JP6306351B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a gaming machine (slot machine: revolving gaming machine) installed in a gaming hall such as a pachinko parlor is an operation in which a player inserts a gaming medium such as a medal into a medal slot and presses a start lever ( (Hereinafter, referred to as a pressing operation), when a plurality of reels rotate, an internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not a winning combination is performed, and then an operation to stop each reel (hereinafter referred to as a stop operation) is performed. When the combination of symbols printed on each reel is stopped with the combination of symbols indicating the winning pattern determined based on the result of the internal lottery, it is determined that the winning combination has been won and the game medium is paid out. It is.

  In recent years, in this type of gaming machine, in order to increase the player's willingness to play, the player has an advantage over the normal game (normal state) that is one of a plurality of games (game state) managed by the main control unit. As a special game, in addition to the so-called bonus game, as a game (production state) managed by the sub-control unit, a special effect is executed under a predetermined condition, and the player performs an operation according to the special effect. It is possible to win a predetermined combination and make it easier to acquire more game media such as medals in a game section where a special effect is executed than in a game section where a special effect is not executed (for example, a normal effect state). Some assist time games (AT game, AT state) are set.

  In such a gaming machine, for example, the sub-control unit counts the number of games related to the normal game after the end of the bonus game, and the number of times counted without winning the next bonus game (the first number of games) ) Has reached a predetermined number of times (hereinafter referred to as the ceiling-specified number of games), so that it becomes a so-called “ceiling” and has a function of forcibly shifting to, for example, an AT game (for example, Patent Document 1). .

In addition, in such a gaming machine, setting changes (for example, the above-mentioned bonus game or AT game transition probability or winning combination probability) can be changed in stages within a predetermined range of the contents of the internal lottery process. It has become. By making such a setting change (hereinafter referred to as setting change), it is possible to adjust the long-term game medium payout amount of the gaming machine. When the setting is changed, at least information related to the first game number stored in the temporary storage area provided in the memory of the sub-control unit is similarly cleared (deleted). On the other hand, when the setting is not changed, the information is maintained.
In the following explanation, when the setting is not changed at the timing when the setting is changed and the setting is maintained, it is assumed that the processing in which the setting is maintained ("setting maintenance") is performed, “Before”, “After setting” after the processing.

JP2012-24148

However, in the gaming machine as described above, a player who is familiar with the specifications of the gaming machine can determine whether or not the setting has been changed based on the specifications of the gaming machine. Specifically, for example, in a gaming machine in which the ceiling ceiling game number to be “ceiling” is set to 1000 times in advance, the game is terminated when the normal game is played 600 times after the bonus game is finished before the setting is maintained. Then, after maintaining the setting, if the game is played 400 times in the normal game, reaches the ceiling specified number of games and becomes “ceiling”, and the game moves to the AT game, the player counts the first game counted before the setting is maintained. It can be determined that the information relating to the number of times (600 times) is maintained, and it can be determined that the setting of the gaming machine has not been changed. On the other hand, if the game is not “ceiling” even if the normal game is performed 400 times or more and the game does not shift to the AT game, the information related to the first game count (600 times) counted before the setting change is cleared ( It is possible to determine that the setting has been changed.
In this way, the player refers to the first number of games before the setting is maintained, and changes the setting of the gaming machine based on the presence or absence of a change in the gaming state (effect state) by performing the normal game after the setting is maintained a predetermined number of times. For example, there is a possibility that no more games will be performed for a gaming machine determined to be low, and as a result, the operating rate of the gaming machine may be reduced. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine in which it is difficult for a player to determine whether or not there is a setting change.

The first invention is based on a plurality of reels that variably display a plurality of types of symbols written on the outer peripheral surface by rotating, a rendering means capable of performing a rendering according to a gaming situation, and a predetermined lottery probability. The reels are controlled to stop in a manner corresponding to the result of the lottery, and predetermined processing is performed according to the game result by the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the reels when stopped. In a gaming machine including a control unit to be executed, the control unit is capable of counting the number of games in the first gaming state, and maintains the counted value based on a predetermined condition being achieved. processing a first counting means for performing a counting value has a plurality of counters and a second counting means is initialized, after the condition has been achieved, was maintained by the first counting means And performing processing according to the conditions of transition to the different second game state from the first game state based on.

In the first invention, when a predetermined condition is achieved (for example, when a setting change of the gaming machine is performed), a value in which the value of the second counting means that is an opportunity to shift to the second gaming state is initialized in the case of game machines, and the processing of the value of the first counting means also the maintained as is the setting change, and maintained for migration on the basis of the (previous settings) value to the second game state Processing related to the conditions (for example, setting an optimal specified value by determining a specified value (ceiling value) based on a value maintained by the first counting means when the setting is changed) is possible.
Here, in the first gaming state, a normal state that is one of the gaming states managed by the control unit and a normal performance state (a state that is not the AT state) that is one of the performance states proceed in an overlapping manner. A gaming state. On the other hand, the second gaming state is, for example, an AT state managed by the control unit.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the control unit enables transition to the second gaming state when the value of the second count means reaches a predetermined specified value, , And determining based on the value of the first counting means when the condition is achieved .

In the second invention, a specified value (ceiling value), the count value of the first game number which is not initialized based on the (value of the first counting means) (for example by drawing) to determine, in accordance with the value Various specified values can be set.

A third invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the achievement of the condition is to execute a setting change for changing an advantage of the gaming machine .

In the third invention, Yu technique person, from the initialization of the presence or set conditions specified value or the like of the counting means, to determine whether the setting change of the gaming machine becomes difficult.

  On the other hand, regardless of whether or not the setting is changed, the player refers to the first game count before the setting change or setting maintenance, and after reaching the setting change or setting maintenance, the game that reaches the specified number with a relatively small first game count. Since a machine can be selected, it is motivated to play a game, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult to determine whether a player has changed a setting.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is a perspective view of the slot machine with the front door opened. Similarly, it is a block diagram which shows the relationship of each component. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the winning probability of the combination in the normal state of the slot machine. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the winning probability of the combination in the big bonus internal state of the slot machine. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the winning probability of the combination in the big bonus state of the slot machine. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol of the reel of a slot machine. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the correspondence of the winning combination and symbol combination of a slot machine. Similarly, it is a diagram showing an example of the effect image when the slot machine is in the AT state. Similarly, it is a diagram showing an example of the effect image when the slot machine is in the AT state. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the game frequency count value of a slot machine, and a ceiling lottery table. Similarly, it is a figure which shows the probability that a ceiling is set in each game section in the ceiling lottery table of the slot machine. Similarly, it is a flowchart for explaining the control relating to the process of counting the number of normal games on the main board of the slot machine. Similarly, it is a flowchart for demonstrating the control which concerns on the setting change process of a slot machine. Similarly, it is a flowchart for demonstrating the control which concerns on the number of lots of ceiling games at the time of the setting change in the sub board | substrate of a slot machine.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this embodiment does not limit the present invention. In the following description, the reference direction of each part of the gaming machine will be described in accordance with the viewpoint (front view) of the player facing the front of the gaming machine.

[External configuration of slot machine S]
As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine S that is a gaming machine of the present embodiment includes a box-shaped housing 1 having an opening on the front surface, and a front door 2 that is attached so that the opening of the housing 1 can be opened and closed. A display window 4 that is provided on the front upper portion of the front door 2 and that allows the reel 3 including the left left reel 3a, the middle middle reel 3b, and the right right reel 3c to be visible from the front, An effect display unit 5 (effect means) provided above the window 4 and capable of displaying a plurality of types of moving images or still images, and provided at both corners of the upper portion of the front door 2, and a plurality of types of sound effects and music Are provided on the upper peripheral edge of the front door 2 and an effect lamp 7 (effect means) having a plurality of types of flashing patterns is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine S is shown on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel 3a, the middle reel 3b, and the right reel 3c (hereinafter also referred to as reels 3a to 3c) when the reel 3 is stopped. Of a plurality of types of symbols (see FIG. 7) arranged in 21 regions (hereinafter referred to as “frames”) at intervals, three symbols (upper symbol, middle symbol, lower symbol) continuously arranged on the outer peripheral surface ) Is visible through the display window 4 from the front of the slot machine S. Accordingly, nine symbols arranged in three vertical columns and three horizontal rows are visible.

  In the slot machine S, five winning determination lines L1 to L5 are set according to the combination of the positions of the frames of the reels 3a to 3c. In addition, the number of medals required for one game (one game), which will be described later, the so-called prescribed insertion number is set to three, and when a medal corresponding to the prescribed insertion number is inserted, five winning determination lines L1. All of ~ L5 are activated.

  The game result is determined by a combination of symbols of the reels 3a to 3c that are stopped and displayed on the activated winning determination lines L1 to L5 in the display window 4, and displayed on the winning determination lines L1 to L5. In the case where the symbol combination is a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined combination, medals are paid out from a hopper unit 320, which will be described later, as the combination winning.

  Further, below the display window 4 of the front door 2, a game information display section 8 is provided which is composed of an LED, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game states, and the game information display section 8 on the front door 2. Below is a medal insertion slot 9 into which medals are inserted and the number of medals for playing a game among medals previously inserted into the medal insertion slot 9 and electronically stored (hereinafter referred to as credits). A bet button 10 that can be set by operation (hereinafter referred to as a bet) is provided. Further, below the bet button 10, the start lever 11 for starting the rotation of the reel 3 and the left reel 3a, the middle reel 3b, and the right reel 3c correspond to each of the left reel 3a and the middle reel. 3b, a left stop button 12a on the left side that can stop the rotation of the right reel 3c, a middle stop button 12b in the center, and a right stop button 12c on the right side (hereinafter also referred to as stop buttons 12a to 12c). .

  Further, a display panel 13 for displaying the model name of the slot machine S and the like is provided below the stop buttons 12a to 12c on the front surface of the front door 2, and below the display panel 13 on the front surface of the front door 2. A medal tray 15 for storing medals paid out from the medal payout opening 14 is provided.

[Internal configuration of slot machine S]
As shown in FIG. 2, a partition plate 1 </ b> A that divides the space into upper and lower portions is provided inside the housing 1, and the reel 3 that is visible from the display window 4 and the number of drive pulses are above the partition plate 1 </ b> A. A reel comprising a stepping motor 313 (see FIG. 3) capable of rotationally driving the reel 3 by controlling the pulse width and the like and stopping control at a predetermined angle, and a photosensor for setting a reference position of the reels 3a to 3c. A reel unit 310 having an index 315 (see FIG. 3) and the like is detachably provided.

  A main board 100 and a sub board 500, which will be described later, are installed above the reel unit 310.

  Below the interior of the housing 1 are a medal storage tank 321 for storing medals, a payout motor 322 (see FIG. 3) comprising a stepping motor, and a rotating disk (not shown) rotatably supported by the payout motor. And a payout medal detection switch 325 (see FIG. 3) that operates every time a medal is paid out, and the stored medal is paid out in units of one by rotating the rotating disk by a payout motor. A hopper unit 320 configured to be capable of being provided. Above the hopper unit 320, a power supply unit 50 capable of supplying external power to the slot machine S is provided. The power supply unit 50 includes a power switch 51 for turning on / off the power of the slot machine S and a setting change switch 52S for changing the “setting value” capable of adjusting the medal payout rate step by step. A setting change button 52, a release key cylinder 53 with a built-in release switch 53S for enabling the operation of the setting change button 52, and the like are provided.

[Outline of slot machine S games]
The slot machine S rotates the reels 3a to 3c when the player inserts three medals into the medal insertion slot 9, or performs bet operation by pressing the bet button 10 with the medals credited. The ready state is controllable. When the player depresses the start lever 11, the main board 100 controls the stepping motor 313 to start rotating the reels 3a to 3c based on the depressing operation of the start lever 11. An internal lottery such as the used combination is executed, and the control to validate the pressing operation of the stop buttons 12a to 12c is performed on the condition that the rotation speed of the reels 3a to 3c has increased to a predetermined speed.

Subsequently, when the player depresses the stop buttons 12a to 12c at an arbitrary timing, the main board 100 controls the stepping motor 313 and the like to stop the reels 3a to 3c at the stop position according to the result of the internal lottery. Let The number of medals based on the game result corresponding to the combination of symbols displayed on the reels 3 a to 3 c is paid out from the medal payout opening 14 to the medal tray 15.
Here, after the reels 3a to 3c are rotated by the pressing operation of the start lever 11, the reels 3a to 3c are stopped by the pressing operation of the stop buttons 12a to 12c. As a result, the processing based on the displayed symbol combination is completed. This is called one game (one game).

Next, functions of the slot machine S of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The slot machine S of the present embodiment is configured by a main board (main control unit) 100 and a sub board (sub control unit) 500 as control means, and the main board 100 performs overall control related to the game, Control related to the overall performance is performed by the sub-board 500.

  The main board (main control unit) 100 receives input signals from the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240, and the like as input means for the main board 100 to execute a game. Various arithmetic processes are performed, and output operations of the reel unit 310 and the hopper unit 320 as output means are controlled based on the results of the arithmetic processes.

  The sub board 500 (sub control unit) receives an input signal from the main board 100, performs various arithmetic processes for executing effects in accordance with the progress of the game, and based on the results of the arithmetic processes, Control of output operations such as a display effect relating to the effect display unit 5, an acoustic effect relating to the speaker 6, and an illumination effect relating to the effect lamp 7 is performed. Note that the functions of the main board 100 and the sub board 500 are realized by the CPU executing software including a program stored in a predetermined memory.

[Main board 100]
The main board 100 includes setting change means 105, insertion acceptance means 110, random number generation means 115, internal lottery means 120, reel control means 125, winning determination means 130, replay processing means 135, payout control means 140, gaming state transition control means. 145, sub-control state determination means 150, signal output means 155, main game frequency counting means 160, communication control means 165, main memory 190, and the like.

  In addition, the main memory 190 includes a ROM that is a read-only storage area in which the system program in the slot machine S of the present embodiment is stored, and various data generated by the main board 100 (flags and computations specified by the system program). Value) and a RAM that is a rewritable storage area used as a work area for arithmetic processing of the main board 100.

  Specifically, as will be described below, the main memory 190 includes an internal lottery table storage unit 191 that stores an internal lottery table that is referred to in the lottery for determining whether or not a combination is successful. Flag storage means 192 for setting a lottery flag, stop control table storage means 193 for storing a stop control table, winning determination table storing means 194 for storing a winning determination table, credit (internal storage) medal information is stored Credit storage means 196 for storing, setting value storage means 197 for storing setting values of gaming machines, main game number storage means 198 for storing the number of games, and the like.

(Setting change means 105)
The setting change means 105 is a means for controlling the change of the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 197 of the main memory 190, and is a setting key (not shown) on the release key cylinder 53 provided in the power supply unit 50. Is inserted and turned clockwise or counterclockwise, the release switch 53S is operated to control the setting change effective state in which the operation of the setting change switch 52S incorporated in the setting change button 52 is enabled. In the setting change valid state, the setting changing means 105 changes the setting values “1-6” stored in the setting value storage means 197 from “1” to “1” every time an input signal from the setting change switch 52S is received. “2” → “3” → “4” → “5” → “6” → “1” → “2” → “3”... In the setting change valid state, the operation of the start switch 230 is set as a setting confirmation condition. Based on a start signal (input signal) from the start switch 230 that is operated by depressing the start lever 11, the setting value storage means of the main memory 190 is stored. The setting value newly stored in 197 is confirmed, and the setting change operation (hereinafter also referred to as setting change) is ended.

  In the slot machine S of the present embodiment, when a setting change operation is performed, the setting change unit 105 initializes a temporary storage area (not shown) of the main memory 190 in which setting information regarding the gaming state of the main memory 190 is held. The main memory initialization process is executed. Further, the setting change unit 105 transmits an initialization command to the sub-substrate 500 to execute initialization of a temporary storage area (not shown) in which setting information relating to a rendering state and the like to be described later is stored in the sub-memory 550. Performs command processing. The sub board 500 executes a sub memory initialization process for initializing the temporary storage area of the sub memory 550 based on the command. These initialization processes are executed in the order of an initialization command process by the setting change unit 105, a sub memory initialization process by the sub board 500, and a main memory initialization process by the setting change unit 105.

(Input acceptance means 110)
The insertion accepting unit 110 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs control to validate the depressing operation of the start lever 11 that has been invalid based on the insertion of three medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions. Means. The reels 3a to 3c rotate when the start lever 11 that has become valid is pressed, and the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery.

  The insertion accepting unit 110 sets the inserted medals to the inserted state when the medal insertion switch 210 is activated when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 9 and the medal insertion switch 210 is operated. When medals exceeding the specified number of insertions are inserted from the medal insertion slot 9, medals for the excess are stored in the credit storage means 196 of the main memory 190 as credited (internally stored) credit medals. . In this way, when the bet button 10 is pressed with the medals being credited and the bet switch 220 is activated, the insertion accepting unit 110 sets the credit medals in the inserted state up to the specified number of insertions.

(Random number generator 115)
The random number generating means 115 is means for generating a random number value for lottery. The random value can be generated, for example, based on a count value of an increment counter having a function of counting numerical values one by one so as to circulate a predetermined range. The random value here is not only a value that occurs randomly in the mathematical sense, but even if the occurrence itself is regular, the timing of acquisition is irregular, so the game is practically practical. A value that functions as a random number is also included.

(Internal lottery means 120)
The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is made based on a start signal transmitted from a start switch 230 that is actuated by a player pressing the start lever 11. Processing, random number case processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc. are performed.

<Internal lottery table selection process>
In the internal lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage unit 191 of the main memory 190 is to be used for lottery (also referred to as internal lottery). To do.
The slot machine S of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of gaming states: a normal state, a big bonus internal state (BB1 internal state, BB2 internal state), and a big bonus state (BB1 state, BB2 state). The memory 190 stores an internal lottery table for internal lottery in each of these gaming states. In the internal lottery table in each of these gaming states, replays, small roles, big bonuses which will be described later, and unfair elections that do not win these roles for each random number value consisting of 65536 integer values from 0 to 65535 ( 1) (also referred to as “displacement”).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the internal lottery table storage unit 191 stores a plurality of internal lottery tables used in each gaming state in association with the above-described six stages of setting values. That is, six types of internal lottery tables for normal states, internal lottery tables for big bonus internal states, and internal lottery tables for big bonus states are prepared. In the internal lottery table selection process, a process of selecting an internal lottery table corresponding to the current gaming state is performed based on the setting value stored in the setting value storage unit 197.

  In the slot machine S of the present embodiment, the correspondence relationship between the combination and the random number value is set so that the winning probability of at least one type of combination differs according to the set value. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the internal lottery table for the normal state, the higher the set value, the higher the winning probability of bonus (BB1, BB2) and the winning probability of bell, watermelon, cherry, Correspondence between the combination and the random number is set so that the winning probability of the combination (special combination 1 and special combination 2) is low. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the internal lottery table for the big bonus internal state, bonuses (BB1, BB2) are excluded from the internal lottery targets, and the higher the set value, the more the bell, watermelon, and cherry are won. The correspondence between the combination and the random number is set so that the probability increases and the winning probability of the special combination (special combination 1, special combination 2) decreases. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, in the internal lottery table for the big bonus state, big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and replay are excluded from the internal lottery targets. The correspondence between the combination and the random number is set so that the probability increases and the winning probability of the special combination (special combination 1, special combination 2) decreases.

  In the slot machine S of the present embodiment, watermelons, cherries and the like having a relatively low winning probability among the small combinations are set as small combinations that can be won at the same time as the big bonus, and the AT state (second game state) in the production state described later. Since it is the transition lottery trigger that triggers the transition lottery, the game configuration is such that the higher the setting, the higher the expectation level of winning the bonus and the expected level of transition to the AT state.

<Random number judgment processing>
In the random number determination process, a random number value for lottery is acquired from the random number generation unit 115 for each game based on the start signal from the start switch 230, and the acquired random number value is stored in the internal lottery table storage unit 191 of the main memory 190. It is determined whether or not the winning combination is won with reference to the internal lottery table.

<Lottery flag setting process>
In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination determined to be won is set from the non-winning state to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in the flag storage unit 192 of the main memory 190. In the lottery flag setting process, the flag stored in the flag storage means 192 includes a lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry on the winning state for the next and subsequent games until winning, and the next and subsequent games regardless of the winning A lottery flag (a carry-over impossible flag) that is reset to a non-winning state without carrying over the winning state is provided. As the combination with which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, there are big bonuses (BB1, BB2), and the small combination and replay are associated with the latter carry-over impossible flag.

(Reel control means 125)
The reel control means 125 is means for controlling the rotation and stop of the reels 3a to 3c.
Specifically, the reel control means 125 controls the rotation of the stepping motor 313 to rotate the reels 3a to 3c based on a start signal from a start switch that is actuated by the player pressing the start lever 11. Further, the reel control means 125 stops the stop corresponding to the reels 3a to 3c after the rotation speed of the reels 3a to 3c reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotation speed of about 80 rotations per minute) and becomes a steady rotation. The pressing operation of the buttons 12a to 12c is validated. In this enabled state, when the stop switch 240 is actuated by the player pressing the stop buttons 12a to 12c, the reel control means 125 is based on the reel stop control signal (input signal) from the stop switch 240. Then, by stopping the supply of the drive pulse to the stepping motor 313 of the reel unit 310, the reels 3a to 3c are stopped in a manner corresponding to the lottery flag setting state (internal lottery result) with reference to the stop control table. A reel stop control process is performed.

  The stop control table includes, according to the setting state of the lottery flag, a press detection position that is a position of the reels 3a to 3c when the stop switch 240 is activated, that is, when a press operation of the stop buttons 12a to 12c is detected. The correspondence with the actual stop position is set. In the stop control table, a relationship between the press detection position and the number of sliding symbols indicating the amount of rotation from the press detection position to the actual stop position may be set according to the setting state of the lottery flag.

  Also, in the stop control table, when the flags associated with two or more different types of winning combinations are set to the winning state, each reel at the time of operation of the stop switch 240 according to the priority order determined for each winning combination. Correspondences between positions 3a to 3c and actual stop positions of the respective reels 3a to 3c are set. In the slot machine S of the present embodiment, priorities are determined in the order of “replay> bonus (BB1, BB2)> small role (bell, watermelon, cherry, special small role)”. When the lottery flags relating to two or more types of winning combinations are set to the winning state, according to the priority set for each winning combination, the winning combination having higher priority is given priority over the symbols constituting the winning combination having lower priority. The reels 3a to 3c are controlled so as to be displayed on the winning determination lines L1 to L5.

  In addition, the reel control means 125 performs so-called pull-in processing and kick-out processing as control for stopping the reels 3a to 3c. The pull-in process is such that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state stops on the winning determination lines L1 to L5, in other words, the reels 3a to 3a can be made to win the winning combination. This is a control process for stopping 3c. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on the winning determination lines L1 to L5. In this manner, the reels 3a to 3c are stopped. That is, in the slot machine S of the present embodiment, in order to realize such a pull-in process and a kick process, the lottery flag setting state, the pressing timing of the stop buttons 12a to 12c, the pressing order, and the stop of the already stopped reels The stop control table is set so that the stop positions of the reels 3a to 3c change according to the positions (or the types of symbols stopped on the winning determination lines L1 to L5). In this way, the reel control means 125 can stop the symbol of the winning combination with the lottery flag set in the winning state in the form of winning and the symbol of the winning combination with the lottery flag set in the non-winning state. Control is performed to stop the reels 3a to 3c so that they cannot be stopped.

  Further, the reel control means 125 detects the reference position (reel index 315) of the reels 3a to 3c based on the reference position signal (input signal) detected by the reel index 315 every time the reels 3a to 3c make one rotation. The current rotation state of the reels 3a to 3c can be monitored by obtaining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 313) from the frame.

  Further, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating reel 3a to 3c, the number of frames required for each reel 3a to 3c to stop after the stop button 12a to 12c is pressed is 5 frames (0 The reel control means 125 displays the display window when an operation that triggers the stop of the stop buttons 12a to 12c is performed in the pull-in process or kick-off process related to the reels 3a to 3c. The reels 3a to 3c are controlled so as to be able to draw a symbol of a maximum of four frames ahead from a frame located in the four.

  As shown in FIG. 7, on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3a to 3c, bonus symbol 1 “red 7”, bonus symbol 2 “white 7”, watermelon symbol “WM”, bell symbol “BL”, cherry symbol “CH” The replay symbol “RP” and the dummy symbol “DM” are arrayed. Among them, the replay symbol “RP” and the bell symbol “BL” are arranged so that the interval is within 5 frames, and when those roles are won, the stop buttons 12a to 12c are pressed. The replay symbol “RP” and the bell symbol “BL” can be drawn on the winning determination lines L1 to L5 regardless of the operation timing, the order of pressing operations, and the like.

  Similarly, according to the symbol arrangement on the left reel 3a shown in FIG. 7, the bonus symbol 1 “red 7” and the bonus symbol 2 “white 7” are arranged 5 or more frames apart from each other. For this reason, in the game where the special small role 1 (see FIG. 8) is won, if the stop button 12a is pressed down for the bonus symbol 2 “white 7” on the left reel 3a, the special small role 1 can be won. In the game where the special small role 2 (see FIG. 8) has been won and the left reel 3a is operated to depress the stop button 12a aiming at the bonus symbol 1 “red 7”, the special small role 2 can be won. I can't do it. In other words, when the special small combination is won by internal lottery, the reel control means 125 makes the symbol constituting the selected special small combination (bonus symbol 1 “red 7” for special small combination 1 and special small combination 2 for special small combination 2). The bonus special 2 (white 7)) is selected only when the stop button 12a is pressed at a timing at which it can be drawn to the stop position on the winning determination lines L1 to L5 within 4 frames. A pull-in process for stopping the left reel 3a is performed so that a small role can be won.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the slot machine S of the present embodiment, the first big bonus (BB1) is obtained by combining the symbols displayed on the winning determination lines L1 to L5 in a state where the reels 3a to 3c are stopped. , Second big bonus (BB2), replay, bell, watermelon, cherry, and special small combination (special small combination 1, special small combination 2) are set. In addition, “ANY” in the symbol combination indicating the winning type of cherry shown in FIG. 8 indicates that any symbol arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel may be used.

(Winning determination means 130)
The winning determination unit 130 is a unit that performs processing for determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stop mode of each symbol of the reels 3a to 3c.
Specifically, the winning determination means 130 refers to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 194 of the main memory 190, and the winning determination line L1 when all of the reels 3a to 3c are stopped. It is determined whether or not the symbol combination displayed on L5 is a predetermined winning combination.

  Based on the determination result of the winning determination means 130, a winning process is executed. In the winning process, for example, when a replay is won, a replay process is performed by a replay processing unit 135, which will be described later. Thus, the medal payout control process is performed, and when the bonus (BB1, BB2) is won, the game state transition control means 145 performs a game state transition control process described later.

(Replay processing means 135)
When the replay is won, the replay processing means 135 performs a replay process that is a replay process for setting the same preparation state as that of the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. That is, when the replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game are automatically inserted without inserting the medals (including credit medals) held by the player. When the same winning determination line as that of the previous game is set, the next game start operation is waited.

(Payout control means 140)
The payout control means 140 is a means for performing payout control processing related to payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out is determined based on a predetermined dividend for each combination, and medals corresponding to the determined number of payments are paid to the hopper unit 320. Control to make it come out. When a plurality of types of small roles win simultaneously, the total number of medals paid out based on the payout of each winning combination is determined as the number of medals paid out. However, in the slot machine S of the present embodiment, there is an upper limit on the number of medals paid out in one game, and specifically, 14 is the upper limit on the number of medals paid out. Further, the payout control unit 140 can manage the number of medals actually paid out from the hopper unit 320 based on an input signal from the payout medal detection switch 325.

  Further, when the credit setting state is the credit permission state, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper unit 320, the payout is made for the number of credited medals stored in the credit storage area of the main memory 190. A credit addition process for adding numbers is performed to virtually pay out medals. Also, when the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) are won as a result of the game, since no payout is set for the big bonus, no actual medals are paid out from the hopper unit 320. Thus, a process (0 sheet process) is performed in which 0 medals are paid out. When the replay is won, the automatic insertion processing is performed by the replay processing means 135 as described above, so that the same number of medals as the previous game are automatically inserted. In other words, when a game is played with three medals inserted in the previous game and a replay is won, a process is performed in which three medals are paid out formally.

(Game state transition control means 145)
The gaming state transition control means 145 is a plurality of gaming states having different internal lottery modes based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, a normal state, a big bonus internal state (BB1 internal state, BB2 internal state), and It is means for performing a game state transition control process for shifting the game state between the big bonus states (BB1 state, BB2 state). As the game state transition condition, a single condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. If a plurality of conditions are determined, the gaming state is determined based on the fact that one of the plurality of predetermined conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of predetermined conditions are satisfied. It is possible to shift to another gaming state.

(Normal state)
The normal state corresponds to an initial state among a plurality of types of gaming states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus internal state is possible. Specifically, in the normal state, when the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) are won, it is possible to shift to the big bonus internal state, and the winning probability of replay is 1 / 7.2 as shown in FIG. The internal lottery is performed with reference to the above-described internal lottery table for the normal state in which the big bonus (BB1, BB2) is set as the lottery target.

(Big bonus internal state)
The big bonus internal state is a gaming state that transitions when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery, and the big bonus internal state in which the winning probability of replay is set to 1 / 4.2, as shown in FIG. The internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table, and the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus won in the internal lottery is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus won in the internal lottery wins. When the symbol combination “red 7, red 7, red 7” or “white 7, white 7, white 7” indicating the winning form of the big bonus won in the internal lottery is displayed on the winning determination lines L1 to L5, the game The state transition control means 145 performs control to shift the gaming state from the big bonus internal state to the big bonus state.

(Big bonus state)
In the big bonus state, the symbol combination “red 7, red 7, red 7” or “white 7, white 7, white 7” indicating the winning mode of the big bonus in the internal state of the big bonus is displayed on the winning determination lines L1 to L5. It is a gaming state that shifts when triggered. As shown in FIG. 6, in the big bonus state, the replay is set to the non-replay lottery state excluded from the internal lottery target, the big bonus is excluded from the internal lottery target, and the winning probability of the bell is in the normal state. The internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table set to be higher. In other words, in the big bonus state, the small role is won more frequently than in other gaming states, and even in the no-play replay lottery state, it is advantageous to the player over the normal state and the big bonus internal state. It has become a game state.

  In the big bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition of the big bonus state is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out in the game related to the big bonus state, and a predetermined payout is made according to the winning bonus. When medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out, the gaming state transition control means 145 performs control to end the big bonus state and shift the gaming state from the advantageous gaming state to the normal state. For example, when the big bonus (BB1, BB2) is won, the upper limit number of payouts is set to 350.

(Sub-control state determination means 150)
The sub-control state determination unit 150 determines whether or not an effect state described later is an AT state, and triggers an output start of an AT operation signal, which is one of advantageous game signals output by a signal output unit 155 described later, and stops output. It is a means for judging the opportunity.
Specifically, the sub-control state determination unit 150 starts the AT state on condition that the number of consecutive winnings for the special small role has reached a predetermined number (for example, 4 times) (start determination condition for the AT state). It is determined that the AT operation signal output is determined, and the condition that the number of consecutive non-wins of the special small role at the time of winning the special small role has reached a predetermined number (for example, two times) (the end of the AT state) As the determination condition), it is determined that the AT has ended, and the output stop of the AT operation signal is determined.

  The sub-control state determination means 150 is provided with counting means (not shown) including an ON condition counter that counts (counts) the number of special small prizes and an OFF condition counter that counts (counts) the number of non-winning prizes. The ON condition counter is a counter for turning on the AT operation signal, and the OFF condition counter is a counter for turning off the AT operation signal. In both cases, the initial value is “0”. Then, the sub control state determination unit 150 clears the OFF condition counter when the special small combination wins, and increments the ON condition counter on condition that the AT operation signal is not output. If the special small combination is not won when the special small combination is won, the ON condition counter is cleared and the OFF condition counter is incremented on the condition that the AT operation signal is output. That is, the ON condition counter counts the number of times that the special small role has been won continuously, and the OFF condition counter counts the number of times that the special small role has not won.

  Further, the sub control state determination means 150 determines the output of the AT operation signal when the count value of the ON condition counter becomes “4”. When the output of the AT operation signal is determined, the signal output means 155 described later turns on the output state of the AT operation signal and starts outputting the signal. Further, when the count value of the OFF condition counter becomes “2”, it is determined to stop the output of the AT operation signal. When the output stop of the AT operation signal is determined, the signal output means 155 turns off the output state of the AT operation signal and stops the output of the AT operation signal.

  Here, the sub-control state determination unit 150 determines whether or not the special small role has won based on the determination result of the winning determination unit 130. In the slot machine S of the present embodiment, the winning determination unit 130 determines that the special combination 1 is made when “red 7, BL, BL”, which is the symbol combination of the special combination 1, is aligned on the winning determination lines L1 to L5. The winning combination is determined, and the winning combination of the special small combination 2 is determined when “white 7 / BL / BL” which is the symbol combination of the special small combination 2 is aligned on the winning determination lines L1 to L5.

(Signal output means 155)
The signal output means 155, based on the predetermined determination in the gaming state transition control means 145 and the sub control state determination means 150, outputs a bonus operation signal including information relating to the big bonus and information relating to the AT state in the effect state described later. Means for outputting an advantageous game operation signal composed of an AT operation signal including the signal to the hall computer.
Specifically, the signal output means 155, when the big bonus (BB1, BB2) wins (when the gaming state transition control means 145 determines the transition to the big bonus state), the bonus operation signal (BB1, BB2 operation signal) is output, and when the bonus is ended (when the gaming state transition control means 145 determines the end of the big bonus state), the output of the bonus operation signal is stopped. The signal output means 155 determines whether or not the big bonus (BB1, BB2) has been won, based on the determination result of the winning determination means 130, similarly to the sub control state determination means 150.

  Further, when the sub control state determination unit 150 determines the output of the AT operation signal, the signal output unit 155 outputs the AT operation signal after the game for which the output is determined, while the sub control state determination unit 150 When the player decides to stop the output of the AT operation signal, the output of the AT operation signal is stopped after the game that has decided to stop the output.

  In this way, when the signal output means 155 outputs the advantageous state operation signal, the signal is provided over the slot machine S installed in the game hall via the concentrated terminal board (not shown). (Not shown). Then, a predetermined display based on the advantageous state operation signal is performed on the display of the data display device. Furthermore, the advantageous state activation signal is output to the hall computer via the data display device.

(Main game number counting means 160)
The main game number counting means 160 is a game state (first game) in which an effect state to be described later is a normal effect state (non-AT state) when the game state is a normal state, in other words, a normal state and a normal effect state progress in an overlapping manner. It is means for counting (counting) the number of games (first game number, normal game number) in the state.
Specifically, the main game number counting means 160 determines whether or not the signal output means 155 determines the start of the output of the bonus operation signal or the AT operation signal at the end of each game, and outputs it. If the signal output determination process for determining whether or not the start of the output of the bonus operation signal or the AT operation signal is determined as a result of the signal output determination process, it is stored in the main game number storage means 198. Reset the main game count value (initial value “0”).

When the main game number counting means 160 determines that the bonus operation signal or the AT operation signal is not output as a result of the signal output determination process, the main game number count value (stored in the main game number storage means 198 ( An increment process of adding “1” to the count value of the number of games managed by the main board 100 is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the bonus operation signal or the AT operation signal is output, none of the above-described processes is executed.
By performing such processing, it is possible to count the number of games in the normal state (the number of normal games) in the normal performance state.

  Further, the main game number counting means 160 acquires the main game number count value stored in the main game number storage means 198 at that time when the setting change operation is executed by the setting change means 105. A command (counter command) related to the count value of the main game number is generated, and the generated counter command is transmitted to the sub-board 500 by the communication control unit 165 to be described later, and subsequently executed after the setting is changed by the setting changing unit 105 In the main memory initialization process, the main game count value (initial value “0”) is reset.

(Communication control means 165)
The communication control unit 165 is a unit that performs control to transmit a plurality of types of signals to the sub-board 500.
Specifically, the communication control unit 165 transmits the internal lottery result notification signal including the information related to the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery unit 120 to the sub board 500, thereby substituting the result of the internal lottery. Communication control to notify the substrate 500 is performed. Further, the communication control unit 165 transmits a gaming state notification signal including information related to the gaming state and the like managed by the gaming state transition control unit 145 to the sub-board 500, so that the current gaming state is transmitted to the sub-board 500. The communication control for notifying is also performed.

  In addition, when the setting change by the setting change unit 105 is executed, the communication control unit 165 counts the main game number generated by the main game number counting unit 160 after the sub memory initialization process executed by the sub board 500. A command signal (counter command) related to the value is transmitted to the sub-board 500.

As described above, in the slot machine S according to the present embodiment, the sub-board 500 performs effects according to the result of the internal lottery, the gaming state, and the like based on the internal lottery result notification signal, the gaming state notification signal, and the like transmitted by the main board 100. Is executed by the effect display unit 5, the speaker 6, and the effect lamp 7.
In the slot machine S of the present embodiment, only unidirectional communication from the main board 100 to the sub board 500 is possible between the main board 100 and the sub board 500, and from the sub board 500 to the main board 100. Communication connection is made so that no signal can be transmitted.

[Sub-board 500]
The sub-board 500 performs control for assisting the game or boosting the game by associating the effects of the effect display unit 5, the speaker 6, and the effect lamp 7 with each other or by independently executing the effects. Means 510 and a sub memory 550 in which data relating to effects are stored are configured.

The effect control means 510 includes an effect state flag setting means 512 (effect state transition means), an AT management means 513, an effect execution control means 514, a sub game number counting means 516, and a ceiling game number determining means (specified value determining means). ) 518.
Further, the sub memory 550 manages an effect state flag storage unit 552 in which a flag relating to the effect state is set, an effect table storage unit 554 that stores an effect table, a ceiling lottery table, and the like, and an AT state game. For example, an AT end determination counter 553, a sub game number storage unit 556 for storing the number of games, and a ceiling value storage unit 558 for storing a ceiling value (specified value) to be described later.

(Production state flag setting means 512)
The production state flag setting unit 512 (production state transition unit) performs a process of setting the production state flag for indicating which of the plurality of types of production state the current production state during the game is in progress. It is a means to manage.
In the slot machine S of the present embodiment, as the setting state (effect state) of the effect state flag, the normal effect state in which the normal effect flag is set, and the big bonus winning effect state in which the BB winning effect flag is set (BB winning effect state) ), A big bonus effect state (BB effect state) in which the BB effect flag is set, and an assist time (AT) state in which the AT flag is set, and the setting information of these effect state flags includes the effect state It is stored in the flag storage means 552. Further, the effect table storage unit 554 stores a plurality of types of effect tables constructed from effect data for executing effects according to the effect state.

  The production state flag setting unit 512 sets one flag from the plurality of flags based on the game information notification signal, the AT lottery result by the AT management unit 513 described later, and the like, and produces the production based on the setting of the flag. Manage state transitions. In the slot machine S of the present embodiment, when the gaming state is the normal state, it can be set to either the normal effect flag or the AT flag that is the initial flag, and the effect state is set based on the set flag. Transition to either the normal performance state or the AT state. In the case of the BB1 internal state or the BB2 internal state, the BB winning effect flag is set to shift to the BB winning effect state, and in the case of the BB1 state or the BB2 state, the BB effect flag is set. Transition to the BB effect state is made.

  Specifically, the normal performance state is set to the initial performance state among a plurality of performance states, can be shifted from either the BB performance state or the AT state, and corresponds to the BB performance state. The BB state is terminated, or AT termination determination by the AT management means 513 described later is triggered. At that time, the effect state flag setting means 512 clears the effect flag corresponding to the immediately preceding effect state, and sets (sets) the normal effect flag.

  The BB winning effect state can be shifted from the normal effect state or the AT state, and can be shifted by the transition from the normal state or the like to the BB internal state. At that time, the effect state flag setting means 512 clears the effect flag corresponding to the immediately preceding effect state, and sets the BB winning effect flag.

  The BB effect state can be shifted from the BB winning effect state, and can be shifted in response to the shift from the BB internal state to the BB state. At that time, the effect state flag setting means 512 clears the BB winning effect flag and sets the BB effect flag.

  The AT state can be shifted from the normal performance state, and can be shifted when an AT lottery is won by the AT management means 513 described later. At that time, the effect state flag setting means 512 clears the effect flag corresponding to the immediately preceding effect state and sets the AT flag.

  In addition, when the setting change by the setting change unit 105 is executed, the effect state flag setting unit 512 performs the effect stored in the effect state flag storage unit 552 along with the sub memory initialization process by the sub board 500. The state flag is cleared and the normal effect flag is set as an initial flag (also referred to as changing to the normal effect state). That is, the production state flag setting means 512 once clears the flags relating to the production state and resets the normal production flag even if the production state is the BB winning production state, the BB production state, or the AT state during the setting change operation. .

(AT management means 513)
The transition to the AT state (second gaming state) is based on a lottery, and the lottery trigger is based on the winning of a predetermined small role, and the number of games in the predetermined state corresponds to a ceiling value (specified value) described later. The case where the number of games to be played is reached is set, and the AT management means 513 performs management related to each transition opportunity.

(AT lottery)
The AT management means 513 performs a lottery (first AT lottery) related to the transition to the AT state in response to the winning of watermelon or cherry. Specifically, in the first AT lottery, with the win of watermelon or cherry as an opportunity, for example, any one of random numbers for AT lottery consisting of an integer value of 32768 from 0 to 32767 is acquired, and the acquired random value is Compared with the first AT lottery table stored in the effect table storage means 554, it is determined whether or not the AT lottery is won according to the comparison result. In the first AT lottery table, for example, each of the random numbers for AT lottery is associated with “normal winning”, “special winning”, or “out of”, and as a result of the AT lottery, winning ( In the case of normal winning or special winning), an AT flag is set in the effect state flag storage means 552, and control is performed to start the AT state in the effect state from the next game.
In the first AT lottery, the slot machine S of the present embodiment is set such that the probability of “normal winning” is 25%, the probability of “special winning” is 5%, and the probability of “out” is 70%. .

Further, the AT management means 513 determines whether or not the count value counted by the sub game number counting means 516 described later and stored in the sub game number storage means 556 has reached a value corresponding to the ceiling value (for example, “1000”). When the determination is made and it is determined that the count value has reached a value corresponding to the ceiling value, one of the random numbers for AT lottery is acquired, and the acquired random value is stored in the effect table storage unit 554. And a second AT lottery table for determining one winning mode according to the comparison result. In the second AT lottery table, for example, each of the random numbers for AT lottery is excluded, and either “normal winning” or “special winning” is associated with it.
Here, the “ceiling value (specified value)” is a value (threshold value) stored in the ceiling value storage means 558 provided in the sub memory 550 and stored in the sub game number storage means 556 corresponding to the number of games. When the count value reaches a predetermined ceiling value, it is a value that triggers the transition to the AT state. The “ceiling value” is an initial value, which is determined based on a predetermined “maximum ceiling value (predetermined predetermined value)” and a lottery result by a ceiling game number determining means 518 described later. “Lottery ceiling value” is set.
The slot machine S of the present embodiment is set so that the probability of “normal winning” is 20% and the probability of “special winning” is 80% in the second AT lottery. That is, the second AT lottery is always won.

  In the case of winning in any winning manner as a result of the AT lottery (the first AT lottery or the second AT lottery), the production state flag setting unit 512 sets the AT flag in the production state flag storage unit 552 and starts the AT from the next game. Control to start the state (first AT state, second AT state) is performed.

(Additional value setting process)
The AT management means 513 performs a process of setting a predetermined addition value to the count value of the AT end determination counter 553 based on the winning of the AT lottery. In the slot machine S of the present embodiment, the addition values set when the result of the AT lottery is “normal winning” or “special winning” are set to be different. When the AT lottery result is “out of”, the process of setting the added value is not performed.

  Specifically, when the result of the AT lottery is “Normal Winning”, “50” is set in the AT end determination counter 553 as a count value corresponding to 50 games, and “Special Winning” is also used. In some cases, “300” is set in the AT end determination counter 553 as a count value corresponding to 300 games. Note that the added value is not limited to the above example, and can be set arbitrarily. In addition, when a small role (cherry, watermelon, etc.) is won in an AT state game, the count of the AT end determination counter 553 is counted. An addition lottery for adding an addition value (for example, “10”, “20”, “30”, “50”, “100”) to the value is performed, and the winning addition value is added to the count value. Also good.

(AT end judgment)
The AT management means 513 performs a decrement process for subtracting a value (for example, “1”) corresponding to the number of games for one game from the count value of the AT end determination counter 553 for each game in the AT state. The decrement process of the count value of the AT end determination counter 553 is started from the next game of the game won in the AT lottery. Then, based on the count value of the AT end determination counter 553 reaching, for example, “0”, the AT management unit 513 performs an AT end determination that determines that the end condition for the AT state is satisfied.

(Production execution control means 514)
The effect execution control means 514 is based on the effect data stored in the effect table of the effect table storage means 554 of the sub memory 550, the display effect performed by the effect display unit 5, the sound effect performed via the speaker 6, or the effect This is means for performing control related to the lighting effect performed through the lamp 7.
Specifically, the production execution control means 514 inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 9, operates the bet button 10, the start lever 11, and the stop buttons 12a to 12c, notifies the winning combination, and pays out the winning combination. In accordance with the game state, the game is produced by performing control for performing various productions to increase the game.

(Production control in BB winning production state, BB production state)
When the production state is the BB winning production state, the production execution control means 514 continuously notifies the bonus winning in a special production mode different from the normal production state, and when the production state is the BB production state, it differs from the normal production state. Control is performed to execute an effect of notifying the winning of a small role in a special effect mode.

(Production control in AT state)
When the production state is the AT state, the production execution control means 514 executes special production control for notifying (assisting) the special small role winning in the game when the special small role is won in the internal lottery. Specifically, the effect execution control means 514 determines whether or not the setting state of the effect state flag is the AT state, and is won by internal lottery on the condition that the setting state of the effect state flag is the AT state. The effect display part 5 is controlled to display an effect image for informing the type of the special small role.

  For example, in a game in which special small role 1 is won by internal lottery, as shown in FIG. 9, as a special effect, a symbol combination “red 7 / BL / BL” indicating the winning mode of special small role 1 is notified to the player. An effect image for notifying the effect that red 7 is aimed at the reel 3 a is displayed in the display area of the effect display unit 5. On the other hand, in the game in which the special small role 2 is won in the internal lottery, as shown in FIG. 10, an effect image for informing the player of the symbol combination “white 7 / BL / BL” indicating the winning mode of the special small role 2 An effect image that informs the reel 3 a that the white 7 is aimed is displayed in the display area of the effect display unit 5. As a special effect, the lamp or LED (for example, red or white) corresponding to the type of the special small role selected by operating the effect lamp 7 is turned on, or the type of the special small role selected from the speaker 6 is turned on. A corresponding sound may be output.

  As described above, the slot machine S according to the present embodiment performs a special effect that informs the player of the type of the special small role that is won when the special small role is won in a game in which the effect state is the AT state. Thus, a gaming state in which a medal can be easily obtained is more in the case where the setting state of the production state flag is the AT state than in the case where the normal production state is set. Note that a game section whose effect state (setting state of the effect state flag) is in the AT state is set as a game state (effect state) that is advantageous to the player. Thus, the AT state (second game state), which is one of the effect states managed by the AT management means 513, may be handled as one game state managed by the sub-board 500.

(Sub game frequency counting means 516)
The sub game number counting means 516 is a means for counting (counting) the number of games under a predetermined condition.
Specifically, the sub game number counting means 516 receives the gaming state notification signal related to the end of the big bonus (BB1, BB2) or based on the fact that the AT state is ended and the AT flag is cleared. The sub game count value (initial value “0”) is reset, and the ceiling value stored in the ceiling value storage means 558 is initialized to a maximum ceiling value, for example, “1000” (converted to the number of games to 1000 game times). Reset). In addition, when the setting change operation by the setting change unit 105 is executed, the sub game number counting unit 516 resets the sub game number count value according to the sub memory initialization process by the sub board 500, and the ceiling value. The ceiling value stored in the storage means 558 is once cleared, and the lottery ceiling value is set.

Further, the sub game number counting means 516 is based on the fact that the game state notification state signal is included on the condition that the effect state is the normal effect state, based on the reception of the game information notification signal including the information that the game state is the normal state. Increment processing for adding “1” to the count value is performed. In other words, the number of games (first game number) is counted when the game state is the normal state and the effect state is the normal effect state (first game state).
That is, the increment processing by the sub game number counting means 516 and the increment processing by the main game number counting means 160 are counted in synchronization.

Then, based on the fact that the sub game count value has reached the ceiling value, the production state flag setting means 512 performs control to change the production state flag to the production state flag and change the production state to the AT state.
For example, when the ceiling value is set to “1000”, the increment processing of the sub game number counting means 516 is performed for each game, and the sub game number count value is “1”, “2”, “3”,. The AT management means 513 executes the second AT lottery based on the fact that the sub game number count value reaches “1000” and the game number corresponding to the ceiling value has been consumed.
In other words, the ceiling value is a value serving as a reference for the timing at which the AT management means 513 executes the second AT lottery.

  As described above, the AT management means 513 is achieved when the game reaches the ceiling value (maximum ceiling value, lottery ceiling value) without shifting to another game state (an advantageous game state such as a big bonus) in the normal performance state. As a result, the second AT lottery is executed and the setting state of the effect state flag is set to the AT state (referred to as the ceiling AT state). As a result, it is possible to expect the effect of preventing the player's gaming motivation from decreasing for a long period of time when the gaming state does not shift to the big bonus (BB1 or BB2) state or the AT state, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved. it can.

(Ceiling game number determining means 518)
The ceiling game number determination means (specified value determination means) 518 is a means for determining a lottery ceiling value, which is a ceiling value set in the game after the setting change, by lottery (hereinafter referred to as a ceiling game number lottery).
Specifically, the ceiling game number determining means 518 is stored in the effect table storage means 554 based on a command signal related to the main game number count value transmitted from the communication control means 165 of the main board 100 after the setting change. One ceiling lottery table corresponding to the main game count value is selected from the ceiling lottery tables A to G. Then, the ceiling game number determination means 518 performs a ceiling game number lottery to determine a lottery ceiling value (lottery value) with reference to the selected ceiling lottery table.
The sub game number counting means 516 sets (sets) a lottery ceiling value determined as described later based on the result of the ceiling game number lottery as a ceiling value.

A specific mode for selecting the ceiling lottery table by the ceiling game number determining means 518 is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 11, when the main game number count value before (when) the setting is changed is “0 to 100”, “1 to 900” is selected as the lottery object (lottery value) related to the sub game number count value. When the set ceiling lottery table A is selected and the main game number count value is “101 to 300”, the ceiling lottery table B in which “1 to 700” is set as the lottery value is selected, and the number of main games When the count value is “301 to 500”, the ceiling lottery table C in which “1 to 500” is set as the lottery value is selected, and when the main game number count value is “501 to 700”, the lottery When the ceiling lottery table D with “1 to 300” set as the value is selected and the main game number count value is “701 to 900”, the ceiling lottery with “1 to 100” set as the lottery value is selected. When the table E is selected and the main game number count value is “901 to 950”, the ceiling lottery table F set to “1 to 50” as the lottery value is selected, and the main game number count value is “951”. In the case of “˜999”, the ceiling lottery table G in which “1” is set as the lottery value is selected. The upper limit values of the lottery values in the ceiling lottery tables A to G are set to values in which the value obtained by adding the upper limit value of the main game count value to the upper limit value does not exceed the maximum ceiling value (for example, “1000”). .

For example, when the number of games in the normal state before (when) the setting is changed to 60, that is, when the main game number count value is “60”, the ceiling game number determination means 518 selects the ceiling lottery table A, A lottery is performed within the range of 900, and a lottery ceiling value is determined.
In addition, when the number of games in the normal state before the setting change (hours) is 900, that is, when the main game number count value is “900”, the ceiling game number determination means 518 selects the ceiling lottery table E, A lottery is performed within a range of 100, and a lottery ceiling value is determined.

  Thus, even if the sub game number count value is initialized and the ceiling value is initialized in accordance with the sub memory initialization process by the sub board 500, the normal game number before the setting change is referred to after the setting change. By resetting the ceiling value as the lottery ceiling value, the ceiling value after the setting change can be set to an optimum value.

  Specifically, the ceiling lottery table selected by the ceiling game number determining means 518 is based on the number of normal games before the setting change, which is the main game number count value, so that the lottery ceiling value does not exceed the maximum ceiling value. Since the ceiling value after the setting change is set smaller than the maximum ceiling value (for example, “1000”), a ceiling value that is disadvantageous to the player who plays the game after the setting change is not given.

  Also, in order to reach the ceiling value in the number of games less than reaching the maximum ceiling value (for example, “1000”) and shift to the AT state, whether the player has transitioned to the AT state by winning the first AT lottery, the second AT lottery As a result, it is impossible to determine whether the state has been changed to the AT state due to winning, and as a result, it is not possible to determine the setting change.

  On the other hand, in the slot machine S in which the setting change has not been executed, in order to maintain the sub game number count value before the setting is maintained, for example, if the maintained sub game number count value is “900”, the bonus state The game is shifted to the second AT state (ceiling AT state) by digesting the game 100 times in the normal performance state and the normal state without shifting to the first AT state.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in each ceiling lottery table A to G, the number of games that trigger the transition to the ceiling AT state to be a lottery is “1”, “2-50”, “51-100”, “ It is managed in predetermined game sections (zones) such as “101-300”, “301-500”, “501-700”, “701-900”, and a lottery probability is given to each game section. Yes.

That is, in the ceiling lottery table A, the probability that “1” is selected as the lottery ceiling value is 0.25%, the probability that “2-50” is selected is 0.75%, and “51-100” is also selected. 1%, the probability that “101 to 300” is selected is 3%, the probability that “301 to 500” is also selected is 10%, and the probability that “501 to 700” is also selected is 15 %, And the probability that “701 to 900” is selected is set to 70%. In the ceiling lottery table B, the probability that “1” is selected as the lottery ceiling value is 0.3%, the probability that “2-50” is selected is 1.7%, and “51-100” is also selected. The probability is 3%, the probability that “101 to 300” is also selected is 10%, the probability that “301 to 500” is also selected is 15%, the probability that “501 to 700” is also selected is 70%, Similarly, the probability of selecting “701 to 900” is set to 0%. In the ceiling lottery table C, the probability that “1” is selected as the lottery ceiling value is 0.5%, the probability that “2 to 50” is selected is 2.5%, and “51 to 100” is also selected. The probability is 7%, the probability that “101 to 300” will be selected is 10%, the probability that “301 to 500” is also selected is 80%, and the probability that “501 to 900” is also selected is 0%. Each is set. In the ceiling lottery table D, the probability that “1” is selected as the lottery ceiling value is 0.55%, the probability that “2-50” is selected is 4.45%, and “51-100” is also selected. The probability is set to 15%, the probability that “101 to 300” is selected is set to 80%, and the probability that “301 to 900” is selected is set to 0%. In the ceiling lottery table E, the probability that “1” is selected as the lottery ceiling value is 0.6%, the probability that “2-50” is selected is 9.4%, and “51-100” is also selected. The probability is set to 90%, and the probability that “101 to 900” is selected is set to 0%. In the ceiling lottery table F, the probability that “1” is selected as the lottery ceiling value is 2%, the probability that “2-50” is selected is 98%, and the probability that “51-900” is also selected is 0%. Respectively. In the ceiling lottery table G, the probability that “1” is selected as the lottery ceiling value is set to 100%, and the probability that “2 to 900” is selected is set to 0%.
As described above, the ceiling lottery tables A to F are also managed with respect to the probability that each section is selected by subdividing a predetermined game section (zone). In addition, a range including an upper limit value that can be selected in each of the ceiling lottery tables A to D (for example, “701 to 900” in the ceiling lottery table A) is relatively easily selected.

  Note that the functions of the slot machine S of the present embodiment can be virtually realized by a computer system (including a game system). In these systems, the function is realized by downloading a program that causes the computer to function as the main board 100 or the sub board 500 from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or a Web server on the Internet via a network. Can do. In the above computer system, the input means corresponding to the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240, etc. are those for operation means such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, etc.) or a controller. This function can be realized by virtually assigning these functions. In the computer system, the reel unit 310, the hopper unit 320, and the like are not indispensable constituent elements. Instead of these, these functions can be virtually realized by controlling an image displayed and output on the effect display device.

[Processing flow of slot machine S]
As shown in FIG. 13, information relating to the number of normal games in the game period in the normal state is stored as information to be transmitted to the sub-board 500 when the setting is changed.
The main game number counting means 160 of the main board 100 performs a signal output determination process after completion of one game (YES in S100) (S110), wins an advantageous game (determines a transition), and outputs an advantageous game operation signal. If it is determined that the start of output of a certain AT operation signal or bonus operation signal has been determined (YES in S120), a process of clearing the main game number count value is performed (S130). On the other hand, if it is determined that the start of the output of the advantageous game operation signal has not been determined (NO in S120), and if it is determined that the advantageous game operation signal is not being output (NO in S140), the main game count value Is incremented (S150). On the other hand, if it is determined that the advantageous game operation signal is being output (YES in S140), no processing is performed and the processing is terminated.
The signal output means 155 outputs an advantageous game operation signal after the process of clearing the main game frequency count value in step S130 by the main game frequency count means 160.

Next, a flow at the time of setting change in the slot machine S of the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, after the game hall business hours are over, the setting changing means 105 of the main board 100 is operated by an operator (for example, a person related to the game hall holding the setting key). When the setting key is inserted into the cylinder 53 and is turned in a predetermined direction, the setting change valid state is controlled (YES in S200). Then, a setting value is selected by operating the setting change switch 52S, and when the start switch 230 is actuated by pressing the start lever 11, the setting value (setting change) is confirmed (YES in S210). The main game number counting means 160 obtains the main game number count value stored in the main game number storage means 198 at that time based on the set value being confirmed and obtains a command (counter) related to the main game number count value. Command) is generated (S220). By the initialization command processing by the setting change unit 105, the sub board 500 executes initialization of the temporary storage area of the sub memory (sub memory initialization processing) (S230), and then the communication control unit 165 generates the generated counter. The command signal is transmitted to the sub-board 500 (S240), and the setting changing unit 105 executes initialization of the temporary storage area of the main memory (main memory initialization process) (S250). Thus, the main memory initialization process can reliably transmit the counter command to the sub-board without deleting the main game number count value, the counter command, and the like.
If the setting change is not executed (NO in S200), no processing is performed and the temporary storage area such as the sub memory is not initialized, so the sub game number count value is maintained.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15, upon receiving the counter command signal transmitted from the main board 100 (S300), the ceiling game number determining means 518 of the sub-board 500 performs a ceiling game number lottery based on the counter command. Perform (S310). The sub game number counting means 516 sets (stores) the lottery ceiling value determined as a result of the ceiling game number lottery in the ceiling value storage means 558 (S320). Since these processes are performed after the sub memory initialization process, the set lottery ceiling value is not initialized.

  After the opening of the game hall, the slot machine S whose setting has been changed is played by the player, and the number of games corresponding to the lottery ceiling value stored in the sub-game number storage means 556 is not won such as a bonus or AT game. When digested, the setting state of the production state flag is set to the ceiling AT state.

  In the setting flow relating to the game as described above, a lottery for determining the lottery ceiling value is performed based on the counter command, and the lottery ceiling value is determined based on the number of normal games before the setting is changed.

  When the setting change is executed, the ceiling game number determination unit 518 selects the ceiling lottery table E (see FIG. 11) and selects the ceiling lottery table if the main game number count value is 900, for example. A lottery is performed from the range (1 to 100) of lottery values stored in E. As a result, if the lottery result based on the ceiling lottery table E is, for example, the lottery value “90”, when the number of normal games is continuously performed 90 times in the game after the setting change, the ceiling AT state at that time Will be transferred to. In this case, it is not possible to determine whether the number of normal games has reached the lottery AT state by lottery by internal lottery before reaching the maximum ceiling value or whether the number of normal games has reached the lottery ceiling value and has shifted to the ceiling AT state. Therefore, it is virtually impossible for the player to determine whether or not the setting of the slot machine S has been changed.

  Further, even after the setting is changed, the player can select a gaming machine that reaches the ceiling value with a relatively small number of games by referring to the number of games before the setting change (counter command). The motivation to perform is to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  If the setting change is not executed, the temporary storage areas of the main memory and the sub memory are not initialized, and the information related to the sub game number count value is maintained, so that “1000” is set as the maximum ceiling value. In the slot machine S, for example, when the game in the normal game period before the setting is maintained is consumed 900 times, after the setting is maintained, 100 times corresponding to the “sub game number count value (100)” before the setting is maintained. The ceiling AT is reached by digesting the normal number of games.

Although the slot machine S of the present embodiment has been described above, the following modifications and changes can be made to the slot machine S of the present embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention. . In addition, it is possible to appropriately combine the respective component requirements and game conditions in the following modified example with the component requirements in the slot machine S of the present embodiment.
Further, except for the configuration requirements described in the modification, the same configuration requirements as those of the above-described embodiment are adopted.

(Modification 1)
The main board 100 and the sub board 500 are provided as a single control means. In this case, the control unit may include a part or all of the configuration of the main board 100 and the sub board 500, and may implement part or all of the functions of the main board 100 and the sub board 500. May be.

(Modification 2)
Instead of the special small roles (special small role 1, special small role 2), a plurality of bell roles and a predetermined role with a smaller number of payouts than the bell roles are set in the internal lottery table. A winning area for “push order” will be provided.
When winning the winning area for the push order, if the stop operation of the stop buttons 12a to 12c is performed in the order set in advance as the correct push order (the push order is correct), the bell role is won. If the stop operation of the stop buttons 12a to 12c is not performed in the order set in advance as the correct pressing order (the pressing order is incorrect), the predetermined combination is set to win.
Therefore, when winning in the winning area of the push order, there is a difference in the number of payouts between the correct answer and the incorrect answer.

  In this case, in the game in which the performance state is the AT state, the production execution control means 514 establishes a push forward (for example, a push order bell) as a special effect when winning the winning area of the push forward in the internal lottery (winning order) In order to display the effect image for notifying the player of the stop operation order of the stop buttons 12a to 12c, which is set in advance as the correct pressing order, in the display area of the effect display unit 5. Further, as a special effect, an auxiliary lamp (not shown) provided corresponding to the reels 3a to 3c below the display window 4 of the front door 2 is stopped by the player in the order in which the reels 3a to 3c should be stopped. Lights up in accordance with the pressing operation of the buttons 12a to 12c, or sounds (such as "press right", "press middle", "press left") to notify the pressing order of the stop buttons 12a to 12c from the speaker 6 You may make it output.

  Due to this special effect (push order notification) in the AT state, the player is not aware of the symbol (without pressing the symbol) and simply presses the stop buttons 12a to 12c according to the effect, and compared with the normal effect state. And earn many medals.

  In addition, the sub-control state determination unit 150 is configured to display the number of times that a combination of symbols corresponding to the push order is displayed on the winning determination line (for example, the correct combination of the push order between the games won in the winning area of the push order). 4)), it is determined that the condition for determining the start to the AT state has been established. On the other hand, the push order is continuously incorrect between the games won in the winning area for the push order, and a predetermined winning determination is made. Based on the number of times the predetermined combination is displayed on the line (for example, twice), it is determined that the AT state end determination condition is satisfied.

(Modification 3)
The sub game number storage unit 556 may count the number of continuous games related to the normal performance state by performing a decrement process instead of the increment process. Specifically, the sub game number storage unit 556 decrements “1” from the sub game number count value (the count information of the number of games managed by the sub board 500) stored in the sub game number storage unit 556. Process. Thereby, the sub game number counting means 516 counts (counts) the number of remaining games until the ceiling value (lottery ceiling value or maximum ceiling value) is reached.

  For example, when the ceiling value is set to “n”, the sub game count value is decreased to “n−1”, “n-2”, “n-3”... Based on the value reaching “n−n = 0”, the setting state of the effect state flag is changed to the AT state. In other words, the AT state is set to the effect state flag when the number of games corresponding to the ceiling value (lottery ceiling value or maximum ceiling value) is reached after the ceiling value (lottery ceiling value or maximum ceiling value) is set.

(Modification 4)
The ceiling game number determining means 518 does not perform the ceiling game number lottery, and after changing the setting, based on the command signal related to the main game number count value transmitted from the communication control means 165 of the main board 100, the main game number count value The selected ceiling value (specified value) is determined with reference to a not-shown selected ceiling value table that stores information related to the selected value corresponding to.
Specifically, the selected ceiling value table stores a selected value set as “maximum ceiling value−main game number count value before setting change”. For example, the maximum ceiling value is set to “1000”, for example. When the number of games in the normal state before (when) the setting is changed to 600, that is, when the main game number count value is “600”, the ceiling game number determination means 518 selects the selected value ( The maximum ceiling value “1000” −the main game number count value “600”) “400” is determined as the selected ceiling value.

(Modification 5)
When the sub game number count means 516 resets the sub game number count value to the initial value, the effect state flag setting means 512 clears the BB effect state or AT state flag stored in the effect state flag storage means 552. It is time to do.

(Modification 6)
As a result of the first AT lottery, the winning second AT state (ceiling AT state) as a result of the second AT lottery is set to be a gaming state (effect state) that is more advantageous to the player than the winning AT state. For example, any of the winning probability of “special winning”, the winning probability of addition lottery, the continuation rate of the AT state, or a combination thereof may be given preferential treatment.

(Modification 7)
When the number of normal games in the normal game period reaches the lottery ceiling value, instead of shifting to the AT state as the second game state, a so-called bonus game, RT (replay time), ART (assist replay time), CZ (chance zone: During the game period related to the chance zone, the game state is shifted to any one of the special game states (execution lottery to the AT state is executed for each game). That is, the gaming state (effect state) when reaching the lottery ceiling value is not limited to the AT state, and may be any state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state (first gaming state), for example.

S slot machine, 3 reel, 5 effect display unit, 6 speaker, 7 effect lamp, 50 power supply unit, 52S setting change switch, 53S release switch, 100 main board, 105 setting change means, 145 gaming state transition control means, 150 sub Control state determination means, 155 signal output means, 160 main game number counting means, 165 communication control means, 190 main memory, 197 set value storage means, 198 main game number storage means 230 start switch, 240 stop switch 500 sub-board, 510 Effect control means, 512 Effect state flag setting means, 513 AT management means, 514 Effect execution control means, 516 Sub effect number count means, 518 Ceiling game number lottery means, 550 Sub memory, 552 Effect state flag storage means, 553 AT end Size Constant counter, 554 effect table storage means, 556 sub game number storage means, 558 ceiling value storage means

Claims (3)

A plurality of reels that variably display a plurality of types of symbols written on the outer peripheral surface by rotating, a rendering means capable of performing a rendering according to the gaming situation, and a lottery of lottery based on a predetermined lottery probability In addition, the reel is controlled to stop in a manner corresponding to the result of the lottery, and a control unit that executes a predetermined process according to a game result based on a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the reel when stopped In the equipped gaming machine,
The controller is
The number of games in the first gaming state can be counted, and based on the achievement of a predetermined condition, first counting means for performing processing for maintaining the counted value, and the counted value are initialized. A plurality of counters including second counting means,
After the condition is achieved, the gaming machine performs processing related to a condition for transition to a second gaming state different from the first gaming state based on a value maintained by the first counting means. .
The controller is
Enabling the transition to the second gaming state when the value of the second counting means reaches a predetermined specified value;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the prescribed value is determined based on a value of the first counting means when the condition is achieved . The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the achievement of the condition is to execute a setting change for changing an advantage of the gaming machine.

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