JP6398048B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a slot machine (cylinder game machine) and a pachinko machine (ball ball game machine).

  Conventionally, for example, a slot machine is known as one of game machines. In this slot machine, when the reel is rotated by inserting a medal and operating the start lever, the role is determined internally by internal lottery, and the reel is stopped by operating the stop button. When a combination of symbols predetermined according to the internal determination is displayed, a combination is established. When a winning combination with payout of medals is established, a prescribed number of medals corresponding to the established winning combination are paid out.

  In such a slot machine, when there is a subsequent effect in the currently executed effect, a display indicating that there is a subsequent effect immediately before the currently executed effect is ended (hereinafter, “NEXT”). There is a game stand that performs “display” (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-104557 A

  However, in a gaming machine that executes such a NEXT display, a player who advances the game operation quickly advances the next game before the end of the performance being executed, so that the NEXT display is executed. There is a case where a subsequent production is started. In this case, the player shifts to the next effect without looking at the NEXT display, so that the effect previously performed is interrupted and the next effect is started or has been performed previously. There is a problem that it is difficult to determine whether the next production has started after the last production has been executed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine that can easily determine whether an effect being executed has been interrupted or has been executed to the end. .

In order to achieve the above object, a game machine according to the present invention is a game machine comprising, as one aspect thereof, an operation receiving means for receiving an operation and an effect executing means for executing a specific effect consisting of a plurality of effect parts. The specific production includes at least a first production part, a second production part that is the next production part of the first production part, and a suggestion production that suggests execution of the next production part. The first effect part is an effect for displaying a first effect part display, the second effect part is an effect for displaying a second effect part display, and the suggestion effect Is an effect that displays a suggestion effect display, and the effect execution means displays the first effect when the first condition part display is displayed and the first condition is satisfied. It continues to display the part display Rutotomoni is said first means for displaying the suggested effect display in addition to the effect the part display, the presentation execution means displays the suggestion effect display while continuing the display of the first effect Part Display If the second condition in the case in which is established, in place of the currently displayed first effect Part display and the suggested effect display, a means for displaying the second effect Part display, The first effect part display is a display that progresses as time elapses, and the first condition is that when the first effect part display is displayed , the operation receiving means performs a specific operation. It is a condition that is established based on accepting

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to easily determine whether an effect being executed has been interrupted or has been executed to the end.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a pay line of the slot machine related to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a planar arrangement of symbols arranged on each reel of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the number of awarded winning combinations, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a game state transition diagram of the main control unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the privilege effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows the flow of the privilege effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of invention, and a next effect suggestion effect. It is a figure which shows the image structure of the privilege effect and the next effect suggestion effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of invention. It is a figure which shows the display mode in the effect image display apparatus of the privilege effect and the next effect suggestion effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows the flow of the privilege production of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows the flow of the privilege production of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a main control unit main process flow of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control unit timer interrupt processing of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of a first sub control unit main process, a first sub control unit command reception interrupt process, and a first sub control unit timer interrupt process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail a flow of initial setting processing in step S3001 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the presentation control process of step S3005 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows in detail the flow of the privilege effect switching process of step S3408 of FIG. The second sub control unit main process, the second sub control unit command reception interrupt process, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process, and the second sub control unit image control process of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention It is a flowchart which shows a flow. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a correspondence relationship between the first sub control unit 400 and the second sub control unit 500 regarding the setting of the privilege effect A of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the display mode in the effect image display apparatus of the privilege effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and a next effect suggestion effect (modification). It is a time chart which shows the flow of the privilege effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and a next effect suggestion effect (modification). It is a figure which shows the image structure of the privilege effect of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of invention, and a next effect suggestion effect (modification). It is a time chart which shows the flow of privilege production of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention (modification). It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the game machine which concerns on another embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The slot machine according to the present embodiment starts rotating when a predetermined number of game media are inserted and a plurality of reels each having a plurality of types of symbols receive a predetermined rotation start instruction operation. Based on the reception of the rotation start instruction operation, whether or not the internal winning of a plurality of types of roles is determined by lottery, each of the plurality of reels individually stops rotation by receiving a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation, If the condition determined by the combination based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the reels are stopped matches a predetermined payout condition, the game medium is paid out and the game is ended. It is a game machine that advances a series of games that are terminated without being paid out.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a winning line.

  A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of a game machine according to the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. . Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In this embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by attaching the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, three symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the symbols displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 (position 1 shown in the figure) are displayed on the upper stage of the left reel 110 and the middle stage of the left reel 110 (position 2 shown in the figure). The symbol to be displayed is displayed in the middle stage of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure), the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel, and the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (position 4 in the figure). The symbol displayed on the middle reel upper symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle of the left reel 110 (position 5 in the figure), the symbol displayed on the middle reel middle symbol, and the symbol displayed on the lower reel 111 (position 6 in the diagram). The symbol displayed on the lower stage of the middle reel, the upper stage of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the figure) is the upper stage of the right reel, and the picture displayed on the middle stage of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the figure) is the right reel. Middle design, bottom of right reel 112 (in the figure The symbol displayed at the position 9) is called the right reel lower symbol, and each symbol of each reel 110-112 is passed through the symbol display window 113 to each reel 110-112 in the vertical direction, a total of nine. Is displayed. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

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

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The winning line is a line for determining whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination to be described later is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the middle reel winning line L1 composed of the left reel middle symbol, the middle reel middle symbol and the right reel middle symbol, the left reel upper symbol, the middle reel middle symbol and the right reel lower symbol line L2 comprised of the right reel lower symbol. 4 of the left reel lower symbol, the middle reel middle symbol and the right reel upper symbol L3, the left reel lower symbol, the left reel lower symbol, the middle reel lower symbol and the right reel lower symbol L4. There are two winning lines. FIG. 2 shows these winning lines. A valid pay line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “valid line”) is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. The slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment is a three-wager dedicated machine, and any winning line is not effective when the number of inserted medals is less than three, and all winning lines L1 when three medals are bet. ~ L4 becomes effective. When the winning line becomes valid, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135. The number of winning lines is not limited to 4 lines. For example, three middle winning lines L1, right falling winning lines L2, and right rising winning lines L3 may be set as valid winning lines, or the number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bets is set as effective winning lines. May be.

  For example, the notification lamp 123 indicates that a specific winning combination (specifically, special roles 1, 2, and 3) is won internally in an internal lottery described later, or is in a special gaming state described later. It is a lamp to inform the person. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 indicates that the current game can be replayed when a replaying role (details will be described later), which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game, can be replayed (no medal insertion is required). This is a lamp that informs the player. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The medal insertion buttons (also referred to as bet buttons) 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In the present embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one sheet is inserted. When the bet button 131 is pressed, two sheets are inserted. When the bet button 132 is pressed, three sheets are inserted. ing. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. In other words, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted from the medal insertion slot 141. The insertion means to include both.

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

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation. In the period from the start of reel rotation of the previous game to the start of reel rotation of the current game, a timer (so-called 4.1 second wait) is set to regulate the minimum execution time of one game. If the start lever 135 is operated when the minimum execution time has not elapsed since the start, the reels 110 to 112 do not immediately start rotating, and the reels 110 to 112 do not rotate when the minimum execution time has elapsed. Start spinning.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139 including a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112. In this embodiment, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 is operated. As a result, the right reel 112 can be stopped.

  Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Also, the reel that is the target of the first stop operation is referred to as the first stop reel, the reel that is the target of the second stop operation is the second stop reel, and the reel that is the target of the third stop operation is the third stop reel. Further, the operation sequence of the stop operation with the first stop reel as the left reel 110 is called “forward press operation sequence” or simply “forward press”, and the operation sequence of the stop operation with the first stop reel as the right reel 112 is “ This is called “reverse pressing operation sequence” or simply “reverse pressing”. In the present embodiment, a light emitter is provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be turned on to notify the player.

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

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

  The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided at the left and right portions of the front door 102 and the upper lamp 146 provided at the upper portion of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device (effect image display) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. Device) 157, and when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front surface (player side) of the slot machine 100. It has become.

  It should be noted that the display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

<Circuit configuration of control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

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

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel symbols. ROM 306 storing an array, RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time, frequency, etc., WDT (Watchdog timer) 314 is mounted. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 314b as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 332, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts main processing main processing described later).

  Further, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 inserts various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal insertion slot 141 every interruption time). Medal acceptance sensor, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, left reel 110 The index sensor of the middle reel 111, the index sensor of the right reel 112, etc.).

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

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

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

  The index sensor of the left reel 110, the index sensor of the middle reel 111, and the index sensor of the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the respective reels 110 to 112, and a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes therethrough. Each time you do it, it goes to L level. Rotational position information indicating how much the reel is rotating from the reference position from once to the L level is calculated based on the value obtained by counting the clock signals output from the crystal oscillator 315b. Is done. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The main control unit 300 is provided in a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 700 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. A drive circuit 326 for driving a motor, various lamps 338 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertion possible lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, a game medal insertion lamp 129, a game start lamp 121, a game information display 126 , A payout number display device 127) is provided.

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

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

<First sub-control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub control unit 400 receives the control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 stores data temporarily with the CPU 404. RAM 408, I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and number of times are mounted. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

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

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

  Further, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various kinds of lamps 420 (upper lamp 146, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, game medals, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. A possible lamp 124, a bet button lamp, a reel backlight, a stop button 137 to 139 lamp, etc.) are connected.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. Second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of effect device 160 including display control of effect image display device 157. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 is, for example, a control unit that controls display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various drive devices for presentation (for example, a control unit that controls motor driving of the shutter 163). For example, it may be configured by a plurality of control units.

<Second sub-control unit>
Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 receives a control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface, and includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter for measuring time, frequency, and the like. Timer 512 is mounted. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, and the like.

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

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

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

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

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same figure is a figure which expand | deploys and shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) planarly.

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

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the number of each winning combination awarded (number of medals paid out).

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a special combination (special combination 1, special combination 2, special combination 3) and a general combination (replay combination, small combination 1 to small combination 3). The types of winning combinations are not limited to these combinations and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  Among the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the special combination (special combination 1, special combination 2, and special combination 3) is a combination that shifts to a special gaming state in which a predetermined profit is given to the player. In addition, the re-playing role is a role that enables re-playing without newly inserting medals. These winning combinations may be referred to as “acting combinations”. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an operating combination that does not accompany a medal payout (ie, does not accompany a medal payout) is displayed on the active line. Includes winnings for Special Role 2, Special Role 3 and Replay Role.

  Special combination 1, special combination 2 and special combination 3 are combinations (operating combinations) that shift to a special gaming state by winning. However, medals will not be paid out for winning this role. The corresponding symbol combinations are as follows: special role 1 is “Seven 1-Seven 1—Seven 1 (BB1)”, special role 2 is “Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2 (BB2)”, and special role 3 is “BAR-BAR”. -BAR (RB) ".

  When the special combination 1, special combination 2 or special combination 3 is won internally, the special combination internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination is set to ON (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). ) When this flag is set to ON, the main control unit 300 shifts the gaming state to the special combination internal winning state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT1). This flag is kept on until winning the internal winning combination, and it becomes easy to win the internal winning combination in subsequent games. In other words, even if a game in which a special role 1, special role 2 or special role 3 is won internally, even if the special role is not won, the special combination will be in the state where the special role is won internally, and the symbol combination corresponding to the special role (For example, if special winning 1 is won internally, the symbol combination of “Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1 (BB1)”, if special winning 2 is won internally, “Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2 (BB2)” The symbol combination “” and the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR (RB)” when the special combination 3 is won internally will be in a state where it is easy to win. This special combination internal winning state (RT1) will be described later.

  The main control unit 300 changes the gaming state to the special gaming state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as RT2) based on the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination 1, special combination 2 or special combination 3. Transition.

  The re-gamer is a winning player (operator) who can play a game without inserting medals (game media) in the next game by winning, and no medals are paid out. The symbol combination corresponding to the replaying role (replay) is “replay-replay-replay”.

  The small role (small role 1 to small role 3) is a winning role in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning, and the corresponding symbol combinations are as follows: Small role 1 is “Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon (Watermelon)”, Small role 2 Is “CHERRY-ANY-ANY (Cherry)”, and the small part 3 is “BELL-BELL-BELL (BELL)”. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol.

  Here, an outline of the internal winning probability of the winning combination will be outlined.

  For the internal winning probability of each combination, the numerical data corresponding to the range of the lottery data associated with each combination is represented by the numerical data in the range of random values acquired in the internal lottery described later (in this embodiment, 65536). It is calculated by dividing by. The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. In a winning combination internal lottery process to be described later, it is determined whether the random value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to any of the combinations, and the internal winning combination is determined. Actually, in this lottery data, settings 1 to 6 are prepared in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a clerk of the game shop can arbitrarily select and set any set value. .

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the type and transition of the gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a game state transition diagram of the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100.

  The main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 is broadly divided into a normal gaming state (RT0), a special combination internal winning state (RT1), and a special gaming state (RT2) as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, these four gaming states are referred to as RT gaming states. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 300 also controls a state related to a so-called AT (assist time) (hereinafter referred to as an AT game state). As shown in FIG. 6B, the AT-system gaming state of the main control unit 300 has two gaming states of the normal mode and the AT mode at RT0.

<Normal gaming state (RT0)>
The content of the normal gaming state (RT0) is not particularly limited, but for example, the result of the internal lottery is largely lost, and the total number of medals that can be obtained during the game when the player has played the game for a predetermined period is A gaming state that is less than the total number of medals inserted.

  The normal gaming state (RT0) is started when the special gaming state (RT2) is completed in addition to the initial state. In the normal gaming state (RT0), if any of the special roles 1, 2, or 3 is won internally, the special role internal winning state (RT1) is entered.

<Special role internal winning state (RT1)>
The special combination internal winning state (RT1) refers to a gaming state in which a symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning special combination can be displayed on the active line.

  This special combination internal winning state (RT1) is started when the special combination 1, 2, or 3 is internally won in the normal gaming state (RT0). Moreover, when the symbol combination corresponding to the special combination 1, 2, or 3 won in the inside is displayed on the active line, the process ends, and the state shifts to the special game state (RT2).

<Special gaming state (RT2)>
The special game state (RT2) is a game state that is most advantageous to the player among all the game states. In the present embodiment, since each game has a gameability to win a small role 3 (bell), the period of this special game state (RT2) is also referred to as a privilege period.

  The special game state (RT2) is started when a symbol combination corresponding to the special combination won internally in the special combination internal winning state (RT1) is displayed on the active line. Further, the special game state (RT2) ends when a predetermined number of games (15 games in the present embodiment) are consumed, and the state shifts to the normal game state (RT0).

<Game state of AT system>
The AT mode refers to a gaming state in which an effect of notifying a stop operation method (operation timing or operation sequence of stop operations) is executed so as to bring a result advantageous to the player. In the AT mode of the present embodiment, when an internal winning is made to a small role in the normal gaming state (RT0), a stop operation (for example, for winning a small winning combination internally using the image of the effect image display device 157) (for example, A stop operation notification effect for notifying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is executed. On the other hand, the normal mode is an initial state in which the slot machine 100 is first shifted to after the power is turned on or reset, and the stop operation notification effect described above is not executed.

  In the present embodiment, when the AT right lottery is won in the special gaming state (RT2), 30 games (number of initial games) are given as the number of AT games. That is, when the AT right lottery is won in the special game state (RT2), the AT mode is entered when the special game state (RT2) is finished and the normal game state (RT0) is started. Then, in the normal gaming state (RT0), when the number of assigned AT games is consumed, the mode is changed to the normal mode.

<Bonus production>
Next, the privilege effect will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig.7 (a) is a figure which shows the period of privilege production, FIG.7 (b) is a figure which shows the production | presentation apparatus which performs privilege production.

  The privilege effect is an effect that is executed over 15 games that are the period (privilege period) of the special gaming state (RT2). The privilege effect of the present embodiment is a three-part effect as a story, and each effect part is an effect that is executed over a period of five games. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the bonus effect A is selected as the bonus effect, the bonus effect A-1 is executed in the first five games of RT2, and in the next five games, the bonus effect A-1 is executed. Effect A-2 is executed, and privilege effect A-3 is executed in the last five games. The bonus productions A-1, A-2, and A-3 of each production part are productions in which the story progresses within each part, and between each part (specifically, the special production A- 1 and privilege effect A-2, privilege effect A-2 and privilege effect A-3) are configured such that a new development occurs in the story. In other words, the bonus effects A-1, A-2, and A-3 are effects that progress as time passes. As shown in FIG. 7B, the privilege effect of the present embodiment is based on the display of the privilege image using the effect image display device 157, the output of the privilege sound using the speaker 272, and the privilege light emission using the side lamp 144. Composed. In the following, the display control of the privilege image that is the center of the privilege effect will be described in detail.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the flow of the effect progression when the benefit effect A, which is one of the benefit effects, is executed. Here, FIG. 8A shows the flow of the production of the bonus effect A when the player's game operation is fast (“when the game progress is fast”), and FIG. 8B shows the player's game operation. The flow of the effect progress of the bonus effect A when the game operation is slow (“when the game progress tempo is slow”) is shown.

  In the privilege effect according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in the fifth game of the privilege period, the next effect suggestion effect for notifying that there is the next effect part is displayed during one game. It is supposed to run. As a result, the player can understand that there is the next production part (specifically, the special production A-2) in the special production A. The next effect suggestion effect is an effect of displaying a character image of “continued” as an effect image (next suggestion display). The character image may be a character image such as “continue”, “NEXT”, or “Continue”. Here, the configuration of the bonus effect A and the next effect suggesting effect will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9A is a table for explaining the image contents of the benefit effect A and the next effect suggestion effect. Specifically, the images of the bonus effects A-1, the bonus effects A-2, and the bonus effects A-3 (hereinafter referred to as “privilege display A1,” “privilege display A2,” and “privilege display A3”) are respectively It is composed of a moving image of about 30 seconds (1 frame 33 ms × 900 frames), and the next effect suggestion effect image (hereinafter referred to as “next suggestion display”) is a moving image of about 10 seconds (1 frame 33 ms × 300 frames). It consists of FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating the frame configurations of the privilege displays A1 to A3 and the next suggestion display. In the privilege effect of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, separately from the privilege effect A (specifically, the privilege effect A-1, the privilege effect A-2, the privilege effect A-3). Since the next effect suggestion effect is provided as an independent effect, the next effect suggestion effect can be surely executed in the fifth game regardless of the progress of the bonus effect A, that is, the player can surely execute the next effect. You can see suggestions.

  In addition, since each of the privilege displays A1 to A3 includes a moving image of about 30 seconds, when the privilege display is performed for 30 seconds or more, the second half frame is repeatedly executed. FIG. 9 (c) shows this, and until the last frame (f900) of the production part is reached, the frames are displayed sequentially as shown in the upper part of FIG. 9 (c). After reaching the frame (f900), the second half frame (for example, f800 to f900) is repeatedly displayed as shown in the lower part of FIG. 9C. As a result, when switching to the next production part, regardless of the game progress tempo, it is possible to see the bonus production of the continuous contents without the story jumping. In the following, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 9C, a privilege effect that does not repeat a predetermined frame is referred to as a “story progression” privilege effect, and as shown in the lower part of FIG. The bonus production that repeats the above frame is called the bonus production of “no story progression”.

  Conventionally, the next effect suggestion effect that suggests the presence of the next effect part is executed in a period close to the end of each effect part of the benefit effect (for example, 25 seconds to 30 seconds in the effect part whose effect time is 30 seconds). When the game progress is fast, it was executed as part of the bonus effect (for example, “Continue” is displayed as part of the bonus effect effect image). There is a problem that the player cannot see the next effect suggestion effect. In other words, the conventional game machine has room for improvement in the display displayed on the display means. However, in the privilege effect of the present embodiment, the next effect suggestion effect is provided separately from the bonus effect A of the main story, and the execution condition of the next effect suggestion effect is set as the game progress status (for example, the next effect part starts. 5th game just before the game), the player can surely see the next effect suggestion effect. That is, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine having a display characteristic.

  For example, when the game progress is fast, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), since the game enters the fifth game before about 30 seconds from the start of the bonus effect A-1, the bonus display A1. The next suggestion display is performed together with the privilege display A1 in the state in which the story of is proceeding.

  On the other hand, when the tempo of the game progress is slow, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), since about 30 seconds have passed since the start of the bonus effect A-1, the game is entered into the fifth game. In a state where the story is not progressing, the next suggestion display is performed together with the privilege display A1.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing display modes in the effect image display device 157 for the benefit effect A and the next effect suggestion effect. FIG. 10A shows a privilege display A1 (frame f10) at time t1 (about 3 seconds after the execution of the privilege effect A-1) in FIG. Since the time t1 is the first game regardless of the game progress tempo, the next suggestion display is not displayed. More specifically, since the shortest time required for one game is about 4.1 seconds, in the present embodiment, about 16 seconds (the shortest time required for four games after the execution of the bonus effect A-1 is started). = 4.1 × 4) At the time point within the lapse of time, the effect image (next suggestion display) of the next effect suggestion effect is not displayed. Therefore, in the privilege effect of this embodiment, the main part of scene development is set in a section from the start to about 16 seconds. It is because it becomes the section of privilege production which can be surely shown to the player. Specifically, in the case of the bonus effect A-1, in this section, a display in which Tonosama and Tsuji appear as the main part of the scene development is performed. By performing display that introduces all the characters that appear, it is easy to grasp the contents of the subsequent effects.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 10B and 10C show the privilege display 1 (frame f880) at the time point t2 (about 29 seconds after the execution of the privilege effect A-1) in FIG. At time t2, when the game progress tempo is fast, the game has entered the 5th game (at least about 20 seconds (= 4.1 seconds × 5) after the execution of the bonus effect A-1). If the game progress is slow, the game has not entered the fifth game. Therefore, when the game progress tempo is slow, as shown in FIG. 10B, only the privilege display A1 (frame f880) is displayed, but when the game progress tempo is fast, FIG. ), The “next suggestion display (frame f5)” is displayed together with the privilege display A1 (frame f880). More specifically, since the shortest time required for one game is about 4.1 seconds, in the present embodiment, about 16 seconds (the shortest time required for four games after the execution of the bonus effect A-1 is started). = 4.1 × 4) At the time after the lapse of time, an effect image (next suggestion display) of the next effect suggestion effect may be displayed. Specifically, in the case of the privilege effect A-1, the privilege display A1 (frame f880) is a display in which Tono-sama and Samurai confront each other. When the next suggestion display is displayed, the characters “continue” are displayed on the screen. Display over a part. Note that, as described above, conventionally, this next suggestion display is integrated with the privilege display A1, so as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the next suggestion display is displayed on the same frame of the privilege display A1. On the other hand, the next suggestion is not displayed or not displayed.

  The boundary between games in the timing chart shown in FIG. 8 is the start lever operation timing. In other words, in the present embodiment, the execution of the bonus presentation (private presentations A-1 and A-2) is triggered by the start lever operation, and the execution of the next stage suggesting stage is triggered by the start lever operation. Yes.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when a bonus effect without progress of a story is executed, a predetermined section over a plurality of frames is repeatedly played back, but one frame may be played back repeatedly. In other words, “no progress of story” is still image display or moving image display that displays a moving image instead of a still image display but displays a part of the period repeatedly. Here, the partial period may indicate the last period of the series of periods, but may indicate a period in the middle of the series of periods. The partial period may be a period that can be repeated within one game, and is preferably a period shorter than about 4.1 seconds.

  In this embodiment, the length of each effect part of the bonus effect (= the part where the story progresses) is set longer than about 20 seconds (= 4.1 × 5) which is the shortest time required for five games. . This is a measure for allowing the player to enjoy a story of a long privilege effect while surely showing the player the next suggestion display regardless of the game progress tempo.

  7 to 10, the next effect suggesting effect when the privilege effect A-1 is being executed has been described, but the same is true for the privilege effects A-2 and A-3. FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the execution timing of the next effect suggestion effect (end suggestion effect) in the bonus effects A-2 and A-3. FIG. 11 (a) shows the flow of the effect progress of the bonus effect A when the game progress tempo is fast, and FIG. 11 (b) shows the flow of the effect progress of the bonus effect A when the game progress tempo is slow. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, regardless of the game progress tempo, during execution of the bonus effect A-2, the next effect is displayed at the tenth game after the bonus effect A is started. The next effect suggesting effect that suggests that there is a part is executed, and during the execution of the benefit effect A-3, the execution of the benefit effect A is started and the end that suggests that the benefit effect is ended in the 15th game. Perform suggestive effects. Specifically, FIG. 11A shows a case where the end suggestion effect is executed while the story of the privilege effect A-3 is progressing, and FIG. 11B shows the story of the benefit effect A-3. The case where the end suggestion effect is executed while the progress is finished and the story is not progressed is shown.

  FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing the flow of the effect progression when the interruption occurs during the execution of the privilege effect. FIG. 12A shows a case where an interruption occurs at the third game in the privilege period and then resumes. FIG. 12B shows an effect when the interruption occurs at the thirteenth game in the privilege period and then resumes. The flow of the production progress is shown. Here, the interruption includes interruption due to power interruption, interruption due to menu screen display, interruption due to execution of demonstration effects, and the like. In the case of interruption due to execution of the demonstration effect, only the demonstration effect is executed during the interruption period, and the demonstration effect can be said to be an effect that is not executed together with the privilege effect. The menu screen display is a screen on which the player can make various settings (for example, volume setting). For example, if the medal insertion button 132 is pressed and held in a non-game state, the menu is displayed on the effect image display device 157. When the screen is displayed and the start lever 135 is operated while the menu screen is displayed, the display of the menu screen is terminated.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b), when an interruption occurs during execution of a bonus effect, when the game is resumed after the interruption, the bonus effect is started from the beginning. Like to do. For example, when interruption occurs during execution of the bonus effect A-1, the effect is resumed from the first frame f-1 of the bonus effect A-1, and the interruption occurs while the bonus effect A-3 is being executed. In this case, the effect is resumed from the first frame f-1 of the privilege effect A-3. As a result, even if the interruption occurs, the player does not overlook the scene where the production is connected. Even when a bonus effect without a story progress is being executed, if a break occurs, the bonus effect is started from the first frame.

  However, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the execution condition of the next effect suggestion effect (or the end suggestion effect) is not the number of digest games of the privilege effect after the interruption, but the privilege effect before the interruption. The total number of digested games, including the number of games. That is, as shown in FIG. 12A, when an interruption occurs in the third game that is executing the bonus effect A-1, the next effect suggesting effect is executed in the fifth game of the bonus effect A-1. As shown in FIG. 12B, when an interruption occurs in the 13th game in which the bonus effect A-3 is being executed, the fifth game of the bonus effect A-3 (the 15th game of the bonus effect A). An end suggestion effect is executed.

<Operation of slot machine>
Hereinafter, processing of the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500 reflecting the above characteristics will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Main control unit main processing>
First, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 332 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input resets by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG. 13 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step S101. In this initial setting, setting of a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt prohibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 314, and initial setting Set the value.

  In step S102, a game start process is executed. In the game start process, when an error check regarding medal overflow in the medal auxiliary storage case, setting of automatic trigger (SRB), updating of bonus signal, setting of prescribed number of medals, or internal re-game (replay) is won Set the number of medals inserted in the previous game as the number of medals inserted, and set the game idle timer to monitor the time of the non-game state when the re-game is not won internally .

  In step S103, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. In addition, preparation is made for transmitting a medal insertion command indicating that a medal has been inserted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Also, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the number of inserted medals is determined and the start lever 135 is operated with respect to the first sub-control unit 400. Prepare to send a start lever acceptance command indicating that.

  In step S104, the number of inserted medals is determined, and an effective winning line is determined.

  In step S105, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired.

  In step S106, a winning combination internal lottery process is performed. In the winning combination internal lottery process, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and the internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step S105. Preparation for transmitting an internal lottery command indicating the result to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned on.

  In step S107, a reel stop data candidate selection process for selecting a reel stop control data candidate based on the internal lottery result of the winning combination internal lottery process is performed.

  In step S108, a reel rotation start process is executed to start rotation of all the reels 110 to 112. In step S108, preparation is made to transmit a reel rotation start command indicating that the reels 110 to 112 have started to rotate to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step S109, a reel stop control process is performed. In the reel stop control process, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel selected in step S107 is stopped to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button. With reference to the stop table of the stop control data, any of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of frames drawn in the stop table. When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In this step S109, for each stop operation, preparation is made to send a stop button reception command relating to the stop buttons 137 to 139 that have been operated to stop to the first sub-control unit 400. Preparation for transmitting a reel stop command related to the reel stop position to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed.

  In step S110, display determination (winning determination) is performed. Here, when a symbol combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the small role 1 (watermelon) symbol is won. Moreover, in this step S110, preparation for transmitting a display determination command indicating the result of the display determination to the first sub-control unit 400 is made.

  In step S111, a medal payout process is performed. In the medal payout process, if a winning combination with a payout has been won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines.

  In step S112, a game state control process is performed in which control for shifting the game state is performed. For example, when a special role is won, the special game state (RT2) is prepared to be started from the next time. In step S112, preparation is made for transmitting a gaming state command indicating the gaming state to the first sub-control unit 400. For example, when the gaming state is the special gaming state (RT2), preparation is made to transmit a gaming state command indicating the special gaming state (RT2). The gaming state command also includes information indicating that a new gaming state has been started when a new gaming state is started. For example, when the special gaming state (RT2) is started, a preparation is made to transmit a gaming state command indicating that the special gaming state (RT2) has been started to the first sub-control unit 400. The gaming state command includes information indicating the gaming state of the AT system as well as information indicating the gaming state of the AT system.

  Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, the game proceeds by returning to step S102 and repeating the above-described processing.

  Note that the various commands prepared in the above steps are transmitted in a command setting transmission process (step S1006 in FIG. 14) of the main control unit timer interrupt process described later.

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

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 1.5 ms), and the main control unit timer is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. Interrupt processing is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S1001, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step S1002, the count value of WDT 314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment), and WDT 314 is periodically updated (so as not to detect a processing abnormality) so that a WDT interrupt does not occur. In the embodiment, the restart is performed once in about 1.5 ms which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S1003, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step S1004, various game processes are executed, and processes according to the interrupt status are executed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318), and processing according to this status is performed. For example, if the interrupt status is in the medal insertion process, the medal insertion acceptance process is performed. If the interrupt status is in the payout process, the medal payout process is performed.

  In step S1005, timer update processing is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step S1006, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 can determine the effect control according to the change in the game control in the main control unit 300 according to the command type included in the received command, and information on the command data included in the command Based on the above, it becomes possible to determine the contents of the effect control.

  In step S1007, external signal setting processing is performed. In the external signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652 that is separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S1008, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S1003 are read, and the presence / absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality is monitored. (Not shown) Error processing is executed. Further, according to the current gaming state, the medal selector 170 (medal blocker in which the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 338, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set.

  In step S1009, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. If the low voltage signal is on (when the power supply is detected to be shut off), the process proceeds to step S1011. If the low voltage signal is off (when the power supply is not shut off), the process proceeds to step S1010.

  In step S1010, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S1001 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S1011, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. Then, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

<Processing of first sub-control unit>
Next, processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 10C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, the main process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the power is turned on, an initialization process (described in detail later) is first executed in step S3001. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step S3002, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S3003.

  In step S3003, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

  In step S3004, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command is received from the main control unit 300.

  In step S3005, effect control processing (described later in detail) is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step S3004, processing corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 406 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step S3006, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step S3005, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

  In step S3007, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result in step S3005. For example, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read out in step S3005, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step S3008, an information output process for performing setting to transmit a command to the second sub-control unit 500 is performed based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if there is a command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read out in step S3005, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step S3002. As a result, the set control command is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S3101 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408 as an unprocessed command.

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

  In step S3201, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S3002 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. 15A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Accordingly, in step S3002, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step S3202, an effect random number update process is performed.

  In step S3203, an effect interruption process is executed. The production interruption process is a process that is executed when an interruption event such as a power interruption occurs, and performs a process of interrupting the production that is being executed. Specifically, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 408, and power-off processing such as initialization of an input / output port is performed. . In the present embodiment, the number of bonus effect execution games (number of RT2 execution games) is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 408. For example, when an interruption occurs in the third game of the special effect, “3” is stored as the number of execution games of the special effect.

<Initial setting process>
Next, the initial setting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the effect control process in step S3001 of FIG.

  In step S3301, basic setting processing is performed, and processing such as initial setting of input / output ports and initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408 is performed.

  In step S3302, effect state return setting processing is performed, and the data saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 408 is returned. For example, in the present embodiment, the number of execution games of privilege effects (the number of execution games of RT2) returns.

  In step S3303, it is determined whether the RT gaming state is RT2 (special gaming state). If the RT gaming state is RT2, the process proceeds to step S3304. If not, the initial setting process is terminated.

  In step S3304, the effect part of the privilege effect is reset. Specifically, the production is set so that the production part of the privilege production executed at the time of interruption is executed from the beginning. For example, when an interruption occurs when the privilege effect A-1 is being executed, f1 of the privilege display 1 (see time point t3 in FIGS. 9 and 11) is set for the effect image.

<Production control processing>
Next, the effect control process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the effect control process in step S3005 of FIG.

  In step S3401, it is determined based on the gaming state command whether the RT gaming state of the main control unit 300 has started RT2. If RT2 is started, the process proceeds to step S3402, and if not, the process proceeds to step S3405.

  In step S3402, the effect state of first sub-control unit 400 is set to the RT2 effect state.

  In step S3403, a bonus production lottery is performed and a bonus production is selected. In the present embodiment, either one of the bonus effects A or the bonus effects B is selected as the bonus effect.

  In step S3404, the privilege effect selected in step S3403 is set. For example, when the privilege effect A is selected, the privilege A-1 that is the first effect part of the privilege effect A is set, and the initial value 0 is set as the number of executed games of the privilege effect. After the process of step S3404 is complete | finished, it progresses to step S3409.

  In step S3405, it is determined based on the start lever operation command whether a start lever operation has been performed. If the start lever operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S3406. If not, the process proceeds to step S3409.

  In step S3406, it is determined whether or not the effect state of first sub-control unit 400 is the RT2 effect state. If it is in the RT2 effect state, the process proceeds to step S3407, and if not, the process proceeds to step S3409.

  In step S3407, the number of executed bonus games is counted up. Specifically, 1 is added to the number of execution games of the current privilege effect.

  In step S3408, a bonus effect switching process (details will be described later) for switching the bonus effect is executed. After the process of step S3408 is complete | finished, it progresses to step S3409.

  In step S3409, other effect control processing is executed. For example, when the AT state of the main control unit 300 is in the AT mode, the stop operation notification effect is executed.

<Bonus effect switching process>
Next, the privilege effect switching process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the effect control process in step S3408 of FIG.

  In step S3501, it is determined whether or not the number of bonus effect execution games is five. When the number of execution games of the privilege effect is 5, the process proceeds to step S3502, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3503.

  In step S3502, the next effect suggestion effect is set. As a result, the next effect suggestion effect is executed in response to the start lever operation of the fifth game of the privilege effect (see FIG. 8).

  In step S3503, it is determined whether or not the number of execution games of privilege effects is six. When the number of execution games of the privilege effect is 6, the process proceeds to step S3504. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3505.

  In step S3504, the second effect part of the privilege effect is set. For example, when the privilege effect A is executed, the privilege effect A-2 is set. As a result, the bonus effect A-2 is executed in response to the start lever operation of the sixth game of the bonus effect (see FIG. 8).

  In step S3505, it is determined whether or not the number of bonus effect execution games is ten. If the number of execution games of the privilege effect is 10, the process proceeds to step S3506, and if not, the process proceeds to step S3507.

  In step S3506, the next effect suggestion effect is set. As a result, the next effect suggestion effect is executed in response to the start lever operation of the tenth game of the benefit effect (see FIG. 11).

  In step S3507, it is determined whether or not the number of bonus effect execution games is eleven. If the number of execution games of the privilege effect is 11, the process proceeds to step S3508, and if not, the process proceeds to step S3509.

  In step S3508, the third effect part of the privilege effect is set. For example, when the privilege effect A is executed, the privilege effect A-3 is set. As a result, the privilege effect A-2 is executed in response to the start lever operation of the eleventh game of the privilege effect (see FIG. 11).

  In step S3509, it is determined whether or not the number of execution games of privilege effects is fifteen. If the number of execution games of the privilege effect is 15, the process proceeds to step S3510. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3511.

  In step S3510, an end suggestion effect is set. As a result, the end suggestion effect is executed in response to the start lever operation of the 15th game of the privilege effect (see FIG. 11).

  In step S3511, based on the gaming state command, it is determined whether or not the RT gaming state of the main control unit 300 has started RT0. If the RT game state of the main control unit 300 starts RT0, the process proceeds to step S3512. Otherwise, the privilege effect switching process is terminated.

  In step S3512, since the RT gaming state of the main control unit 300 has shifted to RT0 (normal gaming state), the normal effect is set. In more detail, since the AT gaming state of the main control unit 300 is either the normal mode or the AT mode based on the result of the AT right lottery, an effect corresponding to the AT gaming state is executed.

<Processing of second sub-control unit>
Next, processing of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 19B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 19C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 19D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, in step S5001 in FIG. 19A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S5001. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In step S5002, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S5003.

  In step S5003, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

  In step S5004, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command is received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400.

  In step S5005, effect control processing is performed. Specifically, if there is a new command in step S5004, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading effect data for performing image control relating to the background image and effect data relating to the shutter effect from the ROM 506 is executed. In addition, it includes a process of reading other effect data from the ROM 506 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step S5006, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result in step S5005. For example, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step S5005, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed.

  In step S5007, image control processing (described later in detail) is performed based on the processing result in step S5005. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S5005, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control relating to a display image (notification image, background image) is executed. When this image control process ends, the process returns to step S5002.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400.

  In step S5101 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output by the first sub control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is predetermined by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S5201, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S5002 in the second sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 19A, and the original timer variable storage area is stored. Accordingly, in step S5002, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step S5202, an effect random number update process is performed.

  Next, the image control process in step S5007 in the main process of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step S5301, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 536), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information table, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In step S5302, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 534. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S5303. If not, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it.

  In step S5303, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in step S421, the CPU 504 includes information on the image data constituting the display image (the coordinate axis and image size of the VRAM 536). , VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 534. The VDP 534 performs parameter setting in accordance with the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In step S5304, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504.

  In step S5305, it is determined whether a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 based on the end of image drawing has been input. If a generation end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S5306; Wait for input.

  In step S5306, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Processing related to special effects of sub-control unit>
Next, the process regarding the privilege effect of the 1st sub control part 400 and the 2nd sub control part 500 is demonstrated once again using FIG. Here, FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 regarding the setting of the bonus effect A, and the transition of the privilege display displayed on the effect image display device 157. FIG.

  When RT2 (special game state) is started and the start lever 135 is operated by the player, the first sub-control unit 400 sets the privilege effect A-1 (ST1; step S3404 in FIG. 17). As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 sets the sound and lamp related to the bonus effect A-1, the voice related to the bonus effect A-1 is output from the speakers 272 and 277, and the bonus effect A- is output using the lamp 420. 1 is emitted (steps S3006 and S3007 in FIG. 15A). Moreover, since the 1st sub control part 400 gives the instruction | indication of the image display regarding privilege effect A-1 to the 2nd sub control part 500 (step S3008 of Fig.15 (a)), the 2nd sub control part 500 is thereby made. Then, the privilege display A1 is set (step S5007 in FIG. 19A). As a result, the privilege display A1 is displayed on the effect image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 continuously displays the privilege display A1 until the first sub-control unit 400 instructs to display an image related to the benefit effect A-2 that is the next effect part. Specifically, after starting the privilege display A1, when the second sub-control unit 500 reaches the final frame of the privilege display A1, the second sub-control unit 500 continues to display the privilege display A1 by repeatedly reproducing from the predetermined start point to the final frame. And display.

  Next, when the player operates the start lever 135 in the fifth game of RT2, the first sub-control unit 400 sets the next effect suggesting effect (ST2; step S3502 in FIG. 18). Specifically, the first sub-control unit 400 instructs the second sub-control unit 500 to display an image relating to the next effect suggesting effect, so that the second sub-control unit 500 sets the next suggestion display (FIG. 19 (a), step S5007). As a result, both the privilege display A1 and the next suggestion display are displayed on the effect image display device 157.

  Next, when the player operates the start lever 135 in the sixth game of RT2, the first sub-control unit 400 sets the privilege effect A-2 (ST3; step S3504 in FIG. 18). As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 sets sounds and lamps related to the bonus effect A-2, and sounds related to the bonus effect A-2 are output from the speakers 272 and 277, and the bonus effect A- is output using the lamp 420. 2 is emitted (steps S3006 and S3007 in FIG. 15A). Moreover, since the 1st sub control part 400 gives the instruction | indication of the image display regarding privilege production A-2 to the 2nd sub control part 500 (step S3008 of Fig.15 (a)), the 2nd sub control part 500 is thereby made. Then, the privilege display A2 is set (step S5007 in FIG. 19A). As a result, the privilege display A2 is displayed on the effect image display device 157. In addition, the 2nd sub control part 500 displays privilege display A2 continuously until there is an instruction | indication of the image display regarding the privilege production A-3 which is the next production part from the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. Specifically, after starting the privilege display A2, when the final frame of the privilege display A2 is reached, the privilege display A2 is continuously displayed by repeatedly reproducing from the predetermined start point to the final frame.

  Next, when the player operates the start lever 135 in the 10th game of RT2, the first sub-control unit 400 sets the next effect suggesting effect (ST4; step S3506 in FIG. 18). Specifically, the first sub-control unit 400 instructs the second sub-control unit 500 to display an image related to the next effect suggesting effect, so that the second sub-control unit 500 sets the next suggestion display. As a result, both the privilege display A2 and the next suggestion display are displayed on the effect image display device 157.

  Next, when the player operates the start lever 135 in the eleventh game of RT2, the first sub-control unit 400 sets the privilege effect A-2 (ST3; step S3508 in FIG. 18). As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 sets the sound and lamp related to the bonus effect A-3, the sound related to the bonus effect A-3 is output from the speakers 272 and 277, and the bonus effect A- is output using the lamp 420. 2 is emitted (steps S3006 and S3007 in FIG. 15A). Moreover, since the 1st sub control part 400 issues the instruction | indication of the image display regarding privilege production | generation A-3 to the 2nd sub control part 500 (step S3008 of Fig.15 (a)), the 2nd sub control part 500 is thereby made. Then, the privilege display A3 is set (step S5007 in FIG. 19A). As a result, the privilege display A3 is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 continuously displays the privilege display A3 until the first sub-control unit 400 instructs to display an image related to the normal effect that is the next effect. Specifically, after starting the privilege display A3, when reaching the final frame of the privilege display A3, the privilege display A3 is continuously displayed by repeatedly reproducing from the predetermined start point to the final frame.

  Next, when the player operates the start lever 135 in the 15th game of RT2, the first sub-control unit 400 sets an end suggestion effect (ST6; step S3506 in FIG. 18). Specifically, the first sub-control unit 400 issues an image display instruction related to the end suggestion effect to the second sub-control unit 500 (step S3008 in FIG. 15A), whereby the second sub-control unit 500 The end display is set (step S5007 in FIG. 19A). As a result, both the privilege display A3 and the end display are displayed on the effect image display device 157.

  Next, when the start lever 135 is operated at RT0 after the end of RT2, the first sub-control unit 400 sets a normal effect (ST7; step S3512 in FIG. 18). Specifically, the first sub-control unit 400 instructs the second sub-control unit 500 to display an image related to the normal effect (step S3008 in FIG. 15A). Display setting is performed (step S5007 in FIG. 19A). As a result, a normal display is displayed on the effect image display device 157.

  As mentioned above, according to this embodiment, when performing the privilege production comprised from three production parts over 15 games, the next production suggestion production (or the said game) which suggests presence of the next production part for every 5 games. The end suggestion effect that suggests the end of the bonus effect is executed for one game, so that the player can reliably make the next effect suggestion effect (or end suggestion) regardless of whether the game progress is fast or slow. Production). As a result, there is no doubt about whether the performance being executed has been interrupted or has been executed to the end.

<Other variations>
In the said embodiment, when performing a next production | presentation suggestion effect, the scene of the privilege display displayed with a next suggestion display is not limited. Therefore, in the past, since the privilege display and the next suggestion display were integrated, it was possible to consider that the privilege display does not interfere with the next suggestion display in the process of creating the display. Depending on the scene of the privilege display, the presence of the next suggestion display may interfere with the effect content of the bonus effect. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21A, the next effect suggestion effect (or end suggestion effect) is displayed separately from the effect display area d1 in which the effect image of the privilege effect is displayed on the screen of the effect image display device 157. A guide display area d2 for displaying the effect image may be provided separately, and an effect image of the next effect suggestion effect (or end suggestion effect) may be displayed in the guide display region d2. As a result, no matter what timing the next effect suggestion effect is executed, the effect image of the next effect suggestion effect does not interfere with the effect image of the privilege effect.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 21B, the guide display area d2 is not always provided, but the timing for executing the next effect suggestion effect (or the end suggestion effect) (5 games, 10 games, 15 games during the privilege period) Only in, a guide display area d2 may be provided, and an effect image of the next effect suggestion effect (or end suggestion effect) may be displayed in the guide display region d2. Note that when the guide display area d2 is provided on the screen of the effect image display device 157, the effect display area d1 is reduced in the vertical direction. You will notice the presence of the part (or the end of the bonus production).

  In the above embodiment, the “next suggestion display”, which is the effect image of the next effect suggestion effect, is composed of characters such as “continue”, but is not limited to characters. For example, as shown in FIG. 21C, the “next suggestion display” may be “display of a frame pattern” unrelated to the effect image of the benefit effect. Furthermore, a display that adds white to the entire screen or a reduced display shown in FIG. That is, a display that gives an impression that the player can easily recognize and is not related to the privilege display scene may be performed. Thereby, even if it is not a character, the player can grasp | ascertain that there exists the next production part.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the execution start and execution end of the next effect suggesting operation effect was the start lever operation, but if the predetermined effect time is secured, the execution start of the next effect suggesting operation effect is started. And the trigger for the end of execution is not limited to this. For example, the trigger for starting the execution of the next effect suggesting operation effect may be the timing of the operation on the medal insertion button, as shown in FIG. That is, the timing for starting execution of the next effect suggesting operation effect may be any timing as long as the execution is started in a state where at least one game operation is left. This is because the tempo of the game progress can be adjusted by the execution timing of the remaining game operations in the game. Of course, the trigger for starting execution of the next effect suggesting operation effect may be the reel rotation start, the first stop operation, and the second stop operation. The execution period of the next effect suggesting effect is shorter than in the case of the above embodiment, but the player may be able to recognize the next effect suggesting effect.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.22 (b), the timing which complete | finishes execution of the next production | presentation suggestion operation effect may be the timing of a 3rd stop operation. Of course, the opportunity to end the execution of the next effect suggesting operation effect may be the first stop operation, the second stop operation, the medal payout end, and the game end. The execution period of the next effect suggesting effect is shorter than in the case of the above embodiment, but the player may be able to recognize the next effect suggesting effect.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the portion of the bonus effect that does not progress is realized by repeatedly playing a part of the bonus effect. However, separately, an effect image for repeated playback is prepared and this repeated playback is performed. You may implement | achieve by reproducing | regenerating the production image for. Since different production putters can be provided to the player, the interest of the production can be improved.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 23 (a) and 23 (b), in addition to the benefit effect, a standby effect effect image (referred to as a standby display) for repeated reproduction is provided, and as shown in FIG. When each production part of the production is completed to the end, the standby display may be repeatedly reproduced.

  In the above embodiment, each effect part of the bonus effect is set as an effect of about 30 seconds. However, depending on the game progress tempo, it may be about 30 seconds or more (there is no story progress of the bonus effect). If applicable). In such a case, it is preferable to reproduce all of the effect images, sounds, lamps, and the like in synchronism, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the effect sound of each effect part of the benefit effect may be set to end in about 30 seconds regardless of the game progress tempo. FIG. 24 shows an example of such a modification.

  FIG. 24A shows about 30 seconds for the special sound A-1 which is the production sound of the first production part of the special production A, and about 30 seconds for the special sound A-2 which is the production sound of the second production part of the special production A. The case where the privilege sound A-3, which is the effect sound of the third effect part of the benefit effect A, is set to ∞ seconds (the effect sound of one cycle of about 30 seconds is repeated) for 30 seconds. That is, it is set as the length performed in the period equivalent to about 30 seconds of each production part of privilege production. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 24 (b), when the player is playing a game at a relatively fast tempo that finishes 5 games in about 30 seconds, the effect image of the bonus effect A The privilege displays A1, A2, and A3 and the privilege sounds A1, A2, and A3 are generally synchronized, and the effect image and the effect sound correspond to each other. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 24 (c), when the player is playing the game at a relatively slow tempo that finishes the five games over about 30 seconds, the effect of the bonus effect A A period in which the privilege displays A1, A2, and A3, which are images, and the privilege sounds A1, A2, and A3 cannot be synchronized occurs, and a period in which the effect image and the effect sound do not correspond increases. However, as a result, the player can grasp that the game progress tempo is slow from the difference between the effect image and the effect sound, so that the game progress tempo can be accelerated. In this way, when the effect image and effect sound end conditions of each effect part of the bonus effect are different, the player can adjust his game progress tempo from the difference between the effect image and the effect sound. . In addition, in FIG.24 (c), you may make it reproduce | regenerate privilege sound A2 from the beginning at the timing which started display of privilege display A2. The display of the privilege display A2 and the privilege sound A2 can be synchronized.

  In addition, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which comprises each part of privilege production by 5 games, it is not limited to this. That is, if each part of the bonus effect is configured as N games (N is an integer of 2 or more) and the next effect suggesting effect is executed in the Nth game (the next part starts from the (N + 1) th game), The number of games for the part is not particularly limited.

  For example, if each part of the bonus effect is composed of two games, the timing of the second game (the game for executing the next effect suggesting effect) is varied according to the tempo of the game progress of the first game in each part. Become. For example, if each part of the bonus effect is composed of 10 games, the timing of becoming the 10th game (the game for executing the next effect suggesting effect) is varied according to the game progress tempo of the 1st to 9th games in each part. It will be. In addition, you may set the number of games which differs in each part, configuring each part of privilege production as N games (N is an integer greater than or equal to 2). Compared to the case where the same number of games is set for each part, there are cases where it becomes easier to pay attention to the effect because the change timing of each part becomes difficult to predict.

[Other game machines]
In the above embodiment, the slot machine 100 using medals (coins) as a game medium is shown as an example of a game table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a game ball (for example, a pachinko ball) is used as a game. The present invention can be applied to slot machines, pachinko machines, arrange ball game machines, jade ball game machines, smart balls, casino machines, and the like as media.

  The slot machine may be a slot machine that only exchanges electronic data without using medals, and the game medium in this case includes electronic data corresponding to medals, The input includes inputting the digitized data from a predetermined external device (electronic storage device), and the payout of the game medium is the conversion of the digitized data to the predetermined external device (electronic storage device). Including output.

  In addition, the game table according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 25 (a), “Insert bills into bill insertion slot 2002, execute lottery based on bet 2004 and start 2006 operation, and display lottery result lottery result display device. A casino that displays the number of bonus coins to the number of remaining credits at the time of winning and issues a receipt in which a code corresponding to the number of remaining credits is written from the receipt issuing machine 2010 when cashout 2009 is selected. Machine 2000 "may be used.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cellular phone 3000 having a storage unit for storing the electronic data for realizing the present invention, and the electronic data for realizing the present invention as shown in FIG. The present invention may be applied to a portable game machine 4000 having a storage unit for storing the video data and a home video game machine 5000 having a storage unit for storing electronic data for realizing the present invention.

  More specifically, the mobile phone 3000 in FIG. 5B includes an operation unit operated by a player, a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to the game through a mobile phone line, and acquired data about the game (this book And a control unit that controls the game based on the data stored in the storage unit and the operation of the operation unit.

  The portable game machine 4000 in FIG. 6C includes an operation unit operated by a player, a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to the game from a predetermined storage medium (DVD or the like), and acquired data related to the game (the present invention). And a control unit for controlling the game based on the data stored in the storage unit and the operation of the operation unit. The home video game machine 5000 in FIG. 5C includes an operation unit operated by a player, a data acquisition unit that acquires data related to the game from a predetermined storage medium (DVD or the like), and acquired data about the game ( And a control unit that controls the game based on the data stored in the storage unit and the operation of the operation unit.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4D, the present invention may be applied to a data server 6000 that stores electronic data for realizing the present invention. In some cases, the electronic data for realizing the present invention is downloaded from the data server 6000 to the home video game machine 5000 shown in FIG.

  In addition, a game can be executed by applying the present invention to a game program in which the operation of a real machine such as a slot machine is simulated for a home game machine. In that case, a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

<Summary of Embodiment>
As described above, according to the gaming machine of the above embodiment (for example, slot machine 100), a specific effect (for example, privilege effects A-1, A-2, A-3) composed of a plurality of effect parts (for example, privilege effects A-1, A-2, A-3). , A game stage provided with effect execution means (for example, main control unit 300, first sub-control unit 400, second sub-control unit 500) for executing the bonus effect A), the specific effect is the first The production part (for example, the special production A-1), the second production part that is the next production part of the first production part (for example, the special production A-2), and the execution of the next production part are suggested. When the first condition is satisfied when the first execution part is executing the first effect part (for example, the next effect suggesting effect). (For example, start the fifth game in RT2) Is means for continuing the execution of the first effect part and executing the suggestion effect, and the effect execution means continues the execution of the first effect part and executes the suggestion effect If the second condition (for example, the start of the sixth game in RT2) is satisfied, the second effect part is executed instead of the first effect part and the suggestion effect being executed. The second condition is a condition that is satisfied after the first condition is satisfied, and the first effect part is an effect that progresses with time (for example, approximately 30 seconds). The first condition is not based on the progress of the first performance part over time, but is established based on the progress of the game (for example, RT2 game number digestion). Is based on And construction.

  According to this basic configuration, the player can be surely notified that there is the next production part regardless of the game progress tempo, so even if the player has a fast game progress tempo, the ongoing performance is interrupted. Or whether it has been executed to the end.

  Further, in the basic configuration, the first production part includes a main production part (for example, a bonus production A-1 having a story progress) configured with a first time (for example, about 30 seconds), Subsequent execution part that is executed next to the main production part and is composed of at least a second time (for example, a bonus production A-1 without a story progression), and the production execution means is the first production unit. When the sub-effect part of the part is being executed and the first condition is satisfied, the sub-effect part is repeatedly executed until the second condition is satisfied. Is a first preferred configuration.

  According to this first preferred configuration, a player with a slow game progress tempo repeatedly sees the sub production part, so even if the next production part is shifted to, the anxiety of overlooking the previous production part. Never become.

  Further, in the first preferred configuration, a counting means (for example, a first sub-control unit 400) for counting the progress of the game is provided, and the first condition is that the first effect part is determined by the counting means. This is a condition that is established when it is determined that N games (N is a natural number) have elapsed (for example, 4 games have elapsed) since the start, and the second condition is the first effect by the counting means. A condition that is satisfied when it is determined that N + 1 games have elapsed since the part was started (for example, 5 games have elapsed) is a second preferred configuration.

  According to the second preferred configuration, since the suggestion effect is executed over one game, the player can surely notice that there is the next effect part.

  In the second preferred configuration, the first preferred time is that the first time is longer than the shortest time (for example, 20.5 seconds) required to execute the N + 1 game. And

  According to the third preferred configuration, it is possible to show the player a long story effect while switching the effect part, so that the interest of the player can be improved.

  Further, in the second and third preferred configurations, after the execution of the first effect part is interrupted by a predetermined reason during the execution of the first effect part, the effect execution means, When resuming the execution of the first effect part, the first effect part is a means for starting execution from the beginning (for example, the first game of the privilege effect A-1), and the first condition is When the counting means determines that the total number of games of the first effect part executed before the interruption and the number of games of the first effect part executed after the interruption have passed the N games. That is, the fourth preferred configuration.

  According to the fourth preferred configuration, even if an interruption event occurs, the execution is restarted from the beginning of the effect part that has been executed, so that it is possible to prevent the player from overlooking the effect.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention. Such modifications and changes can be made, and those accompanying such modifications and changes are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

100 slot machine 110, 111, 112 reel 113 symbol display window 114 winning line 129 game medal insertion lamps 130, 131, 132 medal insertion button 135 start lever 137, 138, 139 stop button 141 medal insertion port 157 effect image display device 272, 277 Speaker 300 Main control unit 400 First sub control unit 420 Various lamps 500 Second sub control unit

Claims (2)

A game machine comprising operation receiving means for receiving an operation and effect executing means for executing a specific effect comprising a plurality of effect parts,
The specific effect is an effect comprising at least a first effect part, a second effect part that is the next effect part of the first effect part, and a suggestion effect suggesting execution of the next effect part. Yes,
The first effect part is an effect of displaying a first effect part display,
The second effect part is an effect of displaying a second effect part display,
The suggestion effect is an effect of displaying an suggestion effect display,
The presentation execution unit, when the first condition in the case of displaying the first effect part display is established, said first while continuing the display of the first effect Part Display is a means for displaying the suggestion effect display in addition to the directing part display,
The presentation execution unit, when the second condition in the case of displaying the suggested effect display while continuing the display of the first effect part display is established, in the display the first instead of directing part the display and the suggested effect display, a means for displaying the second effect Part display,
The first effect part display is a display that progresses with time,
The first condition is a condition that is established based on the fact that the operation accepting unit accepts a specific operation when the first effect part display is displayed .
A game stand characterized by that. The game table according to claim 1,
The second condition is a condition that is satisfied based on the fact that the operation accepting unit accepts a predetermined operation after accepting the specific operation.
A game stand characterized by that.