JP6735543B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, each of which can be identified, and after variably displaying the variable display unit, deriving the display result by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit. The present invention relates to a slot machine in which a prize can be generated according to the display result.

Generally, a slot machine has a variable display section having a reel on which a plurality of types of symbols as identification information are drawn on the outer peripheral portion, and by operating a start switch with a prescribed bet number set. The reel starts to rotate, and when the stop switch is operated to stop the rotation of the reel, a predetermined symbol combination on the winning line (for example, 7-7-7, the following symbol combination is a combination of display results, or a combination). (Also referred to as “)” is derived, and a winning occurs.

The types of winning combinations include small winning combinations, special winning combinations, and re-playing combinations. Here, when the display result corresponding to the small winning combination is derived on the winning line, the number of medals determined for each kind of small winning combination is paid out. When the display result corresponding to the special role is derived on the pay line, the game state can be shifted to a special game state such as a regular bonus or a big bonus that is advantageous to the player. When the display result corresponding to the re-play combination is derived on the pay line, the next game can be played without consuming a new medal for setting the bet number.

In such a slot machine, a series of game sounds are continuously output from a speaker over a plurality of bonus games, and a predetermined time is a time after which the first stop switch is not operated after the start switch is operated. When the game sound stop time is reached, or when the elapsed time that has elapsed without operating the next stop switch after operating one of the stop switches reaches the game sound stop time, the game output from the speaker There is a slot machine that lowers the volume of sound (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 5502264

In the field of slot machines, there is known a technique for executing delay control such as freeze that delays the progress of a game for a delay time. Such delay control may be executed, for example, when the start switch is operated or when any of the stop switches is operated. However, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the execution of such delay control.

For example, when the slot machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured to execute the delay control when the start switch is operated, the first stop switch has not been operated even though the delay control is in progress. Time may reach the game sound stop time. Further, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, when the delay control is executed when one of the stop switches is operated, the next stop switch is not operated even though the delay control is being performed. The time elapsed after may reach the game sound stop time. In these cases, there is a risk that the volume of the game sound that is being output may decrease even though the delay control is being performed.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a slot machine capable of reducing the volume of a game sound at a suitable timing even when executing delay control. Is.

Equipped with a variable display section that can variably display multiple types of identification information, each of which can be identified,
After variably displaying the variable display unit, a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and in a slot machine in which a prize can be generated according to the display result,
Derivation operation means that the player operates to derive the display result,
Delay control means capable of executing delay control for delaying the progress of the game over the delay time,
And a game sound output means capable of outputting a game sound at a predetermined volume,
The delay control means is capable of performing the delay control when making a suggestion regarding a privilege,
The game sound output means,
When the delay control is not executed when the predetermined operation is detected, the volume reduction counter is set at a timing related to the detection of the predetermined operation, the counting is started, and the volume reduction counter reaches a specific value. When it becomes, reduce the volume of the game sound being output,
When the delay control is executed when the predetermined operation is detected, the volume reduction counter is set at a timing related to the end of the delay control, the counting is started, and the volume reduction counter specifies When the value is reached, the volume of the game sound being output is reduced.
Further, the slot machine may have the following configuration.
(1) A variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, each of which can be identified,
After variably displaying the variable display unit, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and in a slot machine (eg, slot machine 1) in which a prize can be generated according to the display result,
Derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) operated by the player to derive the display result,
Delay control means capable of executing delay control for delaying the progress of the game over the delay time (for example, a process of executing a freeze by the main control unit 41),
And a game sound output means capable of outputting a game sound at a predetermined volume (for example, an operation promoting process by the sub-control unit 91 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19),
The game sound output means,
When the delay control is not executed when a predetermined operation (for example, the operation of the start switch 7 or the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is detected, the derivation operation means is operated after the detection of the predetermined operation. When the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time (for example, 95 seconds), the volume of the game sound being output is reduced (for example, S27, S34 by the sub-control unit 91 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19). Processing for executing S41, S51, S58, see FIG. 20),
When the delay control is executed when the predetermined operation is detected, when the time elapsed after the delay time has elapsed without operating the derivation operation means reaches a specific time (for example, 89 seconds). , The volume of the game sound being output is reduced (for example, the process of executing S23, S29, S42, S44, S52, S59 by the sub-control unit 91 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, see FIG. 20).

According to such a configuration, when the delay control is executed when the predetermined operation means is operated, the delay time is taken into consideration, and the derivation operation means is not operated after the delay time elapses. It is determined whether to reduce the volume of the game sound being output. As a result, it is possible to prevent the volume of the game sound being output from decreasing during the delay control, and it is possible to reduce the volume of the game sound at a suitable timing even when the delay control is executed. it can.

(2) In the slot machine of (1) above,
The specific time is the same as the predetermined time (for example, see the column of [First notification counter and second notification counter] in the modification).

According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to change the criterion for determining the elapsed time without operating the derivation operation unit according to whether or not the delay control has been executed, so that the process can be simplified. Further, it is not necessary to previously provide a dedicated judgment standard used when the delay control is executed.

(3) In the slot machine of (1) above,
The specific time is shorter than the predetermined time (for example, the specific time is 89 seconds, while the predetermined time is 95 seconds).

According to such a configuration, even when the delay control is executed, it is possible to prevent the time until the volume of the game sound being output from decreasing from becoming too long as compared with the case where the delay control is not executed. be able to.

(4) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
The delay control unit executes the delay control over one delay time selected from a plurality of types of delay times (for example, a process of executing a freeze lottery by the main control unit 41 shown in FIG. 16),
At least one of the plurality of types of delay times is longer than the predetermined time (for example, a freeze for 130 seconds may be selected as shown in FIG. 16).

With such a configuration, the time elapsed without operating the derivation operation means may reach the predetermined time during the delay time, but when the delay control is executed, the derivation operation is performed after the delay time elapses. Since it is determined whether or not the volume of the game sound being output is reduced by the time elapsed without operating the means, it is prevented that the volume of the game sound being output is reduced during the delay control. be able to.

(5) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
An acceleration unit (for example, a reel acceleration process by the main control unit 41) that executes an acceleration process for accelerating the fluctuation speed of the variable display of the variable display unit after the delay control is finished
When the delay control is executed when the predetermined operation is detected, the acceleration notifying unit has passed without deriving the derivation operation unit at the timing when the acceleration process was performed after the delay time has elapsed. Time measurement is started (see, for example, FIG. 20).

According to such a configuration, the timing for starting the measurement of the time elapsed without operating the derivation operation means is the same as the timing for executing the acceleration process after the delay time elapses, so that the measurement start timing is recognized. It can be made easier.

(6) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
Further comprising a promotion notification means capable of executing a promotion notification urging the operation of the derivation operation means (for example, a process of executing a promotion notification by the sub-control unit 91)
The promotion notification means executes the promotion notification at the same time when the volume of the game sound being output is reduced by the game sound output means (for example, S34 and S44 by the sub-control unit 91 shown in FIG. 19 are executed. processing).

According to such a configuration, since the volume of the game sound being output is lowered and the promotion notification is executed, the operation of the derivation operation means can be prompted.

(7) In the slot machine of (6) above,
After executing the promotion notification, the promotion notification means ends the promotion notification when the derivation operation means is operated (for example, a process of executing S54 by the sub-control unit 91 shown in FIG. 18).

According to such a configuration, since the promotion notification ends when the derivation operation means is operated, even if the derivation operation means is operated, the interest of the game is deteriorated while the promotion notification is being executed. It can be prevented.

(8) In the slot machine of (6) above,
After executing the promotion notification, the promotion notification means ends the promotion notification when the derivation operation means is operated and the game ends (for example, refer to the column of “promotion notification” in the modification).

According to such a configuration, since the promotion notification ends when the derivation operation means is operated and the game ends, the interest of the game is maintained while the promotion notification is executed despite the derivation operation means being operated. It is possible to prevent the deterioration. Furthermore, since the promotion notification ends when the game ends, not when the derivation operation means is operated, it is possible to simplify the processing when ending the promotion notification.

FIG. 38 is a front view of the slot machine of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement of a reel. It is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the slot machine. It is a block diagram showing a configuration of a slot machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the technical matter related to a small winning combination, the type of a special winning combination, a symbol combination of a small winning combination and a special winning combination, and a small winning combination and a special winning combination. It is a figure for explaining the kind of re-game combination, the symbol combination of the re-game combination, and the technical matters related to the re-game combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the symbol combination of a transition appearance, and the technical matter relevant to a transition appearance. It is a diagram for explaining the transition of the gaming state. It is a figure showing an outline of a game state. It is a diagram for explaining a combination of lottery target combination read as a lottery target combination for each gaming state. It is a diagram for explaining a combination of lottery target combination read as a lottery target combination for each gaming state. It is a figure for explaining a combination of winning combinations which are allowed to be won by a winning combination. It is a figure for explaining reel control when a push order lip is won. It is a figure for explaining reel control when a push order bell is won. It is a figure for explaining an AT lottery table. It is a figure for demonstrating a freeze lottery table. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a timer interrupt process executed by a sub control unit. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation promotion process executed by a sub control unit. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation promotion process executed by a sub control unit. 6 is a timing chart for explaining measurement by a notification counter.

Modes for carrying out a slot machine according to the present invention will be described below based on Examples. In the following embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

[Structure of slot machine]
The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is composed of a housing 1a having an open front surface, and a front door 1b pivotally supported at a side end of the housing 1a.

Inside the casing 1a of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, reels 2L, 2C, 2R (hereinafter, left reel, middle reel, right (Also referred to as reels) are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and as shown in FIG. 1, three continuous symbols among the symbols arranged on these reels 2L, 2C, 2R are provided on the front door 1b through the transparent window. It is arranged so that it can be seen from 3. A liquid crystal display 51 is provided at the upper center of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a display area 51a, and a transmissive area 51b corresponding to the transparent window 3 can be transmitted.

On the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of types of symbols that can be distinguished from each other are drawn in a predetermined order, 20 pieces each. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are displayed in upper, lower, middle and lower three stages in the transparent window 3 provided in the center of the reel panel 1c of the front door 1b.

The reels 2L, 2C, 2R are provided in correspondence with each other and are rotated by reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 4) so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are continuously displayed on the see-through window 3. While being displayed while changing, the rotation of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, so that three continuous symbols are derived and displayed on the see-through window 3 as display results.

Inside the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R for detecting the reference position for the reels 2L, 2C, 2R respectively, and a reel LED 55 for irradiating the reels 2L, 2C, 2R from the back side are provided. Is provided. The reel LED 55 is composed of 12 LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and each symbol can be independently illuminated.

At the position corresponding to each reel 2L, 2C, 2R on the front door 1b, there is provided a horizontally elongated rectangular see-through window 3 which allows the reels 2L, 2C, 2R to be seen through from the front side. Through the player, each reel 2L, 2C, 2R can be visually recognized.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 1b is provided with a medal insertion portion 4 into which medals can be inserted, a medal payout opening 9 from which medals are paid out, and a credit (the number of medals stored as a gaming value owned by the player). Using the MAXBET switch 6 which is operated when setting the maximum bet number (3 in any gaming state in the present embodiment) out of the prescribed number of bets determined according to the gaming state within that range , A settlement switch 10 operated to settle the medals stored as credits and the medals used to set the bet number (return the medals used to set the credit and bet number), and start the game The start switch 7 operated at the time, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R operated at the time of stopping the rotations of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and the production switch 56 used for the production can be operated by the player. Each is provided.

In the present embodiment, of the three reels 2L, 2C, 2R that have started to rotate, the reel that first stops is referred to as a first stop reel, and the stop is referred to as a first stop or a first stop operation. .. Similarly, the second stop reel is referred to as the second stop reel, the stop is referred to as the second stop or the second stop operation, the third stop reel is referred to as the third stop reel, and the stop is referred to as the second stop reel. This is referred to as the third stop operation or the third stop operation. The first stop of the left reel 2L is called a left first stop, the second stop of the left reel 2L is called a second left stop, and the third stop of the left reel 2L is called a left third stop. Stopping the middle reel 2C for the first time is called a middle first stop, stopping the middle reel 2C for a second time is called a middle second stop, and stopping the middle reel 2C for a third time is called a middle third stop. The first stop of the right reel 2R is called a right first stop, the second stop of the right reel 2R is called a second right stop, and the third stop of the right reel 2R is called a third right stop.

In the present embodiment, the procedure for the player to operate the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R (also referred to as pushing order, stopping operation order, operating procedure) is forward pressing, forward sandwiching pressing, middle left pressing, middle right pressing. , Reverse pinch push, and reverse push. The forward pressing refers to a pressing order in which the left reel 2L is first stopped and then the middle reel 2C is second stopped. The forward sandwiching pressing refers to a pressing order in which the left reel 2L is first stopped and then the right reel 2R is second stopped. The middle-left pushing means a pushing order in which the left reel 2L is second stopped after the middle reel 2C is first stopped. "Middle right pushing" means a pushing order in which the right reel 2R is second stopped after the middle reel 2C is first stopped. Reverse pinching refers to a pressing order in which the right reel 2R is first stopped and then the left reel 2L is second stopped. The reverse pressing means a pressing order in which the right reel 2R is first stopped and then the middle reel 2C is second stopped.

A game display unit 13 is provided on the front door 1b. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming display unit 13 displays a credit indicator 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, the number of medals paid out by the occurrence of a prize, and the contents when an error occurs. A game auxiliary display 12 that displays an error code, 1BETLED14 that informs that the number of bets is set to 1 by lighting, 2BETLED15 that informs that the number of bets is set to 2 by lighting, and the number of bets is set to 3 3BET LED 16 for notifying that it is being turned on, insertion request LED 17 for notifying that a medal can be inserted by lighting, and start enable LED 18 for notifying that the start operation of the game by operating the start switch 7 is effective , A wait LED 19 that lights up to indicate that the game is in a wait state (waiting for the start of reel rotation because a certain period has not elapsed since the start of the previous game), and a light indicating that a replay game is in progress. A replaying LED 20 is provided to notify. The replay game is a game started after the bet number is automatically set.

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 number by the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is valid. Inside the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the left, middle, right stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R (Fig. 7) that notify by lighting that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R is effective. 4) are provided respectively.

Inside the front door 1b, a reset switch 23 for detecting a reset operation for canceling an error state and a stopped state (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until the reset operation is performed) by a key operation, a set value A set value display 24 that displays the set value at that time while changing or confirming the set value, and a stop function that controls the stop state (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until a reset operation is performed). Stop switch 36a for selecting valid/invalid, automatic settlement for selecting valid/invalid of an automatic settlement function that automatically settles (returns) medals stored as credits without the player's operation. To selectively switch the flow path of the medals thrown from the switch 36b and the medal throwing unit 4 to either the hopper tank 34a (see FIG. 3) side provided inside the casing 1a or the medal payout opening 9 side. A passage selector solenoid 30, a medal selector 29 having an inserted medal sensor 31 for detecting medals that have been inserted from the medal insertion portion 4 and flowed down to the hopper tank 34a side, and a door opening detection switch 25 for detecting the open state of the front door 1b. (See FIG. 4) are provided.

The inserted medal sensor 31 is provided with a plurality of sensors (for example, three) capable of detecting medals so that the inserted medals can detect the inserted medals in a predetermined order (from the upstream sensor). Is configured. The main control unit 41 determines that the detection results of the plurality of sensors are the detection results when the medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are detected in a predetermined order (also referred to as an appropriate detection result). It is determined that the inserted medal sensor 31 detects the inserted medal or the passage of the inserted medal.

Further, inside the front door 1b, there is provided a stop switch 36a for selecting enable/disable of the stop function for controlling the stop state at the end of AT (Assist Time). The AT is a period in which a navigation effect is executed in which the player is informed of the operation procedure of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R in order to generate a predetermined winning. The AT is controlled on condition that it has a navigation stock that is the right to AT control. The AT is controlled for a predetermined period based on the number of navigation stocks it holds. That is, the number of navigation stocks indicates the number of rights controlled by the AT, and the more the navigation stocks are held, the more the ATs are controlled for a long period. In the present embodiment, the AT is controlled over 50 games each time one of the navigation stocks is consumed. Further, the payout rate of medals per game during AT is 1 or more. Therefore, it can be said that the navigation stock, which is the right to AT control, is an advantageous privilege for the player. The navigation stock is given when the player wins the AT lottery performed by the main control unit 41.

Inside the housing 1a, an external output board 1000 (see FIG. 4) for outputting a predetermined signal to an external device such as a reel unit 2, a data display provided outside the slot machine 1, and a medal insertion. The hopper tank 34a for storing the medals input from the section 4, the hopper motor 34b (see FIG. 4) for paying out the medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout opening 9, and the hopper motor 34b for driving the medals. A hopper unit 34 including a payout sensor 34c (see FIG. 4) for detecting a token and a power supply box 100 are provided. The reel unit 2 includes reels 2L, 2C and 2R, reel motors 32L, 32C and 32R (see FIG. 4), and reel sensors 33L, 33C and 33R (reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, respectively) that can be detected. 4) is provided.

An overflow tank 35 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper tank 34a is provided on the side of the hopper unit 34. Inside the overflow tank 35, there is provided a full tank sensor 35a (see FIG. 4) which is provided at a height capable of detecting a predetermined amount of stored medals and is composed of a pair of left and right conductive members. When the conductive member comes into contact with the medals stored in the overflow tank 35 to be electrically conductive, the amount of stored medals stored therein is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount, that is, the overflow tank is full. Is detected.

On the front surface of the power supply box 100, as shown in FIG. 4, a setting key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, and a reset switch for canceling an error state or a stopped state in a normal state However, in the setting change state, the reset/setting switch 38 that functions as a setting switch for changing the set value of the winning probability (ball-out rate) of the internal lottery, and the power switch 39 that is operated when turning the power on/off. Is provided.

The stop switch 36a, the automatic settlement switch 36b, the setting key switch 37, the reset/setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 inside the housing 1a cannot be operated unless the front door 1b is opened by key operation. Therefore, those switches inside the housing 1a can be operated only by the clerk in the game hall, and cannot be operated by the player.

When playing a game in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, a medal is inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 or a bet number is set by using a credit. To use the credit, the MAXBET switch 6 may be operated. When the specified number of bets determined according to the gaming state is set, the pay line LN (see FIG. 1) becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the game can be started. Become. In the present embodiment, three bets are set as the specified number of bets, and when the specified number of bets is set, the pay line LN becomes effective. It should be noted that when the medals are thrown in exceeding the maximum number out of the prescribed number corresponding to the gaming state, the amount is added to the credit.

The winning line is a line set to determine whether the symbol combination displayed on the transparent window 3 of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is a symbol combination such as a small winning combination or a re-gaming combination. In the present embodiment, these winning combinations are also referred to as “winning combinations” and “winning combinations”, and the combination of symbols that make up one of the winning combinations is stopped on the winning line. Also referred to as doing. For example, when a symbol combination that constitutes a re-play combination is derived on the pay line, a replay game that allows the player to play the next game without setting the bet number using medals operates. It is also called that a re-game winning (replay winning) occurs that the symbol combination that constitutes the re-gaming combination is derived on the winning line.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, only the pay line LN is set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the middle of the reel 2L, the middle of the reel 2C, and the middle of the reel 2R, that is, the middle. Is defined as. Although only one pay line is applied in the present embodiment, a plurality of pay lines may be applied.

In the present embodiment, in order to make it easy to recognize that the winning line LN has a combination of the symbols constituting the winning line, ineffective lines LM1 to LM4 are set separately from the winning line LN. The ineffective lines LM1 to LM4 are not determined as to winning by the combination of symbols arranged in these ineffective lines LM1 to LM4. When a combination of symbols forming a specific winning is aligned on the winning line LN, a combination of symbols that is won when the winning line LN is aligned on any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 (for example, bell-bell-bell). ), it is easy to recognize that the winning line LN has a combination of symbols constituting a specific winning.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper line of the reel 2L, the upper stage of the reel 2C, the upper stage of the reel 2R, that is, the invalid line LM1 and the reel 2L set across the symbols arranged in the horizontal direction on the upper stage. Lower stage, lower stage of reel 2C, lower stage of reel 2R, that is, invalid line LM2 set across symbols arranged horizontally in the lower stage, upper stage of reel 2L, middle stage of reel 2C, lower stage of reel 2R, that is, to the lower right Invalid line LM3 set across the aligned symbols, lower stage of reel 2L, middle stage of reel 2C, upper stage of reel 2R, that is, invalid line LM4 set across the symbols lined to the right is an invalid line It is defined as LM.

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 continuously change. 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.

One game ends when all reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, and a predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter also referred to as a winning combination) on the pay line LN is displayed on each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. If it is stopped as a prize, a prize will be generated. When a winning occurs, the number of credits determined according to the winning is added. When the number of credits reaches the upper limit (50 in the present embodiment), medals are paid out from the medal payout exit 9 (see FIG. 1). On the pay line LN, when the symbol combination accompanied by the transition of the game state is stopped, the game state is shifted to the combination of the symbols.

It should be noted that although the configuration using three reels is illustrated in the present embodiment, a configuration using only one reel, a configuration using two reels, and a configuration using four or more reels are also possible. Of course, in the configuration using two or more reels, the winning determination may be made based on the combination of the display results derived to all the two or more reels. In the present embodiment, the variable display device is configured by a physical reel, but the variable display device may be configured by an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.

In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated after the game is started and the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are rotated to start the fluctuation of the symbols. At this point, the rotation of the reels corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is stopped and the symbols are stopped and displayed. The maximum stop delay time from the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R to the stop of the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is 190 ms (milliseconds).

The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate 80 times per minute, and the pattern for 80×21 (the number of symbol frames per reel)=1680 frames is changed, so a maximum of 4 symbols are drawn in 190 ms. be able to. That is, the symbols that can be selected as the stop symbols are the symbols displayed when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated and the symbols up to four frames ahead of them, that is, the symbols for a total of five frames.

Therefore, for example, when the symbols displayed on the lower stage of the reel corresponding to the stop switch when any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is used as a reference, the symbols up to four frames ahead Since the symbol can be displayed in the lower row, when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, it is displayed in the middle row of the reel corresponding to the stop switch. It is possible to display the symbols arranged within five frames including the existing symbols on the pay line.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the 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 control board 40 controls the game state, and the effect control board 90 causes the game state. The effect according to is controlled, and the power supply board 101 generates drive power for the electric components that make up the slot machine 1, and supplies the drive power to each unit.

The power supply board 101 is supplied with an AC100V power supply from the outside, and a DC voltage necessary for driving the electric components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated from the AC100V power supply, and the game control board 40 and the game control board 40. It is supplied to the effect control board 90 connected via. A power supply line for supplying power to the production control board is directly connected to the production control board 90 from the power supply board 101 without the game control board 40, and the power source board 101 directly supplies power to the production control board 90. May be supplied.

A hopper motor 34b, a payout sensor 34c, a full tank sensor 35a, a setting key switch 37, a reset/setting switch 38, and a power switch 39 are connected to the power 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 insertion medal sensor 31, the door opening detection switch. 25, the reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R are connected, and the payout sensor 34c, the full sensor 35a, the setting key switch 37, and the reset/setting switch 38 are connected via the power supply board 101, and these are connected. The detection signals of switches are input.

On the game control board 40, a credit indicator 11, a game auxiliary indicator 12, 1-3BET LEDs 14-16, a request LED 17, a start valid LED 18, a wait LED 19, a replay LED 20, a BET switch valid LED 21, left, middle and right. The stop valid LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R, the set value indicator 24, the flow path switching solenoid 30, the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are connected, and the hopper motor 34b is connected via the power supply board 101. The electric components are driven under the control of the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40.

The game control board 40 is equipped with a main control unit 41 for controlling a game. The main controller 41 is composed of a microcomputer including a main CPU 41a, a ROM 41b, a RAM 41c, and an I/O port 41d. On the game control board 40, a random number circuit 42 that generates a random number in a predetermined range (0 to 65535 in the present embodiment), a pulse oscillator 43 that supplies a clock signal of a constant frequency to the random number circuit 42, and the game control board 40. Switch detection circuit 44 that detects a detection signal input from switches that are directly connected to or through the power supply board 101, a motor drive circuit 45 that controls the drive of the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, and a flow path switching A solenoid drive circuit 46 that controls the drive of the solenoid 30, an LED drive circuit 47 that controls the drive of various indicators and LEDs connected to the game control board 40, and monitor the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1, When a voltage drop is detected, a voltage drop signal indicating that fact is output to the main control section 41, and the main CPU 41a when the power is turned on or when an initialization command is not input from the main CPU 41a. A reset circuit 49 for supplying a reset signal to the device and various other devices and circuits are mounted.

The main CPU 41a has an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibition function) such as a timer function and a timer interrupt, executes a program stored in the ROM 41b, performs processing relating to the progress of the game, and the game control board 40. Directly or indirectly controlling each part of the control circuit mounted on the. The ROM 41b stores fixed data such as programs executed by the main CPU 41a and various tables. The RAM 41c is used as a work area or the like when the main CPU 41a executes a program. The I/O port 41d inputs/outputs a control signal from/to each circuit connected via a signal input/output terminal included in the main control unit 41.

The backup power is supplied to the main controller 41 even during a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 41c is held while the backup power is supplied.

The main CPU 41a repeatedly loops the processing according to the control state until the detection states of the various switches connected to the game control board 40 change as a basic process, and stepwise according to the change of the detection states of the various switches. Execute the process to move to. The main CPU 41a has an interrupt function, and can interrupt the basic process when an interrupt occurs and execute the interrupt process. In response to the input of the voltage drop signal output from the power interruption detection circuit 48, the main CPU 41a can execute the interrupt process. The power interruption process (main) is executed, and the timer interrupt process (main) is executed at regular time intervals. The execution interval of the timer interrupt process (main) is set to a time longer than the sum of the time when the process that repeats according to the control state completes once in the basic process and the execution time of the timer interrupt process (main). Therefore, at least one cycle of processing is repeated between the current time and the next timer interrupt processing (main) depending on the control state.

In the power interruption process, execution of other interrupt processes is prohibited with the start of the process. Then, a process of saving all the registers that may be used in the RAM 41c is performed. This enables the original processing to be restored when the power is restored. Next, after initializing all the output ports, the RAM parity is calculated based on all the data stored in the RAM 41c and set in a predetermined parity storage area, and the RAM access is prohibited. Then, a loop process is performed in which no process is performed. That is, if the voltage decreases as it is, the operation is stopped internally. Therefore, the main control unit 41 surely stops operating when the power is cut off. In this way, in the power interruption process, the RAM parity at that time is calculated and stored in the parity storage area, and compared with the RAM parity calculated at the next startup to determine whether the data stored in the RAM 41c is normal. Can be confirmed.

The reset circuit 49 outputs a reset signal to the main control unit 41 to activate the main control unit 41 when the voltage rises to a level at which the main control unit 41 can be activated when the power is turned on. The reset circuit 49 performs the main operation when the value of the reset counter is counted up without being cleared based on the signal periodically output from the main control unit 41, that is, when the main control unit 41 does not operate for a certain period of time. It is a circuit that outputs a reset signal to the control unit 41 and restarts the main control unit 41.

The main CPU 41a sends various commands to the effect control board 90 via the I/O port 41d. Here, from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90, for example, using a unidirectional circuit such as a diode or a transistor, only in one direction (direction from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90). It is configured so that signals cannot pass through. Therefore, the command transmitted from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is transmitted only in one direction, and the command is not transmitted from the effect control board 90 to the game control board 40. Command transmission from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is performed by serial communication. The game control board 40 and the effect control board 90 are not limited to being directly connected, but may be connected, for example, via a relay board.

The effect switch 56 is connected to the effect control board 90, and the detection signal of the effect switch 56 is input.

To the effect control board 90, effect devices such as a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 2) arranged on the front door 1b of the slot machine 1, effect effect LEDs 52, speakers 53 and 54, and reel LEDs 55 are connected. The effect device is driven under the control of the sub control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90.

In the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 controls the output of the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, the effect effect LEDs 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LEDs 55. In addition to the sub control unit 91, an output control unit that directly controls the output of the production device is mounted on the production control board 90 or another board, and the sub control unit 91 produces an output based on a command from the main control unit 41. The output pattern of the device may be determined, and the output control unit may control the output of the rendering device based on the output pattern determined by the sub control unit 91. In such a configuration, the sub control unit 91 and the output control unit may be used. The output control of the production device is performed by both of the above.

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 are illustrated as the effect device, but the effect device is not limited to this, and a mechanically driven display device or machine. A role object that is driven dynamically may be applied as the rendering device.

On the effect control board 90, a sub-control unit 91 that controls effect, a display control circuit 92 that controls display of the liquid crystal display 51 connected to the effect control board 90, an effect LED 52, and a reel LED 55 are drive-controlled. An LED drive circuit 93, an audio output circuit 94 for controlling audio output from the speakers 53 and 54, a reset circuit 95 for giving a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a when the power is turned on or when an initialization command from the sub CPU 91a is not input for a certain time, A switch detection circuit 96 that detects a detection signal input from the production switch 56 connected to the production control board 90, a clock device 97 that outputs time information including date information and time information, and power supplied to the slot machine 1. A voltage cut detection circuit 98 that outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that to the sub CPU 91a when the voltage is monitored and a voltage drop is detected is mounted. The sub control unit 91 is composed of a microcomputer including a sub CPU 91a, a ROM 91b, a RAM 91c, and an I/O port 91d. The sub CPU 91a receives a command transmitted from the game control board 40, performs various controls for performing an effect, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90. ..

Like the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 has an interrupt function, 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 command reception interrupt processing to store in the buffer. The sub-control unit 91 executes an interrupt process (sub) shown in FIG. 17 described later by generating an interrupt every time the number of input system clocks reaches a constant number, that is, at regular intervals.

Unlike the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 interrupts the command even if the timer interrupt process (sub) is being executed when the interrupt is generated based on the reception of the command. The reception interrupt process is executed, and the command reception interrupt process is executed with the highest priority even if the interrupts that trigger the timer interrupt process (sub) occur simultaneously.

Backup power is also supplied to the sub-control unit 91 during a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 91c is held while the backup power is supplied.

[Setting value]
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the payout rate of medals (ratio between the total number of medals used for setting the bet number and the total number of medals paid out by winning) changes according to the set value. Specifically, the payout rate of medals is changed by using the winning probability according to the set value in the internal lottery or the like. The set value is composed of 6 levels from 1 to 6, where 6 is the highest payout rate, and the smaller the value is in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, the lower the payout rate. That is, in terms of the payout rate, the advantage is highest for the player when 6 is set as the set value, and the advantage is gradually decreased as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Become.

In order to change the set value, it is necessary to turn on the setting key switch 37 and then turn on the power source of the slot machine 1. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on and the power is turned on, the setting value read from the RAM 41c is displayed as a display value on the setting value display 24, and the setting value can be changed by operating the reset/setting switch 38. Move to the setting change state. When the reset/setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the setting value display 24 is updated by one (when the setting 6 is further operated, the setting returns to the setting 1). .. Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is set as the set value. When the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the confirmed display value (setting value) is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, and the game is allowed to proceed.

It should be noted that the condition may be set to “power ON”+“setting key ON”+“front door open detection” to shift to the setting change state. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized setting changes when the front door 1b is not opened. Furthermore, once the setting change state is entered, the setting change state is maintained regardless of the open/closed state of the front door 1b until the end condition for ending the setting change state (the setting key is turned off after the set value is confirmed) is satisfied. You may do so. As a result, even if the front door 1b is closed during the setting change state, the setting change state is not ended, so that it is possible to prevent the trouble of shifting to the setting change state again.

In order to confirm the set value, after the game is over, the setting key switch 37 may be turned on with the bet number not set. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on in such a situation, the setting value read out from the RAM 41c is displayed on the setting value display 24, and the setting value is confirmed. In the setting confirmation state, the game cannot proceed, and by turning off the setting key switch 37, the setting confirmation state ends, and the game returns to the state where the game can proceed.

It should be noted that the condition may be set to "setting key ON"+"front door open detection" to shift to the setting confirmation state. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized setting confirmation when the front door 1b is not opened. Further, after the setting confirmation state is once entered, the setting confirmation state is maintained regardless of the open/closed state of the front door 1b until the ending condition (setting key OFF operation) for ending the setting confirmation state is satisfied. Good. As a result, even if the front door 1b is closed during the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is not ended, so that it is possible to prevent the trouble of shifting to the setting confirmation state again.

[Disconnection]
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main controller 41 determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 48 is detected every time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed. When the power outage determination process is performed and it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected in the power outage determination process, the power interruption process (main) for setting the data for determining whether the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the next recovery To execute.

The main control unit 41 restores the processing state of the main control unit 41 to the state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 41c on condition that the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the time of startup. When the RAM data is not normal, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, the RAM abnormality error code is set in the register, the RAM abnormality error state is controlled, and the progress of the game is disabled.

The sub-control unit 91 also determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power failure detection circuit 98 is detected. When it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected, whether or not the data in the RAM 91c is normal at the time of next recovery is determined. The power interruption process (sub) for setting the data for determining whether or not is executed.

The sub-control unit 91 restores the processing state of the sub-control unit 91 to the state before the power interruption based on the data stored in the RAM 91c on condition that the data of the RAM 91c is normal at the time of its startup. If the data in the RAM 91c is not normal, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal and the RAM 91c is initialized. In this case, unlike the main control unit 41, the RAM 91c is only initialized and the execution of the effect is not disabled.

Even if the sub control unit 91 determines that the data in the RAM 91c is normal at the time of its activation, if the sub control unit 91 receives a setting command from the main control unit 41, the setting command indicating that the setting change state has been entered, then the sub control unit 91 starts for a certain period of time. The RAM 91c is initialized even when neither the return command nor the setting command indicating that the control state of the main control unit 41 has returned even after the elapse. Also in this case, the RAM 91c is only initialized, and execution of the effect is not disabled.

[Initialization]
Next, the initialization of the RAM 41c of the main controller 41 will be described. The storage area of the RAM 41c is divided into important work, special work, non-save work, general work, unused area, and stack area.

In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 has the setting key switch 37 turned on and the reset/setting switch 38 turned on when a RAM abnormality error occurs and when the setting key switch 37 and the reset/setting switch 38 are both activated. Is OFF, when the setting key switch 37 is OFF, when the data in the RAM 41c is not destroyed, and when the initialization condition consisting of five at the end of one game is satisfied, Five types of initialization are performed, each of which has a different area to be initialized according to each initialization condition.

Initialization 0 is initialization performed at the time of start-up when both the setting key switch 37 and the reset/setting switch 38 are ON in the event of a RAM error, and with initialization 0, all areas of the RAM 41c are initialized. It Initialization 1 is the initialization performed before the setting key switch 37 is turned on and the reset/setting switch 38 is turned off at the time of startup, and the transition to the setting change state is performed. Areas other than important work and special work in the storage area of are initialized. In the initialization 2, the general work, the unused area and the unused stack area of the storage area of the RAM 41c are initialized. Initialization 3 is initialization performed when the setting key switch 37 is in the OFF state at the time of startup and the data in the RAM 41c is not destroyed. In the initialization 3, in the initialization 3, a non-saved work, an unused area, and an unused area are stored. The used stack area is initialized. The initialization 4 is initialization performed at the end of one game. In the initialization 4, the unused area and the unused stack area of the storage area of the RAM 41c are initialized.

In this embodiment, the initialization 1 is performed before the setting change state is transferred, but it may be performed at the end of the setting change state, or both before the setting change state and at the end of the setting change state. May be.

[Internal lottery]
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, a combination of symbols called a winning combination is completed on the activated pay line, and a prize is won. The winning combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols. The types of winning combinations are roughly divided into special roles that involve a transition to a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player, small roles that involve paying out medals, and the next game without the medals being used by the player. There is a re-gaming role in which the number of bets that can be made is set. The small combination and the re-game combination are collectively referred to as a general combination.

In order for the winning of each winning combination determined according to the gaming state to occur, it is necessary to win the internal lottery and set the winning flag of the winning combination in the RAM 41c.

The winning flags of the small combination and the re-game combination are valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and are invalid in the next game. The winning flag of the special combination is valid until the combination of the combinations permitted by the flag is prepared, and is invalid in the game in which the combination of the combinations allowed is prepared. That is, once the winning flag of the special winning combination has been won, even if the combination of winning combinations permitted by the flag cannot be aligned, the winning flag is not invalidated and carried over to the next game.

The internal lottery determines whether or not the winning of each winning combination is allowed before the display results of all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are derived and displayed (actually, when the start switch 7 is detected). Is. In the internal lottery, first, a random number value for the internal lottery (an integer of 0 to 65535) is acquired when the start switch 7 is detected. For each combination determined according to the gaming state (type of RT), it is determined according to the numerical data stored in the lottery work, the current gaming state (type of RT), the number of bets, and the set value. An internal lottery is performed according to the number of judgment values of each winning combination.

In the internal lottery, the random number value for the internal lottery (stored in the lottery work) is the number of judgment values determined corresponding to the winning combination of the internal lottery, the current gaming state (current RT type) and the set value. It is determined that the winning combination has been won when the result of the addition overflows. Therefore, the winning combination is won with a probability (the number of judgment values/65536) according to the size of the number of judgment values.

When it is determined that one of the winning combinations is won, the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the internal winning flag storing work assigned to the RAM 41c.

[Reel stop control]
The stop control of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R will be described. The main control unit 41 refers to the table index and the table creation data stored in the ROM 41b when the reel starts rotating, when the reel stops, and when there is still a reel still spinning. , Create a stop control table for each spinning reel. When one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R corresponding to the rotating reel is effectively detected, the stop control table of the corresponding reel is referred to, and the reference stop control table is slipped. Based on the number of frames, control is performed to stop the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R corresponding to the operated stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R.

The stop control table is data capable of specifying the number of sliding symbols for each timing when the stop operation is performed. In the present embodiment, the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are stepping motors that make one revolution at a cycle of 336 steps (0 to 335). That is, by driving the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R by 336 steps, the reels 2L, 2C, 2R make one turn. 21 areas (frames) divided into 16 steps (the number of steps in which one symbol moves) are defined for one turn of the reel, and these areas have area numbers 0 to 20 from the reel reference position. It is assigned. On the other hand, the number of symbols arranged on one reel is also 21, and since the symbol numbers of 0 to 20 are assigned to the symbols of each reel from the reel reference position, the symbols 0 to 20 are assigned. , Area numbers 0 to 20 are sequentially assigned. In the stop control table, the number of sliding symbols for each area number is compressed and stored according to a predetermined rule, and the number of sliding symbols for each area number can be acquired by expanding the stop control table.

Next, when the main control unit 41 effectively detects one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R corresponding to the spinning reel, the control for deriving the display result to the corresponding reel Explaining this, when one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R corresponding to the rotating reel is effectively detected, the stop operation position is determined based on the number of steps from the reel reference position at the time when the stop operation is detected. Area number is identified and the reel stop control table in which the stop operation is detected is referred to, and the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the identified area number at the stop operation position is acquired. Then, from the number of steps from the reel reference position at the time when the stop operation is detected, the number of steps until the acquired number of sliding frames is pulled to stop is calculated, and control is performed to rotate and stop the reel by the calculated number of steps. .. As a result, the area corresponding to the area number that is the number of sliding frames ahead of the area corresponding to the area number of the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected is the stop reference position (in the present embodiment, the transparent window 3 Area in the lower pattern).

In the table index of the present embodiment, only one address is stored as index data corresponding to one internal winning state in one gaming state, and one reel is included in one table creation data. Only one address is stored as the address of the storage area of the stop control table corresponding to the stop situation (and the stop position of the stopped reel). That is, table creation data corresponding to one internal winning state in one gaming state (RT type), and a stop control table corresponding to a reel stop state (and a stopped position of a reel that has already stopped) are uniquely determined. The stop control table created by referring to these is also unique to one internal winning state in one gaming state and the reel stop situation (and the stop position of the reel that has been stopped). Therefore, when the gaming state (type of RT), the internal winning state, and the reel stop state (and the stopped position of the stopped reel) are all in the same condition, the same stop control table, that is, the same control The reel stop control is performed based on the pattern.

In the present embodiment, a value of 0 to 4 is set as the number of sliding frames, and it is possible to pull in a maximum of four frame symbols and stop the reel after detecting a stop operation. That is, the stop position of the symbol can be specified from a range of up to 5 frames including the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected. Since it is necessary to move one frame to move the reel for one symbol, it is possible to pull in a maximum of four symbols and stop the reel after detecting the stop operation, and the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected. Including, you can specify the stop position of the symbol from the range of maximum 5 symbols.

In the present embodiment, when one of the winning combinations has been won, the winning combination is maximally drawn on the winning line within a range of four frames, and unwinning winnings are drawn so as not to be aligned on the winning line. While creating a stop control table that defines the number of sliding pieces and controlling the reels to stop, if none of the winning combinations is won, the stopping control that defines the number of sliding pieces is not available. Create a table and control the reel stop. As a result, when the stop operation is performed, if it is possible to stop the winning combination within the pull-in range of up to 4 frames on the winning line, the control for stopping the winning combination is performed, and the winning is achieved. The winning combination is controlled to stop without aligning within the pull-in range of up to 4 frames.

When a special role and a small role are elected at the same time, such as when a small role is won while the special role has been carried over from the previous game, control to align the small role on the winning line rather than the special role. It is possible to win a special role only when priority is given and the small role cannot be drawn. In addition, when a special combination and a small combination can be drawn in at the same time, only the small combination is drawn in, and the small combination is not aligned with the special combination on the pay line.

When a special role and a small role are simultaneously won, the control of aligning the special role on the winning line is given priority over the small role, and the small role is placed on the winning line only when the special role cannot be drawn. Alignment control may be performed.

If the special player and the re-gaming player are elected at the same time, such as when the special player has been carried over from the previous game or before, the special game and the re-gaming player are elected at the same time. The control of stopping and aligning the symbols of the re-play combination within the pull-in range of up to 4 frames is performed. In this case, the symbols constituting the re-game combination or the symbols constituting the re-game combination to be simultaneously won are arranged within 5 symbols for all of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, that is, at intervals of 4 frames or less, 4 Since it can always be stopped at any position within the pulling range of the pieces, when the special combination and the re-gaming combination are simultaneously elected, regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R by the player. Be sure to win all the re-game players. That is, in such a case, the control for aligning the re-gaming combination on the pay line is prioritized over the special combination, and the re-gaming combination is always won. In addition, when a special combination and a re-gaming combination can be drawn in at the same time, only the re-playing combination is drawn in, and the special combination is not aligned with the re-playing combination on the pay line.

After the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is started, the main control unit 41 continues the rotation of the reel for which the stop operation has not been detected until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected, and then stops. On condition that the operation of the switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected, the control for stopping the display result on the corresponding reel is performed. Even when the reel rotation is temporarily stopped due to the reel rotation error, the stop operation is still detected after the reel rotation is restarted and until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected. If the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is detected, the control of stopping the display result on the corresponding reel is performed by continuing the rotation of the reel that has not been started.

In the present embodiment, on the condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected, the control for stopping the display result on the corresponding reel is performed, but it is predetermined after the reel starts to rotate. Even when the reel stop operation is not performed after the automatic stop time has elapsed, the automatic stop control for automatically stopping each reel may be performed assuming that the stop operation is performed. In this case, since the reels are stopped without the player's operation, it is preferable to derive a display result that does not constitute any winning combination even if any winning combination is won.

After the start of the game, the main control unit 41 keeps track of the game time, which is the time elapsed from the start of the rotation of the reel, that is, the time elapsed from the start of the rotation of the reel. After the end of the above, when the specified number of bets has been set by inserting medals, etc., and when the game start operation is performed with the game start operation enabled, the time is counted from the reel rotation start time of the previous game. If the started game time is equal to or longer than a predetermined regulation time (4.1 seconds in the present embodiment), that is, if the predetermined regulation time has elapsed from the reel rotation start time of the previous game, the relevant time is concerned. Start reel rotation in the game.

On the other hand, after the end of one game, when the specified number of bets is set by inserting a medal or the like and the game start operation is performed in a state where the game start operation is valid, the reel rotation start of the previous game is started. If the game time that started timing from the time is less than the predetermined regulation time, that is, if the predetermined regulation time has not elapsed from the reel rotation start time of the previous game, the reel rotation is not started at that time, From the start of reel rotation of the previous game, the game waits until the game time when the timing is started reaches a predetermined regulation time, and when the predetermined regulation time is reached, the reel rotation in the game is started.

That is, when the predetermined regulation time has not elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels in the previous game, the main control unit 41 regulates the progress of the game until the predetermined regulation time elapses, and determines the shortest one game. The progress of the game is regulated so that the time becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined regulation time.

In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not a winning combination corresponding to the winning line has been completed on the activated winning line when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped due to the stop operation. When it is determined that the winning combination corresponding to any of the prizes is prepared, the control at the time of winning is performed. For example, when there are small winning combinations, control is performed to give medals according to the small winning combinations, and when there are re-playing roles, control is performed to give a replay game.

[command]
The 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 instructs the sub control unit 91 to perform a BET command, a credit command, an internal winning command, a freeze command (freeze command at start, freeze command at stop), reel start command, and reel acceleration. Command, reel stop command, winning determination command, payout start command, payout end command, game state command, standby command, stop command, error command, return command, setting command, setting confirmation command, door command, operation detection command, navigation A plurality of types of commands including a command, an AT winning command, and a CZ winning command are transmitted.

These commands consist of 1-byte type data indicating the type of command and 1-byte extension data indicating the contents of the command. The sub control unit 91 determines the type of command based on the type data.

The BET command is a command that can specify the number of inserted medals, that is, the number of medals used to set the number of bets. The BET command is the state from the end of the game (after changing the setting) to the start of the game, and when the specified number of bets has not been set, a medal is inserted or the MAXBET switch 6 is operated to change the bet number. Sent when is set. Since the BET command is transmitted when the bet number setting operation is performed, the sub-control unit 91 can specify that the bet number setting operation is performed by receiving the BET command.

The credit command is a command that can specify the number of medals stored as credits. The credit command is in a state from the end of the game (after setting change) to the start of the game, and is transmitted when a medal is inserted and credits are added in a state where a prescribed number of bets is set.

The internal winning command is a command that can specify the result of the internal lottery. The internal winning command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game. The sub-control unit 91 can specify the operation of the start switch 7 and the result of the internal lottery by receiving the internal winning command.

The freeze command is a command that can specify the execution of freeze, the type of freeze, and the freeze time. The freeze command is sent when the freeze is executed. Freezing is control for delaying the progress of the game for a predetermined delay time (freezing time). During the freeze, the main control unit 41 refers to the freeze-time acceleration table, and the reel effect of rotating the reels is executed based on the freeze-time acceleration table. For example, during the freeze, after the reel starts rotating, it temporarily stops and quivers in the vertical direction, or the reel reversely rotates, or it temporarily stops and the display result is unrelated to the payout of medals. Reel production such as stopping is performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the types of freeze include a start-time freeze that is executed when the start switch 7 is operated and the reel starts to rotate, and one of the stop switches is operated to perform the first stop and the first stop. 2 A freeze at stop is provided which is executed when stopped. For example, in the start freeze, when the start operation is performed, the reel effect is executed and the reel is automatically stopped once regardless of the stop operation. After that, the reels start to rotate again regardless of the start operation. Such a start freeze is executed for a predetermined freeze time. When the freeze time has elapsed, the game returns to the normal game. In the freeze during stop, the reel effect is executed when the first stop operation or the second stop operation is performed, and the reel is automatically stopped once regardless of the stop operation. After that, the reel starts rotating again regardless of the start operation and returns to the original stopped state. Such a freeze at stop is executed for a predetermined freeze time. When the freeze time has elapsed, the game returns to the normal game.

Whether to execute the freeze, the type of freeze (freeze at start, freeze at stop), and freeze time are determined by the main controller 41 in the freeze lottery shown in FIG. 16 described later. When it is determined to perform the start-time freeze in the freeze lottery, the start-time freeze command of the freeze commands is transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub-control unit 91, and the freeze-at-stop may be executed in the freeze lottery. When determined, the stop freeze command of the freeze commands is transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91.

The reel rotation start command is a command for notifying the start of reel rotation. The reel rotation start command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R.

The reel acceleration command is a command for notifying that the reel acceleration processing has been executed. The reel acceleration processing is executed by the main control unit 41 after freezing, and is for returning the rotation speed of the reel changed from the normal time due to the freezing to the normal rotation speed (constant speed). Specifically, the main control unit 41 changes the rotation speed of the reel according to the reel effect by referring to the freeze-time acceleration table during the freeze. Then, when the freeze ends, the main control unit 41 executes the reel acceleration processing while referring to the normal-time acceleration table, and accelerates the reels in order to return the changed rotation speed of the reel to the normal rotation speed. As a result, the rotation speed of the reel changed during freeze shifts to the normal rotation speed (constant speed). The reel acceleration command is transmitted at the timing of executing the reel acceleration process with reference to the normal-time acceleration table.

The reel stop command can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, or the right reel 2R, the region number of the stop operation position of the corresponding reel, and the region number of the stop position of the corresponding reel. It is a command. The reel stop command is transmitted each time stop control associated with the stop operation of each reel is performed. The sub-control unit 91 can specify that the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R have been operated by receiving the reel stop command.

The winning determination command is a command that can specify the combination of symbols arranged on the winning line LN, the presence/absence of winning, the type of winning, and the number of medals paid out at the time of winning. The prize determination command is transmitted after all reels are stopped and the prize determination is performed.

The payout start command is a command for notifying the start of payout of medals. The payout start command is transmitted when payout of medals is started by winning a prize or adjusting the amount of credits (including medals used for setting the bet number). The payout end command is a command for notifying the end of payout of medals. The payout end command is transmitted when the payout of medals by winning and settlement of credits is completed.

The game state command is a command that can specify the game state of the next game, the type of RT, and the number of remaining RT games. The gaming state command is transmitted at the end of the game.

The standby command is a command indicating that the standby state is entered. The standby command is to finish paying out medals by adjusting credits (including medals used for setting the bet number) when the bet number is not set and the game goes into the standby state after a certain period of time after the end of one game. However, it is transmitted after the withdrawal end command is transmitted.

The stop command is a command indicating occurrence or cancellation of the stop state. When the stop state is controlled, a stop command indicating the occurrence of the stop state is transmitted, and when the stop state is released due to a reset operation, a stop command indicating the release of the stop state is transmitted. To be done.

The error command is a command indicating the occurrence or cancellation of an error state and the type of error state. When an error is judged and the error condition is controlled, an error command indicating the occurrence of the error condition and its type is sent, and an error command indicating the cancellation of the error condition at the time when the error condition is canceled by the reset operation. Will be sent.

The return command is a command indicating that the main control unit 41 has returned to the control state before the power failure. The return command is transmitted when the main control unit 41 is started and the control state before the power failure is restored.

The setting command is a command indicating the start or end of the setting change state and the setting value after the setting change. A setting command indicating the start of the setting change state is transmitted at the time of shifting to the setting change state, and at the end of the setting change state, a setting command indicating the end of the setting change state and the set value after the setting change is transmitted. The sub control unit 91 initializes the control state of the main control unit 41 with the transition to the setting change state. Therefore, the sub control unit 91 confirms that the control state of the main control unit 41 has been initialized by the setting command indicating the setting start. It can be specified.

The setting confirmation command is a command indicating the start or end of the setting confirmation state. When shifting to the setting confirmation state, a setting confirmation command indicating the setting confirmation start is transmitted, and at the end of the setting confirmation state, a setting confirmation command indicating the setting confirmation end is transmitted.

The door command is a command indicating the detection state of the door open detection switch 25, that is, ON (open state)/OFF (closed state). As for the door command, the detection state of the door opening detection switch 25 is changed (ON to OFF) at the time of power-on, at the end of one game (after the end of the game, and before the bet number setting for the next game can be started). , OFF to ON).

The operation detection command is a switch in which the detection state (ON/OFF) of the operation switches (MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) has changed, and whether the detection state has changed from OFF to ON It is a command indicating whether it has changed from OFF to OFF and the detection state (ON/OFF) of another switch. The operation detection command is transmitted when the detection state of any of these operation switches changes.

The navigation command is a command that can specify a corresponding operation procedure described later. The navigation command is transmitted when the player wins a navigation target combination to be described later during AT.

The AT winning command is a command that can specify the AT lottery result and the AT start timing. The AT lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not to give a navigation stock that is a right for AT control, and is performed by the main control unit 41. When winning in the AT lottery, navigation stock is given as a right to AT control. Winning in the AT lottery is also called AT winning. The AT winning command is transmitted when the AT lottery is performed. By receiving the AT winning command, the sub control unit 91 can specify the execution of the AT lottery and the result of the AT lottery (the result of whether or not the AT is won).

[Control by Sub Control Unit 91 when Command is Received]
The effect control executed by the sub control unit 91 based on the command will be described. The sub control unit 91 executes a command reception interrupt process when it receives a command from the main control unit 41. In the command reception interrupt process, the command acquired from the command transmission line is stored in the reception buffer provided in the RAM 91c.

The reception buffer is provided with an area capable of storing a maximum of 16 commands, and can store a plurality of commands.

In the timer interrupt process (sub), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not an unprocessed command is stored in the reception buffer. If an unprocessed command is stored, the sub-control unit 91 is the earliest. The control pattern table stored in the ROM 91b is referred to based on the command received at the stage, and the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, the reel LED 55, and the like based on the control content registered in the control pattern table. Output control of the various production devices.

In the control pattern table, for each of a plurality of types of effect patterns, the display pattern of the liquid crystal display 51 corresponding to the type of the command, the lighting mode of the effect LED 52, the output modes of the speakers 53 and 54, the lighting mode of the reel LED, etc. The control patterns of these effect devices are registered, and when the sub control unit 91 receives a command, the sub control unit 91 selects the control patterns corresponding to the effect patterns set in the RAM 91c in the game of the control pattern table. Of these, the control pattern corresponding to the type of the received command is referred to, and the output control of the effect device is performed based on the control pattern. As a result, an effect according to the effect pattern and the progress of the game is executed.

For example, the sub control unit 91 executes the freeze, the type of freeze (freeze at start, freeze at stop), and freeze based on the freeze command (freeze command at start, freeze command at stop) received from the main control unit 41. The time is specified, and the production devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, the production effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 are controlled based on these information.

In addition, the sub control unit 91 specifies that the start switch 7 has been operated to start one game based on the reel rotation start command received from the main control unit 41. Further, the sub control unit 91 specifies that the reel acceleration process has been executed by the main control unit 41 after the freeze, based on the reel acceleration command received from the main control unit 41. Further, the sub control unit 91 operates the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R for stopping any one of the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, and the right reel 2R based on the reel stop command received from the main control unit 41. Identify that there was Then, the sub control unit 91 executes the operation promoting process shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 described later based on the specified information.

[Winner]
5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining types of winning combinations, symbol combinations of winning combinations, and technical matters related to winning combinations. The name column shows the name of the winning combination, and the symbol combination column shows the combination of symbols in which the winning combination is won. Further, in the symbol combination column aligned with the ineffective line, the symbol combination which is easy for the player to recognize is shown as the symbol combination which is stopped in the ineffective line when the winning symbol combination is stopped in the winning line. There is. The payout number column shows the value (medal payout, replay grant) given at the time of winning.

BB1 and BB2 are winning combinations accompanied by a transition to an advantageous state of bonus. In the payout amount column of BB1 and BB2, the ending condition of the bonus transferred by the winning is shown. Each bonus ends when a predetermined number of medals or more are paid out. For example, for a bonus controlled by winning/winning BB1, the game ends when the number of medals paid out in the bonus is 351 or more.

Further, the game state column of FIG. 6 shows the game state to be shifted at the time of winning. "/" indicates "or". For example, for the fall replay of FIG. 6, the combination of symbols is “bell-replay-bell”, which is controlled to RT1 at the time of winning and the value to be given is re-playing. Further, when the combination of the symbols of the falling replay is stopped on the winning line, "Replay/Plum-Replay-Replay/Plum" is stopped on the ineffective line. When the special replay symbol combination stops on the winning line, "black BAR/white BAR-black BAR/white BAR-black BAR/white BAR" stops on the ineffective line. "Black BAR/White BAR-Black BAR/White BAR-Black BAR/White BAR" can be stopped on the invalid line only when the special replay is won, and can be stopped when the special replay is not won. It is a combination of symbols that is not stopped on the line.

[Transition result]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a symbol combination of a transition appearance. As for the transition result, any one of the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4 and the right bells 1 to 4 shown in FIG. When the player stops the game and drops the winning upper stage bell, the winning line LN is aligned. When the transition result stops on the pay line LN during RT0, RT2 and RT3, the process proceeds to RT1.

[Transition of game state]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the game state controlled by the main control unit 41, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of the game state and RT. In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the replay is RT0 to RT4 which is won with a predetermined winning probability (see the numerical value in the re-game combination column in the upper diagram of FIG. 9), and the winning probability of the small combination is RT0 to RT4. Of a plurality of types of game states including a bonus that improves over time, it is controlled to any of the corresponding game states from the satisfaction of the start condition to the satisfaction of the end condition (shown along the arrow in FIG. 8). Refer to the winning combination or the winning result, see the start condition/end condition column in the upper diagram of FIG. 9).

When either BB1 or BB2 is won, it is controlled by RT4. The winning flag that is set when either BB1 or BB2 is won is carried over until the winning of the winning BB occurs. The RT4 is also continuously controlled from the BB winning to the BB winning. During RT4, the replay is won with a higher probability than during RT1 and RT3 and a lower probability than during RT0 and RT2 (see the numerical values in the re-game combination column in the upper diagram of FIG. 9). The replay probability at RT4 is set to a probability that the payout rate does not exceed 1 even if the winning small winning combination can be won without fail. In other words, the replay probability in RT4 is the total number of medals that are paid out when winning a small winning role during RT4 without dropping out, the total number of medals that used medals or credits to set the bet number in RT4. The probability is set so that the number of medals does not exceed the number of medals. When a BB prize is generated during RT4, the bonus is controlled and the bonus is finished by paying out more than the number of medals described with reference to FIG. The type of replay that is internally drawn is determined for each type of RT (the circle in the lower part of FIG. 9 indicates the replay that is drawn).

[Lottery target]
10 and 11 are diagrams showing combinations of lottery target combinations read as lottery target combinations (hereinafter, also referred to as winning combinations) for each game state. In the lottery target column, its name is shown, and in the game state column, for each RT type, a circle indicates that the lottery target is a lottery target, and the numerical value below the circle indicates the winning probability. The number of judgment values involved is shown. For example, Bell is a lottery target winning combination to win in 360/65536 in any state of RT0 to RT3. During RT4, the bonus lottery is not drawn in the bonus, but the winning combination of the winning combination that can be simultaneously won with the bonus (hereinafter, also referred to as the simultaneous winning combination) has the same probability as in the other RTs. For weak watermelons, internal lottery is performed with the number of judgment values shown in parentheses.

As shown in FIG. 11, the special replay is defined to be a lottery target combination only when it is controlled by RT2. Further, in the bonus, for example, the middle bell is set as the lottery target combination, and it is determined that the winning is achieved with an extremely high probability (64000/65536). The middle bell is a part that can generate a prize regardless of the operation timing. Therefore, during the bonus, regardless of the operation timing and the operation procedure, it is possible to generate the middle-stage bell prize with an extremely high probability and efficiently increase the number of medals. Therefore, the bonus is in an advantageous state for the player.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing combinations of winning combinations included in the lottery target combinations. For example, weak cherries include lower cherries. Weak watermelons include right-down watermelons, upper watermelons, and middle watermelons. Therefore, when the weak watermelon is won in the internal lottery, it means that the rightward descending watermelon, the upper watermelon, and the middle watermelon are won.

Among the lottery target combinations, bonus 1 to bonus 12 are combinations that can be won by simultaneously reading out a predetermined winning combination such as BB1 or BB2 and weak cherry or bell. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, different determination value numbers are set for bonus 1 to bonus 12. Therefore, it is an advantage for the player, and the ratio of the BB1 or BB2 actually winning at the time of winning the simultaneous winning combination (hereinafter, also referred to as the reliability) becomes a bonus 6 or a bonus 12. The number of judgment values is set so that the middle tier cherry included is the highest, followed by strong cherry, strong watermelon, weak cherry, weak watermelon in order, and the bell (hereinafter also referred to as middle bell) is the lowest. ..

[Reel control when push order lip wins]
In the present embodiment, control is performed in which predetermined re-play combinations are stopped on the pay line in a maximum pull-in range of 4 frames in accordance with the type of push order lip and the stop operation order that have been won. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the reel control when the push order lip is won.

For example, when the replay GR1 (normal replay+promotion replay 1) is won and is operated in the left-middle-right order, the combination of the promotion replay 1 of the replayed winning combination is stopped by aligning it with the pay line LN. When the control is performed and the operation is performed in an order other than the left, middle, and right, the control is performed such that the normal replay combination is aligned with the pay line LN and stopped.

As for the other pushing order lip, as shown in FIG. 13, according to the type of the winning pushing order lip and the stop operation order, a predetermined re-gaming combination is arranged on the pay line within a pull-in range of up to 4 frames. Control to stop is performed.

The push order lip (Replay GR1-6, Replay GR11-13, Replay GR21-23) shown in FIG. 13 is also referred to as a navigation target combination because the navigation effect can be executed when the player wins during AT. When the push order lip is won, the operation procedure advantageous for the player is notified by the navigation effect, so that the game can be advanced in the advantageous state in the transition of the game state. For example, when any one of the replays GR1 to 6 is won, the push order in which the promotion replay is won is notified by the navigation effect, and when any one of the replays GR11 to 13 is won, the push order in which the normal replay is won by the navigation effect is notified. Is notified, and when any one of the replays GR21 to 23 is won, the push order in which the special replay is won is notified by the navigation effect.

[Reel control when push order bell wins]
In the present embodiment, control is performed in which predetermined small wins are aligned and stopped within a maximum draw-in range of 4 frames on the pay line according to the type of the push-down bell and the stop operation order. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the reel control when the push order bell is won.

For example, when the middle bell 1 (middle bell + upper bell 2 + upper bell 5) is won and operated by the middle first stop, the combination of the middle bells of the winning small wins is aligned with the winning line LN and stopped. When the control is performed and the left first stop or the right first stop is operated, the control for stopping any one of the combination of the upper bell 2, the upper bell 5, and the transition result is aligned with the pay line LN and stopped. Done.

As for the other push order bells, as shown in FIG. 14, according to the type of the win push order bell and the stop operation order, a predetermined small winning combination is aligned on the winning line within a pulling range of up to 4 frames and stopped. Control is performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when one of the push-order bells is won, the middle-stage bell or the downward-sloping bell is sure to win when operated in a specific operation mode according to the type of winning combination. On the other hand, when operated in an operation mode other than the specific operation mode according to the type of winning combination, the upper bells are aligned, but the upper bells are not aligned May be available.

Therefore, when the push order bell is won, the expected value of the number of medals to be paid out can be changed depending on whether or not the player has operated in a specific operation mode according to the type of winning combination. In other words, even if one of the push-order bells is won, you cannot intentionally select a specific operation mode unless you know the type, so you cannot win the downward-sloping bell or the middle-stage bell. You cannot get a medal.

Hereinafter, the operation procedure corresponding to each winning combination (the result of the internal lottery) is also referred to as “corresponding operation procedure”, and the operation procedure different from the corresponding operation procedure is also referred to as “non-corresponding operation procedure”. For example, the corresponding operation procedure for middle bell 1 to middle bell 4 is middle first stop. Furthermore, when the push order bell is won, the small winning combination that is derived when operated in the corresponding operating procedure is called the "main winning combination", and the small winning combination that can be derived when operating in the non-corresponding operating procedure is the "sub-role." "Role". For example, the protagonists of the left bell 1 to the left bell 4 are "downward bells", and the protagonists of the middle bell 1 to middle bell 4 and the right bells 1 to 4 are "middle bells".

The push order bells (left bells 1 to 4, middle bells 1 to 4, right bells 1 to 4) shown in FIG. 14 are also referred to as navigation target winning combinations because the navigation effect can be executed when the player wins during AT. When the push order bell is won, the corresponding operation procedure is notified by the navigation effect. Therefore, the main character can be won, and the payout rate of medals can exceed 1, and the game can be advantageously advanced.

[Reel control when winning other winning combinations]
When another simultaneous winning combination is won, a reel control different from that when the simultaneous winning combination is not won may be performed. For example, when you are winning a weak watermelon, the reel control is performed so that the watermelon or upper watermelon is given priority over the middle watermelon and the upper watermelon is drawn to the winning line. Reel control is performed in which the middle-stage watermelon is prioritized over both the watermelon and the upper-stage watermelon and is drawn into the winning line. Further, when the weak cherry or the strong cherry has been won, the reel control for pulling the lower cherry to the pay line is performed. Further, when the weak cherry is elected, the “black BAR-bell-bell” of the lower cherries is derived, while when the strong cherry is elected, the “black BAR of the lower cherries is selected. “Black BAR-bell” or “black BAR-white BAR-bell” is derived. For this reason, when the lower tier wins, if the black BAR or the white BAR is led to the middle tier of the middle reel 2C, the player can be made aware that the strong cherries have been won. When the middle-tier cherry is won, the reel control for pulling the middle-tier cherry onto the pay line is performed. As a result, it is possible to estimate whether it is cherry or watermelon, weak or strong, or middle-tier cherry based on the combination of symbols when the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped. You can have different expectations.

The "game" in the slot machine 1 is, in a narrow sense, from the time when the start switch 7 is operated until the reels 2L, 2C and 2R are stopped, but the number of bets before the start switch 7 is operated when a game is played. Since the setting and the stop of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are performed and the payout of medals and the transition of the game state are also performed, these incidental processes are broadly included in the "game".

[Game processing]
The main controller 41 performs a game control process to control one game. In the game control process, first, a BET process for setting the bet amount, credit settlement, and bet amount settlement is performed.

When the start switch 7 is operated after the bet number is set, a random number value is extracted from a predetermined random number circuit, and based on the extracted random number value, it is determined whether or not the winning is allowed (internal lottery). The internal lottery process (see FIGS. 10 to 12, etc.) is performed. The random number circuit updates a numerical value within a predetermined numerical value range (0 to 65535) according to a predetermined update rule. The main controller 41 extracts the numerical value updated by the random number circuit when the start switch 7 is operated, as a random number value. When the winning combination is won in the internal lottery, the winning flag of the winning combination included in the relevant drawing target is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. For example, when BB1 is won, the BB1 winning flag is set, and when strong cherries are won, the winning flag of the lower tier cherry and the winning flag of the single-card combination are set. The winning flags of BB1 and BB2 are carried over until the winning BB is won, while the winning flags corresponding to winning combinations other than BB1 and BB2 are when the winning game is over regardless of whether or not a winning occurs. Will be erased.

When the internal lottery process is completed, the reel rotation process is performed. In the reel rotation processing, after starting the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R on condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the reel rotation of the previous game, the stop switches 8L, 8C are started. , 8R are enabled and the rotation of the reel is stopped in response to the stop operation (see FIGS. 13 and 14). In the reel rotation process, when a predetermined freeze condition is satisfied, a freeze effect is executed to delay the progress of the game for a predetermined period (delay the activation of the stop operation of each of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R). After executing the freeze effect process for playing, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are activated to shift to the normal game.

When the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped and the reel rotation process is completed, a winning determination process (see FIGS. 5 to 7 etc.) for determining whether or not a winning has occurred based on the symbol combination on the winning line. Done. Further, the state shown in FIG. 8 is controlled according to the symbol combination on the pay line.

When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed. In the payout processing, payout of medals or credit addition according to the occurrence of winning, various processing not related to winning (for example, processing regarding bonus end control by counting the number of paidout medals in bonus, winning without carryover) A flag (such as clearing the winning flag of the small winning combination/re-playing combination) is performed, and when it is determined that one of BB1 and BB2 has won, the winning flag of the winning BB is deleted. Then, the process of setting the game state for the next game is executed (see FIGS. 8 and 9), whereby the game control process for one game is completed, and the game control process for the next game is completed. Will start.

[About processing related to AT]
The main control unit 41 can control the AT in addition to advantageous states such as bonus and RT2. The main control unit 41 executes an AT lottery regarding the assignment of the navigation stock that is the right to control the AT. Specifically, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not to give the navigation stock and the number of the navigation stocks to be given (the number of the navigation stocks) by AT lottery. In addition, the main control unit 41 controls the AT when it is determined to give the navigation stock in the AT lottery, and specifies the operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the symbol combination advantageous to the player on the pay line LN. Executes a process for executing possible navigation effects.

In the non-AT, the main control unit 41, when a specific lottery target combination (in the present embodiment, a weak watermelon, a weak cherry, a strong watermelon, a strong cherry, and a middle-tier cherry) is won, is selected as an AT. A process (also referred to as an AT lottery process) of executing an AT lottery for determining whether to control or not is performed. The AT lottery process may be executed after the internal lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, for example, and may be executed at a predetermined timing in the progress of one game.

In the AT lottery process, it is determined whether or not to give the navigation stock, and the number of the navigation stock when the navigation stock is given. In the present embodiment, the AT control is performed over 50 games per navigation stock, and the number of assigned navigation stock and the converted AT controlable game number (AT game number) are in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. Remembered. The main control unit 41 also randomly selects the timing to start the AT. For example, the main control unit 41 determines to start AT (timing to start AT) by a random number lottery when 0 to 32 games have elapsed since the AT winning game. On the other hand, the sub-control unit 91 executes a suggestion effect that suggests to the player whether or not to provide the navigation stock between the AT winning game and the start of the AT.

The sub-control unit 91 specifies the winning of a specific lottery target combination, the winning or non-winning of the AT, and the AT start timing by the internal winning command and the AT winning command. The predetermined timing for executing the suggestive effect is the previous game of the AT start timing determined by the lottery of the timing of starting the AT (the lottery for starting the AT in the 0 to 32 games from the AT winning game). For example, if the AT start timing is determined to be after the 32 games have elapsed, the sub control unit 91 executes the suggestion effect for a predetermined period during the 32 games.

The main control unit 41 sets the AT flag and controls the AT at the AT start timing when the AT is won without the BB. On the other hand, the main control unit 41 sets the AT flag when the BB is won and the bonus ends when the BB is won along with the AT, and controls the AT from the next game after the bonus ends. Here, for example, when the AT start timing is determined to be 10 games, the control to the AT may be controlled at the timing when the 10 games become 0 games, or it becomes 0 games. It may be controlled at the timing of the next game.

The AT flag is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c and is cleared when the AT game count reaches 0. The main control unit 41 identifies whether or not the vehicle is in AT based on the AT flag. During AT, as a result of executing the navigation effect, it becomes possible to control to RT2. The subtraction of the number of AT games after the AT starts is started, for example, from the next game in which the special replay is won (the subtraction start timing is established) at RT0. The same applies to the AT started after BB ends. As a result, the main control unit 41 can control AT+RT2 over the determined number of AT games.

The main control unit 41 performs an additional lottery that determines whether or not to increase the number of AT games when a special lottery target combination (special replay in this embodiment) is won during AT. The additional lottery may be executed after the internal lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, for example, and may be executed at a predetermined timing in the progress of one game.

In the add-on lottery, it is determined whether or not the AT game number is added, and when it is determined to be added, the AT game number is added from the plurality of types of games (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300). Determine the number of games. The determined additional game number is added to the AT game number stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c. Thereby, the main control unit 41 adds the number of games to be controlled to the AT.

When the additional lottery is performed, the sub-control unit 91 performs a process for executing an additional suggestion effect that indicates whether or not the additional lottery has been won at a predetermined timing. The additional suggestion effect may be any effect such as an effect of displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display 51.

[Game flow]
Here, the flow of the game will be collectively described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 again. First, the game flow in RT0 to RT3 other than RT4 and bonus will be described. In RT0 to RT3, the flow of the game will be described below depending on whether or not AT is in progress. First, the flow of the game during non-AT will be described.

After the setting change state is completed, the control of RT3 is performed. Since the non-AT is achieved by controlling the setting change state, the RT 3 does not control the AT and the navigation effect is not executed. In this way, since the navigation effect is not executed in RT3, if one of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won in RT3, the transition result may be changed depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop. Is derived (see FIG. 14). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the transition result is not derived and the transition is not made to RT1.

At RT1, by winning the promotion replay, the process moves to RT0. In order to win the promotion replay, as shown in FIG. 13, it is necessary to stop the operation procedure in order to win one of the replays GR1 to GR6 and to give the promotion replay a prize.

Further, even if the control is performed to RT0, it is difficult to maintain the control to the RT0. That is, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, in RT0, there is a possibility of winning the replays GR11 to GR13, and at this time, the falling replay wins with a probability of 2/3 and falls to RT1.

Further, when one of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won at RT0, the reels other than the predetermined reel (the reel for winning the right-lowering bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14) are first stopped. At times, depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop, the transition result is derived and falls to RT1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, in RT0, there is a possibility of winning the replay GR21 to 23, and at this time, a predetermined reel (reel for winning the special replay shown in FIG. 13) is selected. When the game is stopped for the first time, the special replay may be won and controlled by RT2. However, even when controlled by RT2, when one of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won, only a predetermined reel (a reel for lowering the right-lowering bell or the middle-stage bell shown in FIG. 14) is won. When the first stop is made, depending on the timings of the second stop and the third stop, the transition result is derived and falls to RT1. As a result, most of the game when not in AT will be digested at RT1.

Next, the flow of the game during AT will be described. At RT1, when any one of the replays GR1 to 6 is won, a navigation effect for specifying an operation procedure for winning the promotion replay can be executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to shift to RT0 by winning the promotion replay. At RT0, when any one of the replays GR11 to 13 is won, a navigation effect for specifying an operation procedure for winning the normal replay can be executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation in accordance with the navigation effect, it is possible to maintain RT0 due to the normal replay prize. In addition, in RT0, in order to identify the operation procedure for winning the downward-right bell or the middle bell when one of the left bells 1-4, the middle bells 1-4, and the right bells 1-4 is won. Navigation effect is executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation in accordance with the navigation effect, it is possible to avoid deriving the transition result and maintain RT0. Further, at RT0, when any one of the replays GR21 to 23 is won, a navigation effect for specifying the operation procedure for winning the special replay can be executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to shift to RT2 by the special replay prize.

In RT2, when one of the left bells 1-4, the middle bells 1-4, and the right bells 1-4 is won, a navigation for specifying the operation procedure for winning the downward-right bell or the middle bell The performance is executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation in accordance with the navigation effect, it is possible to avoid deriving the transition result and maintain RT2.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the AT is in progress, the navigation effect is executed so as to be controlled by RT2 and maintained at RT2. Most of the game will be digested at RT2. The AT ends when the number of AT games reaches zero. The number of AT games can be controlled to RT2+AT (in the present embodiment, a state in which the AT is controlled by RT2 which is advantageous to the player is particularly referred to as assist replay time (hereinafter referred to as ART)). Counting starts from the next game after the new game, that is, the game next to the game in which one of the replays GR21 to 23 is won at RT0 and the special replay can be won. As a result, the AT ends when the number of AT games is substantially consumed by ART. Then, when the AT ends, the ART ends.

After the ART is finished, the navigation effect is not executed, but the control to RT2 is maintained until the transition item is derived. However, during the RT2 after the ART is finished, since it is not in the AT, the first reels other than the predetermined reel (the reel for winning the downward-right bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14) are first stopped as described above. It As a result, during RT2 after the ART is finished, the transition is stopped at an extremely early stage after the ART is finished, and thus the routine is shifted to RT1.

Next, the flow of the game after winning BB1 or BB2 will be described. Regardless of which RT is controlled, when winning BB1 or BB2, it is controlled to RT4 as shown in FIG. In addition, a suggestion effect may be executed in the next game after the BB winning game is finished to notify that the BB winning is achieved. As a result, the player can recognize that the player has won BB1 or BB2. When a BB prize is generated, the bonus is transferred to the corresponding bonus, and when the predetermined number of finished coins are paid out, the game ends.

[AT lottery]
Next, the AT lottery executed by the main control unit 41 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the AT lottery.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the AT lottery condition is met when any one of the weak watermelon, the weak cherry, the strong watermelon, the strong cherry, and the middle cherry is won. When the AT lottery condition is satisfied, the main control unit 41 executes the AT lottery based on the AT lottery table shown in FIG. 15 stored in the RAM 41c.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the AT lottery table, information (data) capable of specifying the winning probability corresponding to the number of navigation stocks including 0 is stored. For example, in the AT lottery when a weak watermelon is won, it is determined that the navigation stock number is 0 with 90% winning probability, that is, the navigation stock is not given, and 1 is given with 5% winning probability. It is determined that the navigation stock is awarded 2 with a winning probability of 3%, and the navigation stock is awarded 2 with a winning probability of 2%. Even when the other AT lottery conditions are satisfied, whether or not to give the navigation stock and the number of the navigation stocks to be given are determined based on the AT lottery table shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the AT lottery, the navigation stock is given with a high probability in the order of the middle-tier cherry, the strong cherry, the strong watermelon, the weak cherry, and the weak watermelon, and the number of the navigation stocks when being given increases. The winning probability is set like this. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the winning probability in the internal lottery is low in the order of middle-tier cherry, strong cherry, strong watermelon, weak cherry, and weak watermelon. Therefore, when a strong cherry or strong watermelon that is difficult to win in the internal lottery is won, it is possible to expect the player to win the AT win more than when a weak cherry or weak watermelon that is easy to win in the internal lottery is won. Also, when you win the middle-tier cherry that is very difficult to win in the internal lottery, you can expect the player to win AT win than when you win the weak cherry or weak watermelon or the strong cherry or strong watermelon in the internal lottery. .. For example, when the middle row cherry is won, the cherry symbol may stop in the middle row of the left reel 2L. Therefore, when the player confirms that the cherry symbol is stopped, he/she can strongly expect the navigation stock to be given.

[Freeze lottery]
Next, the freeze lottery executed by the main control unit 41 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the freeze lottery. The freeze lottery is executed when the internal lottery is performed when the start switch 7 is operated.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, similar to the AT lottery condition, the freeze lottery condition is satisfied when one of the weak watermelon, the weak cherry, the strong watermelon, the strong cherry, and the middle cherry is won. .. When the freeze lottery conditions are satisfied, the main control unit 41 executes the freeze lottery based on the freeze lottery table shown in FIG. 16 stored in the RAM 41c.

As shown in FIG. 16, the freeze lottery table stores information (data) capable of specifying the winning probability corresponding to the freeze time in each of no freeze, start freeze, and stop freeze. For example, in the freeze lottery when a weak watermelon is won, it is decided that there is an 80% chance of winning without freezing, and that there is a 5% chance of performing a 60-second freezing at the start. There is a 95% probability that a start freeze will be performed, a 2% chance that a 130 second start freeze will be performed, and a 5% chance that a 60 second stop freeze will be performed. It is determined that the stop freeze is performed for 95 seconds with a winning probability of 3%, and the freeze freeze is performed for 130 seconds with a winning probability of 2%. Even when other freeze lottery conditions are satisfied, whether to execute freeze based on the freeze lottery table shown in FIG. 16, the type of freeze (freeze at start, freeze at stop), and freeze time are determined.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the freeze lottery, freezing is executed with a high probability in the order of middle-tier cherry, strong cherry, strong watermelon, weak cherry, and weak watermelon, and the winning probability is set to further increase the freeze time. ing. Here, as shown in FIG. 15, the probability of AT winning is high in the order of middle-tier cherry, strong cherry, strong watermelon, weak cherry, and weak watermelon. Therefore, the longer the freeze is executed and the longer the freeze can be, the more expecting the player to win the AT.

[Timer interrupt lottery]
Next, the timer interrupt process executed by the sub control unit 91 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the timer interrupt processing executed by the sub control unit 91.

As shown in FIG. 17, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the command received from the main control unit 41 is stored in the reception buffer provided in the RAM 91c (S10). If the command is not stored in the buffer (NO in S10), the sub control unit 91 proceeds to the process of S13.

On the other hand, when the command is stored in the buffer (YES in S10), the sub control unit 91 acquires the command from the buffer (S11). After that, the sub-control unit 91 executes an effect control process for controlling the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 based on the acquired command (S12).

After the processing of S10 or S12, the sub control unit 91 executes the operation promotion processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 described later (S13). After that, the sub-control unit 91 executes a counter updating process for updating the random number counter of the RAM 91c (S14). Particularly in the present embodiment, the counter updating process updates the first notification counter and the second notification counter referred to in the operation promoting process of FIGS. 18 and 19.

[Operation promotion lottery]
Next, the operation promotion process executed by the sub control unit 91 will be described. 18 and 19 are flowcharts for explaining the operation promoting process executed by the sub control unit 91.

The operation accelerating process is a predetermined time (95 seconds in the present embodiment) after the start switch 7 has been operated and the reels have started to rotate and the first stop switch has not been operated when the freeze is not executed. Stop, or when one of the stop switches is operated and the first stop or the second stop is performed, and the time elapsed after the next stop switch is not operated reaches a predetermined time (95 seconds), This is a process for executing a promotion notification that prompts the user to operate a switch, and for lowering the volume of the game sounds being output from the speakers 53 and 54 (all sounds output from the speakers 53 and 54).

In addition, the operation promoting process is, when the freeze is executed, the time elapsed after the start switch 7 is operated and the reel starts to rotate and the first stop switch is not operated for a specific time (in the present embodiment, (89 seconds), or when a certain time (89 seconds) has elapsed without the next stop switch being operated after the first stop or the second stop by operating one of the stop switches. In addition, it is a process for executing a promotion notification for urging the operation of the stop switch and for reducing the volume of the game sound being output from the speakers 53, 54.

When the promotion notification is executed, for example, a character image such as "Please stop the reel" is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 51. This can prompt the player to operate the stop switch. Further, when the volume of the game sound being output from the speakers 53 and 54 is lowered, the player can feel a sense of incongruity, which also prompts the player to operate the stop switch. Furthermore, the volume of the game sound being output from the speakers 53 and 54 is reduced, so that it is possible to prevent the surrounding players from being dissatisfied because the volume of the game sound is not reduced even though the stop switch is not operated. be able to.

As shown in FIG. 18, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the freeze ends (S20). Here, since the sub control unit 91 can specify the freeze time based on the freeze command received from the main control unit 41, it can determine whether or not the freeze has ended based on these pieces of information.

If the freeze is not completed or if the freeze is not executed (NO in S20), the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the reel is changing (S24). Here, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the reel is changing, based on whether or not a reel changing flag that can specify that the reel is changing, which will be described later, is set in the RAM 91c.

When the reels are not changing (NO in S24), the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not a reel rotation start command has been newly acquired (S25). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the start switch 7 has been operated. If the reel rotation start command has not been newly acquired (NO in S25), the sub control unit 91 ends this processing.

On the other hand, if the reel rotation start command is newly acquired (YES in S25), the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the start-time freeze command is newly acquired (S26). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the start freeze is executed.

When the start freeze command is not newly acquired (NO in S26), the sub control unit 91 sets a predetermined time (95 seconds) in the first notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S27). When the freeze is not executed, the first notification counter determines whether or not the time elapsed without the first stop switch being operated after the start operation and the reel rotation start reaches a predetermined time, Alternatively, a counter for determining whether or not the time elapsed without operating the next stop switch after the first stop operation or the second stop operation by operating one of the stop switches reaches a predetermined time. And is updated by the counter updating process of S14 shown in FIG.

After that, the sub control unit 91 sets the reel changing flag in the RAM 91c (S28), and ends this processing.

On the other hand, when the start freeze command is newly acquired (YES in S26), the sub-control unit 91 makes a reservation to set the specific time (89 seconds) in the second notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S28). .. When the freeze is executed, the second notification counter determines whether or not the time elapsed without the first stop switch being operated after the start operation and the start of rotation of the reel reaches a specific time, Or, for determining whether or not the time elapsed without operating the next stop switch after the first stop operation or the second stop operation by operating any one of the stop switches reaches a specific time, It is a counter and is updated by the counter update processing of S14 shown in FIG. In addition, in the process of S29, only the setting reservation of the second notification counter is made, and the time measurement is not started yet.

After that, the sub control unit 91 sets the reel changing flag in the RAM 91c (S30), and ends this processing.

When the sub-control unit 91 determines in the process of S20 that the freeze has ended (YES in S20), it determines whether or not a reel acceleration command has been newly acquired (S21). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not it is the timing at which the reel acceleration process is executed after the freeze ends.

When the reel acceleration command is not newly acquired (NO in S21), the sub control unit 91 repeats the processing of S21 until a new reel acceleration command is acquired.

On the other hand, when the reel acceleration command is newly acquired (YES in S21), the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the second notification counter is set and reserved (S22). When the second notification counter is set and reserved (YES in S22), the sub control unit 91 sets the specific time (89 seconds) in the second notification counter (S23). The sub control unit 91 proceeds to the process of S24 after the determination of NO in S22 and the process of S23.

When the sub-control unit 91 determines in the process of S24 that the reel is changing (YES in S24), whether or not the promotion notification is being executed, and whether or not the volume of the game sound is decreasing. It is determined (S31).

The sub-control unit 91 proceeds to the process of S32 shown in FIG. 19 during execution of the promotion notification and when the volume of the game sound is not decreasing (NO in S31).

In the process of S32 shown in FIG. 19, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not a predetermined time is set in the first notification counter (S32). When the predetermined time is set in the first notification counter (YES in S32), the sub control unit 91 determines whether the count value of the first notification counter has become 0 (S33). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the elapsed time since the first notification counter is set to the predetermined time has reached the predetermined time.

When the count value of the first notification counter reaches 0 (YES in S33), the sub control unit 91 executes the promotion notification and reduces the volume of the game sound (S34). After that, the sub control unit 91 clears the first notification counter (S35), and ends this processing.

On the other hand, when the count value of the first notification counter is not 0 (NO in S33), the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not a reel stop command is newly acquired (S36). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not any of the stop switches has been operated in order to stop the reel that is changing.

When the reel control command has not been newly acquired (NO in S36), the sub control unit 91 ends this processing. On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the reel stop command (YES in S36), the sub-control unit 91 clears the first notification counter (S37). That is, since the stop switch is operated before the count value of the first notification counter reaches 0, the sub control unit 91 clears the first notification counter.

The sub control unit 91 determines whether all reels have stopped (S38). When all reels have stopped (YES in S38), the sub control unit 91 clears the reel changing flag (S39), and ends this processing.

On the other hand, if all reels are not stopped (NO in S38), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a freeze command for stop is newly acquired (S40). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the freeze at stop is executed.

When the freeze command for stop is not newly acquired (NO in S40), the sub control unit 91 sets a predetermined time (95 seconds) in the first notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S41), and the present process To finish.

On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the freeze command during stop (YES in S40), it makes a reservation to set the specific time (89 seconds) in the second notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S29). , This process ends.

On the other hand, in the process of S32, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the count value of the second notification counter has become 0 when the predetermined time is not set in the first notification counter (NO in S32). Yes (S43). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the elapsed time after setting the specific time in the second notification counter has reached the specific time.

When the count value of the second notification counter becomes 0 (YES in S43), the sub control unit 91 executes the promotion notification and reduces the volume of the game sound (S44). After that, the sub control unit 91 clears the second notification counter (S45), and ends this processing.

On the other hand, when the count value of the second notification counter is not 0 (NO in S43), the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not a reel stop command is newly acquired (S46). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not any of the stop switches has been operated in order to stop the reel that is changing.

When the reel control command is not newly acquired (NO in S46), the sub control unit 91 ends this processing. On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly obtains the reel stop command (YES in S46), it clears the second notification counter (S47). That is, since the stop switch is operated before the count value of the second notification counter reaches 0, the sub control unit 91 clears the second notification counter.

The sub control unit 91 determines whether all reels have stopped (S48). When all reels have stopped (YES in S48), the sub control unit 91 clears the reel changing flag (S49), and ends this processing.

On the other hand, when all reels are not stopped (NO in S48), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a stop freeze command is newly acquired (S50). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the freeze at stop is executed.

When the sub-control unit 91 has not newly acquired the freeze command at stop (NO in S50), the sub-control unit 91 sets a predetermined time (95 seconds) in the first notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S51), and the present process To finish.

On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the freeze command during stop (YES in S50), it makes a reservation to set the specific time (89 seconds) in the second notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S52). , This process ends.

In the process of S31 of FIG. 18, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a reel stop command is newly acquired during execution of the promotion notification and when the volume of the game sound is decreasing (YES in S31). Yes (S53). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not any of the stop switches has been operated in order to stop the reel that is changing. When the reel control command is not newly acquired (NO in S53), the sub control unit 91 ends this processing.

On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly obtains the reel stop command (YES in S53), it ends the promotion notification that is being executed and increases the volume of the decreasing game sound (S54).

The sub control unit 91 determines whether or not all reels have stopped (S55). When all reels have stopped (YES in S55), the sub control unit 91 clears the reel changing flag (S56), and ends this processing.

On the other hand, when all reels are not stopped (NO in S55), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a stop freeze command is newly acquired (S57). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the freeze at stop is executed.

When the freeze command for stop is not newly acquired (NO in S57), the sub control unit 91 sets a predetermined time (95 seconds) in the first notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S58), and the present process To finish.

On the other hand, when the freeze command for stop is newly acquired (YES in S57), the sub control unit 91 makes a reservation to set the specific time (89 seconds) in the second notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S59). , This process ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the start freeze is not executed when the start switch 7 is operated, a predetermined time (95 seconds) is set in the first notification counter in S27. Then, when the time elapsed after the first stop switch has not been operated reaches the predetermined time (95 seconds), the prompt notification is executed in S34 and the volume of the game sound being output decreases. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the start freeze is not executed when the start operation is detected, the time elapsed without detecting the stop switch after the start operation is detected is a predetermined time ( (95 seconds), the promotion notification is executed and the volume of the game sound being output decreases.

On the other hand, when the start freeze is executed when the start switch 7 is operated, a specific time (89 seconds) is set and reserved in the second notification counter in S29, and the freeze time of the start freeze has elapsed. Then, when the reel acceleration processing is executed after the end of the start freeze, a specific time (89 seconds) is set in the second notification counter in S23. Then, when the time elapsed after the first stop switch is not operated reaches the specific time (89 seconds), the promotion notification is executed in S44 and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the start freeze is executed when the start operation is detected, the stop switch is not operated after the freeze time (130 seconds in this example) has elapsed. When the time reaches a specific time (89 seconds), the promotion notification is executed and the volume of the game sound being output decreases.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the stop freeze is not executed when any of the stop switches is operated to perform the first stop or the second stop, the first notification counter is selected in S41, S51, or S58. Is set to a predetermined time (95 seconds). Then, when the time elapsed without operating the next stop switch reaches the predetermined time (95 seconds), the prompting notification is executed in S34 and the volume of the output game sound is reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the stop freeze is not executed when the first stop operation or the second stop operation is detected, the stop switch is not operated after the stop operation is detected. When the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time (95 seconds), the promotion notification is executed and the volume of the output game sound is reduced.

On the other hand, when the stop freeze is executed when one of the stop switches is operated to perform the first stop or the second stop, the specific time (89) is set in the second notification counter in S42, S52, or S59. (2 seconds) is set and reserved, and when the freeze time of freeze at stop elapses and the reel acceleration processing is executed after the freeze at stop is finished, a specific time (89 seconds) is set in the second notification counter in S23. .. Then, when the time elapsed after the next stop switch is not operated reaches the specific time (89 seconds), the prompt notification is executed in S44 and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 20(b), when the freeze at stop is executed when the first stop operation or the second stop operation is detected, the next time after the freeze time (130 seconds in this example) When the elapsed time without operating the stop switch reaches the specific time (89 seconds), the promotion notification is executed and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced.

As a result, when the freeze operation is performed when the stop operation or the stop operation is performed, the freeze time is taken into consideration, and the promotion notification is executed according to the time elapsed without the stop switch being operated after the freeze time has elapsed. It is determined whether or not to reduce the volume of the game sound being output. As a result, it is possible to prevent the promotion notification from being executed during the freeze, and to prevent the volume of the game sound being output from decreasing during the freeze, which is preferable even when the freeze is executed. It is possible to execute the promotion notification at the timing and reduce the volume of the game sound.

Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined time measured by the first notification counter is 89 seconds, whereas the specific time measured by the second notification counter is 95 seconds, and the specific time is The time is shorter than the predetermined time.

As a result, even if the second notification counter measures the specific time after the freeze is executed when the freeze is executed, the promotion notification is executed as compared with the case where the freeze is not executed, and the game sound being output is displayed. It is possible to prevent the time until the volume is lowered from becoming too long.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the freeze is executed for one freeze time selected from a plurality of types of freeze times regardless of whether the freeze at start or the freeze at stop. To be done. Further, the plurality of types of freeze times include 130 seconds, which is longer than the predetermined time (95 seconds).

If a freeze time longer than a predetermined time (95 seconds) such as 130 seconds is selected, the time elapsed without operating the stop switch reaches the predetermined time (95 seconds) during the freeze time. There is. However, in the present embodiment, when the freeze is executed, in consideration of the freeze time, whether or not to execute the promotion notification depending on the time elapsed without the stop switch being operated after the freeze time elapses, and the output Since it is determined whether or not to reduce the volume of the game sound being played, it is possible to prevent the promotion notification from being executed during the freeze and the volume of the game sound being output being lowered during the freeze. be able to.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the freeze is executed, when the reel acceleration command transmitted when the reel acceleration processing is executed after the freeze time has elapsed is obtained in S23 shown in FIG. A specific time (89 seconds) is set in the notification counter.

As a result, the timing for starting the measurement of the time (specific time) that has elapsed without operating the stop switch is the same as the timing for performing the reel acceleration processing after the elapse of the freeze time. Can be made easier.

Further, in the present embodiment, the volume of the game sound decreases at the same time when the promotion notification is executed.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the surrounding players from becoming dissatisfied because the volume of the game sound does not decrease even though the stop switch is not operated, and further, the volume of the game sound being output decreases. In addition to this, since the promotion notification is executed, the operation of the stop switch can be prompted.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the stop switch is operated during execution of the promotion notification and the reduction of the volume of the game sound, the promotion notification ends and the volume of the game sound increases at S54 shown in FIG.

As a result, when the stop switch is operated, the volume of the lowered game sound increases with the termination of the promotion notification being executed, so the promotion notification remains executed despite the stop switch being operated. In addition, it is possible to prevent the interest of the game from being lowered due to the volume of the game sound remaining low.

[Modification]
Although the main embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modified examples of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[Regarding the first notification counter and the second notification counter]
In the present embodiment, the predetermined time measured by the first notification counter is 89 seconds, whereas the specific time measured by the second notification counter is 95 seconds, and the specific time is shorter than the predetermined time. It was a short time, but it is not limited to this.

For example, the specific time measured by the second notification counter may be the same as the predetermined time measured by the first notification counter. By doing this, it is not necessary to change the criterion for determining the time elapsed without operating the stop switch depending on whether or not the freeze is executed, so that the process can be simplified and the freeze can be executed. It is also not necessary to provide in advance a dedicated judgment standard to be used at the time of being performed.

The specific time measured by the second notification counter may be longer than the predetermined time measured by the first notification counter.

[Promotion notification]
In the present embodiment, the promotion notification is executed by displaying the character image "Please stop the reel" on the screen of the liquid crystal display 51, but other modes may be used. For example, the promotion notification may be executed by blinking the reel LED 55.

In the present embodiment, the promotion notification ends when the stop switch is operated during execution of the promotion notification, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the first stop operation or the second stop operation is performed during execution of the promotion notification, the promotion notification continues without being terminated, and then the third stop operation is performed to promote the game (one game). The notification may be ended. By doing this, since the promotion notification ends when the game is finished by the third stop operation, the interest of the game is reduced while the promotion notification is being executed despite the stop switch being operated. It can be prevented. Further, since the promotion notification ends when the game is finished by performing the third stop operation, not when the first stop operation or the second stop operation is performed, it is possible to simplify the process when ending the promotion notification. it can.

[About reduction of game sound]
In the present embodiment, the volume of all game sounds output from the speakers 53 and 54 is reduced, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the volume of the game sound being output may be erased (silenced).

Further, the volume of all game sounds output during the game may be lowered (or erased), or a specific game sound (for example, a game sound during bonus, a game sound suggesting bonus winning or AT winning, etc.) ) May be decreased (or erased) only. Further, only the volume of a specific game sound may be reduced and the volume of other game sounds may be erased.

In the present embodiment, the volume of the game sound is increased when the stop switch is operated while the volume of the game sound is decreasing, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the first stop operation, the second stop operation, or the third stop operation is performed while the sound volume of the game sound is decreasing, the sound volume of the game sound is not decreased but is decreased as it is, and then the next game is started. The volume of the game sound may be restored when the next game (one game) is started by the operation. By doing this, since the start operation for starting the next game is performed and the volume of the game sound decreased when the next game (one game) is started, the stop switch is operated despite the stop switch being operated. It is possible to prevent the interest of the game from being lowered while the volume of the game sound is being reduced. Furthermore, since the volume of the game sound decreased when the next game starts, not when the first stop operation, the second stop operation, or the third stop operation is performed, the processing for increasing the volume is performed. It can be simplified.

[About Freeze]
In the present embodiment, as the types of freezes, a start freeze performed when a start operation is performed and a stop freeze performed when a stop operation is performed are provided. Freezes of the type may be provided.

For example, a bet number setting freeze may be executed when a bet number setting operation is performed. Even when the bet number setting freeze is executed, the specific time may be measured by the second notification counter after the bet number setting freeze is completed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, there is only one type of freeze time, which is longer than the predetermined time measured by the first notification counter, for 130 seconds, but, for example, 100 seconds or 120 seconds. A plurality of types may be provided, and the freeze time can be set appropriately.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, any one of the weak watermelon, the weak cherry, the strong watermelon, the strong cherry, and the middle-tier cherry has been won as the freeze lottery condition, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other conditions may be set as the freeze lottery conditions, such as the number of wins of the bell and the number of games reaching the upper limit.

[About AT lottery]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the AT lottery condition is that any one of the weak watermelon, the weak cherry, the strong watermelon, the strong cherry, and the middle cherry is won, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other conditions may be set as the AT lottery conditions, such as the number of wins of the bell and the number of games reaching the upper limit.

Further, the AT lottery condition may be satisfied when the freeze is executed. Then, the degree of expectation of AT win may be changed according to the type of freeze executed and the freeze time. By doing so, the player can be paid attention to the presence/absence of the freeze and the freeze time, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Control related to AT]
In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the main control unit 41 executes the AT lottery, but the sub control unit 91 may execute the AT lottery. For example, the sub control unit 91 may execute the AT lottery when a predetermined winning combination is won based on the result of the internal lottery that can be specified from the internal lottery command received from the main control unit 41. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, the AT execution management is also executed by the main control unit 41, but it may be executed by the sub control unit 91. For example, the sub-control unit 91 specifies whether or not navigation stock is given based on the AT winning command, and based on the result, stores the AT flag indicating the AT and the number of navigation stocks in a predetermined area of the RAM 91c. May be. Then, the sub control unit 91 controls the AT when the AT flag is set, and executes the navigation effect when the winning of the navigation target combination is specified from the internal winning command received from the main control unit 41. May be

[Other modifications]
In the above-described embodiment, the variable display device having the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is provided, and one game ends when all reels stop, depending on the combination of the display results derived to the three reels. I explained the slot machines that generate prizes. That is, a variable display device capable of deriving a display result in each of a plurality of variable display areas capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified is provided, and a game value is used for one game. The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets, and one game is ended by deriving the display result to all of the plurality of variable display areas. The slot machine in which the winning can be generated in accordance with the combination of the display results derived in each of the variable display areas has been described. However, one game is completed by deriving the display result on a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified, and a prize is awarded 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, one having only one reel, and a slot machine having a variable display device having a plurality of reels other than three. May be

In the above-described embodiment, the slot machine that sets the bet number by using the medal and the credit is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the bet number is set by using the game ball as the gaming value. It may be a slot machine to be set or a full credit type slot machine in which the bet number is set by using only credits as a gaming value. When using a game ball as a game value, for example, one medal can be made to correspond to five game balls, and when the number of bets is set to 3 in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are set. This is equivalent to setting the bet number using. Further, the present invention is not limited to the use of any one of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and gaming balls, and for example, a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and gaming balls can be used together. May be That is, it is possible to set the bet number and play the game by using any of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and gaming balls, and a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and gaming balls depending on winning. It may be a slot machine that can pay out any of the above.

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, but the game medium is enclosed and the game medium is paid to the player in accordance with the occurrence of the prize. An enclosed slot machine that adds game points (scores) without giving out may be adopted. The base and the drum can be distributed, and the housing is common, and only the base or the base and the drum are called gaming machines.

In the present embodiment, the “ratio (ratio, probability)” is exemplified, but the “ratio (ratio, probability)” is not limited to this, and for example, of the values within the range of 0% to 100%, It may be a value including 0%, a value including 100%, or a value not including 0% and 100%.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplifications in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reels, 6 MAXBET switch, 7 start switch, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 32L, 32C, 32R reel motor, 41 main controller, 51 liquid crystal display, 53, 54 speaker, 91 Sub control unit.

Claims (1)

Equipped with a variable display section that can variably display multiple types of identification information, each of which can be identified,
After variably displaying the variable display unit, a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and in a slot machine in which a prize can be generated according to the display result,
Derivation operation means that the player operates to derive the display result,
Delay control means capable of executing delay control for delaying the progress of the game over the delay time,
And a game sound output means capable of outputting a game sound in a predetermined volume,
The delay control means is capable of performing the delay control when making a suggestion regarding a privilege,
The game sound output means,
When the delay control is not executed when the predetermined operation is detected , the volume reduction counter is set at a timing related to the detection of the predetermined operation , the counting is started, and the volume reduction counter reaches a specific value. When it becomes , reduce the volume of the game sound being output,
If the delay control when the predetermined operation is detected is executed, and sets the sound volume decrease counter in timing associated with the end of the delay control, starts counting, the identified the sound volume decrease counter A slot machine that lowers the volume of the game sound being output when the value is reached .

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