JP6637267B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing a game.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed when the game medium wins a start winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area. And a slot machine that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, symbols) when a predetermined bet amount is set and a start operation is performed. In the gaming machine configured to be able to execute the variable display of the identification information as described above, when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a predetermined display result on the variable display unit, a predetermined game value (for example, a jackpot) State transition) to the player.

  As such a gaming machine, there has been known a gaming machine that controls an AT (assist time) as an advantageous state and changes BGM during the AT as a specific effect (Patent Document 1). In the gaming machine of Patent Literature 1, when the number of games in the AT is added, the game is kept secret so that the player cannot recognize whether or not the number of games is added. Then, when the shortest game period when the added game number is consumed is longer than the changed BGM reproduction time, the BGM is changed, and the changed BGM is reproduced before the added game number is consumed. As a result, the changed BGM can be completed before the end of the AT, and the player can feel that the changed BGM is reproduced as compared with the case where the reproduction of the changed BGM is terminated in the middle. Can be attached.

Japanese Patent No. 5712325 (paragraph 0175, FIG. 17, FIG. 19 (b), etc.)

  However, in the gaming machine of Patent Literature 1, although it can be detected that the number of games has been added due to a change in BGM, when the added games are being consumed, the number of added games is already being consumed, or However, it is difficult for the BGM to detect whether the number of added games has not been consumed. In other words, when the additional game number is given and the degree of advantage after the specific opportunity, which should have ended the AT, becomes advantageous, is the state before the special effect achieved even if the specific effect is executed? Or, it was not possible to recognize whether it was in an advantageous state.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and allows a player to recognize that the degree of advantage after a specific opportunity in an advantageous state becomes more advantageous after performing a specific effect sufficiently. The purpose is to provide a machine.

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine of the present invention
In a gaming machine for playing a game (for example, slot machine 1),
An advantageous state control means (for example, a sub-control unit 91) for controlling to an advantageous state (for example, ART) advantageous to the player;
When controlled to the advantageous state, a degree of advantage (for example, the number of ART stocks) after a specific opportunity in the advantageous state (for example, after the end of ART setting) and a predetermined degree (for example, 0) are compared. An advantage degree comparing means (for example, a part for performing the processing of Se4 in FIG. 21);
A specific effect execution unit (for example, a part that performs the processing of Sc6 in FIG. 22) that executes a specific effect (for example, the performance of the changed BGM);
A period comparison unit (for example, a part that performs the process of Sc5 in FIG. 22) that compares a shortest game period until the specific opportunity and a specific period related to the execution of the specific effect;
The specific effect execution means is determined that the advantage degree is more advantageous than the predetermined degree by comparison by the advantage degree comparison means, and the shortest game period is longer than the specific period by comparison by the period comparison means. The specific effect is executed on the condition that it has been determined that (for example, a part where the processing of Sc6 is performed when Y is the same as Sc5 in FIG. 22, a part shown in FIG. 23 (b)) ,
The specific effect execution means outputs a specific song as the specific effect,
The specific period is a period during which at least a specific portion of the specific song can be output .
According to this configuration, it is possible to recognize that the degree of advantage after the specific opportunity in the advantageous state becomes advantageous after the specific effect is sufficiently executed.
In addition, when it is determined that the degree of advantage is more advantageous than the predetermined degree, and when it is determined that the shortest game period is longer than the specific period, either may be earlier.

A sound output unit (for example, speakers 53 and 54);
A sound control unit (for example, a sub-control unit 91) capable of controlling the sound output unit to play a predetermined music and to output a music sound from the sound output unit;
The specific effect execution means causes the sound control means to perform control of outputting a music sound from the sound output unit by playing a specific music as a specific effect,
The specific period is characterized in that a period during which at least a specific portion of the specific song can be played is determined as the specific period (for example, a portion performing the processing of Sc6 when Y is determined in Sc5 in FIG. 22, FIG. 23). (Part shown in (b)).
According to this configuration, the player can hear the specific part of the specific music.

The specific effect execution means starts the execution of the specific effect from one of the triggers (for example, when a watermelon is won) provided every predetermined period (for example, in the case of Y in Sc1 of FIG. 22). A part for performing the processing of Sc6).
According to this configuration, it is possible to attract the player's attention whether or not the specific effect is started.

The specific effect execution means starts the execution of the specific effect from a game in which the specific effect start restriction condition for restricting the start of the specific effect is not satisfied (for example, the process of Sc6 when N in Sc4 in FIG. 22). Part).
According to this configuration, the specific effect can be sufficiently recognized by the player.

The specific effect execution means executes the specific effect under the condition of a predetermined number of times within a period in which a series of advantageous states are controlled (for example, a part that performs the process of Sc6 when N is negative in Sc3 of FIG. 22). ).
According to this configuration, the rarity of the specific effect is increased, so that the player's attention can be more focused on whether or not the specific effect is started.

A gaming machine capable of performing a game (for example, a slot machine shown in Modification Example 3),
Which of the specific effects (for example, “Song A”) of a plurality of types of specific effects that the player can select (for example, “Song A” to “Song E” in the song list) is selected by the player (E.g., S82 in FIG. 26)
When a predetermined condition (for example, the first determination condition or the second determination condition shown in FIG. 22) is satisfied, the effect is a new effect selectable by the player and has an advantage for the player (for example, the number of remaining navigations). ), A specific effect adding unit (for example, the process of S81 in FIG. 26) for adding a specific effect (for example, “song F”).
Specific effect execution means for executing the specific effect (for example, a process in which the sub CPU 91a outputs a music sound via the speakers 53 and 54),
The specific effect execution means,
When it is determined that the specific effect has not been selected (No in S82 of FIG. 26), any one of the specific effects (for example, “Song A” to “Song E”) of the plurality of types of specific effects is selected. When the predetermined condition is satisfied and the new specific effect can be selected (for example, when the process of S81 in FIG. 26 is performed), the new specific song is executed. Perform an effect (for example, execute S88 in FIG. 26),
When it is determined that the specific effect has been selected (Yes in S82 of FIG. 26), the specific effect is selected regardless of whether the predetermined condition is satisfied and the new specific effect is selectable. The specified effect is executed (for example, in the case of Yes in S82, since the process in S88 is not executed, the selected music piece is output).
According to such a configuration, when it is determined that the specific effect is selected, the specific effect selected regardless of whether a predetermined condition is satisfied and a new specific effect is selectable. Is executed, the player can be dissatisfied with the inconvenience of the operation because the selected specific effect is repeatedly executed without performing the operation of again selecting the selected specific effect. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game. According to such a configuration, when it is determined that the selected specific effect is not selected, a new specific effect is established when a predetermined condition is satisfied and a new specific effect can be selected. Is executed, so that the player is motivated to select a desired specific effect from a plurality of types of specific effects including the new specific effect, and the player becomes interested in selecting the specific effect, The interest of the game is improved. Furthermore, since the new specific effect suggests an advantage for the player, the interest of the game is improved.

The advantage degree comparing means compares the advantage degree after a specific opportunity in the advantageous state with a first predetermined degree (for example, the number of ART stocks is 0) in the advantageous state, and Comparing the advantage degree with a second advantage degree (for example, the number of ART stocks is 5) that is more advantageous than the first predetermined degree,
The specific effect execution means may execute a plurality of types of specific effects depending on whether the advantage degree is more advantageous than either the first advantage degree or the second advantage degree by comparison by the advantage degree comparison means. One of the specific effects is selected from among them, and the selected specific effect is executed (for example, a part for performing the processing of Se4 to Se6 in FIG. 21).
According to this configuration, it is possible to attract the player's attention to which specific effect is executed among the plurality of types of specific effects, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

A gaming machine capable of performing a game (for example, a slot machine shown in Modification Example 3),
When one of a plurality of types of execution conditions including a predetermined execution condition that is satisfied by performing a predetermined operation (for example, an operation on the effect switch 56 in S72 of FIG. 26) is satisfied, the player may A suggestion effect execution means capable of executing a suggestion effect (for example, output of the music F) indicating the degree of advantage (for example, the number of remaining navigations);
The advantage indicated by the suggestion effect executed when the predetermined execution condition is satisfied, and a specific execution condition different from the predetermined execution condition (for example, a condition that is satisfied when the normal replay of S90 in FIG. 26 is won) ) Is different from the advantage suggested by the suggestion effect executed when the effect is established (as shown in FIG. 27B, the music output by the operation of the effect switch 56 during the button effect). F indicates that the number of remaining navigations is 10 or more, while the number of remaining navigations is 5 or more due to music F output when the staging switch is not operated, as shown in FIG. Is suggested).
According to such a configuration, the advantage suggested by the suggested effect is different between when the predetermined execution condition is satisfied and when the specific execution condition is satisfied, so that the sense of expectation given to the player can be different. Can improve the interest of the game.

In a gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1) capable of performing a game,
A control unit (for example, a main control unit 41) for performing control;
The control means includes:
Setting means (for example, start-up processing) for setting the control means;
Processing means (for example, a part for executing the processing in FIGS. 19 and 20) for executing processing based on a control program (for example, a user program) after the setting by the setting means;
Interrupt generation means (for example, IMF = 1) for generating an interrupt in accordance with establishment of an interrupt condition;
Interrupt processing execution means for executing interrupt processing based on the interrupt;
Interrupt limiting means (for example, IMF = 0) for limiting the generation of an interrupt by the interrupt generating means,
The interrupt restricting means is a first interrupt restricting means for restricting the occurrence of an interrupt before the processing based on the control program is started (for example, when the microcomputer is started, the PSW is cleared to 00h and the IMF is reset). 0) and second interrupt limiting means for limiting the occurrence of an interrupt at the start of the processing based on the control program (for example, the processing of Sa1 in FIG. 19 by executing a DI instruction in the initialization processing). To execute).
According to this configuration, occurrence of an unintended interrupt can be prevented.

In a gaming machine that performs a game (a slot machine shown in Modification Example 1),
A plurality of timer value storage areas (for example, one-byte timers A to C) are provided, and data storage means for storing data;
When any one of a plurality of types of timing conditions (for example, the timing conditions of the one-byte timers A to C) is satisfied, a timer value storage area (for example, the one-byte timer A) corresponding to the timing condition is satisfied. To C) a timer value storage means (main processing) for storing a timer value according to the timing condition;
Timer value updating means (time counter updating processing) capable of updating timer values stored in a plurality of timer value storage areas (for example, one-byte timers A to C) at predetermined intervals (about 2.24 ms);
With
Addresses (7E2Ch to 7E2Eh) that are continuous according to a predetermined rule (+1) are assigned to a plurality of timer value storage areas (for example, 1-byte timers A to C).
The timer value updating means performs a predetermined operation (designated address + 1) on an update process (a process of subtracting 1 from the value indicated by the pointer) for updating the timer value stored in the timer value storage area corresponding to the designated address. Thus, a plurality of types of timer values can be updated by repeatedly executing while changing the designated address for the timer value storage area.
According to this feature, continuous addresses are assigned to the plurality of timer value storage areas according to a predetermined rule, and an update process for updating the timer value stored in the timer value storage area corresponding to the specified address is performed by a predetermined process. By updating the specified value for the timer value storage area by repeating the above operation, multiple types of timer values are updated by repeatedly executing the process, so the process of updating multiple types of timer values is performed for each type of timer value. The program capacity can be reduced as compared with the case of performing the program.
It should be noted that continuous addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule, for example, when a start address and an address added by N (N is a natural number) from the start address are assigned.
Further, changing the designated address for the timer value storage area by performing a predetermined operation means, for example, changing the designated address by adding or subtracting a value corresponding to the number of processes to the current designated address; Changing a specified address by adding or subtracting a constant from or to a reference address corresponds to this. At this time, the value or the constant according to the number of processes may be different depending on the storage capacity of the timer value. For example, if the timer value is stored byte by byte, the value according to the number of processes is equal to the number of processes. .. And the constant is 1. However, if the timer value is stored in units of 2 bytes, the value corresponding to the number of processes becomes 2, 4, 6,. , And the constant is 2.

A slot machine that includes variable display means (left reel 2L, middle reel 2C, right reel 2R) for variably displaying identification information, and provides a game value according to a display result derived and displayed on the variable display means (variation example) Slot machine shown in Fig. 2)
An assignment information output unit (external output board 1000) for outputting assignment information capable of specifying a game value assigned when a game value is assigned, and an abnormality detection unit (main control unit 41) for detecting an abnormality related to the game. ,
Abnormality information output means (external output board 1000) for outputting abnormality information when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means,
The abnormality information output means terminates the provision of the game value when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality at a predetermined timing within a period from the start of the variable display of the identification information to the end of the provision of the game value. After that, the abnormality information is output, and the output of the abnormality information is started before the output of the additional information output according to the addition of the game value is completed (for example, FIG. 25).

  Note that the present invention may have only the matters specifying the invention described in the claims of the present invention, or may have configurations other than the matters specifying the invention together with the matters specifying the invention described in the claims of the present invention. It may be something.

It is a front view of the slot machine of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main control unit. It is a figure for explaining the kind of special combination, the symbol combination of special combination, and the technical matter related to special combination. It is a figure for explaining a kind of a small combination, a symbol combination of a small combination, and a technical matter related to a small combination. It is a figure for explaining the kind of re-gaming, the combination of symbols of re-gaming, and technical matters related to re-gaming. It is a figure for explaining the symbol combination of a transition appearance, and a technical matter related to a transition appearance. It is a figure for explaining transition of a game state. It is a figure showing the outline of a game state. It is a figure for explaining the combination of the lottery target combination read as a lottery target combination for every game state. It is a figure for explaining the combination of the lottery target combination read as a lottery target combination for every game state. It is a figure for explaining the combination of the lottery target combination read as a lottery target combination for every game state. It is a figure for explaining the combination of the winning combination permitted by the lottery target combination. It is a figure for explaining the combination of the winning combination permitted by the lottery target combination. It is a figure for explaining reel control at the time of a plurality of small winning combinations. It is a figure for explaining reel control at the time of winning a plurality of re-games. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the control content of an initialization process executed by the main control unit at the time of startup. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the control content of an initialization process executed by the main control unit at the time of startup. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the BGM change determination process performed in the timer interruption process (sub) which a sub control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the BGM change control process performed in the timer interrupt process (sub) which a sub control part performs. 5 is a timing chart showing a specific example of the embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the control content of a time counter update process executed by a main control unit in Modification Example 1. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating output timings of a medal OUT signal and a security signal in a case where an abnormality that does not hinder the progress of the game during the reel rotation processing is detected and a prize with payout of medals occurs in the second modification. . FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a flowchart of a music F related process in Modification Example 3. FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a first determination condition and a second determination condition in Modification Example 3. It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine to which the present invention is applied.

[Example of slot machine configuration]
An embodiment for implementing the slot machine according to the present invention will be described below.
An embodiment of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes And a front door 1b rotatably supported at the side end. As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 1a, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter, left reel, middle reel, and right reel) each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery are horizontally arranged in parallel. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, among the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, three consecutive symbols (a plurality of symbols each of which is drawn in a predetermined order and which can be distinguished from each other). (Three symbols of the types of symbols) are arranged so as to be visible through the see-through window 3 provided on the front door 1b.

  In the front door 1b, a medal insertion portion 4 into which medals can be inserted, a medal payout port 9 for paying out medals, and a credit (the number of medals stored as a game value owned by the player) are used. The maximum number of bets out of the specified number of bets determined according to the game state is set (in the present embodiment, 3 is specified as a specified number of RT0 to RT4 described later and 2 is specified as a specified number of RBs). The MAXBET switch 6, which is operated at the time, is operated when the medals stored as credits and the medals used for setting the bet amount are settled (the medals used for setting the credits and the bet amount are returned). A settlement switch 10, a start switch 7 operated when starting a game, a stop switch 8L operated when stopping rotation of each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, C, 8R are each provided so as to be operated by the player. In the present embodiment, of the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that have started rotating, the reel that stops first is referred to as a first stop reel, the stop is the first stop, and the stop operation is the first stop reel. It is referred to as one stop operation (or first stop). Similarly, the reel that stops second is referred to as a second stop reel, the stop is referred to as a second stop, and the stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation (or a second stop). The reel that stops third is referred to as a third stop reel, the stop is referred to as a third stop or a final stop, and the stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation (or a third stop).

  The front door 1b has a credit indicator 11 for displaying the number of medals stored as credits, the number of medals paid out when a prize is generated, an error code indicating the content of the error when an error occurs, and a navigation notification to be described later. The game auxiliary display 12 displays information that can identify the order in which the reels stop due to a bet, a 1-BET LED 14 that illuminates that the bet number is set to 1, and a notification that the bet number is set to 2. 2 BET LED 15 for notifying by light, 3 BET LED 16 for notifying that the bet amount is set to 3, lighting request LED 17 for notifying that a medal can be inserted, and a game start operation by operating the start switch 7. A start valid LED 18 that notifies the player that the game is valid by lighting, a wait (whether the last game has started) A waiting LED 19 for notifying by light that the reel rotation is being started because a certain period has not elapsed has elapsed, and a replay LED 20 for notifying by light that a replay game described later is being provided. Game display unit 13 is provided.

  When playing a game in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 or the number of bets is set using credits. To use the credit, the MAXBET switch 6 may be operated. When a predetermined number of bets set according to the game state is set, the pay line LN (see FIG. 1) becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the game can be started. Become. In the present embodiment, three are defined as a predetermined number of bets in RT0 to RT4 described later, and two are defined as a predetermined number of bets in RB described later. When the bet amount is set, the pay line LN is activated. If medals are inserted in more than the maximum number among the prescribed numbers corresponding to the gaming state, the medals are added to the credit.

  The winning line is a line that is set to determine whether the combination of the symbols displayed in the perspective windows 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a combination of the winning symbols. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, only the pay line LN set across the middle of the reel 2L, the middle of the reel 2C, and the middle of the reel 2R, that is, the middle line, is set as a pay line. Stipulated. Further, in the present embodiment, a winning combination is established when a predetermined combination of symbols defined as a combination in the winning line LN is completed, and any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 is formed when the predetermined combination of symbols is aligned. By including a combination of symbols that is an index that is easier to recognize than a predetermined combination of crabs, a combination that can make it appear as if a winning has been achieved by a combination of symbols aligned with any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 is included.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate, and the symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R change continuously. When any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the see-through window 3. When one reel is stopped by stopping all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and a predetermined combination of symbols on the pay line LN is stopped as a display result of each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, A prize is generated, and a number of medals determined according to the prize are awarded to the player and added to the credit. When the number of credits reaches the upper limit (50 in the present embodiment), medals are paid directly from the medal payout port 9 (see FIG. 1).

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, an effect control board 90, and a power supply board 101. The game state is controlled by the game control board 40, and the game state is controlled by the effect control board 90. Is produced, and a drive power supply for the electric components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated by the power supply board 101 and supplied to each unit.

  The game control board 40 includes a main control unit 41, a control clock generation circuit 42, a random number clock generation circuit 43, a switch detection circuit 44, a motor drive circuit 45, a solenoid drive circuit 46, an LED drive circuit 47, and a power cutoff detection circuit. 48, a reset circuit 49 is mounted, performs processing relating to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 40.

  FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40. The main control unit 41 shown in FIG. 5 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes an external bus interface 501, a clock circuit 502, a check block 503, a unique information storage circuit 504, an arithmetic circuit 505, a reset / interrupt. A controller 506, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 41b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 41c, a free-run counter circuit 507, random number circuits 508a and 508b, a timer circuit 509, An interrupt controller 510, a parallel input port 511, a serial communication circuit 512, a parallel output port 513, and an address decode circuit 514 are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 transmits various commands to the sub control unit 91 via the parallel output port 513. The command transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91 is transmitted in only one direction, and the command is not transmitted from the sub control unit 91 to the main control unit 41. In the present embodiment, the command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 via the parallel output port 513, that is, the command is transmitted as a parallel signal. A configuration for transmitting a command to the sub-control unit 91, that is, a configuration for transmitting the command as a serial signal may be employed.

  The rendering control board 90 is connected to rendering devices such as a liquid crystal display 51, rendering effect LEDs 52, speakers 53 and 54, and reel LEDs 55, and these rendering devices include a sub-control unit 91 mounted on the rendering control board 90. Is driven based on the control by.

[Settings]
In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the payout rate of medals changes according to the set value. In order to change the set value, it is necessary to first turn on the power of the slot machine 1 after turning on the setting key switch 37 with the front door 1b opened. When the power is turned on with the setting key switch 37 turned on, the set value read from the RAM (not shown) of the main control unit 41 is displayed on the set value display 24 as a display value, and the setting by operating the reset / setting switch 38 is set. The state shifts to the setting change state (setting change mode) where the value can be changed. When the reset / setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the setting value display 24 is updated one by one (when further operated from the setting 6, the display returns to the setting 1). . Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is determined as the set value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the determined display value (set value) is stored in the RAM, and the state shifts to a state where the game can be advanced.

[About prize winners]
FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 are views for explaining types of symbols, symbol combinations, and technical matters related to the symbols in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a symbol combination at a transition appearance in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment and technical matters related to the transition appearance. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the gaming state controlled by the main control unit 41, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of the gaming state.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is controlled to one of RT0 to RT4 and RB (including RB in BB).

  First, referring to FIG. 6, the special role among the winning combinations includes two types of bonuses: a big bonus (hereinafter, the big bonus is referred to as BB) and a regular bonus (hereinafter, the regular bonus is referred to as RB). It is. BB is won when the combination of "red 7-red 7-red 7" is aligned on the pay line LN at RT0-RT4. When the player wins the BB, the game shifts to a big bonus controlled by a regular bonus (hereinafter, referred to as RB), which will be described later, for each game. The big bonus is terminated on condition that 316 or more medals have been paid out. The RB is won when the combination of “BAR-BAR-BAR” is completed on the pay line LN at RT0 to RT4. When the player wins the RB, the game is transferred to a regular bonus (hereinafter, referred to as RB). The regular bonus is terminated on condition that one of the winning combinations wins six times or that 12 games are consumed. As shown in FIG. 10, after winning either BB or RB, the game is controlled by RT4 as the inside inside from winning until winning, and after BB or RB (collectively called a bonus) is finished, RT3 is set. It will be controlled.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the small combination among the winning combinations will be described. Among the winning combinations, the small roles are upper bell 1, upper bell 2, upper bell 3, upper bell 4, upper bell 5, upper bell 6, upper bell 7, upper bell 8, middle bell, right down bell, middle watermelon , Falling watermelon, middle cherry, and corner cherry. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish the upper bell 1, the upper bell 2, the upper bell 3, the upper bell 4, the upper bell 5, the upper bell 6, the upper bell 7, and the upper bell 8, they are simply referred to as an upper bell.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a replaying combination among the winning combinations will be described. Among the winning combinations, the replaying combinations include middle replay, upward replay, promotion replay, special replay, fall replay, red 7 replay, and blue 7 replay.

  Next, the transition outcome will be described with reference to FIG. In RT0, RT2, and RT3, when the transition outcome is aligned with the pay line LN, the process proceeds to RT1. In the present embodiment, when the left bell 1-4, the middle bell 1-4, and the right bell 1-4 are won, the first stop is performed on the reels other than the winning condition of the middle bell, and when the upper bell is dropped, The transition outcome is aligned with the pay line LN.

[About lottery targets]
Next, with reference to FIG. 12 to FIG. 16, a description will be given of combinations of lottery target combinations that are read as lottery target combinations for each game state. In the present embodiment, a role or a role to be subjected to an internal lottery depending on whether the gaming state is RT1, RT2, RT3, RT4, or RB (including RB in BB). At least one of the winning probabilities is different. As will be described later, a plurality of winning combinations can be simultaneously read out as the lottery target combinations, and can be repeatedly won. In FIG. 12 to FIG. 16, “+” is written between winning combinations to indicate that they are simultaneously read out as the lottery target combinations in the internal lottery. 12 to 14, a vertical column indicates a lottery target combination, and a horizontal column indicates a gaming state. Further, in the column where the gaming state intersects with the lottery target role, a circle mark indicates that the lottery target role is in the game state, and a cross mark is not the lottery target role in the game state. To the effect. The numerical value shown below the circle indicates the number of judgment values of the predetermined set value (common in this embodiment regardless of the set value). An internal lottery is performed using the number of determination values. The denominator of the determination value number is set to “65536” in correspondence with the random number for the internal lottery (an integer from 0 to 65535). Therefore, for example, the winning probability of the lottery target combination for which “300” is set as the determination value number is 300/65536. FIG. 12 shows a combination of special combinations read as lottery targets for each gaming state, FIGS. 13 and 14 show combinations of small roles read as lottery targets for each game state, and FIG. , A combination of replaying combinations read out as lottery target combinations.

  In the present embodiment, when the pressing order bell has been won, as shown in FIG. 17, the combination of symbols to be stopped differs according to the type of the pressing order bell and the stop order. If any of the bells in the pushing order wins, the stop operation is performed in the stop order according to the type of the bell in the pushing order, so that the middle bell always wins, while the stopping order according to the type of the bell in the pushing order By performing a stop operation in a stop order other than the above, the upper bell wins at a fixed rate, but the upper stage bell may not be aligned and the transition may stop. For this reason, when the pushing order bell is won, the expected value of the number of medals to be paid out can be changed depending on whether or not the operation has been performed in the stop order according to the type of the pushing order bell.

  In the present embodiment, when the replays GR1 to GR6, GR11 to 13, and GR21 to 26 have been won, as shown in FIG. 18, the combination of symbols to be stopped differs according to the type and the stop order. If any of the replays GR1 to GR6 to be drawn at RT1 wins, the stop operation is performed in the stop order according to the type, and the promotion replay wins and shifts to RT0, while the type is changed to RT0. By performing a stop operation in a stop order other than the corresponding stop order, the middle replay wins and RT1 is maintained. When any of the replays GR11 to GR13 to be drawn at RT0 wins, the stop operation is performed in the stop order according to the type, so that the special replay wins and shifts to RT2. By performing a stop operation in a stop order other than the stop order according to the type, the fall replay wins and shifts to RT1. Further, when any of the replays GR21 to GR23 to be drawn is won in RT2, the stop operation is performed in the stop order according to the type, so that the middle replay or the red 7 replay wins and RT2 is maintained. On the other hand, by performing a stop operation in a stop order other than the stop order according to the type, the fall replay wins and shifts to RT1. In the case where any of the replay GRs 24 to 26 to be selected by lottery is won in RT2, the stop operation is performed in the stop order according to the type, so that the middle replay or blue 7 replay wins and RT2 is maintained. On the other hand, by performing a stop operation in a stop order other than the stop order according to the type, the fall replay wins and shifts to RT1.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the control is performed to any one of RT0 to RT4 and a bonus (RB in BB, RB in BB). In the present embodiment, the payout rate of medals per game is less than 100% for RT0, RT1, RT3, and RT4, and the payout rate of medals per game is 100% or more for RT2, RB, and BB. Among RT0 to RT4, RB, BB (RB), RB and BB have the highest payout rate of medals per game, and are the most advantageous gaming state. In addition, among RT0 to RT4, RT0, RT2, and RT4 have a high probability of winning a replay, and the payout rate of medals per game is higher than that of RT1 and RT3. In particular, RT0 goes to RT2. In terms of being able to shift, it can be said that the player is more advantageous than RT1 and RT3. In addition, RT2 of RT0, RT2, and RT4 is more advantageous for the player than RT0 and RT4 in that the payout rate of medals per game is higher than that of RT0 and RT4.

  In the slot machine according to the present embodiment, when the gaming state is RT0 to RT2, the main control unit 41 can execute a navigation notification for notifying a stop order that is advantageous to the player according to the internal lottery result. Control can be performed during an assist time (hereinafter, referred to as AT) serving as a notification period.

  When controlled by the AT, the main control unit 41 executes the navigation notification by winning the navigation target combination according to the gaming state, and transmits a pressing order command to the sub control unit 91. By doing so, the navigation effect is executed. The navigation target combinations according to the gaming state are the replays GR1 to GR6 when it is RT1, the replay GRs 11 to 13 when it is RT0, and the replay GRs 21 to 26 when it is RT2. Further, in any of RT0 to RT2, the pressing order bell is a common navigation target combination. Further, in the present embodiment, even in the normal state (RT1 and non-AT state) in which neither the AT nor the ART is controlled, the main control unit 41 executes the navigation notification by satisfying a certain condition. , It is possible to execute a navigation effect.

  In the navigation notification of the present embodiment, by changing the lighting mode of the game auxiliary display 12, a stop order advantageous to the player is notified in a distinguishable manner. The mode of the navigation notification is not limited to such a mode, and may be any mode as long as the player can distinguish according to the winning situation. Further, the navigation notification is not limited to the game auxiliary display 12, that is, the display used for notification other than the navigation notification, and may be executed using a dedicated display. In the navigation effect according to the present embodiment, the stop order advantageous to the player notified by the navigation notification is notified by displaying the navigation image from the liquid crystal display 51 and outputting the navigation sound from the speakers 53 and 54.

  In the navigation notification and the navigation effect, when any one of the replays GR1 to GR6 is won in the RT1, the stop order in which the promotion replay wins is notified so as to be identifiable. Further, when any one of the replays GR11 to GR13 is won at RT0, the stop order in which the special replay wins is notified in an identifiable manner. Further, when any of the replays GR21 to GR23 is won in RT2, the stop order in which the middle replay or the red 7 replay is won is notified so as to be identifiable. Further, when any of the replays GR24 to GR26 is won in RT2, the stop order in which the middle replay or the blue 7 replay is won is notified so as to be identifiable.

  As described above, in the navigation notification and the navigation effect, the stop order that is advantageous to the player is notified so as to be identifiable. For this reason, by performing a stop operation in the stop order according to the navigation effect, the player can intentionally win the promotion replay at RT1, win the middle bell, and win the special replay at RT0. That is, it is possible to win the middle bell, avoid the winning of the fall replay, avoid the stop of the transition, play the middle bell at RT2, avoid the winning of the fall replay, Eye stoppage can be avoided.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 performs a lottery (hereinafter referred to as an ART lottery) that determines whether or not to control the ART (the state controlled by the AT at RT2) when the lottery condition is satisfied. Then, the main control unit 41 controls the ART by winning the ART lottery. When one of the ART lotteries is won, one set of ART is given. One set of ART ends when 50 games are played. Note that the main control unit 41 transmits a command indicating the result of the ART lottery to the sub control unit 91.

  When controlling to ART, control is first performed to AT. The state from the start of the AT control to the transition to RT2 is also referred to as a preparation state.

  In the preparation state, the main control unit 41 executes the navigation notification when the target combination is won. At this time, RT1 is a target of the navigation notification when the replay GR1 to GR6 is won, and the stop order for winning the promotion replay when the replay GR1 to GR6 is won is notified by the navigation notification, so the RT1 stops according to the notified stop order. By performing the operation, it becomes possible to win the promotion replay and shift from RT1 to RT0. In addition, after shifting to the preparation state, in any of the game states of RT0 to RT2, when the push order bell is won, the stop order for winning the middle bell is notified, so that the stop operation is performed according to the notified stop order. Thus, eight medals can be reliably obtained.

  After the promotion replay wins at RT1 and shifts to RT0, the navigation notification is made when the replay GR11 to 13 is won, and the stop order for winning the special replay when the replay GR11 to 13 is won is notified by the navigation notification. By performing the stop operation in accordance with the notified stop order, it is possible to win the special replay and shift from RT0 to RT2, and avoid the win of the fall replay and avoid shifting to RT1. Further, as described above, when the push order bell is won, the stop order for winning the middle bell is notified, so that by performing the stop operation in accordance with the notified stop order, it is possible to reliably obtain eight medals. At the same time, it is possible to avoid the stop at the transition and to avoid the transition to RT1.

  If the special replay wins at RT0 and shifts to RT2, then at the time of winning the first replay GR21 to GR23 or the first winning of the replay GR24 to GR26, the navigation to notify the stop order for winning the red 7 replay. The navigation or the informing of the stop order for winning the notification or the blue 7 replay is executed. By performing the stop operation in accordance with the notified stop order, the player wins the red 7 replay or the blue 7 replay and falls. Replay winning can be avoided, and the transition to RT1 can be avoided. Further, as described above, when the push order bell is won, the stop order for winning the middle bell is notified, so that by performing the stop operation in accordance with the notified stop order, it is possible to reliably obtain eight medals. At the same time, it is possible to avoid the stop at the transition and to avoid the transition to RT1.

  The main control unit 41 ends the preparation state by winning the red 7 replay or the blue 7 replay, and starts controlling the ART. Accordingly, the main control unit 41 performs an ART game number lottery for determining the number of ART games, sets the number of games won in the ART game number lottery as the remaining game number of the ART allocated to the RAM 91c, The counting of the number of remaining games is started.

  After the ART starts, the stop order for winning the middle bell when the push order bell is won is notified, so that by performing the stop operation in accordance with the notified stop order, it is possible to reliably obtain eight medals. At the same time, it is possible to avoid the stop at the transition and avoid transition to RT1. In addition, since the stop order for winning the middle replay is notified when the replays GR21 to GR26 are won, the stop operation is performed in accordance with the notified stop order, thereby avoiding the winning of the fall replay and shifting to RT1. Can be avoided.

  Further, during the ART, the main control unit 41 executes the ART stock lottery when the ART stock lottery condition is satisfied. The ART stock lottery condition is to win a cherry (strong cherry or weak cherry). In the ART stock lottery, it is determined whether or not to stock ART in sets (that is, it is determined whether or not to increase the number of games of ART in sets). When it is determined that the ART is to be stocked, the number of stocks is also determined in sets at the same time. When it is decided to stock the ART, the number of games corresponding to the number of ART stock allocated to the RAM 41c (1 stock = 50 games in this embodiment) is added. Note that the main control unit 41 transmits a command indicating the result of the ART stock lottery to the sub control unit 91.

  After the ART is started, the remaining game number is decremented by one each time one game is consumed. If the number of remaining games becomes 0 after the start of the ART, the control of the AT ends. As a result, the navigation notification is not executed, so that it is impossible to avoid the stop of the transition when the push order bell is won, and to avoid the prize of the fall replay when the replay GR 21 to 26 is won. Is stopped or a fall replay wins, and a transition to RT1 completes a series of AT and ART controls.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the replay GRs 21 to 26 during the ART are won, the main control unit 41 notifies the stop order in which the middle replay wins, except for the first time, by navigating notification. When the stop operation is performed irrespective of the order, the red 7 replay or the blue 7 replay may win and RT2 may be maintained, but the falling replay may win and shift to RT1. Therefore, at the time of winning the replays GR21 to GR26, it is possible to prompt a stop operation in the stop order for winning the middle replay notified by the navigation notification, thereby preventing the red 7 replay or the blue 7 replay from being won without meaning. I can do it.

  Next, the contents of the processing executed by the main control unit 41 will be described.

[Initial setting process]
First, an initialization process performed by the main control unit 41 will be described. When power is supplied and a reset signal is input from the reset circuit 49, the main control unit 41 performs a system reset and executes a startup process. By executing the start-up process, the interrupt master permission flag (IMF) 0 assigned to the program status word (PSW) of the CPU core becomes 0, and the interrupt disabled state is set. In addition, an initial value is set in an internal function register (CTC control register, register relating to a random number circuit, and the like) by the startup processing. Thereafter, according to a program stored in the ROM 41b as a user program, an initial setting process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 19 and 20 is performed.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the main control unit 41 first sets the interrupt master permission flag (IMF) to 0 by executing the DI instruction, and prohibits the interrupt (Sa1). Note that the interrupt process is a process that occurs by interrupting the basic process when an interrupt factor occurs. The interrupt of the timer interrupt processing (main) executed by the main control unit 41 at regular intervals (interval of 0.56 ms) is prohibited (Sa1). Next, initialization data is set (Sa2), and each output port is initialized (Sa3). Next, the internal register is set (Sa4).

  In the setting of the built-in register, for example, the setting of the random number generation circuit 42 is performed. Specifically, the main control unit 41 writes, in the setting of the random number circuit, random number maximum value setting data designating a random number maximum value set in advance by the user into a built-in register. Further, the main control unit 41 checks whether the maximum random number set in the built-in register is equal to or smaller than a predetermined lower limit. If the maximum random number is equal to or smaller than the lower limit, the main controller 41 sets the random number maximum in the random number maximum setting register. Execute the random number maximum value resetting process for resetting the maximum random number value.

  Further, the main control unit 41 executes an initial value changing process for changing the initial value of the count value updated by the counter of the random number generation circuit 42. Further, the main control unit 41 writes the random number update mode selection data into the random number update mode selection register. Further, the main control unit 41 writes cycle setting data (data for setting how many times the frequency of the reference clock signal is divided) that specifies the cycle of the random number generation clock signal set in advance by the user. Further, when the count value is updated to a predetermined final value by the counter of the random number generation circuit 42, the main control unit 41 sets whether or not to update the initial value input to the counter. Further, when the count value is updated to a predetermined final value by the counter of the random number generation circuit 42, the main control unit 41 sets whether or not to change the permutation of the count value updated by the counter. Then, the main control unit 41 writes the random number circuit activation data. By doing so, the main control unit 41 activates the random number generation circuit 42.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the power supply voltage is normal (Sa5). If the power supply voltage is not normal (N in Sa5), the determination is repeated until the power supply voltage becomes normal. If the power supply voltage is normal (Y in Sa5), the upper address of the interrupt vector is set (Sa6). Then, access to the RAM is permitted (Sa7), and the stack pointer is initialized (Sa8).

  Next, the RAM parity is calculated (Sa10). Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated RAM parity becomes 0 (Sa11). If the RAM parity does not become 0 (N in Sa11), the process proceeds to Sa14.

  When the RAM parity becomes 0 (Y in Sa11), RAM destruction diagnosis fixed data is acquired from the RAM 41c (Sa12). Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired RAM destruction diagnosis fixed data is correct (Sa13). Next, in step Sa14, the fixed data for RAM destruction diagnosis is cleared (Sa14).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch is turned on (Sa15). When the setting key switch is on (Y in Sa15), the main control unit 41 sets a timer interrupt (Sa22). Specifically, a register of a timer circuit incorporated in the main control unit 41 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically performed at predetermined time intervals. For example, a value corresponding to 0.56 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register). In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically performed every 0.56 ms. In the timer circuit, the setting of this register initializes the timer, and starts counting time from the initial value. Then, when the setting of the timer interrupt is completed, the processing shifts to the setting change processing.

  On the other hand, when the setting key switch is off (Y in Sa15), it is determined whether or not the storage contents of the RAM 41c are destroyed based on the determination of Sa11, the determination of Sa13, and whether or not a RAM abnormality flag described later is set. That is, it is determined whether the contents stored in the RAM 41c are normal (Sa16). If the contents stored in the RAM 41c are not destroyed (N in Sa16), the power-off reset command (power-off reset commands 1 to 4) is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 (Sa17), and the hot start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91. It is transmitted to the unit 91 (Sa18). The case where the storage content of the RAM 41c is not destroyed is the case where Y is determined in Sa11 and the RAM destruction diagnosis fixed data is determined to be correct in Sa13, and the RAM abnormality flag is not set.

  Then, all the registers are restored (Sa19), and the same timer interrupt setting as Sa22 is performed (Sa20). Then, the process returns to the timer interrupt processing (main). In the restored timer interrupt processing (main), the register saved in the stack area is restored, the prohibited interrupt is permitted, and the processing returns to the processing before the interrupt.

  Here, the storage area of the RAM 41c is divided into a set value work, a special work, an important work, a general work, an unused area, and a stack area.

  The set value work (from 0000H in the present embodiment) is an area for storing data that is inconvenient to initialize at the time of normal setting change, such as a set value or a random number value.

  The special work (0003H in this embodiment) stores data that is initialized only before the setting change starts, such as input / output data of the I / O port 41d and data for transmitting a command to the effect control board 90. This is the area where

  The important work (0014H or more in this embodiment) is an area for storing a counter indicating the number of credits, display data of various displays and LEDs, a counter for counting the game time, and data which is inconvenient to initialize at the end of the game. is there.

  The general work (0045H or more in this embodiment) is data necessary for one game (one game), such as a winning flag for which no carryover is performed, a stop control table, a stop symbol, and a payout number of medals. This area stores data that can be initialized at times.

  The unused area (0173H onwards in the present embodiment) is an unused area in the storage area of the RAM 41c.

  If the storage contents of the RAM 41c are destroyed (Y in Sa16), the start address of the RAM to be initialized is set in the register (Sa23), and the RAM area indicated by the specified address is cleared (hereinafter, " This is also referred to as “initialization”) (Sa24). Note that the case where the storage content of the RAM 41c is destroyed is either the case where N is not determined in Sa11 or the case where the RAM destruction diagnosis fixed data is determined to be correct in Sa13, or the case where the RAM abnormality flag is set. .

  The stack area (01CCH and later in this embodiment) is an area in which data saved from the register of the main control unit 41 is stored.

  When the address is designated in Sa23, all the above-mentioned areas in the storage area of the RAM 41c are initialized. Next, a RAM abnormality flag indicating that the storage content of the RAM 41c is not normal is set in the RAM 41c (Sa25), and the process proceeds to error processing. In the error processing, an error state occurs and it becomes impossible to play a game. The error state can be canceled by turning on the setting key switch 37 and turning on the power switch 39, thereby determining Y in Sa15 and shifting to the setting change processing. Therefore, when the power switch 39 is turned on without turning on the setting key switch 37, N is set in Sa15 and Y is set in Sa16, so that an error state occurs again.

  In this embodiment, initialization is performed by setting data to “00h”, that is, by clearing the data. However, for example, it is also possible to perform initialization by setting the data to “FFh” or inputting a predetermined value for each data.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the interrupt is prohibited in the startup of the microcomputer and the interrupt is prohibited in the initialization processing (in this example, the PSW is cleared to 00h and the IMF is set to 0 when the microcomputer is started). Thus, the interrupt setting is prohibited, and the DI instruction is executed in the initial setting process to execute the process of Sa1 in FIG. 19). Therefore, occurrence of an unintended interrupt can be prevented.

[Game control processing]
A game control process executed by the main control unit 41 for each game will be described. The main control unit 41 controls a single game by performing a game control process. In the game control process, first, a BET process for bet amount setting, credit settlement, and bet amount settlement is performed. After the bet amount is set, when the start switch 7 is operated, an internal lottery process (see FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 and the like) for determining whether or not to allow a winning to be performed by random number lottery (internal lottery) is performed. When the internal lottery process ends, a reel rotation process is performed. In the reel rotation processing, on condition that a specified period (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the reel rotation of the previous game, the rotation of the reels 2L to 2R is started, and then the stop switches 8L to 8R are enabled. Then, the rotation of the reel is stopped according to the stop operation (see FIGS. 15 to 18 and the like). When the reels 2L to 2R stop and the reel rotation processing ends, a prize determination processing (see FIGS. 6 to 9 and the like) for determining whether or not a prize has occurred based on the symbol combination on the prize line is performed. . When the winning determination processing ends, a payout processing is performed. In the payout processing, medals are paid out or credits are added in accordance with the occurrence of a prize, and the game state is shifted according to the symbol combination on the prize line (see FIGS. 10 and 11). As a result, the game control process for one game ends, and the game control process for the next one game starts.

  In addition, the main control unit 41 performs the ART lottery process during the execution of the internal lottery process, and controls the AT when the ART lottery is won, that is, when the number of AT games is given, to control the AT, and to control the navigation notification and the navigation effect. I do. Further, the main control unit 41 performs an ART stock lottery process during the execution of the internal lottery process, and when winning the ART stock lottery, performs control for adding a game number corresponding to the ART stock number. In addition, during the execution of the internal lottery process, the main control unit 41 controls the internal game to be performed at RT4 when a bonus as a special combination is won. Control for navigation notification and navigation effects is performed.

  Next, the contents of the processing executed by the sub-control unit 91 will be described.

[Timer interrupt processing (sub)]
The sub control unit 91 (CPU 91c) executes the timer interrupt processing (sub) at an interval of 1.12 ms based on the count value of the internal clock.

  In the timer interrupt processing (sub), the sub control unit 91 first saves the register in use to the stack area. Next, a power failure determination process is performed. In the power failure determination process, it is determined whether or not a voltage drop signal has been input from the power interruption detection circuit 48. If the voltage drop signal has been input, it is determined whether or not the voltage drop signal has been input in the previous power failure determination process. If a voltage drop signal is also input in the previous power failure determination process, it is determined that a power failure has occurred, and a power interruption flag indicating that fact is set.

  After the power failure determination processing, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is set. If the power failure flag is set, the process proceeds to the power failure processing (sub). In the power interruption process (sub), the backup flag is set after the backup data is created, and the checksum used in the activation process (sub) is calculated by calculating the exclusive OR of the backup data.

  If the power interruption flag is not set, a command analysis process is performed. In the command analysis processing, it is determined whether or not a command is stored in the command buffer. If the command is stored in the command buffer, the command is acquired from the command buffer. Then, a process corresponding to the acquired command is executed.

  Then, in the timer interruption process (sub), the sub control unit 91 executes a BGM change determination process for determining whether to change the BGM output from the speakers 53 and 54 as the specific effect during the ART ( See FIG. 21).

  Also, in the timer interruption process (sub), the sub control unit 91 executes a BGM change control process for executing an effect of changing the BGM output from the speakers 53 and 54 as a specific effect during the ART (FIG. 22). reference).

  Further, in the timer interrupt processing (sub), the sub-control unit 91 identifies that the ART stock lottery condition has been established based on the command from the main control unit 41, and has five or more games remaining until the ART set is completed. If it is determined that the game has been completed, a continuous effect indicating the result of the ART stock lottery is executed from five games before the end of the ART set to the end of the ART set.

[BGM change decision process]
Next, the control content of the BGM change determination process executed in the timer interrupt process (sub) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 21, in the BGM change determination processing, first, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the ART stock lottery has been won based on a command from the main control unit 41 (Se1). If the ART stock lottery has not been won (N in Se1), the process ends.

  If the ART stock lottery is won (Y in Se1), a BGM change lottery for determining whether or not to change the BGM is executed (Se2). Next, it is determined whether or not the BGM change lottery has been won (Se3). If the BGM change lottery has not been won (N in Se3), that is, if it is determined that the BGM should not be changed, the process ends. When the BGM change lottery is won (Y in Se3), that is, when it is determined to change the BGM, it is determined whether or not the number of ART stocks determined to be given in the ART stock lottery exceeds “5”. Is determined (Se4). If the number of stocks exceeds "5" (Y in Se4), a BGM change flag indicating that BGM is to be changed is set in the RAM 91c (Se5). At this time, data indicating that music A is to be played is added to the BGM change flag.

  On the other hand, if the number of stocks does not exceed "5" (N in Se4), a BGM change flag to which data indicating that the music B is played is set in the RAM 91c (Se6).

[BGM change control processing]
Next, the control content of the BGM change control process executed in the timer interrupt process (sub) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 22, in the BGM change control process, first, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the watermelon is drawn by the internal lottery based on a command from the main control unit 41 (Sc1). If the watermelon has not been drawn (N in Sc1), the process ends.

  If a watermelon is selected (Y in Sc1), it is determined whether the BGM change flag has been set in Se5 or Se6 in FIG. 21 (Sc2). If the BGM change flag has not been set (N in Sc2), the process ends.

  When the BGM change flag is set (Y in Sc2), it is determined whether or not there is a BGM change history in a series of controlled ARTs (a series of ARTs including a first set of ART and a stocked ART). (Sc3). If there is a change history (Y in Sc3), it is determined whether or not the BGM change is being restricted (Sc4). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a continuous effect is being executed. If the BGM change is being restricted (Y in Sc4), the process is terminated.

  When the change of the BGM is not under regulation (N in Sc4), it is determined whether or not the shortest game period until the end of the set of the ART under control exceeds the playing time until the rust of the BGM after the change (Sc5). . In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, if a game is started before a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the previous game, a wait is generated and the game machine is in a state of waiting for the start of reel rotation. Then, 4.1 seconds is set as the fixed time. Therefore, the shortest game period used in the determination of Sc5 is calculated by multiplying the number of games until the end of the ART set by 4.1. If the shortest game period until the end of the setting of the ART under the control does not exceed the changed playing time of the BGM (N in Sc5), the processing is ended.

  If the shortest game period until the end of the setting of the ART under control exceeds the changed playing time of the BGM until the rust (Y in Sc5), the BGM is changed (Sc6). At this time, the music is changed to the music associated with the BGM change flag. Then, the BGM change flag is cleared (Sc7). The changed BGM ends the performance when the setting of the ART under control ends.

  In the present embodiment, the music used as the BGM has a configuration of intro → A melody → B melody → chorus → interlude → A melody → B melody → chorus → interlude → C melody → chorus → outro. Therefore, it takes a certain time before the rust is played.

[Concrete example]
Next, a specific example of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 23A shows the related art, and FIG. 23B shows the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 23A, for example, it is assumed that an ART stock lottery is won and three sets of ART are stocked. Thereafter, if the BGM is changed in a state in which the shortest game period until the end of the ART setting does not exceed the specific period, the tune of the changed BGM is not played, and the changed BGM is not sufficiently played. Therefore, in the related art, it is difficult to recognize that even if the BGM is changed, the addition of the number of ART games is advantageous after the completion of the ART setting.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23B, in the present embodiment, the BGM is changed when the shortest game period until the end of the ART setting exceeds a specific period. Therefore, even if the BGM is changed, it is possible to perform even the chorus. For this reason, it can be recognized that the addition of the number of ART games is advantageous when the end of the ART set, which is a specific opportunity, is an opportunity.

[Modification 1]
Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As described in the present modification, the area in which a plurality of types of timer counter values are stored is set in the RAM 41c as an area to which consecutive addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule, and the timer value stored in the designated address is A slot for updating a plurality of types of timer values by repeatedly executing a process of updating while adding a constant to a current specified address while changing a specified address for an area in which a plurality of types of timer counter values are stored. In the machine, by changing the BGM when the shortest game period until the end of the ART set exceeds a specific period, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the control content of the time counter update process. The time counter update process is executed in a timer interrupt process (main) that is executed by the main control unit 41 interrupting the basic process (mainly the main process) at a constant interval (interval of about 0.56 ms). The timer interrupt process (main) is a process executed by an interrupt generated according to the count of the timer circuit 509, and the address where the program of the timer interrupt process (main) is stored is a vector table. Is set as a value corresponding to the timer interrupt. Then, when a timer interrupt occurs, the processing from that address is executed. Further, other interrupts are automatically prohibited during the execution of the timer interrupt processing (main).

  In the time counter updating process, first, the number of 1-byte timer counters to be updated (3 in this embodiment) is set as the number of 1-byte processes (Sg1), and the start address (7E2Ch) of the 1-byte timer group is set in the time counter updating process. The pointer is set (Sg2).

  Next, if the 1-byte value stored at the designated address (the address indicated by the pointer) is not 0, the 1-byte value of the designated address is decremented by 1 (Sg3), and the processing count set in the step of Sg1 is subtracted by 1. (Sg4), it is determined whether the number of processes after the subtraction is 0 or not (Sg5).

  If the number of times of processing after the subtraction is not 0 in the step of Sg5, that is, if all the one-byte timers have not been updated, the pointer is incremented by 1 (Sg6), and the process returns to the step of Sg3. As a result, the pointer moves to the address of the unprocessed 1-byte timer, and the value of the 1-byte at the designated address is decremented unless the value is 0.

  If the number of processes after the subtraction in step Sg5 is 0, that is, if all the one-byte timers have been updated, the number of 2-byte timer counters to be updated is set as the number of 2-byte processes (this embodiment Then, 4) is set (Sg7), and the pointer is incremented by 1 (Sg8). As a result, the pointer moves to the start address (7E2Fh) of the 2-byte counter group.

  Next, if the 2-byte value stored in the area consisting of the designated address (the address indicated by the pointer) and the next address is not 0, the 2-byte value of the designated address and the next address is subtracted by 1 (Sg9), and Sg7 is obtained. The number of times of processing set in the step is subtracted by 1 (Sg10), and it is determined whether or not the number of times of processing after the subtraction is 0 (Sg11).

  If the number of times of processing after the subtraction is not 0 in step Sg11, that is, if all the 2-byte timers have not been updated, the pointer is incremented by 2 (Sg12), and the process returns to step Sg9. As a result, the pointer moves to the address of the unprocessed 2-byte timer, and the value of the designated address and the next address are decremented unless the 2-byte value is 0.

  If the number of times of processing after the subtraction is 0 in step Sg11, that is, if all the 2-byte timers have been updated, the processing ends.

  As described above, in the first modification, the value of the timer counter assigned to the RAM 41c is periodically updated, and the passage of time is specified by reaching a specific value (0). Conventionally, when measuring a plurality of types of time intervals, a timer value is set and updated in a plurality of types of processing requiring time measurement, and a program for updating a plurality of types of timer values is provided in each processing. In such a case, the program capacity is increased. In addition, since a plurality of types of timer counters are allocated as a data group for each process in which each is used, it is necessary to read the value of an unrelated address in order to update them collectively in one process. there were.

  On the other hand, in the first modification, the area in which a plurality of types of timer counter values are stored is set in the RAM 41c as an area to which consecutive addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule, and the timer value stored in the specified address is stored. Since the updating process is repeated by adding a constant to the current designated address and changing the designated address for the area where the plural types of timer counter values are stored, the plural types of timer values are updated. In addition, the program capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where the processing of designating a plurality of types of addresses and updating the values of the addresses is performed by individual processing.

[Modification 2]
[Output timing of medal OUT signal and security signal]
Next, in the case where an abnormality (error) that does not hinder the progress of the game is detected, output control of the medal OUT signal and the security signal that the CPU 41a outputs to the external output board 1000 as the external output signal as shown in FIG. Modification 2 will be described. An abnormality that does not hinder the progress of the game is an abnormality that allows the game to proceed without performing error processing. Specific examples of abnormalities that do not hinder the progress of the game include a loading error and a payout error during the reel rotation processing, and a loading error during the payout processing.

  The insertion error during the reel rotation processing and the payout processing is related to, for example, a case where a foreign substance is inserted from the medal insertion unit 4, a case where a foreign substance is present in the medal flow path, or a state where the reel is rotating or during the payout processing. Instead, it is detected when a medal inserted from the medal insertion section 4 flows down to the hopper tank 34a. A payout error during the reel rotation processing is detected when a medal is paid out at a time other than the payout timing.

  In such a slot machine that controls the output of the medal OUT signal and the security signal, by changing the BGM when the shortest game period until the end of the ART setting exceeds a specific period, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained. Can be obtained.

  In FIG. 25, the start switch, the reel rotation start, the first stop, the second stop, the third stop, the payout, and the bet amount setting indicate respective timings during the game progress. Specifically, the start switch indicates the timing at which the operation of the start switch 7 is detected. The reel rotation start indicates the timing at which the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R start rotating. The first stop indicates a timing at which a first stop operation performed while all reels are still rotating is detected. The second stop indicates a state in which one of the reels has already stopped and the two reels are rotating, that is, the timing at which the second stop operation is detected. The third stop indicates a state in which any two reels are stopped and one reel is rotating, that is, a timing at which the third stop operation is detected. The payout indicates the timing at which the payout process of the medal is performed. The bet number setting indicates the timing at which the bet number setting process is performed after the replay winning.

  The abnormality detection indicates a timing at which an abnormality that does not hinder the progress of the game is detected. The medal OUT signal indicates an output state of the medal OUT signal. Specifically, the medal OUT signal is a signal indicating that one medal has been paid out by outputting one pulse. The security signal indicates an output state of a signal (for example, an insertion error signal or a payout error signal) indicating that an abnormality that does not hinder the progress of the game has occurred.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the output timing of the medal OUT signal and the security signal when an abnormality that does not hinder the progress of the game is detected during the reel rotation processing and a medal payout occurs. In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, when an abnormality that does not hinder the progress of the game is detected during the reel rotation process, the security signal is not output immediately after the abnormality is detected, but the payout process is terminated. The security signal is output before the output of the medal OUT signal is completed. Thereby, it is possible to recognize the medals paid out in a situation where an abnormality has occurred during the reel rotation processing. That is, it is possible to recognize the game value given in a situation where an abnormality has occurred.

  Further, as is conventionally known, when an abnormality is detected during a game and an abnormality is notified after the game is over, if an abnormal signal is output after processing related to the game is completed, “anomaly during the game” and “ Abnormality immediately after the end of the game "cannot be distinguished. However, in the present embodiment, when an abnormality is detected at a predetermined timing within a period from the start of the game to the end of the application of the game medium, the output of the medal OUT signal is performed after the end of the application of the game medium. Start output of security signal before completion. Thereby, for example, the hall computer 140 analyzes the output timing of the medal OUT signal and the security signal collected by the collection unit 50, and detects that the security signal was output before the output of the medal OUT signal was completed. By doing so, it is possible to distinguish “abnormality during the game” from “abnormality immediately after the game”.

[Modification 3]
In the above embodiment, the specific effect was not selectable. However, the embodiment can be applied to a slot machine in which the specific effect can be selected. When it is determined that the specific effect has not been selected, any one of the plurality of types of specific effects is executed, and a predetermined condition is established, so that a new specific effect can be selected. Sometimes, a new specific effect is executed, and when it is determined that the specific effect is selected, the specific effect is selected regardless of whether a predetermined condition is satisfied and a new specific effect is selectable. The specific effect can be executed. In such a slot machine, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained by changing the BGM when the ART stock lottery is won and the shortest game period until the end of the ART set is over a specific period. it can. Specifically, this can be realized by performing the processing in FIGS. 26 and 27 using the slot machine 1.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the advantage suggested by the specific effect was not changed, but the advantage suggested by the type of the specific effect may be changed. Then, the advantage indicated by the specific effect (suggested effect) executed when the predetermined execution condition is satisfied, and the specific effect (suggested effect) executed when a specific execution condition different from the predetermined execution condition is satisfied. ) Can be different from the advantage suggested by. In such a slot machine, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained by changing the BGM when the ART stock lottery is won and the shortest game period until the end of the ART set is over a specific period. it can. Specifically, this can be realized by performing the processing in FIGS. 26 and 27 using the slot machine 1.

[Song F related processing]
The music F related processing shown in FIG. 26 will be described. The music F is a music different from any of the music A to the music E that can be selected by the player by default. The music F is a music that can be added to the music A to E selectable by the player by executing the music F-related processing. By adding the music F, the player can select any one of the music A to the music F.

  FIG. 26 shows an example of a flowchart of the music F-related processing. 26 is executed by the sub control unit 91. The music F-related process is a timer interrupt process executed at regular time intervals (for example, 0.56 ms) during the normal user mode or the simple user mode.

  In S70, it is determined whether the music F is being output. When it is determined that the music F is an output (Yes in S70), the music F-related processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the music F has not been output (No in S70), the process proceeds to S71. If the determination is No in S70, it means that one of the music pieces A to E has been output.

  In S71, it is determined whether or not the button effect is being executed. Here, the button effect is, as shown in FIG. 27 (c), by displaying an image imitating the effect switch 56 and a message such as "press!" It is the production requested for.

  The button effect is an effect executed when a predetermined button effect execution condition is satisfied. The predetermined button effect execution condition is a condition that is satisfied when the strong cherry wins. It should be noted that the predetermined button effect execution condition may be another condition, or may be a condition that is satisfied when a specific role different from the strong cherry is won. Further, the predetermined button effect execution condition may be a condition that is satisfied when a predetermined display result is derived. Further, the predetermined button effect execution condition may be a condition that is satisfied when the number of digested games reaches the predetermined number of games.

  When it is determined that the button effect is being executed (Yes in S71), the process proceeds to S72. In S72, it is determined whether or not the effect switch 56 has been operated. When it is determined that the effect switch has not been operated (No in S72), the process proceeds to S74.

  In S74, it is determined whether 10 seconds have elapsed from the timing at which the button effect was started. If it is determined in S74 that 10 seconds have not elapsed since the start of the button effect (No in S74), the process returns to S72. On the other hand, when it is determined that 10 seconds have elapsed from the start of the button effect (Yes in S74), the process proceeds to S76. In S76, the button effect ends. When the processing in S76 ends, the music F-related processing ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S72 that the effect switch 56 has been operated (Yes in S72), the process proceeds to S78. In S78, the button effect ends.

  As described above, the button effect is an effect that ends when the effect switch 56 is operated during execution of the button effect, or when 10 seconds have elapsed from the start of the button effect without operating the effect switch 56. is there.

  When the process of S78 ends, the process proceeds to S80. In S80, it is determined whether the number of remaining navigations is 10 or more. The current number of remaining navigations is specified from the number of remaining navigations stored in the RAM 91c. In S80, when it is determined that the current number of remaining navigations is less than 10 (No in S80), the music F related processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in S80 that the number of remaining navigations is 10 or more (Yes in S80), the process proceeds to S81.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S71 that the button effect is not being executed (No in S71), the process proceeds to S90. In S90, it is determined whether or not the normal replay has won. In S90, when it is determined that the normal replay has not been won (No in S90), the music F-related processing ends. If it is determined in S90 that the normal replay has been won (Yes in S90), the process proceeds to S92.

  In S92, it is determined whether the number of remaining navigations is 5 or more. When it is determined in S92 that the current number of remaining navigations is less than 5 (No in S92), the music F-related process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in S92 that the number of remaining navigations is 5 or more (Yes in S92), the process proceeds to S94.

  In S94, the music F additional lottery is executed. The music F addition lottery is a lottery that determines whether or not to add the music F. In the music F addition lottery, the music F is determined to be added at a probability of 1/100, and the music F is determined not to be added at a probability of 99/100. When the process in S94 ends, the process proceeds to S96.

  In S96, it is determined whether or not the addition of the music F is determined by the music F addition lottery in S94. When it is determined in S96 that the addition of the music piece F has not been determined (No in S96), the music piece F related processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in S96 that the addition of the music piece F has been determined (Yes in S96), the process proceeds to S81.

  In S81, the music F is added. By adding the music F, the options of the music F are increased on the music selection screen. Thereby, the player can select the music F in addition to the music A to E. Upon completion of the process in S81, the process proceeds to S82.

  In S82, it is determined whether or not the selected flag is set in the RAM 91c. In S82, if it is determined that the selected flag is set in the RAM 91c (Yes in S82), that is, if it is determined that the music has been selected by the player, the process proceeds to S84.

  In S84, a background image lottery is executed, and the background image is changed to the background image determined by the background image lottery. Here, the background image is an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as a background. For example, when the number of remaining navigations is 0 to 4, the morning background image is determined with a probability of 90%, the daytime background image is determined with a probability of 5%, and the night background image is determined with a probability of 5%. Is determined.

  As described above, when the number of remaining navigations is 0 to 4, the morning background image is easily determined, and when the number of remaining navigations is 5 to 9, the daytime background image is easily determined and the remaining navigation When the number is 10 or more, it is set so that the night background image is easily determined. Thus, the number of remaining navigations can be suggested by displaying the background image. Note that the background image before the change is a morning background image.

  The effect of outputting the music pieces A to F is an effect performed using the speakers 53 and 54. On the other hand, the effect of displaying the background image is an effect performed using the liquid crystal display 51. As described above, when the music F is added (S81), when it is determined that the music has been selected (Yes in S82), it is different from the production means (speakers 53, 54) for outputting the music. The effect using the effect means (the liquid crystal display 51) suggests the number of remaining navigations. In other words, when the music piece F is added (S81), when it is determined that the music piece has been selected (Yes in S82), an effect of a type different from the output of the music piece (an effect of displaying a background) ) Indicates the number of remaining navigations.

  When the process in S84 ends, the process proceeds to S86. In S86, a music addition notification effect is executed. Here, the music addition notification effect is an effect that notifies that the music F has been added. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19B, on the liquid crystal display 51, a character such as “Music F is now selectable!” Is displayed superimposed on the background image determined in S84. Is done. When the processing in S86 ends, the music F-related processing ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S82 that the selected flag is not set in the RAM 91c (No in S82), that is, if it is determined that no music has been selected by the player, the process proceeds to S88. . In S88, the output of the music F is started.

  Thus, when it is determined in S82 that the music has been selected (Yes in S82), the output of the output music A to E is continued. On the other hand, when it is determined in S82 that the music has not been selected (No in S82), the output of the output music A to E is stopped, and the output is switched to the output of the music F (S88).

  Further, when the background image is changed by executing the processing of S84, when a lever-on operation (operation to the start switch 7) for starting a game next to the changed game is performed, The main control unit 41 controls the AT. Further, when the music F is output by executing the process of S88, when the lever-on operation for starting the game next to the game in which the music F is output is performed, the main control unit 41 Let the AT control. Further, only the output of the music F indicates only that the remaining navigation number is 10 or more or 5 or more. Therefore, when the AT is controlled (for example, when a lever-on operation that triggers the AT to be controlled is executed), the specific remaining number of navigations (that is, the number of navigation stocks corresponding to the number of games controlled by the AT) is The information may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

[About the conditions for determining the music F]
Next, the determination condition for determining the addition of the music F will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, there are two decision conditions, which are referred to as a first decision condition and a second decision condition, respectively. FIGS. 27A and 27B are diagrams for explaining the first determination condition and the second determination condition.

  FIG. 27 (A) in FIG. 27 (A) shows a case where the normal replay wins while the music A is being output (Yes in S90 of FIG. 26). In this case, when the number of remaining navigations is 5 or more (Yes in S92 in FIG. 26) and the addition of the music F is determined with a probability of 1/100 (Yes in S96 in FIG. 26) by the music F lottery. , The first determination condition is satisfied (the music F is added). FIG. 22A is a diagram showing that when the first determination condition is satisfied, the music piece F is output because no music piece has been selected.

  FIG. 27 (C) in FIG. 27 (B) shows a case where the button effect is executed while the music A is being output (Yes in S71 of FIG. 26). In this case, when the effect switch 56 is operated during the button effect (Yes in S72 in FIG. 26) and the number of remaining navigations is 10 or more (Yes in S80 in FIG. 26), the second determination condition is satisfied. (Music F is added). FIG. 27D is a diagram showing that when the second determination condition is satisfied, the music piece F is output because no music piece has been selected.

  As described above, the music F output when the effect switch 56 is operated allows the player to recognize that the remaining navigation number is 10 or more. In addition, the music F output when the production switch 56 is not operated allows the player to recognize that the remaining navigation number is 5 or more.

  Even if the first determination condition or the second determination condition is satisfied, the music piece F is not output if the selected flag is set (see S82 in FIG. 26).

  After the music F is added, the music F can be selected on the music selection screen. The music F is not selectable when the normal user mode or the simple user mode to which the music F is added ends. Thereafter, when the normal user mode or the simple user mode is started again and the first determination condition or the second determination condition is satisfied, the music piece F can be selected.

  Also, although the description has been made assuming that the number of remaining navigations is suggested by the music F, a part or all of the remaining number of navigations stored in the RAM 41b may be suggested in a manner different from the output of the music F. For example, when suggesting that the number of remaining navigations is 3 in the other mode, a message such as “congratulations on winning the AT! 3 navigation stocks given!” Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The AT is controlled from the game next to the game displaying the message. Further, the suggested remaining navigation number (here, “3”) is subtracted from the remaining navigation number stored in the RAM 91c.

[Effect of Modification 3]
(1) In the third modification, it is determined whether or not there is any music (for example, “Music A”) selected by the player via the music selection screen during the normal user mode, and the selected music is determined. If there is, the selected music (for example, "Music A") is output as sound.

  By doing so, the player can select a favorite song during the normal user mode or the simple user mode, and therefore cannot select a song during the normal user mode or the simple user mode. Interestingness of game improves than machine.

  If a song has been selected (Yes in S82), the selected song (for example, regardless of whether the first determination condition or the second determination condition is satisfied and a new song F can be selected) , “Song A”) (if S82 is Yes, the process of S88 is not executed).

  By doing so, the player can repeatedly play the selected song (eg, “Song A”) without performing an operation to select the selected song (eg, “Song A”) again. Since the music is output, there is no complaint due to the inconvenience of the operation of selecting the music, and it is possible to prevent the interest of the game from lowering.

  If a music piece has not been selected (No in S82), a new music piece F is output as sound when the first determination condition or the second determination condition is satisfied (S88). By doing so, the player is motivated to select a favorite song from a song list (eg, “Song A” to “Song F”) including a new song (eg, “Song F”). Since the player becomes interested in selecting the music, the interest in the game is improved.

  The music F may be executed when the number of remaining navigations is 5 or more (Yes in S92) or when the number of remaining navigations is 10 or more (Yes in S80). That is, by outputting the music F, it can be suggested that the number of remaining navigations is at least 5 or more. Therefore, the interest in the game can be improved.

  (2) When the first determination condition (Yes in S80) or the second determination condition (Yes in S96) is satisfied, when it is determined that the music has been selected (Yes in S82), the music F is output. Instead, the number of remaining navigations is suggested by changing the background image (S84, see FIG. 21). As described above, when the first determination condition or the second determination condition is satisfied, when it is determined that the music has been selected (Yes in S82), it is different from the production means (speakers 53 and 54) for outputting the music. The effect using the effect means (the liquid crystal display 51) suggests the number of remaining navigations. Therefore, the number of remaining navigations can be suggested without obstructing the output of the selected music (any of A to E). Further, it is possible to prevent the remaining navigation number from being suggested no more simply because the music F is not output.

  (3) Also, when the effect switch 56 is operated during execution of the button effect (Yes in S72), and when the number of remaining navigations is 10 or more (Yes in S80), the music piece F can be output. Also, when the effect switch is not operated (No in S71) and when the number of remaining navigations is 5 or more (Yes in S92), the music piece F can be output.

  That is, the music F output when the production switch 56 is operated suggests that the number of remaining navigations is 10 or more, and the music F output when the production switch 56 is not operated, It is suggested that the number of remaining navigations is 5 or more.

  In other words, while the number of remaining navigations indicated by the music F output when the production switch 56 is operated is 10 or more, the music F output when the production switch 56 is not operated is determined by the music F output. The suggested remaining navigation number is 5 or more. As described above, since the number of remaining navigations indicated by the music F is different between when the production switch is not operated, the sense of expectation given to the player can be different. It can improve the interest of the people.

  In addition, when the production switch 56 is operated, the number of remaining navigations indicated by the music F is larger than when the production switch is not operated, so that the production switch operation during the button production is performed. Can be promoted, the significance of the button effect can be enhanced, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  (4) The music F can be output when an operation (operation to the effect switch 56) different from the game progress operation for performing the game is performed (Yes in S72). In addition, when no operation different from the game progress operation for performing the game is performed, the music piece F can be output even when a normal replay win is achieved (that is, when the game progress operation is stopped for the third time). . Therefore, it is possible to clarify the timing of outputting the music F to the player.

  (5) When the first deciding condition or the second deciding condition is satisfied (Yes in S80 or Yes in S96), if a music has been selected (Yes in S82 in FIG. 20), a music addition notification effect is produced. (S86 in FIG. 20) to make the player recognize that a new music piece F can be selected.

  In this way, the player can select a new song (eg, “Song F”) even while the selected song (eg, “Song A”) is repeatedly output as audio. Can be recognized, and the player is motivated to select a favorite song from a song list (eg, “Song A” to “Song F”) including a new song (eg, “Song F”). Becomes interested in selecting a song, so that the interest in the game is improved.

  (6) In the third modification, the same music piece F can be output regardless of whether the first determination condition or the second determination condition is satisfied. Therefore, the storage capacity of music can be reduced as compared with the case where different music is output when the first determination condition is satisfied and when the second determination condition is satisfied.

[Effects of the above embodiment]
In the present embodiment, the BGM is changed when the shortest game period up to the end of the ART setting exceeds the specific period (in this example, the part of performing Sc6 when Y is Sc5 in FIG. 22, FIG. 23) (Part shown in (b)).
Therefore, it is possible to recognize that after performing the BGM sufficiently, it is advantageous to add the number of ART games after the ART set end machine.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to perform up to the rust of the BGM after the change (in this example, the part performing the process of Sc6 when Y is the same as Sc5 in FIG. 22, the part shown in FIG. 23B).
Therefore, the player can hear the rust of the BGM after the change.

In the present embodiment, the changed BGM is played from the game that has won the watermelon (in this example, the process of Sc6 is performed when the result of Sc1 in FIG. 22 is Y).
Therefore, it is possible to attract the player's attention to whether or not the changed BGM is reproduced.

In the present embodiment, the BGM is changed when the continuous effect is not being executed (in this example, the process of Sc6 is performed when Sc4 in FIG. 22 is N).
Therefore, the player can sufficiently recognize the changed BGM.

In the present embodiment, the BGM is changed once during the control of a series of ARTs (in this example, the process of Sc6 when Sc3 in FIG. 22 is N).
Thus, the scarcity of the change of the BGM is increased, so that the player can be more focused on whether or not the BGM is changed.

In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the number of ART stocks exceeds five, and the BGM is changed to BGM according to the determination result (in this example, the part performing the processing of Se4 to Se6 in FIG. 21).
Therefore, it becomes possible to attract the player's attention to which BGM is executed among a plurality of types of BGM, and it is possible to improve interest in the game.

[Other variations]
Hereinafter, various modifications of the above embodiment will be described.

[Specific occasion]
In the above embodiment, the termination of the ART setting is taken as an example of the specific trigger, but a different trigger from the above embodiment may be used as the specific trigger. For example, in the case where the number of remaining games in the advantageous state is reported, the time when the number of reported games has been consumed is set as a specific opportunity. Further, when the number of remaining games in the advantageous state is notified, it is possible to set a specific opportunity when a game of a predetermined number of games before the last game of the notified game is consumed. In addition, in the case of performing an effect (such as a continuous effect) indicating or notifying whether or not the advantageous condition is continued after the end of the advantageous condition, when the final game of the ART before the execution of the continuous effect is consumed, a specific opportunity is set. It is mentioned.

[About the predetermined degree]
In the above-described embodiment, the degree of advantage is set to the number of ART stocks, the predetermined number of ART stocks is set to 0, and it is determined whether or not the number of ART stocks exceeds 0. Although an example is described in which it is determined whether the degree of advantage exceeds a predetermined degree, the predetermined degree may be different from the above-described embodiment. For example, it is possible to determine that the number of stocks in the advantageous state is a plurality (a number other than 0) of a predetermined degree and determine whether the number of stocks in the advantageous state exceeds the plurality. In addition, it is determined that the number of added games in the advantageous state is a predetermined number of games as a predetermined degree, and whether the number of additional games in the advantageous state exceeds the predetermined number of games is determined as to whether the degree of advantage exceeds the predetermined degree. Is mentioned.

[About advantageous state]
In the above embodiment, ART is described as an example of the advantageous state, but an advantageous state different from that of the above embodiment may be adopted. For example, bonuses such as BB and RB, at least one reel is not controlled without stop control, or CT (challenge time) in which the number of drawn frames at the time of stop is reduced, lottery probability of replay and winning probability of replay (Replay time), AT, etc., in which the value changes.

[Advantage]
In the above embodiment, the number of additional games in the ART has been described as an example of the degree of advantage, but the degree of advantage may be different. For example, the number of rights that can be shifted to the advantageous state, the number of rights that inform the player of an operation mode that is advantageous to the player, and the number of rights that are controlled to a gaming state in which the expected value to which a gaming value is assigned is high. Number, the number of rights to be notified of whether or not the current playing state is an advantageous playing state for the player, the period of controlling to the advantageous state (the number of fixed games, the average value of the number of games that fluctuates depending on the end condition, etc.), etc. Is mentioned.

  In the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not the ART stock lottery has been won. However, it may be determined whether or not the ART stock lottery has been won. In this case as well, the BGM change flag may be set when the ART stock lottery is won.

[About specific period]
In the above embodiment, the period until the rust of the changed BGM is played is taken as an example of the specific period. However, a period different from the above embodiment may be set as the specific period. For example, the number of games and the time required to execute the specific effect to the end are cited. In addition, the number of games and the time required to execute the specific effect up to the specific portion are given.
Is mentioned.

  In the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not the shortest game period until the end of the set of the controlled ART exceeds the playing time until the rust of the changed BGM. It may be determined whether the period does not exceed the performance time until the rust of the BGM after the change. Also in this case, the BGM may be changed when the performance time until the changed BGM rust exceeds the shortest game period until the end of the set of the controlled ART.

[About specific productions]
In the above embodiment, the example in which the specific effect is executed by the speakers 53 and 54 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, and the back lamps arranged on the rear side (inside) of the reel. (For example, a reel LED 55), a transmissive liquid crystal display (a liquid crystal display configured to allow the reel to be viewed) disposed on the front side of the reel, and a lamp or LED (for example, a staging effect) attached to the front door 1b or the like. The notification may be performed by means different from the above-described embodiment, such as the LED 52), the vibration of the stop switch, the air blowing around the stop switch, and the change in the temperature of the stop switch. Further, each notification may be performed by combining a plurality of means.

[On the occasion of starting the execution of a specific production]
In the above embodiment, the BGM is changed when the watermelon is drawn, but the specific effect may be started at a different timing from the above embodiment. For example, a specific effect is started each time one game is started, each time a plurality of games are started, each time the number of games is added, or each time an ART set is started.

[Restrictions on start of specific production]
In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the execution of the specific effect is restricted during the execution of the continuous effect. However, a condition different from the above-described embodiment may be set as the specific effect start restriction condition. For example, a game that has won a lottery role that triggers a lottery to determine whether or not to add the number of ART-added games (that is, whether or not the degree of advantage after a specific opportunity is advantageous). In the case where the effect is executed for a predetermined period after that, an ART start game given as the number of additional games during the predetermined period is exemplified. In other words, the specific production start regulation condition is established in a game in which the execution of the specific production hinders other productions, or in a game in which it is difficult to recognize the specific production even if the specific production is executed, such as after a specific occasion. Set.

[About the number of executions of specific effects]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the upper limit of the number of changes of the BGM is set to one in a series of ARTs and the execution of the specific effect is restricted has been described. However, the execution of the specific effect may be restricted in a mode different from the above-described embodiment. . For example, it is determined whether the degree of advantage after the specific opportunity is more advantageous than the first predetermined degree, and it is determined whether the degree of advantage is more advantageous than the second predetermined degree. Is selected from a plurality of types, and when any one of the plurality of types of specific effects is executed, thereafter, the execution of the specific effects in the advantageous state during the control is limited. Can be In a similar example, when any one of a plurality of types of specific effects is executed, thereafter, only the specific effects executed in the advantageous state under control are limited. In a similar example, the execution of a specific effect that suggests or notifies a lower degree of advantage than the executed specific effect may be limited.

  In the above embodiment, the main control unit 41 performs the control regarding the privilege (ART) that is advantageous for the player. However, the sub control unit 91 performs part or all of the control regarding the privilege that is advantageous for the player. Is also good.

[About slot machines]
In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine in which a bet amount is set using medals and credits as a game value, but a slot in which a bet number is set using a game ball as a game value. The present invention may be applied to a machine or a completely credit-type slot machine that sets a bet amount using only credits as a game value. When a game ball is used as a game value, for example, one medal can be made to correspond to five game balls, and when the number of bets is set to 3 in the first embodiment, 15 game balls are used. Is used to set the number of bets.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the use of only one of a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls. For example, a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls can be used together. It may be. That is, it is possible to set a bet amount and play a game by using any of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and game balls, and to generate a plurality of types of games such as medals and game balls by generating a prize. A slot machine that can pay out any of the utility values may be applied.

[About pachinko machines]
Next, a pachinko gaming machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, detailed description of the same parts as those in the above embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 28 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 has a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. In this game area, a game ball as a game medium is fired from a predetermined hitting ball firing device.

  A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided at predetermined positions of the game board 2 (to the right of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 42). Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is composed of, for example, a 7-segment or dot matrix LED (light emitting diode), and identifies each in a special figure game which is an example of a variable display game. A special symbol (also referred to as a "special figure"), which is a plurality of types of identification information (special identification information), is displayed (variably displayed) in a variable manner.

  An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is constituted by, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. The display area of the image display device 5 corresponds to the variable display of the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A and the variable display of the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B in the special figure game. In a decorative design display area serving as a plurality of variable display portions, for example, three, a decorative design as a plurality of types of identification information (decoration identification information) each of which can be identified is variably displayed. The variable display of the decorative pattern is also included in the variable display game.

  As an example, in the display area of the image display device 5, “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged. Then, in response to the start of any one of the change of the first special figure in the first special symbol display device 4A and the change of the second special figure in the second special symbol display device 4B in the special figure game, In the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right", the change of the decorative design (for example, vertical scroll display) is started. Thereafter, when the fixed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special figure game, the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the "left", "middle", and "right" on the image display device 5 are displayed. Then, the fixed decoration symbol (final stop symbol) which is the variable display result of the decoration symbol is stopped and displayed.

  In the display area of the image display device 5, a start winning storage display area 5H is arranged. In the start winning prize memory display area 5H, a hold memory display for variably displaying the number of hold (special figure hold storage number) corresponding to the special figure game is performed. Here, the suspension of the variable display corresponding to the special figure game is such that the game ball passes through the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning prize ball device 6A or the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning prize ball device 6B. This occurs based on a start winning prize due to (entering). That is, a start condition (also referred to as an “execution condition”) for executing a variable display game such as a special figure game or a variable display of a decorative symbol is satisfied, but the variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed. Due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state, when the start condition allowing the start of the variable display game is not established, the suspension of the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is performed. Done. The hold memory display in the start winning prize memory display area 5H is generated based on a winning prize caused by a game ball passing (entering) the first starting prize opening, or a game ball passing through the second starting prize opening. The display mode (for example, the display color and shape) is changed depending on whether or not the game is generated based on a winning start by entering (entering).

  On the left side of the start winning storage display area 5H of the display area of the image display device 5, a changing special figure display area 5I is provided. An image corresponding to the currently executed variable display is displayed in the changing special figure display area 5I. During the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure in the first special symbol display device 4A based on the game ball entering the first starting winning opening, the changing special figure display area 5I has a round blue color. Is displayed. In addition, during execution of the special figure game using the second special figure in the second special symbol display device 4B based on the game ball entering the second starting winning opening, a circular symbol is displayed in the changing symbol display area 5I. A red image is displayed. That is, when the first or second start condition is satisfied, the display removed from the start winning storage display area 5H is shifted and displayed in the changing special figure display area 5I. By displaying the changing special figure display area 5I, the player can grasp which of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is executing the special figure game.

  In the example shown in FIG. 28, the first holding for displaying the number of special figure reservation storages in the upper part of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B together with the start winning storage display area 5H. An indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B are provided. The first reservation display 25A displays the first special figure reservation storage number in a identifiable manner. The second reservation display 25B displays the second special figure reservation storage number in a identifiable manner. The first special figure reserved storage number is the number of memories in which execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is suspended. The second special figure reserved storage number is the number of storages in which execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is suspended.

  Below the image display device 5, a normal winning ball device 6A and a normal variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The normal winning prize ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening as a starting area (first starting area) that is always kept in a fixed open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. The normally variable winning ball device 6B is an electric motor having a pair of movable wing pieces that change between a normal open state, which is a vertical position, and an enlarged open state, which is a tilt position, by a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory shown in FIG. It has a tulip-type accessory (ordinary electric accessory) and forms a second starting winning port as a starting area (second starting area).

  A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball device 7 includes a special winning opening door that is driven to be opened and closed by a solenoid 82 serving as a special winning opening door shown in FIG. 2, and a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state by the special winning opening door. As a big winning opening as.

  A game ball that has passed (entered) the special winning opening is detected by, for example, a count switch. Based on the detection of the game balls by the count switch, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In this way, when the game ball passes (enters) the large winning opening that has been opened in the special variable winning ball device 7, the gaming ball passes through another winning opening, such as the first starting winning opening or the second starting winning opening. More prize balls are paid out than when passing (entering). Therefore, when the special winning opening is opened in the special variable winning ball device 7, the game ball can enter the special winning opening, and the first state is advantageous to the player. On the other hand, if the special winning opening is closed in the special variable winning ball device 7, it becomes impossible or difficult to obtain a prize ball by passing (entering) a game ball into the special winning opening. The second state is disadvantageous.

  At a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 28, on the left side of the game area), a normal symbol display 20 is provided. As an example, the ordinary symbol display device 20 is composed of a 7-segment or dot-matrix LED or the like like the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbol. Is variably displayed (variably displayed). Such a variable display of ordinary symbols is called an ordinary game (also referred to as a “normal game”).

  Above the ordinary symbol display 20, there is provided an ordinary symbol holding display 25 </ b> C. The general-purpose reserve indicator 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the general-purpose reserved storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passage gate 41.

  Loudspeakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a gaming effect lamp 9 is provided around the gaming area. A decorative LED may be arranged around each structure (for example, the normal prize ball device 6A, the normal variable prize ball device 6B, the special variable prize ball device 7, etc.) in the game area of the pachinko gaming machine 1. At a lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a hit ball operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to fire a game ball as a game medium toward the game area is provided. For example, the hit ball operation handle adjusts the resilience of a game ball in accordance with the operation amount (rotation amount) of a player or the like. The hitting operation handle may be provided with a single-shot firing switch for stopping driving of a firing motor included in the hitting ball firing device, or a touch ring (touch sensor).

  At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area, a game ball paid out as a prize ball or a game ball loaned by a predetermined ball rental machine is held so that it can be supplied to the hitting ball launching device (reservation). ) Is provided. At the lower part of the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a lower plate that holds (retains) excess balls overflowing from the upper plate so as to be able to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  A stick controller 31A is attached to a member forming the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the near side of the upper surface of the lower plate main body (for example, a central portion of the lower plate) and the like, and a stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player. I have.

  The member forming the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B at a predetermined position on the near side of the upper surface of the upper plate main body (for example, above the stick controller 31A) or the like, which allows a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like. Is provided. The push button 31B may be configured to be able to mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player. It is sufficient that a push sensor that detects a player's operation performed on the push button 31B is provided inside the body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 31B.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 as described above, the specific effect is executed when the shortest game period up to the specific opportunity is longer than the specific period and the advantage after the specific opportunity is more advantageous than the predetermined degree. The same effect as described above can be obtained. Note that the specific opportunity includes the end of the time saving state, the end of the probability fluctuation state, and the like. Further, as the degree of advantage, there is a stock of a big hit, a continuation of a state of reduced working hours, a state of probability fluctuation, and the like.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and includes changes and additions within a scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say.

Reference Signs List 1 slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R reel 6 MAXBET switch 7 start switch 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch 41 main control unit 51 liquid crystal display 91 sub-control unit

Claims (1)

In gaming machines that play games,
Advantageous state control means for controlling to an advantageous state advantageous to the player;
Advantage degree comparison means for comparing the degree of advantage and a predetermined degree after a specific opportunity in the advantageous state when controlled to the advantageous state,
A specific effect execution means for executing a specific effect,
A period comparison unit that compares a shortest game period until the specific opportunity and a specific period related to the execution of the specific effect,
The specific effect execution means is determined that the advantage degree is more advantageous than the predetermined degree by comparison by the advantage degree comparison means, and the shortest game period is longer than the specific period by comparison by the period comparison means. The specific effect is executed on condition that it is determined that
The specific effect execution means outputs a specific song as the specific effect,
The gaming machine , wherein the specific period is a period in which at least a specific portion of the specific music can be output .

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