JP6661526B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  As a gaming machine, a predetermined bet amount is set, and based on the start operation being performed, a game machine such as a slot machine in which a plurality of types of identification information are variably displayed or a game ball is played by a launch device in a game area. There is a pachinko gaming machine which variably displays a plurality of types of identification information when a game medium wins in a starting area such as a winning opening provided in the gaming area.

  As such a gaming machine, there has been disclosed a gaming machine that executes volume reduction control for lowering the volume of a game sound when a situation in which no gaming is performed is detected, such as when a state in which the gaming machine has not been operated has passed for a predetermined period of time. For example, see Patent Document 1). Further, a gaming machine capable of setting a volume has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2002-272904 JP 2013-039258 A

  When the above-mentioned volume reduction control is possible and the volume setting is also possible, it cannot be distinguished whether the current volume is set to a volume due to continuation of a state in which a game is not played or to a volume originally low. That is, there is a problem that it is not possible to determine whether the current volume is the volume under volume reduction control.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of determining whether or not the current volume is a volume under volume reduction control.

(1) A gaming machine (e.g., slot machine 1, pachinko machine, etc.) capable of playing a game , comprising: a variable display section capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified; A display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the section, a prize can be generated according to the display result, a game control means for controlling the game, and a control information transmitted from the game control means based on the control information transmitted from the game control means. Effect control means for performing an effect by the player, a derivation operation means operated by a player to derive a display result, a first notification means controlled by the game control means, and a second notification means controlled by the effect control means. Notification means, sound output means (for example, speakers 53, 54, etc.) for outputting sound, and setting means (for example, volume adjuster 57, A volume setting screen or the like); a volume control unit (for example, a sub-control unit 91 or the like) for controlling an output volume output by the sound output unit in accordance with a volume set value set by the setting unit; (For example, a sub-control unit 91 or the like) for detecting whether or not a game is being played, and the first notification means and the second notification means are both visually recognized while the player plays the game. It is possible that before the display result is derived, the game control means determines a display result that is allowed to be derived, and the determination result of the preliminary determination means is any type of specific determination. When a result is obtained, first notification control means for performing control for notifying the first notification means of information corresponding to an operation mode corresponding to the type of the specific determination result; Any kind of identification When the fixed result is obtained, it is possible to specify that any type of specific determination result has been obtained, but the type of the specific determination result cannot be specified, and an operation according to the type of the specific determination result is performed. A first control information transmitting means capable of transmitting the first control information whose mode cannot be specified to the effect control means, and a determination result of the pre-determining means being any type of specific determination result And second control information transmitting means capable of transmitting, to the effect control means, second control information capable of specifying an operation mode according to the type of the specification determination result, wherein the first control information transmitting means includes: Transmitting the first control information regardless of whether or not to notify the first notification means of information corresponding to an operation mode corresponding to the type of the determination result, and wherein the second control information transmission means According to the type of the specific determination result In a case where the information corresponding to the operation mode is not notified to the first notification means, the second control information is not transmitted, and the information corresponding to the operation mode corresponding to the type of the specific determination result is transmitted to the first notification means. When notifying, the second control information is transmitted, and when the effect control means receives the second control information, the operation mode according to the type of the specific determination result specified from the second control information And a second notification control means for performing control for notifying the second notification means of information corresponding to, wherein the volume control means detects that the player has not played a game by the detection means. Then, a volume reduction control for lowering the output volume in accordance with the volume setting value is executed (for example, the volume reduction control is executed at time T2 after elapse of t seconds from time T1 in FIG. 15A). Indicates volume When a sound volume setting value (for example, V4 or the like) is set and the sound volume lowering control is executed, the output sound volume (for example, the lowering control maximum sound volume in FIG. 15B) is not 0, but is set by the setting means. volume setting value indicating the minimum volume (e.g., V1, etc.) is set, and the volume reduced output volume when control is not being executed (e.g., normal control minimum volume, etc. in FIG. 15 (b)) rather smaller than the volume The output volume when the lowering control is performed is lower than a predetermined volume regardless of the volume set value set by the setting unit, and the output volume when the volume lowering control is not performed is set by the setting unit. A gaming machine that exceeds the predetermined volume regardless of the set volume value .

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the current volume is the volume under volume reduction control.

  In the present embodiment, the operation of the player for detecting whether or not the player is playing a game includes the operation of the MAXBET switch 6, the operation of the start switch 7, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and the settlement switch. The ten operations and the operation of inserting medals into the medal insertion unit 4 are described as five operations. However, the operations are not limited to these, and any operation may be performed as long as the operation is performed on the slot machine 1. Further, a motion sensor may be provided in the slot machine 1 to detect the presence or absence of a player, and to detect whether or not a game is being played based on the detection.

  In addition, the volume setting value indicating the maximum volume is set by the setting unit, and the output volume during the volume reduction control is set to the volume setting value indicating the minimum volume by the setting unit, and the volume reduction control is executed. "(A)" includes the setting content of the volume setting value, but if the setting content of the volume setting value is not included, (A) indicates "Output during volume reduction control." The volume is lower than the output volume when the volume reduction control is not executed. " Even with this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the current volume is the volume under volume reduction control.

( 2) In the gaming machine of (1), when a predetermined condition (for example, detection that a player has played a game or the like) is satisfied during the volume reduction control, the control unit performs the volume reduction control. finish.

  According to such a configuration, the sound volume is quickly restored by the end of the sound volume lowering control, so that the effect can be enhanced.

  The predetermined condition is not limited to the five operations described above being performed, but may be any operation performed on the slot machine 1. Further, the condition may be that a player is detected by the above-described motion sensor. In addition, the condition is not limited to the operation on the slot machine 1, and may be a condition that a bill is inserted into the medal lending machine or that a button for borrowing a medal from the medal lending machine is pressed.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2), the output volume of the sound indicating the occurrence of the error is constant regardless of whether or not the volume reduction control is being performed (for example, the error output of FIG. 15B). Volume etc.).

  According to such a configuration, an error can be appropriately recognized.

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), when the volume setting value is set by the setting unit during the volume reduction control (see, for example, FIG. ), The volume is set from V2 to V4 at the time T), and the output volume is controlled (for example, “V4 low” in FIG. 16A) during the volume reduction control according to the set volume set value. I do.

  According to such a configuration, the sound volume during the sound volume reduction control can be set appropriately.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), when the volume setting value is set by the setting unit during the volume reduction control (see, for example, FIG. ), The volume setting value is set from V2 to V4 at time T), the volume reduction control is terminated, and the output volume according to the set volume setting value (for example, “V4 through” in FIG. 16B). To control.

  According to such a configuration, the volume can be restored according to the setting of the volume setting value.

(6) A gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1, pachinko gaming machine, etc.) capable of performing a game, and has a plurality of stages (for example, five stages (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)), a game room volume control means (for example, volume controller 57 etc.) capable of setting any one of the levels, and a plurality of levels for setting the volume (for example, four levels (1, 2, 3) , 4)), a player's volume control means (for example, a volume setting screen, a cross key 58, etc.) capable of setting any one of the steps, and the player's volume control means specifies a specific step. When the volume is set to (for example, the player setting 4 in FIG. 19), the stage set by the volume adjusting means for the game store is the first stage (for example, the store setting in FIG. 19 (a)). 5), the first volume (for example, FIG. 19A) When the level set by the volume control means for the amusement store is the second stage (for example, the store side setting 4 in FIG. 19B), the first volume (for example, 19 (a), the second volume (for example, volume 4 in FIG. 19 (b)) differs from the second volume (for example, volume 4 in FIG. 19 (b)), and the specific volume (for example, FIG. 19, the volume is set to a predetermined stage other than the player setting 4 (eg, the player setting 3 in FIG. 19). One stage (for example, the store side setting 5 in FIG. 19A) and the stage set by the game store sound volume adjusting means correspond to the second stage (for example, the store in FIG. 19B). Side setting 4 etc.) A gaming machine characterized by a volume (for example, volume 3 in FIG. 19).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to satisfy the demand of the game store while making it difficult for the player to misunderstand the current volume.

  The number of steps for setting the volume in the volume control means for the amusement store and the number of steps for setting the volume in the volume control means for the player may be the same or different. Generally, the number of steps for setting the sound volume in the sound volume adjusting means for the amusement store is larger than the number of steps for setting the sound volume in the sound volume adjusting means for the player.

  When the magnitude of the volume is changed, a function that can change only the volume of the sound in the specific frequency band may be provided. That is, the sound volume may be a sound volume in a specific frequency band. For example, in many audio devices, each of BASS (bass) and TREBLE (treble) can be adjusted. For example, only the volume of the BASS sound is changed. Since bass sounds are easy to reverberate, if gaming machines with strong bass are lined up in a game arcade, the bass may be too strong. Also, even when the game machine is installed on an island such as a variety corner, it may be difficult to hear the sound of another different game machine. In such a case, the function of changing only the volume of a specific frequency band is very effective.

  When changing the volume in a gaming machine provided with a plurality of speakers, the volume of all or some of the speakers may be changed. That is, the volume may be a volume output from a specific speaker. For example, in a gaming machine provided with a woofer, a squawker, and a tweeter, it is possible to change only the volume of the sound in the specific frequency band described above by changing the volume of the woofer, the squawker, or the tweeter. By doing so, it is possible to provide a gaming machine whose volume can be set according to the player's preference.

  Further, the volume of a specific type of sound may be changeable. That is, the volume may be the volume of a specific type of sound. For example, any of a sound generated when a medal is inserted, a sound generated when a start switch is operated, a sound generated when a small combination is established, and a sound frequently generated during a game such as BGM may be changed. . By doing so, it is possible to provide a gaming machine whose volume can be set according to the player's preference.

  Further, the volume of the sound in a specific game state may be changeable. That is, the volume may be a volume output during a specific game state. For example, the volume of a normal sound may be changeable, and sounds such as BGM and sound effects generated during an ART, AT, or bonus may not be changeable. Alternatively, the reverse may be applied. By doing so, it is possible to provide a gaming machine whose volume can be set according to the player's preference.

  When the magnitude of the volume is changed stepwise, the difference in the volume between adjacent steps may be the same or different. Specifically, for example, when the number of stages is 1 to 3, the difference in volume between stage 1 and stage 2 and the difference in volume between stage 2 and stage 3 may be the same or different. Is also good. By doing so, the degree of freedom in sound volume design is increased, and abundant effects with sound can be realized.

(7) A variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which is identifiable, and after variably displaying the variable display unit, halting the variable display of the variable display unit to derive a display result. Then, in a gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 1) capable of generating a prize according to the display result, a gaming value storing means (for example, main control) for storing a gaming value (for example, credit) owned by the player. A volume setting unit (for example, a player-side setting switch 70, etc.) for performing volume setting (for example, setting of a second volume stage, etc.) which is a setting relating to the volume based on a setting operation by the player. A settlement means (for example, a settlement switch 10 or the like) for adjusting a game value stored in the game value storage means based on a settlement operation by a player; A settlement command output unit (for example, a process of outputting a command by the main control unit 41) that outputs a settlement command that can specify that the volume setting has been performed, and initialization of the volume setting performed by the volume setting unit. Initialization means (for example, initialization processing for returning the sound volume to a default value by the sub control unit 91), and the initialization means performs the timing (for example, in FIG. 18) when the player performs the settlement operation. At the timing t1 shown), the initialization is not performed, and while the settlement command is output by the settlement command output means for a predetermined period (for example, demo 3 of timing t3 to t6 at the time of non-replay winning shown in FIG. 18). The initialization is carried out after the elapse of a period such as a period for the circumference.

  According to such a configuration, a certain grace period can be left even when the player has not been replaced.

(8) a variable display unit (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which is identifiable, deriving a display result after variably displaying the variable display unit; In a gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) capable of generating a prize according to the display result, game control means (for example, main control unit 41) for controlling a game, and control information transmitted from the game control means. Production control means (for example, sub-control unit 91 etc.) for producing production based on (for example, a command) and derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) and operation mode notifying means (for example, navigation notification, navigation effect, etc.) capable of identifiably notifying the operation mode (for example, stop order) of the deriving operation means. Before the display result is derived, the game control unit determines a display result that is permitted to be derived (for example, an internal lottery or the like) and a determination of the preliminary determination unit (for example, an internal lottery or the like). When the result becomes a notification target result (for example, a notification target role) that is a target of notification (for example, navigating notification, etc.), an advantageous operation mode (for example, a stop order that is advantageous for the player) that is advantageous for the player Notification state control means for controlling to a notification state (for example, a state in which navigation notification is executed), and specific control information (for example, A specific control information transmitting unit (for example, an internal winning command setting process) for transmitting the first internal winning command, the second internal winning command, etc.) to the effect control unit (for example, the sub control unit 91). Including In particular, the specific control information transmitting means determines the predetermined determining means (for example, an internal lottery or the like) regardless of whether or not the specific control information transmitting means is controlled to the notification state (for example, a state where navigation notification is performed). When the result becomes the notification target result (for example, the notification target role), the fact that the notification target result has been obtained can be specified, but the advantageous operation mode (for example, a stop order that is advantageous for the player) is specified. The specific control information (for example, the second internal winning command or the like) that cannot be transmitted may be transmitted to the effect control unit.

  According to such a configuration, fraud is prevented and the processing is simplified.

(9) a variable display section (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified, and variably displaying the variable display section to derive a display result; In a gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) capable of generating a prize according to the display result, a game control means (for example, main control unit 41 or the like) for controlling a game, and a control transmitted from the game control means. Effect control means (for example, sub-control unit 91) for effecting an effect based on information (for example, a command or the like) and derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C) operated by a player to derive a display result , 8R, etc.) and operation mode notifying means (for example, navigation notification, navigation effect, etc.) capable of identifiably notifying the operation mode (for example, stop order, etc.) of the deriving operation means, The game control means includes a pre-determining means (for example, an internal lottery, etc.) for determining a display result permitted to be derived before the display result is derived, and a pre-determining means (for example, an internal lottery, etc.) Numerical value setting means for setting different numerical values (for example, winning numbers, etc.) for each determination result, and predetermined control (for example, internal winning flag setting) according to the numerical values (for example, winning numbers, etc.) set by the numerical value setting means. Predetermined control means for setting, navigating notification, command creation, reel 2L, 2C, 2R stop control, and the like, and the determination result of the pre-determining means (for example, internal lottery, etc.) is notified (for example, navigating notification). When a notification target result (e.g., a notification target combination) becomes a notification target result (e.g., a notification target combination), a notification state (e.g., navigation) in which an advantageous operation mode (e.g., an advantageous stop sequence for the player) that is advantageous for the player is notified. Information Notification state control means for controlling the execution of the game, and the like, and specific control information (for example, a first internal winning command, a second internal winning, etc.) relating to a determination result of the pre-determining means (for example, an internal lottery or the like). A specific control information transmitting means for transmitting a command or the like to the effect control means, and a numerical value set by the numerical value setting means when the notification target result (for example, a notification target combination) is obtained. For example, a continuous numerical value having a predetermined numerical range (for example, 2 to 19, 23 to 34, or the like) is assigned as a winning number or the like, and the specific control information transmitting unit transmits at least the notification state (for example, In a state other than the state in which the navigation notification is executed, etc.), the numerical value (for example, the winning number) set by the numerical value setting means is in the predetermined numerical range (for example, 2 to 19, 23). 34), it is possible to specify that the notification target result (for example, the notification target role) has been obtained, but the specific control that cannot specify the advantageous operation mode (for example, an advantageous stop order for the player). Information (for example, a second internal winning command or the like) may be transmitted to the effect control unit (for example, the sub-control unit 91 or the like).

  According to such a configuration, fraud is prevented and the processing is simplified.

(10) In a gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) for performing a game, control is performed according to first control means (for example, the main control unit 41 or the like) and control information received from the first control means. And a second control unit (for example, a sub-control unit 91) for performing the first control unit (for example, the main control unit 41). The control state of the first control unit (for example, the main control unit 41 and the like) at each of a plurality of timings including the timing (for example, at the start of the game) and the second timing (for example, at the end of the game) State control information transmitting means for transmitting a plurality of types of state control information (for example, a control state command or the like) capable of specifying the state control information to the second control means (for example, the sub-control unit 91 or the like). Information transmission The plurality of types of state control information (for example, control state commands and the like) transmitted by the stage at one timing include a first timing (for example, at the start of a game) and a second timing (for example, at the end of a game). ), The first state control information (for example, control state command 2 or the like) that can specify a control state (for example, a stop order that is advantageous to the player) and a first timing (for example, at the start of a game) ) And second state control information (for example, control state command 1 and the like) that can specify a control state (for example, a game state and the like) that can change at a second timing (for example, at the end of a game). Wherein the state control information transmitting means performs a plurality of types of state control information by common control (for example, a control state command batch setting process) at any of a plurality of timings. Information (for example, a control state command).

  According to such a configuration, the program is not excessively increased while grasping the states of the first control means and the second control means.

It is a front view of the slot machine of the example 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. It is a figure which shows the winning number and transmission number of the special combination in the 1st internal winning command transmitted by the main control unit. It is a figure showing the winning number and transmission number of the general combination and the replaying combination in the second internal winning command transmitted by the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the internal winning command setting process which a main control part performs. It is a figure showing the navigation number in the push order command which a main control part transmits. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control contents of a pressing order command setting process performed by 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 flowchart which shows the control content of the winning determination command setting processing which a main control part performs. It is a figure which shows an example of a volume controller and a volume setting screen. It is a figure which shows the output sound volume control content and the output sound volume in each sound volume setting value. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when a sound volume setting value is changed during lowering control. 6 is a timing chart for explaining initialization based on a settlement operation. It is a figure showing an example of volume control means. It is a figure which shows the sound volume output according to the setting of a game store and the setting of a player. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a control state command transmitted from a main control unit to a sub control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the game start transmission command setting process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the control state command collective setting process which a main control part performs. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating control contents of a command setting process executed by a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the game end transmission command setting process which a main control part performs.

  An embodiment for implementing a slot machine which is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 1a having an open front, and a front door 1b rotatably supported at a side end of the housing 1a. I have. The front door 1b can open and close the open front side of the housing 1a by rotating with respect to the housing 1a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 1a of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter, left reel, middle reel, right reel) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery. ) Are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and as shown in FIG. 1, three continuous symbols among the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be seen from the see-through window 3 provided on the front door 1b. Are arranged as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 3, "red 7", "blue 7", "white 7", "BAR", "watermelon", "cherry a", and "cherry" are provided on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, respectively. A plurality of mutually identifiable patterns such as "b", "bell", "replay a", "replay b", and "plum" are drawn in a predetermined order, each of which is 21 pieces. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are displayed in upper, middle, lower, and upper tiers, respectively, in the see-through window 3 provided substantially at the center of the front door 1b.

  Each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is rotated by a correspondingly provided reel motor 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 4), so that the design of each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is continuous with the see-through window 3. While the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped rotating, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the see-through window 3 as a display result.

  Inside the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, a reel sensor 33L, 33C, 33R for detecting a reference position and a reel LED 55 for irradiating the reels 2L, 2C, 2R from the back are provided for the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, respectively. , Are provided. The reel LED 55 includes twelve LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and can irradiate each symbol independently.

  A display area 51a of a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) is arranged at a position on the front side (player side) of each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a liquid crystal panel having transparency when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal display 51 is provided with a transparent region 51 b corresponding to the transparent window 3 of the display region 51 a and a transparent window 3. Each reel 2L, 2C, 2R can be visually recognized from the player side.

  In the front door 1b, as shown in FIG. 1, a medal insertion portion 4 capable of inserting medals, a medal payout exit 9 for paying out medals, and a rule determined according to a game state within the range using credits. A MAXBET switch 6 that is operated when setting the maximum bet number among the number of bets, a settlement switch 10 that is operated when setting out a medal stored as a credit and a medal used for setting the bet number, The start switch 7, which is operated when starting the game, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, which are operated when stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, respectively, and the production switch 56 used for production, are provided by the player. Each is operably provided.

  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, and the stop is referred to as a 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, the reel that stops third is referred to as a third stop reel, and the stop is referred to as a third stop. Alternatively, it is referred to as a final stop.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 1b displays a credit indicator 11 displaying the number of medals stored as credits, and shows the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a prize and the contents of the error when an error occurs. The game auxiliary display 12 displays an error code, information which can identify the reel stop order based on the navigation notification described later, etc., the 1 BET LED 14 for notifying that the bet number is set to 1, and the bet number is set to 2. 2 BET LED 15 for notifying that the game is on, 3 BET LED 16 for notifying that the bet amount has been set to 3 by light, insertion request LED 17 for notifying that a medal can be inserted, and a start switch 7 to operate the game. A start valid LED 18 for notifying that the start operation is valid by lighting, and a light indicating that the vehicle is being waited for. Weight in LED19 for notifying, gaming display section 13 in the replay LED20 is provided for informing by lighting the effect that while replaying the game is provided by.

  Inside the MAXBET switch 6, there is provided a BET switch valid LED 21 (see FIG. 4) for notifying by lighting that the setting operation of the bet amount by operating the MAXBET switch 6 is valid, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, Inside the 8R, left, middle, and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, and 22R (see FIG. 4) are provided to notify by light that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is valid. An effect LED 56a (see FIG. 4) is provided inside the effect switch 56 to notify by lighting that the operation of the effect switch 56 is effective.

  Inside the front door 1b, a reset switch 23 (see FIG. 4) for detecting a reset operation for canceling an error state to be described later and a hit state to be described later by a predetermined key operation is performed. A set value display 24 on which the set value at that time is displayed while the set value is being confirmed; a set switch 36a for selecting valid / invalid of a set function for controlling the set state to be set at a predetermined timing; At the same time, an automatic payment switch 36b for selecting the validity / invalidity of an automatic payment function for controlling the automatic payment processing, and a flow path of the medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 to a hopper tank provided inside the housing 1a. A flow path switching solenoid 30 for selectively switching to one of the side 34a (see FIG. 2) and the medal payout port 9 and the medal insertion section 4, and the flow switching solenoid 30 is supplied to the hopper tank 34a. The inserted medal sensor 31 for detecting the inserted medal, the medal selector 29 having the insertion port sensor 26 for detecting the insertion of a foreign substance on the upstream side of the inserted medal sensor 31, and the door open detection switch 25 for detecting the open state of the front door 1b (see FIG. 4) is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (see FIG. 4) and the reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are respectively provided inside the housing 1a. A reel unit 2 including detectable reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R (see FIG. 4), an external output board 1000 for outputting an external output signal (see FIG. 4), and storing medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4. Hopper tank 34a, a hopper motor 34b (see FIG. 4) for paying out medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout port 9, and a payout sensor 34c for detecting medals paid out by driving the hopper motor 34b ( (See FIG. 4) and a power supply box 100 are provided.

  On the side of the hopper unit 34, an overflow tank 35 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper tank 34a is provided. Inside the overflow tank 35, there is provided a full sensor 35a (see FIG. 4) for detecting that the stored medals are full.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front of the power supply box 100 functions as a setting key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, and normally functions as a reset switch for canceling an error state or a stopped state. In a setting change state, a reset / setting switch 38 functioning as a setting switch for changing a setting value of a winning probability (a payout rate) of an internal lottery described later, and a power supply operated when turning on / off the power supply A switch 39 is provided.

  When playing a game in the slot machine 1 of this 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. 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 winning line LN set across the middle row of the reel 2L, the middle section of the reel 2C, and the middle section of the reel 2R, that is, the middle row, is a winning line. Stipulated. In this embodiment, only one winning line is applied, but a plurality of winning lines may be applied.

  Further, in this embodiment, in order to make it easy to recognize that the combination of the symbols constituting the prize is arranged in the prize line LN, the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are set separately from the prize line LN.

  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 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, one game is completed, and a predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter, also referred to as a combination) is displayed on each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R on the winning line LN. As a result, when the game stops, a prize is generated, and a predetermined number of medals are awarded to the player according to the prize and added to the credit. When the number of credits reaches the upper limit (50 in this embodiment), medals are paid directly from the medal payout port 9 (see FIG. 1). Further, when a combination of symbols accompanied by a transition of the gaming state is stopped on the pay line LN as a result of displaying the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, the game state is shifted to a gaming state corresponding to the combination of the symbols. .

  In this embodiment, the game starts when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected in a state where the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, and ends when all the reels stop. One unit of control (game control) for executing the game is started when all controls accompanying the end of the previous game are completed, and when all controls accompanying the end of the game are completed. finish.

  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.

  A power supply of AC 100 V is supplied to the power supply board 101 from the outside, and a DC voltage required for driving the electric components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated from the power supply of AC 100 V, and the game control board 40 and the production control board 90. It is supplied to. The hopper motor 34b, the payout sensor 34c, the full tank sensor 35a, the setting key switch 37, the reset / setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 are connected to the power supply board 101.

  On the game control board 40, the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the settlement switch 10, the reset switch 23, the stop switch 36a, the automatic settlement switch 36b, the inserted medal sensor 31, and the door opening are provided. The detection switch 25, the reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R are connected, and the payout sensor 34c, the full tank sensor 35a, the setting key switch 37, and the reset / setting switch 38 are connected via the power supply board 101. The detection signals of these connected switches are input. In addition, the game control board 40 includes the above-described credit indicator 11, game assist indicators 12, 1-3 BET LEDs 14-16, insertion request LED 17, start valid LED 18, waiting LED 19, replay LED 20, BET switch valid LED 21, , Middle and right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R, set value display 24, flow path switching solenoid 30, reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, volume controller 57, cross key 58, and power supply board 101. The hopper motor 34b and the power switch 39 described above are connected to each other via these components, and these electric components are driven under the control of the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40. The volume adjuster 57 is for the game store to set the volume, and can be set to any one of five levels. The sub-control unit 91 controls the sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 by controlling the audio output circuit 94 in accordance with the stage set by the volume controller 57 and the stage set by the player. The cross key 58 is operated by the player in up, down, left, and right directions. In the present embodiment, a volume setting operation is performed by the player. When the cross key 58 is operated, a signal corresponding to the operation is output to the sub control unit 91.

  The game control board 40 performs a process relating to the progress of the game and also directly or indirectly controls each part of a control circuit mounted on the game control board 40, and an oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency. A control clock generation circuit for generating a control clock CCLK; a random number clock generation circuit 43 for generating a random number clock RCLK which is an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency different from the oscillation frequency of the control clock CCLK; A switch detection circuit 44 that takes in a detection signal input from switches connected directly to or via a power supply board 101 and transmits the signal to a main control unit 41, and a motor drive signal (stepping) output from the main control unit 41. Motor drive circuit 45 for transmitting the motor phase signals) to the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R. A solenoid drive circuit 46 for transmitting a solenoid drive signal output from the main control unit 41 to the flow path switching solenoid 30; and various displays connected to the game control board 40 using an LED drive signal output from the main control unit 41. When the voltage of the power supply supplied to the slot machine 1 is detected by monitoring the voltage of the power supply supplied to the slot machine 1, a voltage drop signal indicating the fact is output to the main control unit 41. And a reset circuit 49 that supplies a system reset signal to the main control unit 41 when the power supply is unstable such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off.

  The effect switch 56 is connected to the effect control board 90, and a detection signal of the effect switch 56 is input. In addition, effect devices such as a liquid crystal display 51, effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, reel LED 55, and the like are connected, and these effect devices are controlled by a sub-control unit 91 described later mounted on an effect control board 90. It is driven based on this.

  The effect control board 90 is composed of a microcomputer having a sub CPU 91a, a ROM 91b, a RAM 91c, and an I / O port 91d, and controls an effect, and a liquid crystal display 51 connected to the effect control board 90. A display control circuit 92 for performing display control of the display, an effect effect LED 52, an LED drive circuit 93 for controlling the drive of the reel LED 55, an audio output circuit 94 for controlling the audio output from the speakers 53 and 54, A reset circuit 95 that supplies a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a when an initialization command from the sub CPU 91a is not input for a predetermined time; a switch circuit 96 that detects a detection signal input from switches connected to the effect control board 90; A clock device 97 for outputting time information including date information and time information; The power supply voltage supplied to the power supply machine 1 is monitored, and when a voltage drop is detected, a power cutoff detection circuit 98 that outputs a voltage drop signal indicating this to the sub CPU 91a, and other circuits and the like are mounted. ing.

  The sub CPU 91a receives commands transmitted from the game control board 40, performs various controls for performing the effect, and directly or indirectly controls each unit of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90. .

  The sub-control unit 91 has an interrupt function similarly to the main control unit 41, generates an interrupt when receiving a command from the main control unit 41, and acquires the command transmitted from the main control unit 41. , Execute the command reception interrupt processing stored in the buffer. The sub-control unit 91 executes a timer interrupt process (sub) by generating an interrupt every time the number of input system clocks reaches a certain number, that is, at certain time intervals (about 2 ms). Further, unlike the main control unit 41, when an interrupt occurs based on the reception of a command, the sub-control unit 91 interrupts the timer interrupt process (sub) even during execution of the process. , A command reception interrupt process is executed, and even if interrupts that trigger the timer interrupt process (sub) occur simultaneously, the command reception interrupt process is executed with the highest priority. The backup power is also supplied to the sub-control unit 91 at the time of a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 91c is retained while the backup power is supplied.

In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the payout rate of medals changes according to the set value.
The medal payout rate is changed by using a winning probability according to a set value in a lottery that affects the degree of advantage to a player such as an internal lottery. The set value is made up of six levels from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate and the payout rate decreasing as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is the highest for the player, and as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, the advantage gradually decreases.

  In the present embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop, the activated pay line (in the present embodiment, all the pay lines are always activated. A winning combination is obtained when a combination of symbols called a combination is arranged on the winning line which is simply called a winning line). The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols.

  The types of winning combinations are determined according to the state of the game, but can be broadly divided into small winning combinations with medal payout and re-starting so that the next game can be started without setting the number of bets. There are a gaming role and a special role accompanied by a transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player. Hereinafter, the small role and the replaying role are also collectively referred to as a general role. In order for a winning of each combination determined according to the gaming state to occur, it is necessary to win the internal lottery and set the winning flag of the combination in the RAM 41c. In addition, among the winning flags of these roles, the winning flags of the small role and the replaying role are valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and are invalid in the next game. The combination is enabled until the combination of the permitted combinations is completed by the flag, and is invalid in the game in which the combination of the permitted combinations is completed. That is, once the winning flag of the special role is won, even if the combination of the roles permitted by the flag cannot be aligned, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game. Becomes

  Hereinafter, the internal lottery of the present embodiment will be described. In the internal lottery, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not to permit winning of each of the above-mentioned roles before the display results of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived (specifically, the start switch 7). At the time of detection). In the internal lottery, first, when the start switch 7 is detected, a random number for the internal lottery (an integer from 0 to 65535) is obtained. Specifically, the value generated by the random number circuit 508b and stored in the random number value register of the random number circuit 508b is set in the lottery work assigned to the RAM 41c. Then, for each combination determined according to the gaming state, according to the numerical data stored in the lottery work and the number of judgment values of each combination determined according to the current gaming state, the number of bets and the set value. It is determined whether or not a prize is allowed.

  In the internal lottery, the number of determination values determined according to the role to be subjected to the internal lottery, the current game state and the set value are sequentially changed to the random number value for the internal lottery (numerical data stored in the lottery work). If the result of the addition overflows, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. For this reason, the winning combination is determined based on the probability (the number of judgment values / 65536) according to the magnitude of the number of judgment values.

  Then, the winning number indicating the result of the internal lottery is set in the RAM 41c. The winning number is used for setting an internal winning flag, notifying the navigation, creating a command, controlling stop of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and the like.

  If the winning of any of the winning combinations is determined, the winning flag corresponding to the winning determined for the winning number is set in the internal winning flag storing work assigned to the RAM 41c based on the winning number. The internal winning flag storage work is composed of a 2-byte storage area, of which the upper byte is assigned as a special role storing work in which the special role winning flag is set, and the lower byte is a general role winning work. Assigned as a general role storage work for which the flag is set. Specifically, when the special role is won, the special role winning flag indicating that the special role has been won is set in the special role storing work, and when the general role is won, the general role is won. The winning flag of the general combination indicating the effect is set in the general combination storage work. If no winning combination is achieved, the special combination storing work and the general combination storing work are cleared.

  Next, a command transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91 will be described. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 transmits various commands to the sub control unit 91. Hereinafter, some of the various commands will be described. Note that a command other than the following commands may be used.

  The game state command is a command that can specify the game state of the game, and is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game.

  The ART state command is a command capable of specifying whether or not an AT is being performed, whether or not an ART is being performed, the number of remaining games until the specified number of games is reached, the number of remaining games in the precursor period, and the number of remaining games in the ART. Is transmitted after the game state command.

  The internal winning command is a command capable of specifying an internal lottery result, and is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game and after the ART state command. The internal winning command includes a first internal winning command that can specify whether or not the special role has been won, and a second internal winning command that can specify whether or not the general role has been won, After transmitting the first internal winning command, a second internal winning command is transmitted.

The pressing order command is a command capable of specifying the stop order, which is when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game, after the internal winning command is transmitted, and when the reels are stopped. Each time the control is performed, it is transmitted after the stop command is transmitted.
In the game in which the navigation notification described later is executed, a pressing order command that can specify a stop order that is advantageous to the player is transmitted from the start of the game, and in a game in which the navigation notification is not executed, the advantageous stop order is set. A push order command in which a stop order advantageous to the player cannot be specified until the determination is made, and a push order command capable of specifying a stop order advantageous to the player from when the advantageous stop order is determined is transmitted.

  Since the game state command, the ART state command, and the internal winning command are transmitted when the game is started by operating the start switch 7, by receiving these commands, the start switch 7 is operated to start the game. It can be specified.

  The ART lottery result command is a command capable of specifying whether or not an ART lottery or an additional lottery has been won, the number of the selected ART games or the number of games to be added. Sent after transmission of the internal winning command in the game in which the additional lottery is performed.

  The stop operation command is a command that can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, and the area number of the stop operation position of the corresponding reel. It is transmitted each time the accompanying stop control is performed.

  The stop command is a command capable of specifying whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, and the area number of the stop position of the corresponding reel, and the stop control accompanying the stop operation of each reel. Is transmitted after the corresponding slide frame number command is transmitted.

  Both the stop operation command and the stop command can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, and the stop control associated with the stop operation of each reel is performed. Since these commands are transmitted every time, by receiving these commands, it is possible to specify that any of the reels has been stopped and to determine the reel to be stopped.

  The game end command is a command that can specify that the game has ended, and is transmitted when the player presses a stop switch to stop the third stop reel and releases the stop switch.

  The prize determination command is a command capable of specifying the presence or absence of a prize, a combination of symbols aligned on a prize line LN, a type of a prize, and the number of medals to be paid out at the time of a prize, so that the player stops the third stop reel. This is when the stop switch is pressed down and the stop switch is released, and is transmitted after the transmission of the game end command.

  Since both the game end command and the winning determination command are transmitted when the player presses the stop switch to stop the third stop reel and releases the stop switch, by receiving these commands, It is possible to specify that all the operations necessary to advance one game are completed.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes a navigation period for notifying the stop order that is advantageous to the player according to the internal lottery result by the lighting mode of the game auxiliary display 12 and a navigation period. It can be controlled at a certain assist time (hereinafter, referred to as AT).

  When controlled by the AT, the main control unit 41 executes the navigation notification by winning the navigation target combination corresponding to the game state, and executes the navigation notification based on the winning number of the selected navigation notification combination. By notifying the stop order that is advantageous to the player and transmitting a push order command capable of specifying the stop order that is advantageous to the player based on the winning number to the sub-control unit 91, the liquid crystal display 51 and the like are displayed. To perform a navigation effect using. Further, in the present embodiment, even in a normal state where the AT is not controlled, the main control unit 41 can execute the navigation notification and the navigation effect by satisfying a certain condition.

  The game state in the present embodiment includes RT0 to RT4, RB, and BB (RB). 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, RT0, RT4, RT0, RT4 among RT0, RT4 are higher than RT1, 3 in that the winning probability of the replay is higher and the medal payout rate per game is higher than RT1, 3. This is an advantageous state for the player. In addition, RT0, RT2 among RT0, RT2, RT4 can be said to be more advantageous for the player than RT4 in that the payout rate of medals per game is higher than RT4. In addition, RT2 can be said to be more advantageous to the player than RT0 in that it is highly likely that the number of ART games described later will be added.

  Further, in the slot machine of 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 notification target combination corresponding to the game state, and also issues a first internal winning command to the sub control unit 91. By transmitting the second internal winning command and the pressing order command, the sub-control unit 91 executes the navigation effect.

  In the navigation effect according to the present embodiment, a 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. For example, when notifying the stop order of the left middle right, the stop switch 8L such as “123” (indicating that the left reel is the first stop, the middle reel is the second stop, and the right reel is the third stop), A stop order image indicating the stop order of 8C and 8R is displayed. Also, as the navigation sound, for example, a sound indicating the stop order of the stop switch such as “left center right!” (The left reel indicates the first stop, the middle reel indicates the second stop, and the right reel indicates the third stop). Is output. When the stop order in which the left reel is set to the first stop is notified, the stop order of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R such as "1--" (indicating that the left reel is set to the first stop) is indicated. Display the stop order image. Also, as the navigation sound, for example, a sound indicating the stop order of the stop switch such as “left!” (Indicating that the left reel is in the first stop) (indicating that the left reel is in the first stop) is output. I do. It should be noted that the mode of the navigation effect is not limited to such a mode, and may be any mode as long as the player can distinguish it according to the winning situation. The navigation effect is not limited to the one using the liquid crystal display 51 and the speakers 53 and 54, but may be the one using the effect LED 52, the reel LED 55 and the like.

  In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 performs an ART lottery to determine whether or not to control to ART (a state controlled by the AT at RT0) when the lottery condition is satisfied. Then, the main control unit 41 wins the ART lottery and controls the ART when the precursor period ends.

  When controlling to ART, control is first performed to AT. The state from the start of the AT control to the transition to RT0 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.

  After the start of the ART, the remaining game number is decremented by one each time one game is consumed, and when the remaining game number becomes zero, the control of the AT is ended. Accordingly, the navigation notification is not executed.

  In addition, after the start of the ART, if the lottery condition is satisfied before the number of remaining games becomes zero, an additional lottery is performed to determine whether to add the number of games of the ART. When the additional lottery is won, an ART game number lottery for determining the number of ART games is performed, and the number of games won in the ART game number lottery is added to the remaining game number of the ART.

  In addition, when the lottery condition is satisfied before the remaining game number becomes 0 after the start of the ART, it is determined whether or not to shift to an additional state in which the probability that the number of ART games is added is higher than during the ART. An additional state lottery is performed.

  If the special combination is won before the remaining game number becomes 0 after the start of the ART, the ART is interrupted by the end of the RT2, and the counting of the ART games is also interrupted accordingly. When the special role is won during the ART, the navigation notification is not performed even if the pushing order bell is won until the special role is won.

  If the special role is won during the ART and the ART is interrupted, then the bonus is controlled to the corresponding bonus after the winning of the special role that has been won, and after the completion of the bonus, the transition is stopped at RT3, and RT1 is stopped. At this point, the control of the AT is restarted, and the AT is restarted by going back to the RT0 through the preparation state, and the counting of the remaining games of the ART is restarted.

  Further, RT2 has a configuration that is more advantageous to the player than RT0 in that the number of ART games is more likely to be added, that is, is advantageous to the player in that it is more likely that an advantage that is more advantageous to the player is given. For example, a configuration that is advantageous to the player in that the winning probability of a specific role is high, the winning probability of a specific role is high, and the payout rate of medals is high may be used.

  Here, the privilege that is advantageous to the player is a right that can be shifted to an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player (to win a lottery that determines whether or not to generate an advantageous state, and to shift to an advantageous state). Winning, etc.), the right to be notified of an operation mode advantageous to the player, the right to be controlled to a gaming state having a high expected value to which a gaming value is given, and the current gaming state to be advantageous to the player. Such as the right to be notified of whether or not the game state is a good game state, the period of controlling the game state to the advantageous state (the number of fixed games, the average value of the number of games that fluctuates depending on the ending condition, etc.) It may not be directly advantageous to the player, but may be an advantage indirectly advantageous to the player, for example, a condition for obtaining a privilege on the Internet.

  Next, control contents of the internal winning command transmission processing performed by the main control unit 41 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, a winning number is assigned in advance for each type of lottery target role, and a lottery target role that may be carried over, that is, a special role winning number table in which a winning number for each type of special role is set, A lottery target combination that is not carried over, that is, a general combination winning number table in which a winning number is set for each type of general combination is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 41b.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the special role winning number table, when no special role has been won, that is, the winning number of the outlier is “0”, the winning number of the BB is “1”, and the RB is The winning number is assigned “1”.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in the general role winning number table, a winning number is assigned to each lottery target role. As shown in the drawing, in the special role winning number table and the general role winning number table, a lottery target role of the internal lottery and a winning number are set correspondingly.

  In the present embodiment, when a start operation is performed, the main control unit 41 executes an internal lottery process, and when any of the special role and the general role is won in the internal lottery, Then, the winning number corresponding to the lottery target combination determined to be won is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, and if no combination is won, the winning number corresponding to the loss is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. The winning number indicating the winning of the general role is cleared at the end of each game, while the winning number indicating the winning of the special role is maintained until the winning special role is won, and the winning special role wins. Cleared.

  After setting the winning number, the main control unit 41 executes an internal winning command setting process, and based on the internal winning number set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, the first internal winning command and the second internal winning command. The command is set in the command queue, and the first internal winning command and the second internal winning command are transmitted to the sub control unit 91.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the internal winning command setting process, first, the winning number of the special combination set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in the internal lottery process is acquired (Sf1), and the acquired winning number is transmitted to the sub control unit 91. Is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c as a transmission winning number to be transmitted (Sf2), and the first internal winning command is stored in the command queue based on the transmission winning number. The command transmitted by the main control unit 41 is composed of 2 bytes, the first byte represents MODE (classification of command), and the second byte represents EXT (contents of command). 41, when storing the first internal winning command in the command queue, stores MODE indicating that it is the first internal winning command in the first byte, and transmits the special winning in the EXT of the second byte. Store the number.

  After the first internal winning command is stored in the step Sf3, the winning number of the general combination set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in the internal lottery process is acquired (Sf4). It is sequentially determined whether or not there is (Sf5), whether or not it is less than 20 (Sf6), whether or not it is less than 23 (Sf7), and whether or not it is less than 35 (Sf8). It is determined which of the plurality of predetermined ranges the number is in.

  If it is determined in step Sf5 that the winning number is less than 2, that is, if the winning number is 0 or 1, the winning number for transmission is transmitted to the sub control unit 91. The number is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sf12). If it is determined in step Sf5 that the winning number is not less than 2, and if it is determined in step Sf6 that it is less than 20, that is, if the winning number is any of 2 to 19, the winning number for transmission is determined. 2 is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sf11). If it is determined in step Sf6 that the winning number is not less than 20, and if it is determined in step Sf7 that it is less than 23, that is, if the winning number is any of 20 to 22, the winning number is The transmission winning number is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sf12). If it is determined in step Sf7 that the winning number is not less than 23, and if it is determined in step Sf8 that it is less than 35, that is, if the winning number is any of 23 to 34, the transmission winning number is determined. 23 is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sf9). If it is determined in step Sf8 that the winning number is not less than 35, that is, if the winning number is 35, the winning number is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c as a transmission winning number (Sf12).

  After setting the transmission winning number of the general combination in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in the steps Sf9, Sf11 and Sf12, the second internal winning command is stored in the command queue based on the transmission winning number (Sf10). ). When storing the second internal winning command in the command queue, the main control unit 41 stores MODE indicating that the command is the second internal winning command in the first byte, and stores the general role in the EXT of the second byte. Stores the winning number for transmission.

  After storing the second internal winning command in the command queue in step Sf10, the internal winning command setting process ends.

  As described above, in the internal winning command setting process of this embodiment, the winning number of the special role set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in the internal lottery process is set as the transmission winning number, and the first winning number including the transmission winning number is set. Set the internal winning command in the command queue.

  In the internal winning command setting process of the present embodiment, the winning number of the general combination set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in the internal lottery process is within the first predetermined range (0 to 1, 20, 22, 35). In this case, the winning number is set as the transmission winning number, and the second internal winning command including the transmission winning number is set in the command queue. As a result, in the internal winning, the second internal winning command transmitted when a winning number within the first predetermined range (0 to 1, 20 to 22, 35) is set, corresponds to the command. The winning number by the internal lottery can be specified based on the transmission winning number included.

  On the other hand, when the winning number is within the second predetermined range (2 to 19), one winning number (2) included in the second predetermined range is set as the transmission winning number, and the transmission winning number is set. The second internal winning command including the number is set in the command queue. As a result, in the second internal winning command to be transmitted when a winning number in the second predetermined range (2 to 19) is set in the internal winning, the transmission winning number included in the command is transmitted. , It is not possible to specify which one of the winning numbers is in the second predetermined range (2 to 19), while the winning number is within the second predetermined range (2 to 19). You can identify something.

  If the winning number is within the third predetermined range (23 to 34), one winning number (23) included in the third predetermined range is set as the transmission winning number, and the transmission winning number is set. The second internal winning command including the number is set in the command queue. As a result, in the second internal winning command to be transmitted when a winning number within the third predetermined range (23 to 34) is set in the internal winning, the transmission winning number included in the command is transmitted. , It is not possible to specify which of the numbers in the third predetermined range (23-34) the winning number is, while the winning number is within the third predetermined range (23-34). You can identify something.

  The first internal winning command and the second internal winning command set in the internal winning command setting process of this embodiment are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

  Next, the control contents of the pressing order command transmission processing performed by the main control unit 41 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, navigation numbers (0 to 9) that can identify the reel stop order based on the navigation notification are assigned in advance, and among the lottery target roles, the notification target combination is assigned a navigation number in advance for each type. A navigation number table in which a navigation number for each type of lottery target combination is set is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 41b. Specifically, a navigation number according to the pressing order is set in a navigation number table as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the navigation number table, a navigation number is set for each type of a notification target role among lottery target roles. For example, “1” is set for the left bell 1, the left bell 2, the left bell 3, and the left bell 4. Further, for the replays GR11 to GR16, a navigation number is set according to the winning situation of the additional lottery described above. Note that no navigation number is set for the normal replay, strong cherry, weak cherry, watermelon, and common bell among the lottery targets that are not notification targets.

  In the present embodiment, when the start operation is performed and the stop operation of each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is performed, the main control unit 41 wins the general role set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c. A push order command setting process for setting the push order command corresponding to the number in the command queue is executed, and the push order command is transmitted to the sub control unit 91.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, in the pressing order command setting process, first, after acquiring the winning number of the general combination set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in the internal lottery processing (Sg1), the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is obtained. Whether or not the navigation notification is being performed (when the navigation notification is performed during AT or non-AT) with reference to a predetermined flag indicating whether or not the navigation notification is set to Is determined (Sg2). In the step Sg2, when it is determined that the navigation notification is not performed, it is determined whether or not the hand to stop on the payline LN is determined based on the stop state of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R and the result of the internal lottery. (Sg5), and if the role of stopping at the payline LN is not determined, the standard navigation number (0 in this embodiment) is set as a transmission navigation number in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sg6).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step Sg2 that the navigation notification is performed, or when it is determined in step Sg5 that the role of stopping on the payline LN is determined, the information is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 41b. With reference to the present navigation number table (see FIG. 6), the navigation number corresponding to the winning number of the general combination acquired in the step Sg1 is set as a transmission navigation number in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c.

  After setting the transmission navigation number in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in step Sg3 or Sg6, the pressing order command is stored in the command queue based on the transmission navigation number (Sg4). When storing the push order command in the command queue, the main control unit 41 stores MODE indicating the push order command in the first byte, and stores the transmission navigation number in EXT in the second byte.

  After the pressing order command is stored in the command queue in the step Sg4, the pressing order command setting process ends.

  The push order command set in the push order command setting process of the present embodiment is subsequently transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 sequentially.

  Then, the sub-control unit 91 determines that the main control unit 41 is performing the navigation notification based on the pressing order command, the first internal winning command, and the second internal winning command described above. Next, perform a navigation effect. When performing a navigation effect, the sub-control unit 91 specifies the winning of the notification target role based on the second internal winning command, and the navigation number is other than “0” based on the pressing order command. That is, when it is specified that the pushing order advantageous to the player is other than the standard pushing order, the liquid crystal display 51 displays the stop order image indicating the stopping order corresponding to the navigation number specified based on the pushing order command. To be displayed. In the navigation effect, the liquid crystal display 51 displays an image indicating a winning combination based on the second internal winning command.

  Next, the control content of the winning determination command transmission process performed by the main control unit 41 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, a winning number (0 to 64) is assigned in advance for each type of winning combination for the special combination and the general combination, and a winning number table in which a winning number is set for each type of winning combination is stored in the ROM 41b in a predetermined manner. Stored in the area.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, a winning number is assigned for each type of winning combination, that is, for each combination of symbols stopped on the winning line LN. For example, “1” is assigned to “replay a-cherry a-cherry a” of the upper bell 1.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 performs a start operation, when all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R have stopped, according to a combination of symbols stopped on each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. A winning determination process is performed to determine whether or not a winning has occurred. In the winning determination process, for each of the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbols constituting the winning combination is stopped on the winning line LN, and the combination of the symbols constituting the winning combination is stopped. When it is determined that the winning combination corresponding to the stopped symbol combination is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c while referring to the winning number table, the symbol combination forming the winning combination is determined. Is determined not to have stopped, "0" indicating a loss is set as a winning number in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, and the winning determination processing is terminated.

  Then, after executing the winning determination process, the main control unit 41 executes a winning determination command setting process of setting a winning determination command capable of specifying a winning number in a command queue.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the winning determination command setting process, a winning number set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is obtained based on the winning determination result in the winning determining process (Sh1), and based on the winning number, a winning determination command is obtained. Is stored in the command queue (Sh2), and the winning determination command setting process ends. When storing the winning determination command in the command queue, the main control unit 41 stores MODE indicating that the command is the winning determination command in the first byte, and stores the winning number in EXT of the second byte.

  The winning determination commands set in the winning determination command setting process are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

  In the prize determination command setting process of this embodiment, a prize determination command including the prize number set in the RAM 41c in the prize determination process is set in the command queue, so that the command is converted into a special command or the like that can specify the prize number. The processing load can be reduced without performing the processing.

  In the present embodiment, a winning number is assigned to each type of winning combination and stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 41b. Therefore, the sub-control unit 91 that has received the winning determination command including the winning number uses the winning number based on the winning number. Thus, it is possible to specify the combination of symbols stopped on each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R and execute the effect.

  A conventional slot machine is configured to include a game control unit for controlling a game and a production control unit for controlling a production, and the game control unit outputs an internal lottery result when a predetermined notification target role is won. In response to this, it is determined whether or not to control the AT to execute the navigation notification that notifies the player of the operation procedure of the stop switch which is advantageous to the player. When the AT is controlled, the navigation notification is executed and the internal lottery result is determined. Irrespective of whether or not the AT is controlled by the AT, the internal control command is transmitted to the effect control unit, and the effect control unit specifies the internal lottery result based on the internal win command, and controls the game control. In the case where the AT is controlled by the section, a navigation effect for notifying an operation procedure advantageous to the player is executed based on the specified internal lottery result.

  In such a configuration, the effect control unit can specify an operation procedure that is advantageous to the player based on the internal winning command regardless of whether the effect is controlled by the AT. Is performed, an operation procedure that is advantageous to the player according to the internal lottery result is specified from the internal winning command, even though the game control unit does not determine that the AT is controlled, and the operation procedure is There is a possibility of being notified by the effect control unit.

  On the other hand, the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment, as an internal winning command that can specify the internal lottery result, the first internal winning command that can specify the special winning status as the internal lottery result and the general In the internal winning command setting processing, a second internal winning command capable of specifying a winning situation can be set, and the set command can be transmitted to the sub control unit 91. In the internal winning command setting processing, the AT is controlled by the AT. Regardless of whether the internal lottery result is the notification target role, whether the notification target role has been won can be specified regardless of whether or not it has been done, but the general stop order that is advantageous to the player cannot be specified. Since the second internal winning command related to the role is set, regardless of whether the AT is controlled by the main control unit 41, the second internal winning command is used to convert the internal lottery result. A common second internal winning command is transmitted regardless of whether the AT is controlled or not, without specifying a stop order that is advantageous to the player who performed the second internal winning command. Such processing can be simplified, and even if the sub-control unit 91 is fraudulently performed, it is possible to prevent the stop order advantageous to the player from being notified by the navigation effect in a state where the AT is not controlled.

  Next, control of the output sound volume output from the speakers 53 and 54 under the control of the sub control unit 91 will be described. The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment can output sounds from the speakers 53 and 54 at four levels of output sound volumes of sound volume setting values V1 to V4 (V1, V2, V3, V4). If the sound volume setting values are different, the output sound volume is also different. The output sound volume of V1 is the lowest, the output sound volume becomes higher in the order of V2 and V3, and the output sound volume of V4 is the highest. The output volume of V1 may be 0, that is, silence.

  Next, a description will be given of the volume control of the game store and the player. FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating an example of a volume controller 57 used for volume control of a game arcade. The game store sets any one of a plurality of volume setting values of the volume setting values V1 to V4 (V1, V2, V3, V4) by rotating the triangular knob of the volume controller 57. It is possible. The volume setting value of the volume controller 57 illustrated in FIG. 14A is V2.

  FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating an example of a sound volume setting screen used for adjusting the sound volume of the player. The volume setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The player can set any one of a plurality of volume setting values V1 to V4 (V1, V2, V3, V4) on the volume setting screen using the cross key 58. In the present embodiment, when the player presses the cross key 58 to the left, the sound volume setting value becomes small, and when the player presses the cross key 58 to the right, the sound volume setting value becomes large. Then, when the player presses the cross key 58 upward, the displayed volume setting value can be set. The sound volume setting value on the sound volume setting screen illustrated in FIG. 14B is V3. When the player presses the effect switch 56, the volume setting screen can be ended.

  At the time of activation, the sub control unit 91 controls the output sound volume output from the speakers 53 and 54 according to the sound volume setting value of the sound volume controller 57. That is, the volume setting value of the volume controller 57 becomes a default at the time of startup. When the player sets a volume setting value on the volume setting screen, the sub-control unit 91 controls the output volume output from the speakers 53 and 54 according to the set volume setting value. Further, when a volume set value is set in the volume adjuster 57, the sub-control unit 91 controls the output volume output from the speakers 53 and 54 according to the set volume set value. As described above, the sub-control unit 91 controls the output volume output from the speakers 53 and 54 according to the last set value on the volume controller 57 or the volume setting screen.

  The sub-control unit 91 according to the present embodiment executes normal control and volume reduction control (hereinafter, referred to as “lowering control”) as control of the output volume. The normal control is a volume control in a state where the player is playing a game. The decrease control is volume control when a state in which a player is not playing a game has passed for a predetermined period, and controls the output volume to be lower than that of the normal control. When a predetermined condition is satisfied during the volume reduction control, the sub-control unit 91 ends the volume reduction control. In the present embodiment, the predetermined condition is a condition of “detecting that a player has played a game”.

  In the present embodiment, detection of whether or not a player is playing a game is performed based on an operation of the player. When the operation of the player is detected, it is determined that the game is being played by the player, and when the state in which the operation of the player is not detected has passed for a predetermined period, it is determined that the game has not been played by the player. judge.

  In the present embodiment, the operation of the player for detecting whether or not the player is playing a game includes the operation of the MAXBET switch 6, the operation of the start switch 7, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and the settlement switch. Ten operations and an operation of inserting medals into the medal insertion unit 4 are five operations. Therefore, even if the cross key 58 and the effect switch 56 which are not included in these operations are operated, it is determined that the player is not playing a game. Even if the volume adjuster 57 is operated, since this operation is not an operation by the player, it is determined that the player is not playing a game.

  The five operations are detected by the main control unit 41, and a command indicating that the operation has been performed is transmitted to the sub control unit 91. The sub-control unit 91 executes the lowering control when a state in which the command is not received has passed for a predetermined period after receiving the command indicating that the operation has been performed. More specifically, a thread A that measures a period during which a state in which the command is not received and then receives the command indicating that the command has been received, and a thread B that executes the lowering control include a sub-control unit 91. Works with When the predetermined period has elapsed, the thread A transmits a message notifying that the predetermined period has elapsed to the thread B. When receiving the message, the thread B executes the lowering control. Further, when a command indicating operation has been received after a predetermined period of time in which no command has been received, the thread A transmits a message notifying the operation to the thread B. Upon receiving this message, the thread B ends the lowering control and returns to the normal control.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing output volume control contents and output volume at each volume setting value. In the timing chart of FIG. 15A, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the presence / absence of operation detection by the player and the control state. As shown in FIG. 15A, after the operation of the player is detected at the time T1 during the normal control, the state in which the operation of the player is not detected is set at the time T2 when the predetermined period t seconds has elapsed. The control unit 91 switches from the normal control to the lowering control. Then, at time T3 when the operation of the player is detected during the lowering control, the sub-control unit 91 ends the lowering control and switches to the normal control. By ending the volume reduction control in this manner, the volume is quickly restored, so that the effect can be enhanced.

  FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating the output sound volume at the time of the normal control and the time of the decrease control at each sound volume setting value. As shown in FIG. 15B, an output sound volume during normal control and an output sound volume during lowering control are provided for each sound volume setting value. In the normal control, as described above, the output volume of V1 is the lowest, the output volume increases in the order of V2 and V3, and the output volume of V4 is the highest. In addition, in the present embodiment, the output volume of V1 is also the lowest at the time of the decrease control, the output volume increases in the order of V2 and V3, and the output volume of V4 is the highest. As described above, in the lowering control, the output volume is reduced according to the volume setting value, so that when the volume setting value is large, the output volume can be increased considerably even during the lowering control, and the volume setting value is reduced. If it is small, the output volume can be reduced even during the reduction control, so that the intention of the setter can be reflected even during the reduction control.

  As for the sound indicating the occurrence of the error, as shown in FIG. 15B, the output volume is constant irrespective of whether or not the volume reduction control is being performed and regardless of the volume setting value. Can be recognized.

  In the present embodiment, the volume setting value V4 indicating the maximum volume is set, and the output volume during the volume reduction control (“the maximum volume of the reduction control” in FIG. 15B) is the volume setting value V1 indicating the minimum volume. It is lower than the output volume (normal control minimum volume) when the volume is set and the volume reduction control is not executed. This makes it possible to determine whether the current volume is the volume under volume reduction control.

  The reason why determination is possible will be described. First, "the volume setting value indicating the maximum volume is set, and the output volume during volume reduction control is smaller than the output volume when the volume setting value indicating the minimum volume is set and volume reduction control is not performed. This means that the output volume during normal control and the output volume during reduction control are clearly separated based on a certain output volume. Therefore, when the output sound volume is lower than the reference, it can be determined that the reduction control is being performed, and when the output sound volume exceeds the reference, it can be determined that the normal control is being performed. As an example of this criterion, an arbitrary output volume value in a section from the maximum volume at the time of decrease control to the minimum volume at the time of normal control in FIG. If the output volume at the time of the decrease control is higher than the output volume at the time of the normal control, it is not possible to determine whether or not the reduction control is being performed because the above-described reference does not exist.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the current volume is the volume under volume reduction control. However, an effect other than this effect can also be obtained. For example, if the output volume at the time of the decrease control is higher than the output volume at the time of the normal control, the output volume of the gaming machine that is not being played will be greater than the output volume of the gaming machine that is being played. When the gaming machine next to the gaming machine being played by the player is an empty platform, an unnatural phenomenon occurs in which the sound of the neighboring gaming machine is louder than the sound of the gaming machine being played by the player. I do. This is very annoying for the player. According to the present embodiment, the output volume at the time of the decrease control is always lower than the output volume at the time of the normal control, so that the above-described unnatural phenomenon does not occur and the player is comfortable without bothering. The special effect that a game environment can be provided is obtained.

  Next, two operation examples when the sound volume setting value is changed by the sound volume adjuster 57 or the sound volume setting screen during the sound reduction control (an example of the change operation at the time of the sound reduction control) will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when the volume setting value is changed during the lowering control. FIG. 16 shows an example in which the volume setting value is changed from V2 to V4. In addition, the horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 16 indicates time, the vertical axis indicates output volume, and T indicates the time at which the setting was changed. On the vertical axis, “Low” or “Common” is attached to the output volume V1 to V4 such as “V1 low” or “V2 communication”. , And the output volume marked with “through” indicates the output volume during normal control. For example, “V1 low” indicates the output volume of V1 during the decrease control, and “V2 through” indicates the output volume of V2 during the normal control.

  FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) of a setting change operation at the time of reduction control. In the example of the setting change operation at the time of the decrease control (part 1), when the volume set value is set to V4 at time T while the volume set value is set to V2, the output volume of V4 during the decrease control is set. It is an operation example. That is, when the sound volume setting value is set during the sound volume reduction control, the sub-control unit 91 controls the output sound volume during the sound volume reduction control according to the set sound volume setting value. According to the setting change operation example (1) at the time of the decrease control, the sound volume during the sound volume decrease control can be suitably set.

  FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) of a setting change operation at the time of reduction control. In the example of the setting change operation at the time of lowering control (No. 2), when the volume setting value is set to V4 at time T in the state where the volume setting value is set to V2, the lowering control is ended and V4 in the normal control is ended. It is an operation example in which the output sound volume is set to. That is, when the sound volume setting value is set during the sound volume lowering control, the sub-control unit 91 ends the sound volume lowering control and controls the output sound volume according to the set sound volume setting value. According to the setting change operation example (2) at the time of the decrease control, the sound volume can be restored according to the setting of the sound volume setting value.

  The example of the setting change operation at the time of the drop control (No. 1) is effective when the player wants to continue the drop control without changing the sound volume setting value because the game is not played. This is an example of an operation suitable for the game store, since the reduction control is continued to save power. On the other hand, the setting change operation example (2) at the time of reduction control is effective when the user wants to hear the actual normal volume even during the reduction control. Since some players first set the volume before playing the game, this is an operation example suitable for the player.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the volume setting value is set in the volume adjuster 57, the control is performed in the example of the setting change operation at the time of the decrease control (part 1), and the volume setting When the value is set, control is performed according to the setting change operation example (part 2) at the time of lowering control. As another example, it may be possible to set which of the control shown in the two examples of the setting change operation at the time of the reduction control described above, or to perform the control of only one of the two examples of the setting change operation at the time of the reduction control. It may be performed.

  The above-described control of the output sound volume is also applicable to pachinko machines. The pachinko machine is provided with a speaker, and the volume can be set. An effect control board capable of controlling the output volume is also provided. The difference from the slot machine is a means for detecting whether or not a player is playing a game. In a pachinko machine, for example, detection is performed using a hit ball operation handle. Since the hit ball operation handle adjusts the resilience of the game ball in accordance with the operation amount of the player, whether the game is played by the player depends on whether the operation amount of the hit ball operation handle is 0 or not. Detect whether or not. In such a configuration, in the effect control board, the volume setting value indicating the maximum volume is set, and the output volume during the volume reduction control is set to the volume setting value indicating the minimum volume, and the volume reduction control is not executed. By controlling the output sound volume to be smaller than the current output sound volume, the control content of the output sound volume according to the present embodiment can be applied to a pachinko machine.

[Initialization based on checkout operation]
Next, the initialization based on the adjustment operation of the effect setting will be described. The effect setting described with reference to FIG. 17 includes not only the setting of the volume but also the setting of the light amount of the liquid crystal display 51 and the effect LED 52.

  FIG. 17 is a timing chart for describing initialization based on the settlement operation. The timing chart shown in FIG. 17 includes a line indicating a timing at which a settlement operation is performed by the player, a line indicating a timing at which a settlement command is output by the main control unit 41, a timing at which the player is controlled to the demonstration state, and a period thereof. And a line indicating whether the effect setting is custom or default. Further, the line indicating the timing and the period of the control in the demonstration state and the line indicating whether the staging setting is custom or default are respectively for the case of non-replay winning, that is, no BET (no betting number setting). And the case of the replay winning, that is, the state with the BET (the bet amount is set).

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the settlement operation is performed at the timing t1, there is a possibility that the players may not be replaced yet, so the effect setting is not initialized regardless of the presence or absence of the replay winning. Thereafter, at a timing t2, a settlement command is output from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91.

  At the time of non-replay winning, since there is no BET, when the settlement command is output from the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 controls the demonstration state at timing t3. The demonstration state continues to be controlled until the bet amount is set again. Then, at the timing t6 when the demonstration effect makes three rounds, the effect setting is initialized.

On the other hand, since there is a BET at the time of the replay winning, even if the settlement command is output from the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 does not control the demonstration state at the timing t3.
Further, even after that, as long as there is a BET, the demo state is not controlled and the initialization is not performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, at the timing t1 when the settlement operation is performed by the player, the effect setting including the sound volume setting is not initialized, and the demo state is changed three times (after the settlement command is output). Initialization is performed at a timing t6 after the lapse of about 3 minutes). For this reason, even if the player is not replaced after the settlement operation, the effect setting can be maintained until the demonstration state has passed three laps (about three minutes) after the settlement command is output. Will not be dissatisfied with the player who performed the game.

  When a replay winning has occurred, even if a settlement operation is performed by the player, the player is not controlled to the demonstration state. As a result, even at timing t6, the effect settings including the volume setting are not initialized. For this reason, if there is a possibility that the players will not be replaced after the settlement operation, such as when a replay winning has occurred, the effect setting can be maintained. On the other hand, when no replay winning has occurred, the player performs a settlement operation and the demo state is initialized at timing t6 when three rounds (about three minutes) have elapsed. Therefore, when there is a possibility that the players will be replaced after the settlement operation, such as when no replay winning has occurred, the initialization can be performed. As described above, the effect setting performed by the player can be suitably initialized.

  If there is a possibility that the player will not be replaced after the settlement operation as in the case where a replay winning has occurred, the staging setting is made even after the settlement operation is performed by the player and the timing t5 is reached. Since the game is maintained, the player can continue the game without performing the effect setting again.

  When the initialization is performed, the effect setting performed by the player is changed to the effect setting performed by the clerk of the game store. More specifically, the initialization returns the values of the volume level and the light level set based on the operation by the player to the default values of the volume level and the light level set based on the operation by the clerk. It is. For this reason, when the initialization is performed, it is possible to perform the setting regarding the effect as desired by the clerk.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the effect setting is performed by the operation of the clerk, the effect setting performed by the player is changed to the effect setting performed by the clerk of the game store. More specifically, when the effect setting is performed by the operation of the clerk, the value of the stage of the volume or the level of the light amount set based on the operation of the player is changed to the stage of the volume set based on the operation of the clerk, The light level is returned to the default value. For this reason, when the effect setting is performed by the operation of the store clerk, the setting of the effect can be performed as desired by the store clerk.

[Modification 1]
The slot machine 1 according to the present modification can output sounds at six levels from 0 to 5 (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) from the speakers 53 and 54. The sound volume is different at different stages, and the larger the stage, the louder the volume. Stage 0 is silent. Also in this modification, a volume setting value indicating the maximum volume is set, and the output volume during the volume reduction control is an output when the volume setting value indicating the minimum volume is set and the volume reduction control is not executed. Less than volume.

  A description will be given of the sound volume adjusting means for the game store and the sound volume adjusting means for the player. FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating an example of a volume controller 57a that is a volume controller for a game arcade. The game store can be set to any one of a plurality of levels 1 to 5 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) by rotating the triangular knob of the volume controller 57a. Control is performed so that the output volume increases as the set stage increases. In the volume controller 57a illustrated in FIG. 18A, the third stage is set.

FIG. 18B is a diagram showing an example of a sound volume setting screen as sound volume adjusting means for a player.
The volume setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The player can set any one of a plurality of levels 1 to 4 (1, 2, 3, 4) using the cross key 58 on the volume setting screen. In this modification, when the player presses the cross key 58 to the left, the step becomes smaller, and when the player presses the cross key 58 to the right, the step becomes larger. Then, when the player presses the cross key 58 upward, the volume can be set at the displayed stage. In the volume setting screen illustrated in FIG. 18B, the third level is set. When the player presses the effect switch 56, the volume setting screen can be ended.

  As described above, in this modified example, the game shop can set any one of the five steps, and the player can set any one of the four steps. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the sound volume output according to the setting of the game store (hereinafter, referred to as “store setting”) and the setting of the player (hereinafter, referred to as “player setting”).

In the following description, each of the store-side setting stage, the player setting stage, and the sound volume stage is expressed as follows for easy understanding. First, the store setting stage is expressed as a store level.
For example, a store setting stage of 3 is expressed as store level 3. Also, the stage of setting the player is expressed as a player level. For example, a player setting stage of 3 is expressed as a player level 3. Further, the volume level is expressed as a volume level. For example, a volume level of 3 is expressed as volume level 3.

  FIG. 19A is a diagram showing the sound volume when the shop level is 5. The volume output in the case of store level 5 is as follows. First, when the player level is 1, the volume level is 1. In the case of the player level 2, the volume level is 2. When the player level is 3, the volume level is 3. At the player level 4, the volume level is 5 instead of the volume level 4. Further, the volume of the slot machine 1 when the power is turned on at the store level 5 is output at the sound level 5 according to the set stage 5.

  FIG. 19B is a diagram showing the sound volume when the shop levels are 2 to 4 (2, 3, 4). The volume output in the case of store levels 2 to 4 is as follows. First, when the player level is 1, the volume level is 1. In the case of the player level 2, the volume level is 2. When the player level is 3, the volume level is 3. When the player level is 4, the volume level is 4. The volume at the time of power-on of the slot machine 1 at the store level 2 is output at the sound level 2 according to the set stage 2. The volume at power-on of the slot machine 1 at the store level 3 is output at the sound level 3 according to the set stage 3. The volume at power-on of the slot machine 1 at the store level 4 is output at the sound level 4 according to the set stage 4.

  As described above, when the shop levels are 2 to 4, the volume at the time of turning on the power of the slot machine 1 is different, but the output volume is the same regardless of the player level at any stage.

FIG. 19C is a diagram illustrating the sound volume at the shop level 1. First, when the player level is 1, the volume level is 0. In the case of the player level 2, the volume level is 2. When the player level is 3, the volume level is 3. When the player level is 4, the volume level is 4. The volume of the slot machine 1 when the power is turned on at the store level 1 is the volume level 2.
The reason for setting the volume level 2 instead of the volume level 1 is that the output at the volume level 1 is not performed in the case of the shop level 1.

  As described above, in the present modification, the volume when a specific level is set on the volume setting screen is the first volume when the level set by the volume adjuster 57a is the first level, and the volume is adjusted. When the stage set by the box 57a is the second stage, the second volume is different from the first volume. On the other hand, when the sound volume is set to a predetermined stage other than the specific stage on the sound volume setting screen, the sound volume when the stage set by the sound volume adjuster 57a is the first stage and when the sound stage is set by the sound volume adjuster 57a Is the same volume as in the second stage.

  That is, in the present modification, when the shop side setting is different, there are a player setting output at a different volume and a player setting output at the same volume. First, as an example of different store-side settings, a case of store level 5 (FIG. 19A) and store levels 2 to 4 (FIG. 19B) will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 (a) and (b) described above, the volume set in a specific stage (player level 4) on the volume setting screen is the stage set by the volume adjuster 57a. When it is one stage (store level 5), it becomes the first volume (volume level 5), and when the stage set by the volume controller 57a is the second stage (any one of the store levels 2 to 4). Becomes a second volume (any one of the volume levels 2 to 4) different from the first volume (volume level 5).

  On the other hand, when the volume is set to a predetermined stage (any one of the player levels 1 to 3) other than the specific stage (the player level 4) on the volume setting screen, the volume is set by the volume controller 57a. The sound volume is the same when the stage is the first stage (store level 5) and when the stage set by the volume controller 57a is the second stage (any one of the store levels 2 to 4). Note that the specific stage (player level 4) is a stage at which the volume settable on the volume setting screen becomes the maximum volume.

  Next, the case of the shop levels 2 to 4 (FIG. 19B) and the shop level 1 (FIG. 19C) will be described. As shown in FIGS. 19 (b) and (c) described above, the volume when a specific level (player level 1) is set on the volume setting screen is the level set by the volume adjuster 57a. When the stage is one stage (any one of the store levels 2 to 4), the first volume (volume level 1) is obtained, and when the stage set by the volume controller 57a is the second stage (store level 1). Becomes a second volume (volume level 0) different from the first volume (volume level 1).

  On the other hand, when the volume is set to a predetermined stage (any one of the player levels 2 to 4) other than the specific stage (the player level 1) on the volume setting screen, the volume is set by the volume controller 57a. The sound volume is the same when the stage is the first stage (any of the store levels 2 to 4) and when the stage set by the volume controller 57a is the second stage (the store level 1). Note that the specific stage (player level 1) is a stage in which the volume settable on the volume setting screen becomes the minimum volume.

  Next, the case of the shop level 5 (FIG. 19A) and the shop level 1 (FIG. 19C) will be described. In the case of the shop level 5 and the shop level 1, there are two cases where the specific stages are the player level 1 and the player level 4. Therefore, first, a case where the specific stage is the player level 1 will be described.

  The volume when a specific level (player level 1) is set on the volume setting screen is the first volume (volume level) when the level set by the volume controller 57a is the first level (store level 1). 0), and when the stage set by the volume controller 57a is the second stage (store level 5), the second volume (volume level 1) is different from the first volume (volume level 0).

  On the other hand, the volume when the predetermined level (any one of the player levels 2 and 3) other than the specific level (the player level 1) is set on the volume setting screen is set by the volume adjuster 57a. The volume is the same when the stage is the first stage (store level 1) and when the stage set by the volume controller 57a is the second stage (store level 5). Note that the specific stage (player level 1) is a stage in which the volume settable on the volume setting screen becomes the minimum volume.

  Next, a case where the specific stage is the player level 4 will be described. The volume when the specific level (player level 4) is set on the volume setting screen is the first volume (volume level) when the level set by the volume controller 57a is the first level (store level 1). 4), and when the stage set by the volume controller 57a is the second stage (store level 5), the second volume (volume level 5) is different from the first volume (volume level 4).

  On the other hand, when the volume is set to a predetermined stage (any one of the player levels 2 and 3) other than the specific stage (the player level 4) on the volume setting screen, the volume is set by the volume controller 57a. The volume is the same when the stage is the first stage (store level 1) and when the stage set by the volume controller 57a is the second stage (store level 5). Note that the specific stage (player level 5) is a stage at which the volume settable on the volume setting screen becomes the maximum volume.

  As described above, the example in which the player setting is output at a different volume and the player setting is output at the same volume when the store side setting is different has been described with reference to FIG. 19, but the example illustrated in FIG. It is not limited to. For example, there are cases where the three player levels of maximum, minimum, and middle (stages other than maximum and minimum) match or do not match.

[Modification 2]
A modification of the process for transmitting a command by the main control unit 41 will be described.

  At the start of the game, the main control unit 41 according to the present embodiment updates various control states (for example, whether or not a game state or a state in which navigation information is executed) with the start of the game, and updates the state. On the basis of the control state, control relating to the game (for example, internal lottery, navigation notification, lottery relating to an advantageous state for the player, etc.) is performed, and at the end of the game, the result of the game (for example, each reel) The various control states are maintained or updated in accordance with the stopped symbol combination and the result of the lottery regarding the advantageous state. At the start and end of the game, a control state command that can specify various control states at that time is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91. Note that the control state includes a plurality of types of states that are uniquely set according to the playability, design concept, and the like of each model of the slot machine 1. The number of control state commands is determined by the type of the control state. It is set according to the number.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the control state command capable of specifying the control state is a control state capable of specifying a control state in which the content can be changed between the start and the end of a unit of the game among the control states. Command 1 and a control state command 2 that is specific to the game and that can specify a control state whose contents do not change between the start and end of the game.

  The control state command 1 includes a plurality of game state related commands capable of specifying a control state related to the game state in the main control unit 41, and control of the AT during AT, that is, an advantageous state advantageous to the player. A plurality of AT-related commands A capable of specifying a control state related to the presence of the AT and a plurality of AT-related commands B capable of specifying a control state related to non-AT, that is, not controlling the AT. The control state command 2 includes a plurality of in-game specific information commands capable of specifying a control state specific to the game.

  In addition, the game state related command includes, for example, a command capable of specifying a game state in the main control unit 41, and a case where the game state is shifted in accordance with the execution of a predetermined number of games. When a command capable of specifying the number of remaining games until the controlled gaming state ends, if the gaming state is shifted by paying out a predetermined number of medals, the command is controlled by the game. A command that can specify the number of medals remaining until the current gaming state ends is included.

  The AT-related command A includes, for example, a command capable of specifying the number of rights controlled by the AT as an advantageous state for the player, and a remaining game in which control of the AT controlled by the game is continued. Commands that can specify the number are included.

  The AT-related command B includes, for example, a command that can specify the cumulative number of base games to be performed in the normal state where the control of the AT is not performed after the control of the previous AT is terminated, When the number of games reaches a predetermined number of games and the game is controlled to be in an advantageous state, a command capable of specifying the remaining number of games until the game is controlled to the advantageous state, and the right to be controlled by the AT are given. And the number of remaining games until the control of the AT is started.

  In the in-game unique information command group, for example, a command that can specify a winning situation of an AT lottery that determines whether or not to grant the right to be controlled to the AT as an advantageous state for the player is controlled by the AT. A command that can specify the added status of the number of games, a command that can be determined at the start of the game according to the result of the internal lottery, a command that can specify an advantageous stop order for the player, and that is determined at the start of the game according to the internal lottery result (For example, a freeze state in which the progress of a game is delayed for a predetermined period, a reel effect performed using reels in the freeze state, an effect indicating an internal lottery result, and the like).

  As described above, in one command transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91 in the present embodiment, the first byte (MODE) indicates the classification of the command, and the second byte (EXT) indicates the command. It is designed to show the contents. Each command included in the control status command is composed of 2 bytes similarly to other commands. In particular, as shown in FIG. 20, a MODE of a series of commands included in the control status command is transmitted. Are set to continuous numerical values (B0 to CF in the present embodiment) corresponding to the order.

  In each command included in the control status command, data indicating the specific command content to be transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 as EXT is set in a predetermined data address area of the RAM 41c corresponding to each data. The data address of each data is set so as to be a continuous numerical value corresponding to the transmission order, like the value of MODE, and the initial value (first among control state commands) From the data address of the command transmitted to the CPU 1).

  Next, a game start transmission command setting process, which is a process for transmitting a command executed by the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment and executed at the start of a game, will be described.

  When a game start operation is performed, the main control unit 41 executes a winning number setting process, and sets a winning number capable of specifying a winning state of an internal lottery in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c according to a result of the internal lottery. After that, the stop order data setting process is executed to determine the stop order that is advantageous for the player according to the internal lottery result or the stop order data that is advantageous for the player. Stop order data that can specify (first left stop) is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 91c. Thereafter, a game start transmission command setting process is executed, and a control state command that can specify the control state at the start of the game, an internal winning command including a winning number that can specify the internal lottery result, and the sub control unit 91 Set in the command queue to send to.

  As shown in FIG. 21, in the game start transmission command setting process, first, a control state update process of updating a corresponding control state among a plurality of control states with the start of the game is executed (Sa1). . In the control state update process, among the control states, for example, a gaming state, the number of remaining games until the predetermined gaming state ends, the number of remaining medals until the predetermined gaming state ends, the cumulative number of base games For example, the control state determined by the result of the previous game is maintained without updating.

  After executing the control state update processing in the step of Sa1, the control state command batch setting processing is performed to collectively set the above-mentioned command group included in the control state command capable of specifying each control state in the command queue ( Sa2).

  As shown in FIG. 22, in the control state command batch setting process, the value of MODE set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set to an initial value (in the present embodiment, MODE of the game state related command included in the control state command). (B0) is set (Sb1). Further, the value of the data address set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set to the initial value (the value of the address of the area where the data of the game state related command is stored) (Sb2). Further, the value of the number of processes set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set to the number of commands included in the control status command group (Sb3).

  Thereafter, the timer interrupt is set to prohibit (Sb4), and the MODE of a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set in the command queue in a state where the timer interrupt is prohibited (Sb5). Then, the data stored in the area of the RAM 41c at the address corresponding to the value of the data address is acquired, set as EXT in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sb6), and the EXT is set in the command queue (Sb7).

  After that, a timer interrupt waiting process is executed (Sb8). In the timer interrupt waiting process, the timer interrupt is set to be permitted, the process waits until the timer interrupt process (main) is performed, and returns to the caller process after the timer interrupt process (main) is completed. In the timer interrupt processing (main), every time the timer interrupt processing (main) is executed, the normal command transmission processing is executed, and the data (MODE and EXT constituting the command) set in the command queue are executed. Is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 byte by byte. Therefore, by executing the timer interrupt waiting process in step Sb8, the normal command transmission process is executed, and the mode and EXT set in the command queue set in the command queue in steps Sb5 and Sb7 are set earlier. The MODE is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 as the first byte of the command.

  After the timer interrupt waiting process in the step of Sb8 is completed, the timer interrupt waiting process is executed again (Sb9). As a result, EXT set later of MODE and EXT set in the command queue in steps Sb5 and Sb7 by the normal command transmission processing executed in the timer interrupt processing (main) is set as the second byte of the command. The command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, and the two timer interrupt wait processes in steps Sb8 and Sb9 are executed, so that one set of MODE and EXT constituting one command is converted to the sub-control unit 91. 91 will be transmitted.

  Thereafter, 1 is added to the value of MODE in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sb10), and 1 is added to the value of the data address of the predetermined area in the RAM 41c (Sb11). Then, the value of the number of times of processing in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is decremented by 1 (Sb12), and it is determined whether or not the value of the number of times of remaining processing after the subtraction is 0 (Sb13). It is determined whether MODE and EXT have been set in the command queue for the command.

  If it is determined in step Sb13 that the value of the remaining processing count is not 0, that is, for all commands in the control state command group, MODE and EXT are not set in the command queue, and commands that have not been set in the command queue yet. If remains, by returning to the step of Sb4, performing the processing of the steps Sb10 and Sb11 after performing the processing of the steps Sb5 to Sb7 in a state where the timer interrupt is set to be prohibited again, The process of sequentially setting the MODE and EXT of the commands not yet set in the command queue to the command queue is repeated.

  If it is determined in step Sb13 that the remaining number of processes is 0, that is, if MODE and EXT are set in the command queue for all commands included in the control status command group, the control status command batch setting process is performed. Is ended, and the process returns to the game start command transmission process of the caller.

  In the game start command transmission process, after the control state command batch setting process in the step Sa2 ends, the internal winning command setting process (first internal winning command) is executed (Sa3), and based on the internal lottery result. MODE and EXT of a first internal winning command capable of specifying the winning status of the special role are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. Thereafter, a command transmission process for setting MODE and EXT in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c in a command queue is executed (Sa4).

  In the command setting process, as shown in FIG. 23, the timer interrupt is set to prohibit (Sc1), MODE of a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set to a command queue, and EXT of a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set to a command queue. (Sc2). Then, the prohibition of the timer interrupt set in the step of Sc1 is released (Sc3), the command setting process ends, and the process returns to the game start transmission command setting process.

  After the command setting process in step Sa4 is completed, in the game start transmission command setting process, an internal winning command setting process (second internal winning command) is executed (Sa5), and the general combination is determined based on the internal lottery result. The MODE and EXT of the second internal winning command that can specify the winning status of the game are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. Thereafter, a command transmission process is executed (Sa6), and MODE and EXT in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c are set in the command queue. MODE and EXT of the second internal winning command set in the command queue in the command setting process in the step of Sa6 are the same as in the command setting process in Sa4, and the timer interrupt is performed at a predetermined timing when the interrupt is subsequently performed. By executing the normal command transmission process in the process (main), the command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

  After executing the command setting process corresponding to the internal winning command setting process (second internal winning command) in the step Sa6, the command setting process is terminated, and the game start transmission command setting process is terminated. Thereafter, control according to the progress of the game, such as rotation control of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, is performed in response to the start operation.

  In the game start command setting process, the main control unit 41 executes a control status command collective setting process to transmit all control status commands that can be set uniquely for each model of the slot machine 1, and then executes an internal winning command. By executing the setting process, the internal winning command transmitted in common regardless of the model of the slot machine 1 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, and thereafter, the control according to the progress of the game is performed. Therefore, it is possible to specify that the control according to the progress of the game is started based on the transmission of the common internal winning command. On the other hand, by receiving the common internal winning command, the sub control unit 91 specifies that the control according to the progress of the game is subsequently performed on the main control unit 41 side. It is possible to start a control such as an effect corresponding thereto.

  Next, a process for the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment to transmit a predetermined command at the end of the game will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main control unit 41 terminates the third stop operation for the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R whose rotation control has been started in response to the game start operation (when the stop switch of the third stop operation is released). That is, at the end of the game, a game end transmission command setting process for setting the above-mentioned control state command and a command related to the result of the game in the command queue for transmission to the sub-control unit 91 is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 24, in the game end command transmission setting process, first, MODE and EXT of the door command are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c based on the output state of the door open detection switch 25 (Sd1), and then the command transmission is performed. The processing is executed (Sd2), and MODE and EXT in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c are set in the command queue.

  Thereafter, a control state update process is executed (Sd3), and the corresponding control state is updated based on the end of the game and the result of the game. In the control state update process, a combination of the symbols stopped on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, that is, a control state that can be changed according to the result of the game, for example, a game state, until a predetermined game state ends, in the control state. The remaining number of games, the number of rights controlled by the AT, and the like are updated or maintained in accordance with the result of the game, and the control state that changes as the game is played in a predetermined state, for example, a predetermined state. The remaining number of medals until the end of the game state, the accumulated number of base games, the number of remaining games controlled by the AT, and the like are decremented by one in accordance with the game being played in the corresponding state. A control state that is maintained without being updated or subtracted and does not change regardless of the game result or that the game has been played in a predetermined state, for example, an AT lottery winning state, Advantageous stop order for the technique's, is controlled so as to maintain without changing for the type of production.

  After the control state update processing is performed in step Sd3, the above-described control state command batch setting processing is performed (Sd4), and the control state command 1 and control state that can specify the control state updated or maintained in step Sd3. Command 2 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91.

Thereafter, a winning number set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is obtained based on a combination of symbols arranged on the winning line LN, and MODE and EXT of the winning number command are set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c based on the winning number. (Sd5), a command transmission process is executed (Sd6), and MODE and EXT in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c are set in the command queue.
Thereafter, in the same manner as setting the winning number command in the command queue in steps Sd5 and Sd6, predetermined commands (for example, the payout number command, the game end command, the payout start command, and the payout end) to be transmitted with the end of the game. Command, error command, etc.), after setting MODE and EXT in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c, executes command transmission processing, and sets MODE and EXT in the command queue. After setting MODE and EXT in the command queue for all the commands to be transmitted with the end of the game, the game end transmission command setting process ends. After that, control according to the progress of the game, such as payout of medals and setting of replays, is performed according to the result of the game.

  As described above, the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment executes the control state command collective setting process when the third stop operation for the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is completed as a second timing, that is, when the game is completed. By executing the command, a plurality of commands included in the control state command are transmitted to the sub control unit 91.

  Further, the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment executes control state update processing in the game end transmission command setting processing to perform control for updating or maintaining a control state that can change with the end of the game. By executing the control status command batch setting process, the control status command batch transmission process transmits a control status command that can specify the control status updated or maintained by the control status update process.

  Further, in the game end transmission command setting process, the main control unit 41 executes a control status command batch setting process to transmit all the control status commands that can be set uniquely for each model of the slot machine 1 and thereafter wins a prize. A command commonly transmitted regardless of the model of the slot machine 1, such as a number command, is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91, and thereafter, control according to the progress of the game is performed. It is possible to specify that the control according to the progress of the game is started based on the transmission of a common command such as a number command. On the other hand, by receiving the common command, the sub-control unit 91 specifies that the control according to the progress of the game is subsequently performed on the main control unit 41 side, and the sub-control unit 91 responds to the control. Control such as production can be started.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[About gaming machines]
In the above embodiment, the slot machine for setting the number of bets using medals and credits has been described as an example.However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a game ball used in a pachinko game machine is used. The invention according to the claims is realized by applying the configuration shown in the above embodiment to a slot machine for setting a bet amount by using only credits and a slot machine of a complete credit type for setting a bet amount using only credits. It is possible. When a game ball is used as a game medium, for example, when one medal corresponds to five game balls, and when the number of bets is set to 3 in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are used. Is used to set the number of bets.

  Further, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to one using only one of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and gaming balls. A game value may be used together. 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 winning. A gaming machine that can pay out any of the utility values is also included in the gaming machine of the present invention.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a variable display device having three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is provided, and when all the reels stop, one game ends, and a combination of the display results derived on the three reels is obtained. The slot machine in which a prize is generated according to the description has been described. However, the display result is derived on a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified, thereby ending one game, and a prize is won according to the display result derived on the variable display device. The slot machine that can be generated is not limited to one having a variable display device having three reels, but one having only one reel, or a slot machine having a variable display device having a plurality of reels other than three. It may be. Further, in the present embodiment, the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are reels that rotate in the vertical direction, but the reels 2L, 2C, 2R may be reels that rotate in any direction, such as a horizontal direction or an oblique direction. .

  Further, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment causes a plurality of types of identification information (symbols) each of which can be identified to be derived in each of a plurality of variable display areas (perspective windows 3) capable of variably displaying. The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using game values (medals and credits), and a plurality of variable display areas can be provided. A game is completed by deriving a display result, and a prize can be generated according to a combination of display results derived in each of the plurality of variable display areas as a result of the one game. Is also good.

  Further, as the present embodiment, the slot machine for paying out the game medium to the player in accordance with the occurrence of the prize has been described. However, the game medium is enclosed, and the game medium is stored in the hand of the player in accordance with the occurrence of the prize. It is also possible to adopt an enclosed slot machine that adds the game points (scores) without paying out the game. The base and the drum can be distributed and the housing is common, and only the base or the base and the drum are referred to as a gaming machine.

  It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

(1) A gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1, pachinko, etc.) capable of playing a game, and sound output means (for example, speakers 53, 54, etc.) for outputting sound, and output by the sound output means Setting means (for example, a volume adjuster 57, a volume setting screen, etc.) for setting a volume setting value indicating the output volume to be output, and output by the sound output means in accordance with the volume setting value set by the setting means. Control means (for example, a sub-control unit 91 or the like) for controlling the output sound volume, and detection means (for example, the sub-control unit 91 or the like) for detecting whether or not a player is playing a game. When the detecting means detects that the player has not played a game, the means performs a volume reduction control for reducing the output volume according to the volume setting value (for example, FIG. 15A). Times of Day The volume setting value (for example, V4 or the like) indicating the maximum volume is set by the setting unit, and the output volume during the volume reduction control (for example, FIG. 15 (b), the volume control value (for example, V1 or the like) indicating the minimum volume is set by the setting unit, and the output volume when the volume reduction control is not executed (for example, 15 (b)). A gaming machine characterized by being smaller than the normal control minimum volume in FIG. 15 (b).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the current volume is the volume under volume reduction control.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1), when a predetermined condition (for example, operation of a player is detected) is satisfied during the volume reduction control, the control unit ends the volume reduction control.

  According to such a configuration, the sound volume is quickly restored by the end of the sound volume lowering control, so that the effect can be enhanced.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2), the output volume of the sound indicating the occurrence of the error is constant regardless of whether or not the volume reduction control is being performed (for example, the error output of FIG. 15B). Volume etc.).

  According to such a configuration, an error can be appropriately recognized.

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), when the volume setting value is set by the setting unit during the volume reduction control (see, for example, FIG. ), The volume is set from V2 to V4 at the time T), and the output volume is controlled (for example, “V4 low” in FIG. 16A) during the volume reduction control according to the set volume set value. I do.

  According to such a configuration, the sound volume during the sound volume reduction control can be set appropriately.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), when the volume setting value is set by the setting unit during the volume reduction control (see, for example, FIG. ), The volume setting value is set from V2 to V4 at time T), the volume reduction control is terminated, and the output volume according to the set volume setting value (for example, “V4 through” in FIG. 16B). To control.

  According to such a configuration, the volume can be restored according to the setting of the volume setting value.

(6) A gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1, pachinko gaming machine, etc.) capable of performing a game, and has a plurality of stages (for example, five stages (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)), a game room volume control means (for example, volume controller 57 etc.) capable of setting any one of the levels, and a plurality of levels for setting the volume (for example, four levels (1, 2, 3) , 4)), a player's volume control means (for example, a volume setting screen, a cross key 58, etc.) capable of setting any one of the steps, and the player's volume control means specifies a specific step. When the volume is set to (for example, the player setting 4 in FIG. 19), the stage set by the volume adjusting means for the game store is the first stage (for example, the store setting in FIG. 19 (a)). 5), the first volume (for example, FIG. 19A) When the level set by the volume control means for the amusement store is the second stage (for example, the store side setting 4 in FIG. 19B), the first volume (for example, 19 (a), the second volume (for example, volume 4 in FIG. 19 (b)) differs from the second volume (for example, volume 4 in FIG. 19 (b)), and the specific volume (for example, FIG. 19, the volume is set to a predetermined stage other than the player setting 4 (eg, the player setting 3 in FIG. 19). One stage (for example, the store side setting 5 in FIG. 19A) and the stage set by the game store sound volume adjusting means correspond to the second stage (for example, the store in FIG. 19B). Side setting 4 etc.) A gaming machine characterized by a volume (for example, volume 3 in FIG. 19).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to satisfy the demand of the game store while making it difficult for the player to misunderstand the current volume.

(7) A variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which is identifiable, and after variably displaying the variable display unit, halting the variable display of the variable display unit to derive a display result. Then, in a gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 1) capable of generating a prize according to the display result, a gaming value storing means (for example, main control) for storing a gaming value (for example, credit) owned by the player. A volume setting unit (for example, a player-side setting switch 70, etc.) for performing volume setting (for example, setting of a second volume stage, etc.) which is a setting relating to the volume based on a setting operation by the player. A settlement means (for example, a settlement switch 10 or the like) for adjusting a game value stored in the game value storage means based on a settlement operation by a player; A settlement command output unit (for example, a process of outputting a command by the main control unit 41) that outputs a settlement command that can specify that the volume setting has been performed, and initialization of the volume setting performed by the volume setting unit. Initialization means (for example, initialization processing for returning the sound volume to a default value by the sub control unit 91), and the initialization means performs the timing (for example, in FIG. 18) when the player performs the settlement operation. At the timing t1 shown), the initialization is not performed, and while the settlement command is output by the settlement command output means for a predetermined period (for example, demo 3 of timing t3 to t6 at the time of non-replay winning shown in FIG. 18). The initialization is carried out after the elapse of a period such as a period for the circumference.

  According to such a configuration, a certain grace period can be left even when the player has not been replaced.

(8) a variable display unit (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which is identifiable, deriving a display result after variably displaying the variable display unit; In a gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) capable of generating a prize according to the display result, game control means (for example, main control unit 41) for controlling a game, and control information transmitted from the game control means. Production control means (for example, sub-control unit 91 etc.) for producing production based on (for example, a command) and derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) and operation mode notifying means (for example, navigation notification, navigation effect, etc.) capable of identifiably notifying the operation mode (for example, stop order) of the deriving operation means. Before the display result is derived, the game control unit determines a display result that is permitted to be derived (for example, an internal lottery or the like) and a determination of the preliminary determination unit (for example, an internal lottery or the like). When the result becomes a notification target result (for example, a notification target role) that is a target of notification (for example, navigating notification, etc.), an advantageous operation mode (for example, a stop order that is advantageous for the player) that is advantageous for the player Notification state control means for controlling to a notification state (for example, a state in which navigation notification is executed), and specific control information (for example, A specific control information transmitting unit (for example, an internal winning command setting process) for transmitting the first internal winning command, the second internal winning command, etc.) to the effect control unit (for example, the sub control unit 91). Including In particular, the specific control information transmitting means determines the predetermined determining means (for example, an internal lottery or the like) regardless of whether or not the specific control information transmitting means is controlled to the notification state (for example, a state where navigation notification is performed). When the result becomes the notification target result (for example, the notification target role), the fact that the notification target result has been obtained can be specified, but the advantageous operation mode (for example, a stop order that is advantageous for the player) is specified. The specific control information (for example, the second internal winning command or the like) that cannot be transmitted may be transmitted to the effect control unit.

  According to such a configuration, fraud is prevented and the processing is simplified.

(9) a variable display section (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R, etc.) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified, and variably displaying the variable display section to derive a display result; In a gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) capable of generating a prize according to the display result, a game control means (for example, main control unit 41 or the like) for controlling a game, and a control transmitted from the game control means. Effect control means (for example, sub-control unit 91) for effecting an effect based on information (for example, a command or the like) and derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C) operated by a player to derive a display result , 8R, etc.) and operation mode notifying means (for example, navigation notification, navigation effect, etc.) capable of identifiably notifying the operation mode (for example, stop order, etc.) of the deriving operation means, The game control means includes a pre-determining means (for example, an internal lottery, etc.) for determining a display result permitted to be derived before the display result is derived, and a pre-determining means (for example, an internal lottery, etc.) Numerical value setting means for setting different numerical values (for example, winning numbers, etc.) for each determination result, and predetermined control (for example, internal winning flag setting) according to the numerical values (for example, winning numbers, etc.) set by the numerical value setting means. Predetermined control means for setting, navigating notification, command creation, reel 2L, 2C, 2R stop control, and the like, and the determination result of the pre-determining means (for example, internal lottery, etc.) is notified (for example, navigating notification). When a notification target result (e.g., a notification target combination) becomes a notification target result (e.g., a notification target combination), a notification state (e.g., navigation) in which an advantageous operation mode (e.g., an advantageous stop sequence for the player) that is advantageous for the player is notified. Information Notification state control means for controlling the execution of the game, and the like, and specific control information (for example, a first internal winning command, a second internal winning, etc.) relating to a determination result of the pre-determining means (for example, an internal lottery or the like). A specific control information transmitting means for transmitting a command or the like to the effect control means, and a numerical value set by the numerical value setting means when the notification target result (for example, a notification target combination) is obtained. For example, a continuous numerical value having a predetermined numerical range (for example, 2 to 19, 23 to 34, or the like) is assigned as a winning number or the like, and the specific control information transmitting unit transmits at least the notification state (for example, In a state other than the state in which the navigation notification is executed, etc.), the numerical value (for example, the winning number) set by the numerical value setting means is in the predetermined numerical range (for example, 2 to 19, 23). 34), it is possible to specify that the notification target result (for example, the notification target role) has been obtained, but the specific control that cannot specify the advantageous operation mode (for example, an advantageous stop order for the player). Information (for example, a second internal winning command or the like) may be transmitted to the effect control unit (for example, the sub-control unit 91 or the like).

  According to such a configuration, fraud is prevented and the processing is simplified.

(10) In a gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1 or the like) for performing a game, control is performed according to first control means (for example, the main control unit 41 or the like) and control information received from the first control means. And a second control unit (for example, a sub-control unit 91) for performing the first control unit (for example, the main control unit 41). The control state of the first control unit (for example, the main control unit 41 and the like) at each of a plurality of timings including the timing (for example, at the start of the game) and the second timing (for example, at the end of the game) State control information transmitting means for transmitting a plurality of types of state control information (for example, a control state command or the like) capable of specifying the state control information to the second control means (for example, the sub-control unit 91 or the like). Information transmission The plurality of types of state control information (for example, control state commands and the like) transmitted by the stage at one timing include a first timing (for example, at the start of a game) and a second timing (for example, at the end of a game). ), The first state control information (for example, control state command 2 or the like) that can specify a control state (for example, a stop order that is advantageous to the player) and a first timing (for example, at the start of a game) ) And second state control information (for example, control state command 1 and the like) that can specify a control state (for example, a game state and the like) that can change at a second timing (for example, at the end of a game). Wherein the state control information transmitting means performs a plurality of types of state control information by common control (for example, a control state command batch setting process) at any of a plurality of timings. Information (for example, a control state command).

  According to such a configuration, according to such a configuration, the program is not excessively increased while grasping the states of the first control means and the second control means.

Reference Signs List 1 slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R reel 6 MAXBET switch 7 start switch 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch 40 game control board 41 main control section 51 liquid crystal display 90 effect control board 91 sub control section 91a sub CPU
91b ROM
91c RAM

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing games,
A variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified,
Deriving a display result by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, a prize can be generated according to the display result,
Game control means for controlling the game,
Effect control means for performing an effect based on the control information transmitted from the game control means,
Derivation operation means operated by the player to derive the display result;
First notification means controlled by the game control means;
Second notification means controlled by the effect control means;
Sound output means for outputting sound,
Setting means for setting a volume setting value indicating an output volume output by the sound output means,
Volume control means for controlling the output volume output by the sound output means, according to the volume set value set by the setting means,
Detecting means for detecting whether or not a game is played by the player;
With
The first notification means and the second notification means are both visually recognizable while the player plays the game,
The game control means,
Before the display result is derived, a pre-determining means for determining a display result that is permitted to be derived,
When the determination result of the pre-determination means is any type of specific determination result, control is performed to notify the first notification means of information corresponding to an operation mode corresponding to the type of the specific determination result. First notification control means,
When the determination result of the pre-determination means is any type of specific determination result, it can be specified that any type of specific determination result has been obtained. A first control information transmitting unit that is unable to transmit, to the effect control unit, first control information that cannot be specified and an operation mode corresponding to the type of the determination result is not specified;
When the determination result of the preliminary determination means is any type of specific determination result, second control information capable of specifying an operation mode according to the type of the specific determination result is transmitted to the effect control means. Second control information transmitting means capable of transmitting,
Including
The first control information transmitting means transmits the first control information regardless of whether or not to notify the first notification means of information corresponding to an operation mode corresponding to the type of the determination result,
The second control information transmitting means does not transmit the second control information when the first notification means does not notify the information corresponding to the operation mode according to the type of the specific determination result, and Transmitting the second control information when the first notification means notifies the information corresponding to the operation mode corresponding to the type of
The effect control means, when receiving the second control information, controls the second notification means to notify the information corresponding to the operation mode according to the type of the specific determination result specified from the second control information Including a second notification control means for performing
The volume control unit, when the detection unit detects that the player is not playing a game, executes a volume reduction control to reduce the output volume according to a volume setting value,
When the volume setting value indicating the maximum volume is set by the setting unit, and the output volume is not 0 when the volume reduction control is executed, the volume setting value indicating the minimum volume is set by the setting unit, and rather smaller than the output volume when reduction control is not executed,
The output volume when the volume reduction control is executed is lower than a predetermined volume regardless of the volume set value set by the setting unit, and the output volume when the volume reduction control is not executed is set by the setting unit. A gaming machine wherein the predetermined volume is exceeded regardless of a set volume value .

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