Hereinafter, how the device commands are stored in the sub RAM 202c will be described in detail.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the command storage means 340. The sub RAM 202c holds device commands such as a liquid crystal command, a voice command, and a light emission command. The liquid crystal command further includes “game start”, “effect type”, “start switch”, “first stop”, “first stop”. It is divided into seven storage areas, “2 stop”, “3rd stop”, and “winning”. Since the sub-control board 202 generates and transmits a device command every time a command is received from the main control board 200, the contents held in the sub-RAM 202c for each received command received from the main control board 200 in FIG. Change. Here, the contents held in the sub-RAM 202c in the order in which the received commands are received from the main control board 200 are shown in time series.

  For example, when the sub control board 202 receives an insertion command indicating that a bet operation has been performed, the command storage means 340 initializes the sub RAM 202c, and the liquid crystal determined according to the stage selected at that time. The command (stage A), voice command (BGM), and light emission command (light emission A) are held in the sub-RAM 202c. At this time, the liquid crystal command (stage A) is held in the storage area “game start” of the sub RAM 202c.

  Subsequently, when the sub-control board 202 receives the winning combination command including the lottery result of the winning combination lottery and information on the gaming state, the command storage means 340 indicates the type of effect determined according to the winning combination command. The liquid crystal command (effect B) is held in the storage area “effect type” of the sub RAM 202c. Subsequently, the command storage means 340 holds the liquid crystal command (start) corresponding to the winning combination command in the determined effect B in the storage area “start switch” of the sub-RAM 202c, and also determines the winning combination command in the determined effect B. The corresponding voice command (sound effect B) is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c, and the light emission command (light emission B) corresponding to the determined winning combination command in the effect B determined is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c.

  When the sub control board 202 receives the first stop command indicating that the first operation of the stop switch 130 has been performed, the command storage means 340 displays the liquid crystal command (first first) corresponding to the first stop command in effect B. Stop) is held in the storage area “first stop” of the sub-RAM 202c, and a voice command (sound effect C) corresponding to the first stop command in the effect B is overwritten in the sub-RAM 202c. The corresponding light emission command (light emission C) is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c. Similarly, when the sub control board 202 receives the second stop command, the command storage means 340 sends the liquid crystal command (second stop) corresponding to the second stop command in the effect B to the storage area “second stop” of the sub RAM 202c. And the voice command (sound effect D) corresponding to the second stop command in effect B is overwritten in the sub-RAM 202c, and the light-emission command (emission D) corresponding to the second stop command in effect B is overwritten in the sub-RAM 202c. To do. In addition, when the sub control board 202 receives the third stop command, the command storage unit 340 transmits the liquid crystal command (third stop) corresponding to the third stop command in effect B to the storage area “third stop” of the sub RAM 202c. In addition, the voice command (sound effect E) corresponding to the third stop command in effect B is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c, and the light emission command (light emission E) corresponding to the third stop command in effect B is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c. .

  Subsequently, when the sub control board 202 receives a winning command including the number of medals to be paid out, the command accumulating unit 340 sends a liquid crystal command (winning) corresponding to the winning command in effect B to the storage area “winning” in the sub RAM 202c. The voice command (sound effect F) corresponding to the winning command in effect B is overwritten in the sub-RAM 202c, and the light-emitting command (light emission F) corresponding to the winning command in effect B is overwritten in the sub-RAM 202c.

  As described above, the liquid crystal commands are held with different storage areas each time they are generated. That is, all the liquid crystal commands generated in the past in one game are held. On the other hand, the voice command and the light emission command are overwritten every time they are generated, and the latest command is always held.

  When the power interruption occurs, the command group transmission means 342 of the sub control board 202 corresponds to the command group stored in the sub RAM 202c by the command storage means 340 when the power is turned on again after the unexpected power interruption. It transmits to a device (the liquid crystal control board 204, an audio | voice control means, and a light emission control means).

  However, the command group transmission means 342 transmits all commands from the start of one game to the time of power interruption to the liquid crystal control board 204 in the order of generation of the liquid crystal commands in the command group. As for the command, only one finally saved command is transmitted to the sound control means and the light emission control means. Here, since the device command is reproduced as a result of executing the effect, the effect mode completely restores the effect before power interruption.

  Hereinafter, specific processing in the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 will be described.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, an outline of one game after initialization will be described along the main process of the main control board 200, and then the details of each process will be described.

(Step S100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch 148 and becomes energized, the initialization unit 300 executes an initialization process in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization unit 300 generates backup data at any time while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power interruption occurs, it is possible to restore the state before the power interruption using the stored backup data in this initialization process. For example, even if an unexpected power interruption occurs during the rotation of the rotating reel, the operation is started from the state where the rotating reel is rotated again after the return operation. Therefore, in the initialization process, the main RAM 200c is basically not initialized (RAM clear). However, information that does not affect the game profit of the player, for example, information related to performance, is initialized as necessary. The initialization unit 300 confirms the connection status and operation status of various devices including the reel unit 134.

(Step S200)
Subsequently, the betting means 302 accepts the insertion of a prescribed number of medals from the medal insertion unit 124, or accepts the operation of the betting button 126 in a situation where the prescribed number or more of credits is stored, and completes the betting of medals. To start waiting for the operation of the start switch 128. Further, the betting means 302 generates an insertion command indicating that the operation has been performed, and transmits it to the sub control board 202. When the operation of the start switch 128 is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S300.

(Step S300)
Next, the winning combination lottery means 304 selects one winning combination at the time when the start switch 128 is operated from the winning combination lottery random number updated by the random number generator 256 of the main control board 200 according to the operation of the start switch 128. Get a role lottery random number. Then, the winning combination lottery means 304 determines one winning combination lottery table corresponding to the currently set gaming state from a plurality of winning combination lottery tables including the normal gaming state winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. In addition, it is determined which winning area in the determined winning combination lottery table the acquired winning combination lottery random number corresponds to, and the determined winning combination or lose in the determined winning area is determined as a lottery result. In addition, the winning combination lottery means 304 generates a winning combination command including the lottery result (winning combination or lose) of the winning combination lottery and information on the gaming state after the lottery result is determined according to the operation of the start switch 128. To the sub control board 202.

(Step S400)
When the lottery process is completed as described above, the reel control unit 306 next drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the start of rotation of the left reel 134a, middle reel 134b, and right reel 134c in the previous game (wait), the left reel in the game 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c start to rotate, and when the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c all rotate at a constant speed, the operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is enabled. To do.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, when the reel control means 306 receives an operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c by the player in a state where the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c are activated, the reel control unit 306 rotates the reel corresponding to the operation. (One of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c) is stopped according to a predetermined stop control. Further, when any of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is operated, the reel control unit 306 displays a stop command (first stop command, information indicating the information of the operated stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c). A second stop command and a third stop command) are generated for each operation and sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

(Step S600)
Next, the determination unit 308 determines which combination the symbol combination displayed on the active line shown in FIG. 5A corresponds to, and changes the gaming state according to the symbol combination. And various processes required for replay. Here, the determination means 308 is one of a plurality of gaming states having different degrees of advantage of the player based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line. The game state, for example, the bonus game state is determined. In addition, the determination unit 308 generates a winning command including a symbol combination displayed on the active line, a medal payout number when the symbol combination corresponding to the small role is displayed on the active line, and the like. Transmit to the substrate 202.

(Step S700)
Subsequently, on the basis of the determination result in step S600, for example, when the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination is displayed on the active line, the payout control unit 310 executes a medal payout process corresponding to the small combination, When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line, a process for automatically betting the next game is executed. In this way, the payout control means 310 performs various processes corresponding to the symbol combinations displayed on the active line, and ends the one game. Further, when the medal payout process is performed, the payout control unit 310 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been performed, and transmits the payout command to the sub-control board 202.

  As shown in steps S200 to S700, a game can be started through insertion of medals, and one game is executed through a series of processing from operation of the start switch 128 to payout by winning. Thereafter, steps S200 to S700 are repeated.

(Detailed processing of initialization processing S100)
Next, regarding the features of the present embodiment, detailed operations of each process in step S100 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the initialization process in step S100.

(Step S101)
When the power switch 148 is turned on, the main control board 200 starts to operate, and the initialization unit 300 maintains information (including game state and error information) that affects the player's gaming profit in the main RAM 200c. Initialize other information that does not affect game profit.

(Step S102)
Subsequently, the initialization unit 300 confirms the connection status and operation status of various devices such as the reel unit 134 and ends the initialization process S100.

(Sub-processing of sub-control board 202)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a sub process of the sub control board 202.

(Step S1100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch 148 and energized, the initialization determining unit 330 of the sub control board 202 executes the initialization process, like the initialization unit 300 of the main control board 200, Allow interrupts. The initialization determination unit 330 generates backup data at any time while the power is turned on, and holds the backup data in the sub RAM 202c. Therefore, in the initialization process, the initialization (RAM clear) of the sub-RAM 202c is not performed with respect to the continuation information and the determination information, and information that does not affect the player's gaming profit, for example, information related to performance, is initialized as necessary. Is done. Here, the continuation information is information that is maintained over a plurality of games, for example, information such as a gaming state (a normal gaming state, a bonus gaming state, a specific gaming state), and a stage that makes a presentation mode different in each gaming state. Say. Further, the decision information is not information that covers a plurality of games like the continuation information, but is important information that affects the game profit of the player, such as a lottery result of a specific game. Therefore, immediately after the power is turned on again, the general effects including the auxiliary effects that are set independently in one game and do not directly affect the game profit of the player are not restored. However, although the auxiliary effect does not directly affect the game profit of the player, as described above, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination in which the operation order and operation timing of the stop switch 130 are set as winning conditions is effective. When the winning combination that is displayed above or the RT gaming state ends is won, the termination of the RT gaming state can be avoided, which indirectly affects the gaming profit. In addition, regarding the speaker 140 and the effect lamp 142 that are also used as effects, the output of the sound effects and the light emission based on the effects determined by the effect determining means 336 are not performed, but the continuation information, for example, based on the gaming state and the stage Musical sound output and light emission are executed.

  At this time, if the previous power interruption is an unexpected power interruption, the command group transmission unit 342 corresponds to a device (the liquid crystal control board 204, the voice control unit, the command group stored in the sub RAM 202c by the command storage unit 340, respectively. To the light emission control means). Here, whether or not there is an unexpected power interruption can be determined by whether the time of power interruption and the time of a power outage overlap, whether the power switch 148 is not operated, etc. In this embodiment, one game At any point of time, it is determined whether or not a power interruption has occurred through whether or not a power interruption flag is ON. Note that the period for determining an unexpected power interruption is from receiving the winning combination command until receiving all stop commands (first stop command, second stop command, and third stop command).

(Step S1200)
Command receiving means 332 stands by until a command from main control board 200 is received.

(Step S1300)
If it is determined in step S1200 that a command has been received, the command receiving unit 332 executes various processes based on the received command.

(Detailed processing of initialization processing S1100)
Next, regarding the features of the present embodiment, detailed operations of each process in step S1100 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the initialization process in step S1100.

(Step S1101)
When the power switch 148 is turned on, the sub control board 202 starts to operate, and the initialization determining means 330 maintains information (including continuation information and determination information) that affects the player's gaming profit in the sub RAM 202c. Then, other information that does not affect the game profit is initialized.

(Step S1102)
Subsequently, the initialization determination unit 330 confirms the connection status and operation status of each device of the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142.

(Step S1103)
Next, the initialization determination unit 330 determines whether or not the previous power failure is an unexpected power failure such as a power failure, that is, whether or not the power failure flag is ON. As a result, if the power interruption flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S1104. If the power interruption flag is not ON, the initialization process S1100 ends. Such a power interruption flag is not initialized by power interruption.

(Step S1104)
If it is determined in step S1103 that the power interruption flag is ON, the command group transmission unit 342 displays the command group stored in the sub RAM 202c by the command storage unit 340 as the liquid crystal control board 204, sound control unit, and light emission control unit. Send to. However, the command group transmission means 342 transmits all commands from the start of one game to the time of power interruption to the liquid crystal control board 204 in the order of generation of the liquid crystal commands in the command group. As for the command, only one finally saved command is transmitted to the sound control means and the light emission control means. By receiving the liquid crystal commands in the same order as before the power interruption, the liquid crystal control board 204 can grasp the type of production and the change process of the production mode until the power interruption. It is possible to restore to.

(Detailed processing of command reception processing S1300)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the command reception process in step S1300.
Here, processing related to the feature of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and description of the configuration unrelated to the feature of the present embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S1301)
First, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is an input command. As a result, if the received command is a submission command, the process proceeds to step S1302, and if the received command is not a submission command, the process proceeds to step S1303.

(Step S1302)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1301 is a throw-in command, the effect execution means 338 determines that the effect that has been executed up to that time has been performed under a predetermined condition, assuming that the game start preparation for the next game has been performed. Switch to, and determine and start the production based on the gaming state and stage. Specifically, a liquid crystal command (for example, stage A in FIG. 13) based on the gaming state stage is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204 to execute a liquid crystal display effect, and an accompanying voice command (for example, in FIG. 13). BGM) and a light emission command (for example, light emission A in FIG. 13) are transmitted to the sound control means and the light emission control means to execute the speaker output effect and the lamp light emission effect. The command storage means 340 initializes (deletes) the command group in the sub RAM 202c, holds the liquid crystal command (stage A) determined according to the stage in the storage area “game start” in the sub RAM 202c, The sub-RAM 202c holds the voice command (BGM) determined according to the above and the light emission command (light emission A) determined according to the stage.

(Step S1303)
Subsequently, the command receiving unit 332 determines whether or not the received command is a winning combination command. As a result, if the received command is a winning combination command, it is assumed that one game has started, and the process proceeds to step S1304. If the received command is not a winning combination command, the process proceeds to step S1308.

(Step S1304)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1303 is a winning combination command, the specific game lottery means 334 provides that the gaming state managed by the main control board 200 indicated by the winning combination command is a normal gaming state. In addition, based on the winning combination indicated in the winning combination command, the specific game lottery table as shown in FIG. 11 is extracted from the sub ROM 202b, and the specific game lottery random number is determined based on the extracted specific game lottery table. Here, it is determined whether or not it corresponds to the winning of ART game, and if the specific game lottery random number corresponds to the winning of the specific game, execution of the specific game is determined. Also, if the gaming state managed by the sub-control board 202 is the AT gaming state, the specific game lottery means 334 performs an additional lottery for the AT game continuation number, and if the additional lottery is won, It is added to the current number of AT game continuations.

(Step S1305)
Subsequently, the effect determining means 336 determines the game effect based on the winning combination command. At this time, if the gaming state is the specific gaming state and the winning combination is a winning combination (winning areas 4 to 15 in FIG. 6) in which the operation order of the stop switch 130 is set as a winning condition, the stop switch The auxiliary effect for notifying the operation order of 130 is determined.

(Step S1306)
Next, the effect executing means 338 starts executing the effect determined by the effect determining means 336. For example, if the determined effect is an auxiliary effect, the effect execution means 338 causes the liquid crystal command indicating the type of the auxiliary effect (for example, effect B in FIG. 13) and the liquid crystal command indicating the start of the auxiliary effect (for example, FIG. 13 is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204 to execute a liquid crystal display effect, and a voice command (for example, sound effect B in FIG. 13) and a light emission command (for example, light emission B in FIG. 13) accompanying the start of the auxiliary effect. ) Is transmitted to the sound control means and the light emission control means to execute the speaker output effect and the lamp light emission effect. Then, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 12A is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138. Then, the command accumulating unit 340 holds the liquid crystal command (effect B) indicating the determined effect type in the storage area “effect type” of the sub RAM 202c. Further, the command storage means 340 holds the liquid crystal command (start) corresponding to the winning combination command in the auxiliary effect in the storage area “start switch” of the sub-RAM 202c, and the voice command (effect) corresponding to the winning combination command in the auxiliary effect. The sound B) is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c, and the light emission command (light emission B) corresponding to the winning combination command in the auxiliary effect is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c.

(Step S1307)
Subsequently, when the power interruption occurs, the effect execution means 338 turns on a power interruption flag for determining whether the power interruption is an unexpected power interruption. Here, when the power interruption flag is ON, it is determined that the power interruption is unexpected, and when the power interruption flag is OFF, it is determined that the power interruption is normal.

(Step S1308)
Subsequently, the command receiving unit 332 determines whether or not the received command is a stop command. As a result, if the received command is a stop command, the process proceeds to step S1309, and if the received command is not a stop command, the process proceeds to step S1312.

(Step S1309)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1308 is a stop command, the effect execution means 338 determines whether the stop command is a first stop command, a second stop command, or a third stop command. The stop operation is determined to be one of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c, and the liquid crystal command (first stop), (second stop) is determined based on the determination result and the contents of the effect. , (Third stop) are sequentially transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 204 to execute a liquid crystal display effect, and accompanying voice commands (sound effect C), (sound effect D), (sound effect E) and a light emission command (light emission) C), (light emission D), and (light emission E) are sequentially transmitted to the sound control means and the light emission control means to execute the speaker output effect and the lamp light emission effect. Then, for example, as shown in FIGS. 12B, 12 </ b> C, and 12 </ b> D, the effect mode of the effect on the liquid crystal display unit 138 changes.

  If the received command is the first stop command, the command storage unit 340 holds the liquid crystal command (first stop) corresponding to the first stop command in the auxiliary effect in the storage area “first stop” of the sub RAM 202c. In addition, the voice command (sound effect C) corresponding to the first stop command in the auxiliary effect is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c, and the light emission command (light emission C) corresponding to the first stop command in the auxiliary effect is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c. If the received command is the second stop command, the command storage unit 340 holds the liquid crystal command (second stop) corresponding to the second stop command in the auxiliary effect in the storage area “second stop” of the sub RAM 202c. The voice command (sound effect D) corresponding to the second stop command in the auxiliary effect is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c, and the light emission command (light emission D) corresponding to the second stop command in the auxiliary effect is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c. If the received command is the third stop command, the command storage means 340 holds the liquid crystal command (third stop) corresponding to the third stop command in the auxiliary effect in the storage area “third stop” of the sub-RAM 202c. The voice command (sound effect E) corresponding to the third stop command in the auxiliary effect is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c, and the light emission command (light emission E) corresponding to the third stop command in the auxiliary effect is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c.

  Here, an auxiliary effect that changes the effect mode in all of the first stop command, the second stop command, and the third stop command has been described. However, depending on the effect, a change in one or more stop commands is not assumed. In response to the stop command, the liquid crystal command, the voice command, and the light emission command are not transmitted, and the production mode is not changed. If there is no command to be transmitted, the command storage means 340 also does not store the command.

(Step S1310)
Subsequently, the effect execution means 338 determines whether or not all stop commands have been received, that is, whether or not the received stop command is a third stop command. As a result, if the received command is the third stop command, the process proceeds to step S1311, and if the received command is not the third stop command, the process proceeds to step S1312.
(Step S1311)
Further, the command accumulation unit 340 turns off the power interruption flag when all the stop commands have been transmitted. Therefore, even if a power interruption occurs between the end of one game and the start of the next game, it is not determined that there is an unexpected power interruption, and the command group transmission means 318 assigns the command group to the sub control board. Do not send to 202.

(Step S1312)
Subsequently, the command receiving unit 332 determines whether the received command is a winning command. As a result, if the received command is a winning command, the process proceeds to step S1313. If the received command is not a winning command, the process proceeds to step S1314.

(Step S1313)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1312 is a winning command, the effect execution means 338 transmits a liquid crystal command (for example, winning in FIG. 13) based on the winning command to the liquid crystal control board 204 to display the liquid crystal display. The effect is executed, and the accompanying voice command (for example, sound effect F in FIG. 13) and the light emission command (for example, light emission F in FIG. 13) are transmitted to the sound control means and the light emission control means to produce the speaker output effect and the lamp light emission. Perform the production. Then, an image indicating that a medal is paid out is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 as shown in FIG. Then, the command storage means 340 holds the liquid crystal command corresponding to the winning command in the auxiliary effect in the storage area “winning” of the sub RAM 202c, and the voice command (sound effect F) corresponding to the winning command in the auxiliary effect is stored in the sub RAM 202c. And the sub RAM 202c is overwritten with the light emission command (light emission F) corresponding to the winning command in the auxiliary effect.

(Step S1314)
Subsequently, the command receiving unit 332 determines whether or not the received command is a payout command. As a result, if the received command is a payout command, the process proceeds to step S1315. If the received command is not a payout command, the command reception process S1300 is terminated.

(Step S1315)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1314 is a payout command, the effect execution means 338 transmits a light emission command based on the payout command to the light emission control means to execute a lamp light emission effect. Then, the numerical values of the sub credit display unit 156 and the sub payout display unit 158 are updated in accordance with the medal payout.

  The processing flow of the present embodiment described above will be specifically described with reference to FIG. Here, as in FIG. 12, a case where an auxiliary effect is executed and an unexpected power interruption occurs in the middle will be described.

  When a winning combination in which the operation order of the stop switch 130 is set as a winning condition is won by a winning combination lottery of the winning combination lottery means 304, a winning combination command indicating the winning combination is transmitted to the sub-control board 202, and an effect executing means 338 causes the liquid crystal display unit 138 to display an image indicating that the left reel 134a is to be first stopped as an auxiliary effect, as shown in FIG. 19A, through the liquid crystal control board 204. At this time, the command group of the sub RAM 202c includes a liquid crystal command (stage A) in the storage area “game start”, a liquid crystal command (effect B) in the storage area “production type”, and a liquid crystal command in the storage area “start switch”. (Start) is held, a voice command (sound effect B) is held as a voice command, and a light emission command (light emission B) is held as a light emission command.

  When the player performs the first stop operation on the left reel 134a according to the auxiliary effect of FIG. 19A, the reel control means 306 operates the left reel 134a corresponding to the operation according to a predetermined stop control, for example, A first stop command indicating that the stop button switch 130a corresponding to the left reel 134a has been operated as the first stop operation is stopped so that the symbol combination corresponding to the role “bell” is displayed on the active line. Transmit to the sub control board 202. At this time, the command storage unit 340 additionally holds the liquid crystal command (first stop) in the storage area “first stop” of the sub RAM 202c, and overwrites the voice command (sound effect C) on the sub RAM 202c to emit light. The command (light emission C) is overwritten in the sub RAM 202c.

  The effect execution means 338 changes the effect mode according to the first stop command, and displays, for example, an image indicating that the middle reel 134b or the right reel 134c should be stopped as shown in FIG. 138 is displayed.

  Here, it is assumed that an unexpected power interruption occurs before the player's stop operation is performed. When the power is restored and the power is turned on again, the command group transmission means 342 of the sub control board 202 transmits all the commands of the command group stored in the sub RAM 202c. Then, in the liquid crystal control board 204, all command processing from the start of one game is executed based on the retransmitted liquid crystal command, and the sound control unit and the light emission control unit perform one retransmitted sound. Command processing is executed based on the command and one light emission command, and an image indicating that the middle reel 134b or the right reel 134c should be stopped is restored as shown in FIG. Here, since a plurality of liquid crystal command processes are continuously executed, a slight flicker may occur in the liquid crystal display unit 138 due to an image change in the middle of the production, but the player's gaming profit is not impaired, and Because the power is turned on again, the player rarely feels uncomfortable. Therefore, there is no problem in the progress of the game. Thus, the player can sequentially stop the stop switch 130 in accordance with the auxiliary effect, and can protect the gaming profit.

  As described above, with the slot machine 100 described above, it is possible to protect the player's gaming profits even in the event of an unexpected power interruption. Further, in the slot machine 100, the effect determined by the effect determining means 336 can be completely reproduced, so that consistency with the effect before power interruption can be achieved.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Is done.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the command group transmission unit 342 retransmits the command group stored in the sub RAM 202c only when the previous power interruption is an unexpected power interruption. Instead, the command group may be retransmitted in response to power-on again regardless of the type of power interruption just before.

  In the above-described embodiment, the command group is reset at the timing when the state in each game is generated and switched. However, this is not the only case, and the oldest command is stored in the sub RAM 202c for a plurality of games. The group may be overwritten at any time. In this case, the entire command group may be reset when the gaming state is changed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the previous power interruption is a sudden power interruption, the command group transmission unit 342 is stored in the sub RAM 202c regardless of whether the effect before the power interruption is an auxiliary effect. The stored command group is retransmitted, but the command group is retransmitted only when the effect before power interruption is an auxiliary effect (for example, only when a liquid crystal command indicating the type of auxiliary effect is stored). May be. In this way, the processing load can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the production mode is changed according to the stop command. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in addition to or instead of the chance button provided separately on the operation unit installation base 122 Depending on the situation, the production mode may be changed.

  Further, the processes performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above do not necessarily have to be processed in time series in the order described in the flowchart, and may include processes in parallel or by a subroutine.

100 ... slot machine (game machine)
148 ... Power switch 200 ... Main control board 202 ... Sub control board 202c ... Sub-RAM (storage means)
300 ... Initializing means 302 ... Bet means 304 ... Winning role lottery means 306 ... Reel control means 310 ... Disbursement control means 336 ... Effect determination means 338 ... Effect execution means 340 ... Command accumulation means 342 ... Command group transmission means

Claims (1)

Betting means for betting gaming media for use in gaming;
A winning combination lottery means for determining either a winning combination or a loser by a winning combination lottery based on the operation of a start switch, on condition that a bet of a game medium is made,
A plurality of rotating reels each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged thereon;
The rotation of the plurality of rotating reels is controlled based on the operation of the start switch, and the rotation reels corresponding to the operated stop switches are respectively controlled to be stopped based on the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating rotating reel. Reel control means;
Based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line, the payout control means for paying out the game medium corresponding to the winning combination;
When a plurality of winning combinations are won, a command for executing an effect is transmitted to the liquid crystal display unit based on the operation order in which any winning combination can be won, and a stop switch to be operated is displayed on the liquid crystal display. Production execution means to be displayed on the section;
With
When power is turned on again after power is turned off,
The reel control means controls the rotation of the rotary reel corresponding to the stop switch that is not operated before the power is turned off,
Send the command to the liquid crystal display again to restore the state before power off,
The effect execution means does not display the stop switch to be operated, which is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit and the corresponding stop switch is already operated before the power is turned off, and is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit before the power is turned off. A gaming machine, wherein the stop switch to be operated is displayed again, but the corresponding stop switch is not operated.

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