JP6959725B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game.

As a gaming machine, a variable display unit capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each is provided, and after the variable display unit is variablely displayed, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit. , There is a slot machine in which a prize can be generated according to the display result and a predetermined game value is given according to the prize. Further, as a gaming machine, a gaming ball, which is a gaming medium, is launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and when the gaming ball wins a prize in a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the gaming area, a predetermined gaming value is given. There is a pachinko game machine.

As such a gaming machine, there is a gaming machine that updates and displays the total number of acquisitions linked to the number of actually granted gaming media on the display screen with respect to the granting of the gaming medium, which is an example of the gaming value (for example). Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 05932904

The above-mentioned gaming machine considers the update display processing of the addition of the game medium, but does not consider how to process the added sound when the game medium is applied. There was a risk of increasing the processing load.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which the processing load related to the imparted sound is reduced.

(1) A gaming machine capable of playing a game (for example, a slot machine 1, a pachinko gaming machine).
With a means for giving a game value (for example, a medal in a slot machine 1 or a pachinko ball in a pachinko game machine) (for example, a process in which a medal is given when a small winning combination is won by the main control unit 41). ,
Sound output means capable of outputting the added sound corresponding to the addition of the game value (for example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 15 and 16), the speakers 53 and 54 controlled by the sub control unit 91 to output the payout sound. )When,
It is equipped with an update means that can update the specific information displayed on the display when the game value is given.
When the addition of the game value is interrupted due to the occurrence of an error state before the addition of the game value is completed, the awarding means restarts the addition of the game value after the error state is resolved (for example,). As shown in FIG. 16, after the error occurs at time t4, the payout of medals is restarted when the error is cleared at time t5).
When the error state does not occur, the sound output means completes the output of the added sound according to the timing related to the completion of the addition of the game value (for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the time when the payout is completed). The output of the payout sound is completed at time t4 according to the timing related to t3) On the other hand, the addition of the game value is resumed after the error state that occurred before the completion of the addition of the game value is resolved. Sometimes, the output of the added sound is not restarted (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the payout is restarted at the time t5 after the error state that occurred at the time t4 before the payout is completed, the output of the payout sound is restarted. Do not restart),
When the specific information reaches a specific number, a specific effect can be executed.
If the error state occurs while waiting for the completion of the addition of the game value after the specific information reaches the specific number, after the error state is resolved after the specific information reaches the specific number. The specific effect is not executed until the resumed game value addition is completed, and the specific effect is executed after the resumed game value addition is completed.

According to such a configuration, when the addition of the game value is resumed after the error state that occurred before the addition of the game value is completed, the output of the added sound is not restarted, so that after the error state is resolved. The processing load related to the added sound of is reduced.

Examples of the addition of game value include the payout of medals in the slot machine 1 and the prize balls of pachinko balls in the pachinko game machine.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above
A game control means for controlling a game (for example, a main control unit 41) and
Further provided with an effect control means (for example, a sub control unit 91) for controlling the effect.
The game control means transmits an grant command (for example, a payout command) indicating the grant of game value to the effect control means.
The effect control means controls to generate the added sound from the sound output means based on the giving command (for example, as shown at time t2 in FIG. 15 and time t2 in FIG. 16, the sub control unit 91. Starts the output of the payout sound based on the payout command).

According to such a configuration, the game control means transmits an giving command indicating the addition of the game value to the effect control means, and the sound output means generates the added sound based on the giving command. The added sound can be output at the timing related to the addition.

(3) In the gaming machine of (2) above
The game control means transmits an grant completion command (for example, a payout completion command) indicating the completion of the grant of the game value to the effect control means.
The effect control means ends the control of generating the added sound from the sound output means based on the grant completion command (for example, as shown at time t4 in FIG. 15, the sub control unit 91 completes the payout. End the output of the payout sound based on the command).

According to such a configuration, a grant completion command indicating the completion of the addition of the game value is transmitted to the effect control means, and the effect control means controls to generate the added sound from the sound output means based on the grant completion command. Therefore, the control of the added sound can be ended at the timing related to the completion of the addition of the game value, and the effect control means can grasp the timing of the completion of the addition of the game value by the addition completion command.

(4) In the gaming machine of (3) above
The game control means does not transmit the grant command when the granting of the game value is resumed after the error state is resolved, while the grant completion command is transmitted when the resumed grant of the game value is completed ( For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the main control unit 41 does not send a payout command when the payout of medals resumes at time t5, while sends a payout completion command when the payout of medals is completed at time t7). ..

According to such a configuration, the grant command is not sent when the addition of the game value is resumed after the error state is resolved, while the grant completion command is sent when the resumed game value addition is completed. The effect control means can grasp the timing of the completion of the addition of the game value even after the error is cleared by the grant completion command.

(5) In the gaming machine of (4) above
The effect control means notifies that a specific effect (for example, a specific effect that notifies that the number of payouts exceeds 500 after being controlled by the AT, and an addition of the number of AT games has occurred) based on the grant completion command. (For example, as shown at time t4 in FIG. 15 and time t8 in FIG. 16, the sub-control unit 91 indicates that the total number of payouts exceeds 500 based on the payout completion command. Perform a specific effect to notify.)

According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute a specific effect based on the grant completion command. The grant completion command is originally a trigger to complete the output of the grant sound, but by using the grant completion command as a trigger to start execution of the specific effect, the specific effect can be executed even after the error state is resolved. Can be done.

(6) In the gaming machine of (5) above
An update means that can update the specific information displayed on the display unit when the game value is given (for example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the sub-control unit 91 pays out to the liquid crystal display 51 and the total number. Further equipped with a process to display the number of payouts)
The specific effect is a specific number notification effect that notifies the arrival of the specific information at a specific number (for example, a specific effect that notifies that the total number of payouts exceeds 500).
The effect control means
If the specific information is still in the process of being added to the game value when the specific information reaches the specific number, the specific number notification effect is controlled after waiting for the completion of the addition of the game value (for example, FIG. 15). As you can see, the specific effect is performed at the time t4 when the payout is completed),
If the error state occurs while waiting for the completion of granting the game value after the specific information reaches the specific number, wait for the completion of granting the game value resumed after the error state is resolved. Control of the specific number notification effect (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when an error state occurs at time t4 before the payout is completed, it is specified at the time t8 when the payout is completed after the payout is resumed. Directing).

According to such a configuration, when an error state occurs while waiting for the completion of the game value addition after the specific information reaches a specific number, the game value is added again after the error state is resolved. Wait for the completion and control the specific number notification effect. The grant completion command is originally a trigger to complete the output of the grant sound, but by using the grant completion command as a trigger to start the execution of the specific number notification effect, the specific number notification effect is produced even after the error state is resolved. Can be executed.

(7) In any of the game machines (1) to (6) above,
The sound output means can output an error sound when the error state occurs, and continues to output the error sound for a predetermined period even after the error state generated before the completion of granting the game value is resolved. (For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the output of the error sound is started at the time t4 when the error state occurs, and the output of the error sound is continued until the time t6 even after the time t5 when the error state is resolved).

According to such a configuration, the output of the added sound is not restarted after the error state that occurred before the completion of the addition of the game value is resolved, but after the error state that occurred before the completion of the addition of the game value is resolved. Continues the output of the error sound for a predetermined period. If the output of the added sound is restarted, the added sound and the error sound overlap each other, and the mutual sounds interfere with each other's notification. In this way, by outputting the error sound without restarting the output of the added sound, the notification by the error sound is not hindered.

It is a front view of the slot machine of the embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement of a reel. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the type of a small combination, the symbol combination of a small combination, and the technical matter related to a small combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the type of the re-game combination, the symbol combination of the re-game combination, and the technical matter related to the re-game combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the symbol combination of the transition roll, and the technical matter related to the transition roll. It is a figure for demonstrating the transition of a game state. It is a figure which shows the outline of the game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination of the lottery target combination read out as the lottery target combination for each game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination of the lottery target combination read out as the lottery target combination for each game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination of the combination which a prize is allowed by the lottery target combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the reel control at the time of winning a plurality of re-game combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the reel control at the time of winning a plurality of bells. It is a timing chart explaining the payout sound and the like when an error does not occur. It is a timing chart explaining the payout sound and the like when an error occurs.

A mode for carrying out the slot machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples. In the following embodiments, an example will be described when the present invention is applied to a slot machine. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The slot machine 1 includes a housing 1a having an open front surface and a front door 1b rotatably pivotally supported at a side end of the housing 1a. 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 the transmission area 51b corresponding to the perspective window 3 can be transmitted. As a result, a predetermined effect can be executed in the display area 51a, and the reels 2L and 2C arranged side by side inside the housing 1a via the see-through window 3 by transmitting the transmission area 51b out of the display area 51a. , 2R (hereinafter, also referred to as left reel, middle reel, right reel) becomes visible. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a symbol arrangement of each reel. A plurality of types of symbols, each of which can be identified, are arranged in a predetermined order on the reels 2L to 2R. The number of reels is not limited to three, and may be one or two or more. Further, although the variable display unit shows an example of being configured by a physical reel, it may be configured by an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.

A medal insertion unit 4 into which medals can be inserted is provided in the lower right of the liquid crystal display 51, and a medal payout outlet 9, speakers 53, and 54 for paying out medals are provided in the lower part of the front door 1b. Further, the front door 1b is provided with a key hole 110 into which a door key is inserted. When the door key is inserted and rotated clockwise, the front door 1b opens. When the door key is inserted and rotated counterclockwise, it functions as a reset switch to release the error state or the stop state.

Further, as an example of the operation means, the front door 1b is set with a predetermined number of bets determined according to the game state within the range of credits stored as the game value (number of medals) owned by the player. MAXBET switch 6 operated when the game is played, settlement switch 10 operated when the credit and the set bet number are settled and returned, start switch 7 operated when the game is started, reels 2L to 2R Stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, which are operated when each rotation is stopped, an effect switch 56 for use in the effect, and the like are provided.

The front door 1b is provided with a game display unit 13 for notifying information about the game as an example of the notification means. The game display unit 13 has a credit display 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, a game auxiliary display 12 that displays the number of medals to be paid out and an error code when an error occurs, and a set bet. 1BETLED14 for notifying the number, 2BETLED15, 3BETLED16, an insertion request LED17 for notifying that a medal can be inserted, a start effective LED18 for notifying that the game can be started by operating the start switch 7, and a start switch. After the operation of 7, the LED19 in the weight that notifies that the weight (the state of waiting for the start of rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R because a certain period of time has not passed since the previous game start) is in progress, after the replay prize is won. The replay LED 20 for notifying that the replay game is in progress is provided.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the slot machine 1. Inside the front door 1b, there is a reset switch 23 that detects a reset operation for canceling an error state and a stop state by a predetermined key operation, and a set value at that time while changing a set value or checking a set value. Is displayed. Select the enable / disable of the stop function that controls the setting value display 24, which controls the stop state (the state in which the progress of the game is restricted until the reset operation is performed) at the end of the bonus (BB1 or BB2). To enable / disable the automatic settlement function that controls the stop switch 36a for the automatic settlement process (the process of settlement (returning) the medals stored as credits regardless of the player's operation) at the end of the bonus. Automatic settlement switch 36b, a flow for selectively switching the flow path of medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 to either the hopper tank 34a side provided inside the housing 1a or the medal payout outlet 9 side. A path switching solenoid 30, a medal selector having a medal sensor 31 for detecting medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 and flowing down to the hopper tank 34a side, and a door open detection switch 25 for detecting the open state of the front door 1b are provided. ing.

Inside the housing 1a, a reel unit 2 including reels 2L, 2C, 2R, reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, and reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R capable of detecting the reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, respectively. , An external output board 1000 for outputting an external output signal, a hopper tank 34a for storing medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4, and a hopper motor for paying out medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout outlet 9. A hopper unit 34 and a power supply box 100 including a 34b, a payout sensor 34c for detecting medals paid out by driving a hopper motor 34b, and a power supply box 100 are 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, a full tank sensor 35a composed of a pair of conductive members separated to the left and right provided at a height at which a predetermined amount of stored medals can be detected is provided, and the conductive member is the overflow tank 35. To be able to detect that the amount of medals stored inside exceeds a predetermined amount when conducting by contacting through the medals stored inside, that is, the overflow tank is full. It has become.

On the front of the power supply box 100, it functions as a setting key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, and as a reset switch for canceling an error state or a stop state in a normal state, and in a setting change state. A reset / setting switch 38 that functions as a setting switch for changing the setting value of the winning probability (ball output rate) of the internal lottery described later, and a power switch 39 that is operated when the power is turned on / off are provided. ..

When playing a game on the slot machine 1, first, a predetermined number of bets (for example, 3) is set by inserting medals into the medal insertion unit 4 or operating the MAXBET switch 6. As a result, the winning line LN becomes valid, the operation to the start switch 7 becomes valid, and the game can be started. If a medal is inserted with the number of bets already set, that amount will be added to the credit.

The winning line is a line for determining whether the combination of symbols displayed on the perspective windows 3 of the reels 2L to 2R is a combination of winning symbols. In the present embodiment, an example in which only one winning line LN is provided will be described, but a plurality of winning lines may be provided. In addition, invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are provided so that it is easy to recognize that the combination of symbols constituting the winning is aligned on the winning line LN. The invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are not the lines for which the winning is determined, but when the winning line LN has a combination of specific winning symbols (so-called breaks), the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 have a predetermined symbol. By aligning the combinations (for example, bell-bell-bell), it is easy to recognize that the combination of the symbols constituting the specific winning is aligned on the winning line LN.

When the start switch 7 is operated while the game can be started, the reels 2L to 2R are rotated to display the symbol in a variable manner, and when the stop switches 8L to 8R are operated, the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped. , Three symbols are derived and displayed as display results in the upper, middle, and lower rows of the perspective window 3. When the combination of winning symbols stops on the winning line LN and a winning occurs, a predetermined number of medals are given to the player according to the winning, and credits are added or the credit reaches the upper limit (50). If this is the case, medals will be paid out from the medal payment exit 9.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the slot machine 1. In the example of FIG. 4, a game control board 40 that controls the progress of the game and outputs various commands according to the progress of the game, an effect control board 90 that controls a predetermined effect according to the command, and a drive power source for electrical components. A power supply board 101 for generating the above, an external output board 1000 for outputting a signal according to the progress of the game to the outside, and the like are provided.

The game control board 40 advances the game based on detection signals from switches such as various operation means and detection means (exemplified on the left side of the game control board 40 in FIG. 4), and the game control board 40 advances the game based on the detection signals, and the notification means (game control in FIG. 4). Display devices such as (exemplified on the left side of the substrate 40) are driven and controlled. Further, the game control board 40 drives and controls the reel motors 32L to 32R based on the signals from the reel sensors 33L to 33R.

The game control board 40 is equipped with a circuit configuration (exemplified in the game control board 40 of FIG. 4) such as a main control unit 41. The main control unit 41 performs processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls the configuration mounted or connected to the game control board 40. The main control unit 41 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O port, and the like.

The effect control board 90 is connected to the effect switch 56, and drives and controls an effect device such as a liquid crystal display 51 (exemplified on the left side of the effect control board 90 in FIG. 4). The effect control board 90 is equipped with a circuit configuration (exemplified in the effect control board 90 of FIG. 4) such as a sub control unit 91. The sub-control unit 91 receives a command transmitted from the game control board 40, performs a process of performing an effect, and directly or indirectly controls a configuration mounted or connected to the effect control board 90. The sub-control unit 91 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O port, and the like. The circuit configuration of the sub-control unit 91 includes, for example, a clock device 97 (hereinafter, also referred to as an RTC) for measuring at least one of a day and a time. The sub-control unit 91 can execute the effect control according to, for example, the value of at least one of the day and time measured by the RTC 97, the detection signal from the effect switch 56, and the like. A hopper motor 34b, various operating means, detection means (exemplified on the right side of the power supply board 101 in FIG. 4), and the like are connected to the power supply board 101.

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 supply board 101.

The game control board 40 includes a MAXBET switch 6, a start switch 7, a stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R, a settlement switch 10, a reset switch 23, a stop switch 36a, an automatic settlement switch 36b, an input medal sensor 31, and a door open detection switch. 25, the reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R are connected, and the door key is inserted into the above-mentioned payout sensor 34c, full tank sensor 35a, setting key switch 37, reset / setting switch 38, and key hole 110 via the power supply board 101. A reset switch is connected to perform the operation, and the detection signals of these connected switches are input.

The game control board 40 includes a credit display 11, a game auxiliary display 12, a payout display 13, 1-3 BETLED 14 to 16, input request LED 17, start effective LED 18, weighting LED 19, replaying LED 20, BET switch effective LED 21, and so on. Left, middle, right stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R, set value display 24, flow path switching solenoid 30, reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are connected, and the hopper motor 34b described above is connected via the power supply board 101. Are connected, and these electric components are driven based on the control of the main control unit 41, which will be described later, mounted on the game control board 40. The game auxiliary display 12 displays information such as the number of medals to be paid out, an error code at the time of an error, and information that can identify the reel stop order.

5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the types of winning combinations, the symbol combinations of winning combinations, and the technical matters related to the winning combinations. The name column shows the name of the winning combination, and the symbol combination column shows the combination of symbols for which the winning combination is a winning combination. Further, in the combination of symbols aligned with the invalid line, a combination of symbols that stops at the invalid line when the combination of the winning symbols stops at the winning line and is easy for the player to recognize is shown. There is. In the payout number column, the value given at the time of winning (medal payout, replay game grant) is shown. For example, if the middle bell wins, eight medals will be paid out. BB1 and BB2 are winning roles with a transition to an advantageous state of bonus. In the payout number column of BB1 and BB2, the end condition of the bonus transferred by winning is shown. Each bonus ends when a predetermined number of medals or more are paid out. For example, a bonus controlled by winning / winning BB1 ends in a game in which the number of medals paid out during the bonus is 351 or more.

Further, the game state column of FIG. 6 shows the game state to be transferred at the time of winning. Further, "/" indicates "or". For example, for the fall replay of FIG. 6, the combination of symbols is "bell-replay-bell", which is controlled by RT1 at the time of winning, and the value given is the replay grant. In addition, when the combination of the fall replay symbols stops on the winning line, "replay / plum-replay-replay / plum" stops on the invalid line. Further, when the combination of the special replay symbols is stopped on the winning line, "black BAR / white BAR-black BAR / white BAR-black BAR / white BAR" is stopped on the invalid 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 eventually when the special replay is not won. It is a combination of symbols that are not stopped on the line of.

In addition, the replay role is a role of giving a replay. Here, the re-game means that the next game can be performed without using the game value (for example, credit) owned by the player. In other words, the replay means that the variable display unit can be variablely displayed without using the game value owned by the player. In the present embodiment, when the re-game combination is won, a prize is won regardless of the operation procedure (operation order and operation timing) of the derivation operation means. As a modified example, even if the replay combination is won, it may be a combination that does not win a prize (that is, a combination that is missed) depending on the operation procedure of the derivation operation means.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the symbol combination of the transition roll and the technical matters related to the transition roll. As for the transition roll, the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4, and the right bells 1 to 4 shown in FIG. If the winning upper bell is missed, it will be aligned with the winning line LN. When the transition roll stops on the winning line LN during RT0, 2, and 3, the transition to RT1 is performed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the gaming state controlled by the main control unit 41, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of the gaming state. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, RT0 to RT4 in which the replay is won with a predetermined winning probability (see the numerical value in the replay combination column in the upper figure of FIG. 9) and RT0 to RT4 in which the winning probability of the small winning combination is RT0 to RT4. It is controlled to one of the corresponding game states from the time when the start condition is satisfied to the time when the end condition is satisfied (indicated along the arrow in FIG. 8) among a plurality of types of game states including a bonus that is improved more than the time. Refer to the winning combination or the outcome, see the start condition / end condition column in the upper figure of FIG. 9).

When either BB1 or BB2 is won, it is controlled by RT4. The winning flag set when either BB1 or BB2 is won is carried over until the winning BB wins. In addition, RT4 is also continuously controlled from BB winning to BB winning. In RT4, it is lower than in RT0 and RT2, and the replay is won with the same probability as in RT1 and RT3 (see the numerical value in the replay combination column in the upper figure of FIG. 9). The replay probability in RT4 is set to the probability that the payout rate does not exceed 1 even if the winning small winning combination can be won without being missed. In other words, the replay probability in RT4 is that the total number of medals paid out when winning a small winning combination during RT4 without failing is the number of medals or medals used to set the number of bets during RT4. It is set to a probability that the total number of medals will not be exceeded and the number of medals will not increase. When a BB prize is generated during RT4, it is controlled by a bonus, and when the number of medals or more described in FIG. 5 is paid out, the bonus ends and the bonus is controlled to RT3. The type of replay to be drawn internally is determined for each type of RT (the circle in the lower figure of FIG. 9 indicates the replay to be drawn).

10 and 11 are diagrams showing a combination of lottery target combinations read out as lottery target combinations (hereinafter, also referred to as winning combinations) for each game state. The name is shown in the lottery target combination column, and the game status column indicates that the lottery target combination is a lottery target for each type of RT, and the winning probability is determined by the numerical value below the circle mark. The number of judgment values involved is shown. For example, the bell is a lottery target winning combination of 360/65536 in any of RT0 to RT3 states. During RT4, the bonus lottery is not done, but the winning combination that can be won at the same time as the bonus (hereinafter also referred to as the simultaneous winning combination) has the same probability as during other RTs. For weak watermelons, an internal lottery is conducted based on the number of judgment values shown in parentheses.

As shown in FIG. 11, the special replay is set to be a lottery target combination only when controlled by RT2. Further, in the bonus, for example, the middle bell is set as a lottery target combination, and it is set to win with an extremely high probability (64000/65536). In addition, the middle bell is a role that can generate a prize regardless of the operation timing. Therefore, during the bonus, the middle bell prize can be generated with an extremely high probability regardless of the operation timing and the operation procedure, and the number of medals can be efficiently increased. Therefore, the bonus is in an advantageous state for the player.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a combination of winning combinations that are allowed to be won by the winning combination. For example, the weak cherry is the lower cherry. Weak watermelons include downward-sloping watermelons, upper watermelons, and middle watermelons. Therefore, when the weak watermelon is won in the internal lottery, the right-down watermelon, the upper watermelon, and the middle watermelon are won.

Among the lottery target combinations, bonuses 1 to 12 are combinations in which BB1 or BB2 and a predetermined winning combination such as a weak cherry or a bell can be read out at the same time and won. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the bonus 1 to the bonus 12 have different determination value numbers. For this reason, the percentage of BB1 or BB2 actually winning at the same time (hereinafter, also referred to as reliability) when the simultaneous winning combination is won, which is an advantage for the player, is included in bonuses 6 and 12 and the like. The number of judgment values is determined so that the middle cherry is the highest, followed by the strong cherry, the strong watermelon, the weak cherry, and the weak watermelon, and the bell (hereinafter, also referred to as the middle bell) is the lowest.

13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining reel control when a plurality of winning combinations are simultaneously won. For each winning lottery target combination, when the stop operation is performed in the push order shown in the push order column, reel control is performed to stop the symbol combination of the winning combination shown in the symbol combination to be stopped to the right at the winning line LN. For example, when the replay GR1 is won, the promotion replay 1 is derived when the push order is left, middle, and right, and the normal replay is derived when the push order is other than left, middle, and right. Also, for example, when the left bell is won, if the push order is the left first stop, the right-down bell is derived, and if the push order is other than the left first stop, the upper bell or the transition roll. Is derived.

Further, when the simultaneous winning combination is won, reel control different from that when the simultaneous winning combination is not won may be performed. For example, when a weak watermelon is won, a reel control is performed in which the lower right watermelon or the upper watermelon is prioritized over the middle watermelon and pulled into the winning line, whereas when a strong watermelon is won, the lower right watermelon is performed. Reel control is performed to prioritize the middle watermelon over either the watermelon or the upper watermelon and pull it onto the winning line. In addition, when a weak cherry or a strong cherry is won, reel control is performed to pull the lower cherry onto the winning line, and when the middle cherry is won, reel control is performed to pull the middle cherry onto the winning line. .. This makes it possible to estimate whether the reels 2L to 2R are cherry or watermelon, weak or strong, or middle-tier cherry from the combination of symbols when the reels 2L to 2R are stopped. Can be made.

In a narrow sense, the "game" in the slot machine 1 means from the operation of the start switch 7 to the stop of the reels 2L to 2R, but when playing a game, the bet number setting before the operation of the start switch 7 is performed. Since the medals are paid out and the game state is changed after the reels 2L to 2R are stopped, these incidental processes are also included in the "game" in a broad sense.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the medal payout rate changes according to the set value. Specifically, the medal payout rate changes by determining the winning probability used in the internal lottery described later according to the set value. It is also called that there is a setting difference that the winning probability changes according to the set value, and that there is no setting difference that the winning probability does not change according to the set value. The set value is composed of 6 stages from 1 to 6, with 6 having the highest payout rate, and the smaller the value in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 the lower the payout rate. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and the smaller the value in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 is, the lower the advantage is. However, among a plurality of types of lottery target roles, to a section in which the degree of advantage for the player is high (a high probability state of AT lottery called CZ, a state where the net increase number of sheets increases like AT described later, etc.). There is no difference in the setting of the lottery target combinations that are the targets of the advantageous section transition lottery that determines whether or not to shift. On the other hand, among the plurality of types of lottery target combinations, the lottery target combinations that are not the target of the advantageous section transition lottery may have different settings. In order to change the set value, the administrator may operate an operation unit (not shown) provided inside the slot machine 1 to shift the set value to a changeable setting change state. Further, in order to confirm the set value, the administrator may perform a predetermined operation to shift to the setting confirmation state in which the set value can be confirmed.

In addition, the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed according to the setting of the set value, the winning probability of the advantageous section transition lottery is changed according to the setting of the set value, and the winning of the internal lottery is won according to the setting of the set value. Either the probability may be changed and the winning probability of the advantageous section transition lottery may be changed.

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

When the start switch 7 is operated after setting the number of bets, a random number value is extracted from a predetermined random number circuit, and it is determined (internal lottery) whether or not to allow the generation of a prize based on the extracted random number value. The internal lottery process (see FIGS. 10 to 12 and the like) is performed. The random number circuit updates the numerical value in the predetermined numerical range (0 to 65535) according to the predetermined update rule. The main control unit 41 extracts a numerical value updated by the random number circuit as a random number value when the start switch 7 is operated. When a lottery target combination is won in the internal lottery, the winning flag of the winning combination included in the lottery target combination is set in a predetermined area of the RAM. For example, when the BB1 is won, the BB1 winning flag is set, and when the strong cherry is won, the winning flag of the lower cherry and the winning flag of the one-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 the winning combinations other than BB1 and BB2 are when the winning game ends regardless of whether or not a winning is generated. Will be erased.

When the internal lottery process is completed, the reel rotation process is performed. In the reel rotation process, the stop switches 8L to 8R are effective after starting the rotation of the reels 2L to 2R on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the reel rotation of the previous game. Then, the rotation of the reel is stopped according 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 each stop operation of the stop switches 8L to 8R). After executing the freeze effect processing of, the stop switches 8L to 8R are enabled to shift to the normal game.

When the reels 2L to 2R are stopped and the reel rotation process is completed, a winning determination process (see FIGS. 5 to 7 and the like) is performed to determine whether or not a winning or the like has occurred based on the symbol combination on the winning line. .. In addition, the state shown in FIG. 8 is controlled according to the combination of symbols on the winning line.

When the winning determination process is completed, the payout process is performed. In the payout process, medals are paid out or credits are added according to the occurrence of winning, various processes not related to winning (for example, processing related to counting the number of medals paid out in the bonus and controlling the end of the bonus, and winning without carry-over). Flags (winning flags for small wins, replays, etc.) are erased). Further, when it is determined that either BB1 or BB2 has been won, the winning flag of the winning BB is deleted. In the game end process, a process of setting the game state (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is executed in preparation for the next game. As a result, the game control process for one game is completed, and the game control process for the next game is started.

[Processing related to AT]
The main control unit 41 can control AT (assist time) in addition to advantageous states such as bonus and RT2. The main control unit 41 executes an AT lottery as to whether or not to control the AT. Further, the main control unit 41 controls the AT when it is determined to be controlled by the AT in the AT lottery, and can specify the operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the symbol combination advantageous to the player on the winning line LN. Execute the process for executing the navigation effect.

In the main control unit 41, a specific lottery target combination (in this embodiment, a bell, a weak watermelon, a strong watermelon, a weak cherry, a strong cherry, a middle cherry, BB1, BB2) is won during non-AT. If so, the AT lottery process for determining whether or not to control the AT is performed. The AT lottery process may be executed after the internal lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, for example, as long as it is executed at a predetermined timing in the progress of one game. The specific lottery target combination will be described as an example of BB1, BB2, and simultaneous winning combination in the internal lottery, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may include a part of the simultaneous winning combination, or BB1 or It may include a winning combination that cannot be won at the same time as BB2.

In the AT lottery process, it is determined whether or not to control the AT, and when it is determined to be controlled by the AT, the number of AT games is determined from the number of multiple types of games (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300). .. The number of AT games is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 41. In addition, the main control unit 41 draws a lottery for the timing to start the AT. The main control unit 41 determines, for example, to start AT (timing to start AT) 0 to 32 games after the AT winning game by drawing a random number.

The reliability determined to be controlled by AT in the AT lottery and the expected value of the number of AT games determined when controlling AT (the average number of games to be acquired), which are advantages for the player, are specific lottery targets. It is set differently according to the type of role, for example, the middle cherry is the highest, followed by the strong cherry, the strong watermelon, the weak cherry, the weak watermelon, and the AT lottery is done so that the bell is the lowest. Will be done. Further, the reliability determined to be controlled by the AT in the AT lottery and the expected value of the number of AT games determined when the AT is controlled are determined even when the same specific lottery target combination is won. , When the specific lottery target combination is not won at the same time as BB1 or BB2 (for example, when the strong cherry is won), but when it is won at the same time as BB1 or BB2 (for example, when BB1 + strong cherry is won) The AT lottery is held so that the value is high.

When the AT lottery is performed by winning the simultaneous winning combination in the internal lottery, the sub-control unit 91 performs a process for executing the BB winning and the winning suggestion effect suggesting whether or not the AT has been won at a predetermined timing. .. As the winning suggestion effect, for example, an effect of displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display 51 is provided. The effect of displaying a predetermined image includes, for example, a character A effect, a character B effect, a button effect, a continuous hit effect, and the like. The effect of displaying such a predetermined image is performed together with the control of outputting a predetermined sound effect from the speakers 53 and 54 and the control of lighting the effect effect LED 52, the reel LED 55, and the like. In addition, either control may be performed independently, or may be executed in a combination of two or more (for example, a predetermined image and sound are executed, and LED lighting is not executed, etc.). ..

The character A effect is an effect of displaying the character A. The character B effect is an effect of displaying the character B. The button effect is an effect of displaying a button image to encourage the operation of the effect switch 56, and displaying a predetermined image suggesting the reliability of BB winning or AT winning according to the operation of the effect switch 56. .. The continuous striking effect is to encourage the continuous striking operation to the effect switch 56, increase a predetermined meter image according to the continuous striking operation to the effect switch 56 within a predetermined operation period, and reach MAX to win the BB. Alternatively, it is a production that suggests that the AT has been won.

The sub-control unit 91 has a winning suggestion effect at a different ratio depending on whether the BB winning and the AT winning, only one of the BB winning or the AT winning, or the BB winning and the AT winning are not won. Is executed, and the winning suggestion effect lottery process for determining which type of winning suggestion effect to be executed is executed.

In the winning suggestion effect lottery process, it is determined that the winning suggestion effect is always executed at least when the BB is won or the AT is won, and the winning suggestion effect is executed at a predetermined ratio even when neither the BB nor the AT is won. decide. The predetermined ratio is set to a higher ratio, for example, when the BB winning is a small winning combination with a high reliability. As a result, the winning suggestion effect is executed not only when the BB or AT is won, but also when neither the BB nor the AT is won.

Further, in the winning suggestion effect lottery process, when it is decided to execute the winning suggestion effect, the type of the winning suggestion effect is determined at a different ratio depending on whether or not the winning suggestion effect is at least BB winning or AT winning. Specifically, it is an advantage for the player, and the reliability of winning the BB or AT when executed is in the order of the continuous hitting effect, the button effect, and the character B effect, and the character A effect is the lowest. Therefore, the ratio is set so that the type of winning suggestion effect is determined. The effect to be executed is not limited to one in which one winning suggestion effect is determined, and a plurality of winning suggestion effects may be determined.

The sub-control unit 91 specifies that a specific lottery target combination has been won, that the AT has been won, that the AT has been won or not won, the number of AT games, and the AT start timing by the internal winning command and the AT lottery command, which will be described later. .. The predetermined timing for executing the winning suggestion effect is a game before the AT start timing determined by the lottery for the timing to start the AT (the lottery for starting the AT 0 to 32 games after the AT winning game). For example, if the AT start timing is determined to be after 0 games, the winning suggestion effect is executed in the game (AT winning is notified in the AT winning game). If it is determined that the AT start timing is after 32 games have elapsed, a precursor effect (an effect that incites AT winning) is executed during 31 games, a winning suggestion effect is executed in the 32nd game, and the AT winning is notified.

Here, the sub-control unit 91 also executes a winning suggestion effect (an effect of notifying that the AT is not elected) as an effect of Gase even when it is specified by the AT lottery command that the AT has not been elected. For example, the sub-control unit 91 can win a specific lottery target combination by the internal winning command and specify that the AT is not won by the AT lottery command, but the timing to start the AT is the main control. It has not been decided in Part 41. In such a case, the sub-control unit 91 draws a lottery for the number of games that execute the winning suggestion effect of Gase from 0 to 32 games, and determines the number of games of the winning suggestion effect of Gase.

The main control unit 41 sets the AT flag and controls the AT when the AT start timing comes when the AT is won without winning the BB. On the other hand, when the AT is won together with the BB winning, the main control unit 41 sets the AT flag when the BB winning and the bonus ends, and controls the AT from the next game after the bonus ends. Here, the control to the AT may be controlled at the timing when the AT start timing is determined to be 10 games, for example, when the 10 games become 0 games, or the AT starts at 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 of the main control unit 41, and is cleared when the number of AT games reaches 0. The main control unit 41 identifies whether or not AT is in progress based on the AT flag. During AT, as a result of executing the navigation effect as described later, the RT2 can be controlled. The subtraction of the number of AT games after the start of AT starts from the next game in which the special replay is won (the opportunity to start subtraction is established) at RT0, for example. The same applies to the AT started after the end of BB. As a result, the main control unit 41 can control AT + RT2 over the determined number of AT games.

During AT, the main control unit 41 is an AT game when a special lottery target combination (in this embodiment, special replay, middle cherry, strong cherry, strong watermelon, weak cherry, weak watermelon, bell) is won. An additional lottery will be held to determine whether or not to add a number. The additional lottery may be executed after the internal lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, for example, as long as it is executed at a predetermined timing in the progress of one game.

In the additional lottery, it is decided whether or not to add the number of AT games, and when it is decided to add, the number of AT games is added to the number of AT games from a plurality of types of games (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300). Determine the number of games. The determined number of additional games is added to the number of AT games stored in the predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 41. As a result, 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 the additional suggestion effect suggesting whether or not the additional lottery has been won at a predetermined timing. The additional suggestion effect may be any effect such as displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display 51.

[About various commands]
The main control unit 41 transmits to the sub control unit 91 a command capable of specifying the progress status and the processing result of the game according to the execution of the processing illustrated above. The sub control unit 91 performs various processes based on the command from the main control unit 41.

In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 gives the sub control unit 91 a payout command, a payout completion command, an error start command, an error release command, an internal winning command, a push order command, a stop switch or a start switch operation command, and the like. A plurality of types of commands including a game status command, an AT lottery command, an AT command, an AT game number command, and the like are transmitted.

The payout command is a command that notifies the start of payout of medals and can specify the number of medals to be paid out. The payout command is sent when the payout of medals by winning is started.

The payout completion command is a command for notifying the completion of payout of medals. The payout completion command is sent when the payout of medals by winning is completed.

The error start command is a command that indicates the start of error processing and the type of error. The error start command is sent when error processing is started.

The error release command is a command indicating the end of error processing. The error release command is sent when the reset operation is performed and the error state is released.

The internal winning command is a command that can identify the group to which the winning winning combination belongs according to the result of the internal lottery. The internal winning command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game. By receiving the internal winning command, the sub-control unit 91 can operate the start switch 7 and identify the group to which the winning lottery target combination belongs.

The push order command is a command that can specify an operation procedure (also referred to as a correct answer procedure) for stopping a symbol combination that is advantageous to the player according to the lottery target combination won in the internal lottery. The push order command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game. While the push order command is transmitted during AT, the push order command is not transmitted during non-AT. Therefore, the sub-control unit 91 can specify the correct answer procedure by receiving the push order command during AT, but cannot specify the correct answer procedure during non-AT.

The operation command of the stop switch or start switch is a command indicating that the stop switch or start switch has been operated, and is transmitted at each operation. The game state command is sent when the game state changes. Specifically, it is transmitted when RT shifts or is controlled by a bonus.

The AT lottery command is transmitted when the AT lottery is performed, whether or not the AT lottery is won, how many AT games are won, and what game the AT start timing is (AT winning). It is a command that can identify the number of games).

The AT command is a command that is transmitted when the game starts and can identify whether or not the game is a game during AT. For example, even if the number of AT games is given, if the AT flag is not set and AT is not started, a command that can identify the non-AT is sent, the number of AT games is given, and the AT flag is set. When it is set and the AT is started, a command that can identify the AT is transmitted.

The AT game number command is a command that can specify the number of AT games managed by the main control unit 41, and is transmitted when the game starts. For example, when the number of AT games is 0, a command capable of specifying 0 is transmitted, and when the number of AT games is 100, a command capable of specifying 100 is transmitted.

When the sub-control unit 91 determines to execute the winning suggestion effect and its type by the winning suggestion effect lottery, after executing the winning suggestion effect according to the result of the BB lottery / AT lottery at the start of the next game, Notify the results of the BB lottery and the AT lottery.

As a result of the BB lottery and the AT lottery, when both are not won, a message such as "Sorry!" Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, and when the BB is won, a message such as "BB confirmed!" Is executed. Is executed on the liquid crystal display 51, and when the AT is won, a message such as "AT confirmed!" And a message such as "100 games won!" That can specify the number of acquired AT games are displayed on the liquid crystal display. The effect to be displayed on the 51 is executed, and when the BB is won and the AT is won, the number of acquired AT games can be specified such as "AT for 100 games after the end of BB!" With a message such as "BB / AT confirmed!" An effect of displaying a message on the liquid crystal display 51 is executed. When a BB prize is won in a game in which the BB is won, the sub-control unit 91 does not execute a winning suggestion effect for notifying the BB winning.

Further, the sub-control unit 91 calculates not only the number of AT games but also the number of differences from the number of AT games at the time of the previous reception based on the number of AT games command, so that the number of AT games acquired by the AT winning or the additional winning is calculated. Identify and execute the additional suggestion effect.

In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the sub-control unit 91 executes an effect using a background image according to a state, a navigation effect, a winning suggestion effect, an additional suggestion effect, and the like by controlling a predetermined notification means. However, instead of or in addition to the control of the sub-control unit 91, the notification connected to the main control unit 41 is used for the effect of the background image according to the state, the navigation effect, the winning suggestion effect, the additional suggestion effect, and the like. The means may be executed by being controlled by the main control unit 41. For example, the effect of the background image according to the state may be executed by displaying the information corresponding to the state by using the game auxiliary display 12 shown in FIG. Further, the navigation effect may be executed by using the left / middle / right stop effective LEDs 22L to 22R shown in FIG. 4 and lighting only the LED corresponding to the stop switch to be stopped. The left / middle / right stop effective LEDs 22L to 22R are provided inside the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is effective in the normal state. It is an LED that notifies the effect by lighting. Further, regarding the winning suggestion effect and the additional suggestion effect, the game auxiliary display 12 shown in FIG. 4 is used to display information according to the lottery result, and the AT game acquired when the AT is won or the additional winning is performed. The number may be displayed.

[Game flow]
Here, the flow of the game will be collectively described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 again. First, the flow of the game in RT0 to RT3 other than RT4 and the bonus will be described. In RTs 0 to 3, the flow of the game is as described below, depending on whether or not AT is in progress. First, the flow of the game during non-AT will be described.

It is controlled by RT3 after the setting change state is completed. Since it becomes non-AT by being controlled to the setting change state, it is not controlled by AT in RT3, and the navigation effect is not executed. In this way, since the navigation effect is not executed in RT3, if any of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won in RT3, a transition result is obtained depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop. Is derived (see FIG. 14). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience such that the transition result is not derived and the transition to RT1 is not performed forever.

In RT1, by winning the promotion replay, it shifts to RT0. In order to win the promotion replay, as shown in FIG. 13, it is necessary to win the replay GR1 to 6 and stop the operation according to the operation procedure for winning the promotion replay.

Further, even when the control is performed by RT0, it is set so that it is difficult to maintain the control to the RT0. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, in RT0, there is a possibility that the replays GR11 to 13 are won, and at this time, the fall replay wins a prize with a probability of 2/3 and falls to RT1.

Further, when any of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won at RT0, the first stop is performed except for the predetermined reel (the reel for winning the right-down bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14). Occasionally, depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop, a shift result is derived and the reel falls to RT1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, in RT0, there is a possibility that the replay GR21 to 23 will be won, and at this time, a predetermined reel (reel for winning the special replay shown in FIG. 13) is used. When the first stop, there is a possibility that a special replay will win and be controlled by RT2. However, even when controlled by RT2, when any of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won, a reel other than the predetermined reel (the reel for winning the right-down bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14) is used. When the first stop is made, a shift result is derived depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop, and the reel falls to RT1. As a result, most of the game during non-AT will be digested at RT1.

Next, the flow of the game during AT will be described. In RT1, when any of the replays GR1 to GR6 is won, a navigation effect for specifying the 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. In RT0, when any of the replays GR11 to 13 is won, a navigation effect for specifying the operation procedure for winning the normal replay can be executed. Therefore, RT0 can be maintained by the normal replay winning by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect. Further, in RT0, in order to specify the operation procedure for winning the right-down bell or the middle bell when any of the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4, and the right bells 1 to 4 is won. Navigation production is executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to avoid the derivation of the transition result and maintain RT0. Further, in RT0, when any 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 winning a special replay.

In RT2, when any of the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4, and the right bells 1 to 4 is won, the navigation for specifying the operation procedure for winning the right-down bell or the middle bell. The production is executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to avoid the derivation of 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 the RT2 and the RT2 is maintained, so that the slot machine 1 is in the AT. Most of the games will be digested at RT2. The AT ends when the number of AT games reaches 0. The number of AT games can be controlled by RT2 + AT (in the present embodiment, the state in which the AT is controlled by the AT in RT2, which is advantageous for the player, is particularly referred to as an assist replay time (hereinafter referred to as ART)). The count starts from the next game of the game that has become possible, that is, the next game of the game in which one of the replay 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 consumed by the ART. Then, the ART ends when the AT ends.

After the ART is finished, the navigation effect is not executed, but the control to the RT2 is maintained until the transition result is derived. However, during RT2 after the end of ART, since it is non-AT, as described above, the reels other than the predetermined reels (the reels for winning the right-down bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14) are first stopped. NS. As a result, during RT2 after the end of ART, the transition to RT1 is performed by stopping the transition roll at an extremely early stage after the end of ART.

Next, the flow of the game after winning BB1 or BB2 will be described. Regardless of which RT is controlled, when BB1 or BB2 is won, it is controlled to RT4 as shown in FIG. In addition, in the next game after the end of the BB winning game, the winning suggestion effect is executed to notify that the BB has been won, and the player can grasp that the BB1 or the BB2 has been won. When the BB prize is generated, the bonus is transferred to the corresponding bonus, and when the predetermined number of finished sheets is paid out, the process ends and the system is transferred to RT3. Here, when the BB wins at the same time as another lottery target combination, the reel control is performed so that the lottery target combination other than the BB wins preferentially. Therefore, when the probability of winning a small role or a replay combination in RT4 is high, it is difficult for BB winning to occur and it is difficult to shift to a bonus. Therefore, in RT4, the probability of winning the re-game combination is set to be lower than that of RT0 or RT2 (see FIG. 9). Further, in RT0 to RT4, the probability of winning a small winning combination that is a lottery target combination other than the replaying combination is set so as not to change. Therefore, in RT4, it is easy to win the BB alone, and it is less likely that the bonus cannot be transferred forever.

[About the error that interrupts the payout]
Here, again, referring to FIG. 3, the error of interrupting the payout of medals will be described. Examples of such an error include the "hopper empty error" and the "medal selector error" described below.

There is a hopper empty error as an error that interrupts the payout of medals. Specifically, an error occurs when the medals stored in the hopper tank 34a are emptied. There are the following two methods for determining that the medal of the hopper tank 34a is empty. One method is to determine that the medal is empty because the sensor that detects the payout of the medal does not detect the payout for a predetermined time. If the payout for a predetermined time is not detected even though the hopper motor 34b is driven, it can be determined that the medals in the hopper tank 34a are empty or the medals are clogged in the hopper tank 34a. Is. Another method is to monitor the storage status of medals in the hopper tank 34a by image recognition, or to monitor the storage status of medals in the hopper tank 34a by weight detection so that the medals are empty. This is a method for determining (a method for directly monitoring the storage status of medals in the hopper tank 34a).

The situations in which a hopper empty error can occur are as follows. For example, when controlled by ART, more medals are paid out than medals are put in. In such a case, the medals stored in the hopper tank 34a become empty, and a hopper empty error may occur. Further, even if it is not ART, a hopper empty error occurs even when the medal in the hopper tank 34a is emptied by a fraudulent act of illegally taking out the medal.

There is a medal selector error as an error that interrupts the payout of medals. Specifically, an error occurs when it is detected that medals are retained in the medal selector 29, such as when the medals are jammed in the medal selector 29. For example, if a fraudster commits a fraudulent act of throwing a foreign object into the slot machine 1 and the foreign object is clogged in the medal selector 29, a medal selector error occurs.

In addition, unlike the above, as an error that does not interrupt the payout of medals, for example, an error that occurs when a command abnormality is detected in a command received by the sub-control unit 91 can be mentioned. In addition, there is an error caused by a defective operation of an accessory such as a shutter as a movable body used for production. Even if such an error that does not directly affect the processing by the main control unit 41 occurs, the payout of the medals currently being paid out is not temporarily stopped.

[Error handling]
In the slot machine 1, when the above-mentioned error for interrupting the payout (“hopper empty error”, “medal selector error”, etc.) occurs, the main control unit 41 detects the occurrence of the error by the timer interrupt process. When the main control unit 41 detects an error, the main control unit 41 executes an error process that disables the progress of the game. Specifically, the main control unit 41 displays an error code on the game auxiliary display 12 in the error processing. Further, the main control unit 41 transmits an error start command to the sub control unit 91 in error processing. When the sub-control unit 91 receives the error start command, the sub-control unit 91 displays an image indicating that an error has occurred on the screen of the liquid crystal display 51, and outputs an error sound from the speakers 53 and 54. At this time, if the payout sound is being output from the speakers 53 and 54, the payout sound is stopped and then the error sound is output. In this way, when the error processing is executed, the error code is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, so that the information that can identify the number of payouts and the reel stop order by the navigation notification is not displayed, and the game progresses. Becomes impossible. Further, when the error processing is executed, an image indicating that an error has occurred is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 51, and an error notification sound is output from the speakers 53 and 54. It is not displayed and the game cannot proceed. It should be noted that the progress of the game becomes impossible when an error occurs when paying out medals such as a hopper empty error, an error which occurs when inserting medals such as a medal selector error, or when the data of RAM 41c is not normal. An error such as a RAM error may occur.

With reference to FIG. 3 again, the reset operation for canceling the error state is the operation of the reset switch 23 provided inside the front door 1b and the reset / setting switch 38 provided on the front surface of the power supply box 100. This can be achieved by either the above operation or the operation of inserting the door key into the key hole 110 provided in the front door 1b and rotating it counterclockwise. The reset operation by the reset switch 23 or the reset / setting switch 38 cannot be performed unless the front door 1b is opened, but the reset operation by the door key can be operated without opening the front door 1b.

When the main control unit 41 receives the reset operation, the main control unit 41 clears the display of the error code of the game auxiliary display 12. Further, the main control unit 41 transmits an error release command indicating that the error processing is terminated to the sub control unit 91. When the sub-control unit 91 receives the error release command, the sub-control unit 91 clears the display of the error image on the liquid crystal display 51. The output of the error sound from the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after receiving the error release command. When the error is cleared, the main control unit 41 executes a process based on the operation of the start switch 7 and the stop switch. In this way, when the error is cleared, the game can proceed.

[About display of the number of payouts]
The number of medals to be paid out is displayed by the game auxiliary display 12 and the liquid crystal display 51.

For example, if the middle bell wins, eight medals will be paid out. Upon winning the prize, the hopper motor 34b is driven, and the medals stored in the hopper tank 34a are started to be paid out from the medal payout outlet 9. Every time a medal is paid out from the medal payout exit 9, the number of medals currently paid out is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12. In the state where the payout has not started, "00" is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, indicating that the current payout number is "0". In the state where one piece is paid out, "01" is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, indicating that the current number of pieces to be paid out is "1 piece". Similarly, in a state where all medals (8 medals) have been paid out, "08" is displayed on the game auxiliary display 12, indicating that the current number of medals to be paid out is "8". If a payout error occurs in the middle of payout and the payout of medals is stopped in the middle, the update of the payout number is stopped when the game auxiliary display 12 also displays the number of medals actually paid out.

When the payout of medals starts, the main control unit sends a payout command capable of specifying the number of medals to be paid out (8 medals). The sub-control unit 91 updates the display of the number of payouts on the liquid crystal display 51 based on the received payout command. For example, if the current number of payouts is eight, "8" is displayed at the lower right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 51. Further, when controlled by the AT, the number of medals paid out after being controlled by the AT (hereinafter, also referred to as "total number of medals paid out") is updated. For example, when the number of medals paid out after being controlled by the AT is 500, "TOTAL500" is displayed on the upper left of the screen of the liquid crystal display 51. Further, the sub-control unit 91 outputs the payout sound from the speakers 53 and 54 based on the received payout command.

When the sub-control unit 91 receives a payout command indicating that the number of payouts is eight, the sub-control unit 91 is instructed regardless of whether or not a situation occurs in which medals are not paid out due to the influence of a payout error that occurs on the way. The display of "number of payouts" and "total number of payouts" on the liquid crystal display 51 is updated one by one until the number of payouts (= 8) is reached. That is, the "payout number" is updated from "0" to "1" upon receiving the payout command, and thereafter, "2", "3", "4", "5", "6". It is updated with "sheets", "7 sheets", and "8 sheets". On the other hand, the "total number of payouts" is updated from "495" to "496" by receiving the payout command if, for example, the number of coins before receiving the payout command is "495", and thereafter, "497". , "498 sheets", "499 sheets", "500 sheets", "501 sheets", "502 sheets", "503 sheets". In this way, on the liquid crystal display 51, the display is updated regardless of the actual payout of medals.

When the payout of medals is completed (the payout of eight medals is completed), the main control unit sends a payout completion command notifying the completion of payout of medals. If the payout completion command is received by the sub-control unit 91 without the payout error occurring, the payout sound output is stopped.

[Payout sound when no error occurs]
FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining a payout sound and the like when an error does not occur during the payout of medals. The horizontal axis indicates the time t, and from the top, "hopper operation", "command", "error", "error sound", "payout sound", and "specific effect" indicate whether they are on or off. ing. Further, the display states of the "game auxiliary display 12 (main side display)" and the "liquid crystal display 51 (sub side display)" are shown.

Hereinafter, description will be made based on the timing chart of FIG. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the game state of RT2 is controlled and the state is controlled by AT (ART). In RT2, the probability of winning a replay is higher than in RT0 and RT1, so it is possible to gradually increase the number of medals by winning a bell, which is an eight-card role. When the player increases the number of medals, the number of medals to be paid out from the medal payout outlet 9 is larger than the number of medals to be inserted into the medal insertion unit 4, so that the number of medals in the hopper tank 34a gradually decreases. .. Then, when the medal in the hopper tank 34a is emptied, a hopper empty error occurs. Hereinafter, in FIG. 15, a case where a hopper empty error does not occur during the payout of medals will be described. A case where a hopper empty error occurs during the payout of medals will be described with reference to FIG.

In the timing chart of FIG. 15, medals have not been paid out before time t1. Further, it is assumed that the number of medals paid out after being controlled by the AT (total number of medals paid out) is "495". On the game auxiliary display 12, "00" indicating that the current number of payouts is "0" is displayed. On the liquid crystal display 51, "0" indicating that the current number of payouts is "0" is displayed at the lower right of the screen, and "495" indicates that the total number of payouts is "495". "TOTAL495" is displayed on the upper left of the screen. The display of the liquid crystal display 51 is as shown in FIG. 15 (A), but it is simplified and displayed as shown in FIG. 15 (B) on the time chart.

It is assumed that the middle bell is won at time t1. Eight medals will be paid out by winning the middle bell. At this time, the hopper motor 34b is driven, and the medals stored in the hopper tank 34a are started to be paid out from the medal payout outlet 9 (the "hopper operation" state changes from the off state to the on state). Further, the main control unit transmits a payout command indicating that the payout of eight medals is started. When the first medal is paid out from the medal payout exit 9, the display of the game auxiliary display 12 is updated from "00" to "01" indicating that the current number of medals to be paid out is "1". Will be done.

When the payout command is received by the sub-control unit 91 at time t2, the output of the payout sound is started from the speakers 53 and 54 (the "payout sound" changes from the off state to the on state). Further, the display of the number of payouts of the liquid crystal display 51 is updated from "0" to "1", and the display of the total number of payouts is updated from "495" to "496".

At time t2 to t3, the display of the game auxiliary display 12 is updated every time the hopper motor 34b is driven and one medal is paid out from the medal payout outlet 9. For example, when the actual number of medals paid out from the medal payout port 9 becomes "2", the display of the game auxiliary display 12 is updated from "01" to "02". Similarly, the display of the game auxiliary display 12 is updated up to "8", which is the number of payouts due to the winning of the middle bell, and finally "08" is displayed.

On the other hand, in the liquid crystal display 51 that starts updating the display upon receiving the payout command, the display is updated at regular time intervals regardless of the actual payout from the medal payout outlet 9. However, the update of the display will be completed at the timing corresponding to the timing when the payout from the medal payout exit 9 is normally completed (the payout completion timing when the payout is normally completed without stopping the payout due to an error). The display is updated. For example, when the time until the eight sheets are actually paid out is T seconds, the update completion timing of the liquid crystal display 51 may also be T seconds. However, it is not always necessary to match the update completion timing, and it may be shorter than T seconds.

On the liquid crystal display 51, the display of the number of payouts is updated one by one from "0" to "8" of the middle bell payout (8 in total), and the total number of payouts is "495". Is updated one by one from "" to "503" (total of 8 is added).

At time t3, when the payout of eight medals is completed from the medal payout outlet 9, the hopper motor 34b stops driving (the "hopper operation" state changes from the on state to the off state). Further, the main control unit transmits a payout completion command, which is a command for notifying the completion of payout of medals.

When the sub-control unit 91 receives the payout completion command at the time t4, the speakers 53 and 54 stop the output of the payout sound (the "payout sound" changes from the on state to the off state). Further, since the total number of payouts exceeds 500 when the payout completion command is received, a notification effect for notifying that the total number of payouts exceeds 500 is executed. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the total number of payouts exceeds a certain number, a notification effect is provided to enhance the satisfaction of the player. However, as shown in FIG. 15, the time when the total number of payouts exceeds 500 is a time before the time t4. In the present embodiment, even if the total number of payouts during the payout reaches a certain number worthy of the notification effect, such a notification effect is performed after waiting for all the payouts to be completed. Specifically, after the total number of payouts exceeds a certain number, such a notification effect is performed at the timing when the payout completion command is received. In this embodiment, the notification effect performed after waiting for the receipt of the payout completion command is referred to as a specific effect.

As shown in FIG. 15, such a "specific effect" is executed at the time t4 (the "specific effect" changes from the off state to the on state). Specifically, the liquid crystal display 51 displays "500 sheets OVER!" Notifying that the total number of sheets to be paid out exceeds 500 sheets. Not only when the total number of payouts is "500", for example, "1000", "2000", etc. may be executed every time the total number of payouts exceeds a predetermined total number of payouts.

[Payout sound when an error occurs]
FIG. 16 is a timing chart for explaining the payout sound and the like when an error occurs during the payout of medals. The horizontal axis indicates the time t, and from the top, "hopper operation", "command", "error (hopper empty error)", "error sound", "payout sound", and "specific effect" are either on or off. It shows whether it is. Further, the display states of the "game auxiliary display 12 (main side display)" and the "liquid crystal display 51 (sub side display)" are shown. The description of the part that overlaps with the description of FIG. 15 will be omitted.

Hereinafter, description will be made based on the timing chart of FIG. Also in FIG. 16, it is assumed that the game state of RT2 is controlled and the state is controlled by AT (ART) as in FIG. In FIG. 16, unlike FIG. 15, the medals in the hopper tank 34a disappear during the payout, and a hopper empty error occurs.

In the timing chart, the medals have not been paid out before the time t1. Further, it is assumed that the number of medals paid out after being controlled by the AT (total number of medals paid out) is "495". On the game auxiliary display 12, "00" indicating that the current number of payouts is "0" is displayed. On the liquid crystal display 51, "0" indicating that the current number of payouts is "0" is displayed at the lower right of the screen, and "495" indicates that the total number of payouts is "495". "TOTAL495" is displayed on the upper left of the screen.

It is assumed that the middle bell is won at time t1. Eight medals will be paid out by winning the middle bell. At this time, the hopper motor 34b is driven, and the medals stored in the hopper tank 34a are started to be paid out from the medal payout outlet 9 (the "hopper operation" state changes from the off state to the on state). Further, the main control unit transmits a payout command that notifies the start of payout of medals and makes it possible to specify the number of medals to be paid out (8 medals). When the first medal is paid out from the medal payout exit 9, the display of the game auxiliary display 12 is updated from "00" to "01" indicating that the current number of medals to be paid out is "1". Will be done.

When the payout command is received by the sub-control unit 91 at time t2, the output of the payout sound is started from the speakers 53 and 54 (the "payout sound" changes from the off state to the on state). Further, the display of the number of payouts of the liquid crystal display 51 is updated from "0" to "1", and the display of the total number of payouts is updated from "495" to "496".

Further, the second medal is paid out from the medal payout exit 9, and the display of the game auxiliary display 12 is updated from "01" to "02" indicating that the current number of medals to be paid out is "2". Will be done. Here, it is assumed that the number of medals stored in 34a becomes 0 when the second medal is paid out. At this time, since there is a possibility that medals remain in the hopper tank 34a, the hopper motor 34b continues to drive (idle) for a specified number of seconds.

During this period, since the actual number of medals to be paid out from the medal payout outlet 9 remains "2", the display of the game auxiliary display 12 remains "02" and stops. On the other hand, the liquid crystal display 51, which starts updating the display upon receiving the payout command, updates the display regardless of the actual payout from the medal payout outlet 9. The display of the liquid crystal display 51 is updated one by one from "0" to "8" of the middle bell payouts (8 in total), and the total number of payouts is "495". Is updated one by one from "" to "503" (total of 8 is added). The display of the number of payouts and the total number of payouts is updated so that the display is completed at the timing corresponding to the timing when the actual payout from the medal payout outlet 9 is completed.

A hopper empty error occurs at the time t4 when the hopper motor 34b idles for a specified number of seconds (the "hopper empty error" changes from the off state to the on state). When the sub-control unit 91 receives the error start command due to the occurrence of an error, the speakers 53 and 54 output an error sound notifying that an error has occurred (the "error sound" changes from the off state to the on state. Become). At this time, the output of the payout sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped (the "payout sound" changes from the on state to the off state), and the output of the error sound is prioritized.

During the period from t4 to t5 from the occurrence of the error to the resolution of the error, the liquid crystal display 51 displays the "number of payouts" and the "total number of payouts" as shown in FIG. 16 (A). It is not performed, and the display switches to notify that an error has occurred.

The hopper empty error is cleared as follows. First, a clerk of a game store opens the front door 1b and replenishes medals in the empty hopper tank 34a. Then, the front door 1b is closed. At time t5, the error state is cleared by a reset operation in which the door key is inserted into the key hole 110 provided in the front door 1b and rotated counterclockwise (the "error" changes from the on state to the off state). However, the output of the error sound is not stopped, and the output of the error sound is continued for a predetermined period. Then, at time t6 after the lapse of a predetermined period, the output of the error sound is stopped (the "error sound" changes from the on state to the off state).

When the error state is released at time t5, the hopper motor 34b resumes driving (the "hopper operating" state changes from the off state to the on state), and the stopped medal payout is resumed. At time t5, the third medal is paid out from the medal payout exit 9. Along with this, the display of the game auxiliary display 12 is updated from "02" to "03" indicating that the current number of payouts is "3". On the other hand, the display of "number of payouts" and "total number of payouts" on the liquid crystal display 51 is not updated. This is because the display update has already been completed before the time t4. When the error is cleared at time t5, the error display on the liquid crystal display 51 disappears and the screen returns to the original screen. The "payout number" displays the originally displayed "8 sheets", and the "total payout number" also displays the originally displayed "503 sheets".

Even if the error state is cleared at time t5, the payout command is not transmitted again (the "payout command" does not change from the off state to the on state). In addition, the payout sound is not output again (the "payout sound" does not change from the off state to the on state).

At times t5 to t7, the display of the game auxiliary display 12 is updated every time one medal is paid out from the medal payout outlet 9. By time t7, the third to eighth medals will be paid out. The game auxiliary display 12 updates the display every time one sheet is paid out, and finally "08" is displayed.

At time t7, when the payout of eight medals is completed from the medal payout outlet 9, the hopper motor 34b stops driving (the "hopper operation" state changes from the on state to the off state). Further, the main control unit transmits a payout completion command, which is a command for notifying the completion of payout of medals.

At time t8, the sub-control unit 91 has received the payout completion command. Since the total number of payouts exceeds 500 when the payout completion command is received (the total number of payouts is "503"), a "specific effect" is executed to notify that the total number of payouts exceeds 500. ("Specific effect" changes from off state to on state). At this time, the liquid crystal display 51 displays "500 sheets OVER!" Notifying that the total number of sheets to be paid out exceeds 500 sheets. Since the speakers 53 and 54 have already stopped the output of the payout sound, the output of the payout sound is not affected by the reception of the payout completion command.

In the present embodiment, the reason for executing the specific effect after receiving the payout completion command is as follows. The reason for notifying that the total number of medals paid out exceeds the specified amount (for example, 500) during AT is to make the player aware that the number of medals has increased during AT and to entertain (to give satisfaction). For example, a specific effect for 10 seconds is performed. Assuming that the specific effect is performed when the total number of payouts exceeds the specified amount before the payout is completed, the display of the liquid crystal display 51 is switched from the specific effect screen to the error screen due to the subsequent occurrence of the payout error, and the specific effect is performed. May be interrupted. When the hopper spins idle due to running out of medals and a hopper empty error occurs, the place where the specific effect is originally performed for 10 seconds is switched to the error display in about 3 seconds, for example, and the player cannot be entertained. By executing the specific effect after receiving the payout completion command, the notification period (10 seconds) of the specific effect can be surely secured. Further, for example, it is conceivable to perform a specific effect at the same time as winning a prize, but the payout is not actually completed, and the total number of payouts does not exceed 500. For this reason, a specific effect is performed after receiving the payout completion command in which the total number of payouts actually exceeds 500.

[Main effects obtained by the embodiment]
Next, the main configurations and effects obtained by the above-described embodiment will be described.

A gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 1, a pachinko gaming machine) capable of playing a game, the game control means for controlling the game (for example, the main control unit 41) and the effect control means for controlling the effect (for example). , Sub-control unit 91) and granting means for imparting game value (for example, a medal in slot machine 1 or a pachinko ball in a pachinko gaming machine) (for example, when a small winning combination is won by the main control unit 41). The process of granting medals) and sound output means capable of outputting the granting sound corresponding to the granting of gaming value (for example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 15, and 16), are controlled by the sub-control unit 91. Speakers 53, 54) that output the payout sound, and means that are controlled by the game control means, and are displayed on the first display unit (for example, the game auxiliary display 12) when the game value is given. First information (for example, the number of payouts) can be updated with the first update means (for example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16), the main control unit 41 causes the game auxiliary display 12 to display the number of payouts. The second information (for example, the number of payouts, AT) displayed on the second display unit (for example, the liquid crystal display 51) when the gaming value is given, which is a means controlled by the effect control means. A second updating means (for example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16) capable of updating the number of medals paid out after being played (total number of paid out) is the number of paid out and the total number of medals paid out to the liquid crystal display 51 by the sub-control unit 91. (Processing to display the number of payouts), the granting means, when the granting of the gaming value is interrupted due to the occurrence of an error state before the granting of the gaming value is completed, after the error state is resolved. The addition of the gaming value is restarted (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the payout of the medal is restarted when the error is cleared at the time t5 after the error occurs at the time t4), and the sound output means is used. When the error state does not occur, the output of the added sound is completed according to the timing related to the completion of the addition of the gaming value (for example, as shown in FIG. 15, at the timing related to the time t3 at which the payout is completed. (Correspondingly, the output of the payout sound is completed at time t4) On the other hand, when the addition of the game value is resumed after the error state that occurred before the addition of the game value is completed, the output of the added sound is output. (For example, as shown in FIG. 16, after the error state that occurred at time t4 before the payout is completed is resolved. When the payout is resumed at time t5, the output of the payout sound is not restarted), the second updating means, when the error state does not occur, the second information according to the timing related to the completion of the addition of the game value. (For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the update of the number of payouts and the total number of payouts of the liquid crystal display 51 is completed according to the timing related to the time t3 when the payout is completed). , When the addition of the game value is resumed after the error state that occurred before the addition of the game value is completed, the update of the second information is not restarted (for example, as shown in FIG. 16). When the payout is resumed at the time t5 after the error state that occurred at the time t4 before the completion is completed, the update of the number of payouts and the total number of payouts of the liquid crystal display 51 is not restarted), the first update means. Completes the update of the first information according to the timing related to the completion of granting the game value when the error state does not occur (for example, as shown in FIG. 15, related to the time t3 at which the payout is completed. The update of the payout number of the game auxiliary display 12 is completed according to the timing of the game), and the game value is resumed after the error state that occurred before the game value is completed is resolved. When the update of the first information is restarted (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the payout is restarted at the time t5 after the error state that occurred at the time t4 before the payout is completed, the game assistance display is resumed. Resuming the update of the display of the number of payouts of the vessel 12).

According to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, when the payout is restarted at the time t5 after the error state generated at the time t4 before the payout is completed, the output of the payout sound is restarted. However, since the update of the display of the number of payouts and the total number of payouts of the liquid crystal display 51 is not restarted, the processing load after the error state is resolved is reduced.

Further, according to such a configuration, as shown at the time t2 in FIG. 15 and the time t2 in FIG. 16, the sub-control unit 91 generates a payout sound based on the payout command, so that the payout sound is generated at the timing related to the payout. The payout sound can be output.

Further, according to such a configuration, as shown at time t4 in FIG. 15, since the sub-control unit 91 ends the output of the payout sound based on the payout completion command, the payout sound is output at the timing related to the payout completion. The sub-control unit 91 can grasp the medal payout completion timing by the payout completion command.

Further, according to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, when the payout command is resumed at the time t5 after the error state is resolved, the payout command is not transmitted, while the medal resumed at the time t7. Since the payout completion command is transmitted when the payout is completed, the sub-control unit 91 can grasp the medal payout completion timing even after the error is cleared by the payout completion command.

Further, according to such a configuration, as shown at time t4 in FIG. 15 and time t8 in FIG. 16, it is possible to execute a specific effect that the total number of payouts exceeds 500 based on the payout completion command. be. The payout completion command is originally a trigger to complete the output of the payout sound, but by using the payout completion command as a trigger to start execution of the specific effect, the specific effect is executed even after the error state is resolved. Can be made to.

Further, according to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, when an error state occurs at time t4 while waiting for the completion of medal payout after the total number of medals to be paid out reaches 500, an error state occurs. Waiting for the completion of the payout of medals resumed after the resolution of the above, a specific effect is performed to the effect that the total number of medals to be paid out exceeds 500 at time t8. The payout completion command is originally a trigger to complete the output of the payout sound, but by using the payout completion command as a trigger to start execution of the specific effect, the specific effect is executed even after the error state is resolved. Can be made to.

Further, according to such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, the output of the payout sound is not restarted at the time t5 after the error state generated before the completion of the payout of the medal is resolved, but the payout of the medal is paid out. The output of the error sound is continued from time t5 to time t6 after the error state generated before the completion of is resolved. If the output of the payout sound is restarted, the payout sound and the error sound overlap, and each other's sounds interfere with each other's notification. In this way, by outputting the error sound without restarting the output of the payout sound, the notification by the error sound is not hindered.

[Modification example]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[About error cancellation and error sound]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, at time t5, the hopper empty error was canceled by a reset operation using the door key without opening the front door 1b. At this time, although all the errors were cleared, the output of the error sound was not stopped and continued for a predetermined period (time t5 to t6). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following may be applied. The hopper empty error can be canceled not only by the reset operation by the door key but also by the reset operation by the reset switch 23 or the reset / setting switch 38. The reset switch 23 and the reset / setting switch 38 can be operated only when the front door 1b is open. Immediately after the error is cleared, the door remains open, so even if the hopper empty error is cleared, the door open error is still detected. The error sound after the hopper empty error is released may be output by closing the front door 1b and continuing the output until the door opening error is released. Further, the error sound after the hopper empty error is released may be continuously output for a predetermined period after the front door 1b is closed and the door opening error is released.

When the hopper empty error is canceled with the front door 1b open, the hopper motor 34b starts driving with the front door 1b open, and the payout of medals is resumed. At this time, the display of the game auxiliary display 12 is updated every time one medal is paid out. However, since the door opening error still occurs, the liquid crystal display 51 is displayed to notify that the error has occurred (displayed until the front door 1b is closed). However, not limited to this, when the hopper empty error is canceled with the front door 1b open (door open signal is on), the condition is that the front door 1b is closed (door open signal is off). The hopper motor 34b may be driven to restart the payout from the medal payout outlet 9.

[About specific production]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a specific effect for notifying that the total number of payouts exceeds 500 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be used to notify that the number of AT games has been added as a specific effect. For example, it is assumed that during AT, when a strong watermelon is won, the additional lottery is also won and the number of AT games of 50 games is added. At this time, as described with reference to FIG. 16, it is assumed that a hopper empty error occurs during the payout of the number of payouts (5 pieces) due to the winning. Further, when the payout is completed by canceling the error, the payout completion command is transmitted to the main control unit 41. When the sub-control unit 91 receives the payout completion command, an additional suggestion effect suggesting whether or not the additional winner has been won is performed. For example, the liquid crystal display 51 displays "+ 50G" or the like indicating that the number of AT games of 50 games has been added.

[About payout command and payout completion command]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, when the payout command is received at time t2, the output of the payout sound is started, and when the payout completion command is received at time t4, the output of the payout sound is output. I tried to stop it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output of the payout sound may be started by receiving the payout command, and the output of the payout sound may be stopped without receiving the payout completion command. For example, suppose that a bell prize is paid out for eight cards. The sub-control unit 91 sets the output period of the payout sound having a length corresponding to the number of payouts (8 pieces) specified by the payout command. Then, the output of the payout sound may be stopped after the output period of the payout sound has elapsed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, one payout command is transmitted for eight payouts by winning a bell, and a payout sound (continuous sound) having a certain length corresponding to the eight payouts is transmitted. Is output. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a payout command may be sent each time one payout is made. In this case, each time a payout command is received, a payout sound (short sound) of a certain length corresponding to one payout is output, and a total of eight payout sounds are output.

[About a modified example of a slot machine]
As the above embodiment, the slot machine that pays out the game medium to the player's hand when a prize is generated has been described, but the game medium is enclosed and the game medium is paid out to the player's hand when the prize is generated. An enclosed slot machine that adds game points (scores) may be adopted without any problem. 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 a gaming machine. Further, it is a slot machine provided with a game area in which a game ball can be fired to play a game, and a bet number can be set according to the game ball passing through a predetermined area provided in the game area. You may.

[About production and notification]
In the above-described example, an example in which the effect and notification are performed using the liquid crystal display 51 and the speakers 53 and 54 has been given. For example, the back lamp arranged on the back side (inside) of the reel (the reel LED 55 of the above embodiment) ), A transmissive liquid crystal display (a liquid crystal display configured to allow the reel to be seen) arranged on the front side of the reel, lamps and LEDs attached to the front door 1b, vibration of the stop switch, and surroundings of the stop switch. The effect may be executed by a means different from the above-described embodiment, such as blowing air from the reel or changing the temperature of the stop switch.

[About AT]
In the above example of the slot machine, an example in which the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT has been described, but the control related to the AT executed by the main control unit 41 includes the execution of the AT lottery. The AT lottery may include a determination of winning or not winning the AT lottery, a determination of whether or not to stock the number of AT games, a determination of the number of AT games, a lottery for adding the number of AT games, and the like. Further, as the control related to AT, the control of the high probability state of the AT lottery can be mentioned. To control the high probability state of the AT lottery, control that the winning probability of the AT lottery becomes high, control that shortens the period until the AT is controlled according to the result of the internal lottery, the winning probability of the additional lottery, and the game. Includes controls that give preferential treatment to numbers. Further, as the control related to the AT, it is possible to control the AT when the specified number of games have been digested. The time when the specified number of games is exhausted includes the time when the number of ceiling games is reached and the time when the number of games determined by lottery is reached. Further, as the control related to AT, there is a control for setting a precursory period. The control for setting the precursor period includes, for example, a control for executing the production of 0 to 32 games in the precursor period before the start of the AT. Further, as a control related to AT, a control for giving a penalty can be mentioned. Controls that grant penalties include determining the content of the penalty, determining or setting the penalty period. Further, as the control related to the AT, the main control unit 41 may control the lighting of the lamp or the LED indicating that the AT is in progress.

Further, as the control related to the AT, the main control unit 41 may control the lighting of the lamps and LEDs for executing the navigation effect. Further, the sub control unit 91 may execute the navigation effect in conjunction with the main control unit 41 executing the navigation effect. Further, when the main control unit 41 improves the lottery probability, for example, when controlling the AT lottery to a high probability state, the main control unit 41 notifies that fact by lighting control of a lamp or an LED (for example, a game auxiliary display 12). You may do so. More specifically, the main control unit 41 may notify that the game auxiliary display 12 controls the AT lottery to a high probability state by executing the navigation effect a predetermined number of times. Alternatively, the main control unit 41 may notify the sub control unit 91 that the navigation effect is executed a predetermined number of times to control the AT lottery to a high probability state.

When the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT, it is preferable that the processing of the main control unit 41 is subordinate to the main control unit 41 and executed by a control unit subordinate to the main control unit 41. .. For example, the reel stop control may be executed by a control unit provided on a board other than the game control board, and the main control unit 41 transfers the operation signal of the stop switch to the control unit. In this way, by causing the lower control unit to control the main control unit 41, it is possible to prevent the capacity shortage of the ROM 41b and the RAM 41c and the processing capacity shortage of the main CPU 41a when performing the control related to the AT.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT described above, but the sub-control unit 91 may execute the control. The sub control unit 91 performs, for example, an AT lottery process or an additional lottery process based on an internal winning command from the main control unit 41, and executes a process for controlling the AT or a navigation effect according to the result. Processing or the like may be performed.

[About setting change status and setting confirmation status]
Regarding the setting change state, the setting may be changed to the setting change state on the condition of "power ON" + "setting key switch ON" + "front door open detection". This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized setting changes when the front door is not open. In addition, once the setting change state is entered, the setting change state is maintained regardless of the open / closed state of the front door until the end condition for ending the setting change state (the setting key switch is turned off after the setting value is confirmed) is satisfied. You may try to do it. As a result, even if the front door is closed during the setting change state, the setting change state is not terminated, so that it is possible to prevent the trouble of shifting to the setting change state again.

Further, the setting confirmation state may be shifted to the setting confirmation state on the condition of "setting key switch ON" + "front door open detection". This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized setting confirmation when the front door is not open. In addition, once the setting confirmation state is entered, the setting confirmation state is maintained regardless of the open / closed state of the front door until the end condition (setting key switch OFF operation) for ending the setting confirmation state is satisfied. May be good. As a result, even if the front door is closed during the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is not terminated, so that it is possible to prevent the trouble of shifting to the setting confirmation state again.

In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of reels capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of symbols, each of which can be identified, are provided, and after the reels are variablely displayed, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the reels, and a plurality of reels are derived. We have described a slot machine that can generate prizes according to the combination of reel display results. That is, a plurality of variable display units capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information, each of which can be identified, are provided, and after the variable display unit is variablely displayed, the variable display of the variable display unit is stopped to derive a display result. Then, a slot machine capable of generating a prize according to a combination of display results of a plurality of variable display units has been described. However, a variable display unit capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each is provided, and after the variable display unit is variable-displayed, the variable display of the variable display unit is stopped to derive a display result. A slot machine capable of generating a prize according to the display result is not limited to a slot machine having three reels, but a slot machine having only one reel or a slot machine having a plurality of reels other than three. May be good.

[About pachinko machines]
Next, an example when the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine will be described. Hereinafter, detailed description of the same parts as those in the above embodiment will be omitted. In addition, "winning" in the pachinko gaming machine means that the pachinko ball passes through the winning opening.

The pachinko gaming machine plays a game by driving a pachinko ball, which is a gaming medium, into a gaming area provided on the gaming board. In the pachinko gaming machine, the pachinko ball passes through the starting area provided in the game area (the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device and the second starting winning opening formed by the ordinary variable winning ball device). Based on the extracted random numbers, it is determined whether or not to generate a big hit. In the big hit game state after the big hit, the big winning opening of the special variable winning ball device can be opened. If a pachinko ball wins in the first starting winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of balls (prize balls) will be obtained, and if a pachinko ball wins in the 2nd starting winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, 3) will be obtained. If a pachinko ball is won in the big winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of balls (prize balls) can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when eight medals are paid out by winning a bell, the case where an error occurs and the case where an error does not occur are classified into cases. The output of the payout sound and the payout display on the game auxiliary display 12 and the liquid crystal display 51 have been described.

When applied to a pachinko machine, the following may be used. For example, when a pachinko ball wins a prize in any of the first start winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the large winning opening, and a predetermined number of prize balls are obtained, the main board (game control) is used for each prize ball. The number of prize balls is displayed on the display device connected to the board). Similarly, for each prize ball, the number of prize balls is displayed on the display device connected to the effect control board, and the total number of prize balls in the big hit is also displayed. For example, a case will be described in which a pachinko ball wins a prize in the big prize opening and 15 prize balls are obtained in the big hit game state after the big hit. When a prize is won in the big prize opening, a payout command is sent from the game control board side. When the effect control board side receives the payout command, the payout sound (prize ball sound) is output. Further, on the effect control board side, the number of prize balls is updated and displayed for each prize ball, and the total number of prize balls is displayed. When the 15 prize balls are completed, the game control board side sends a payout completion command. When the effect control board side receives the payout completion command, the output of the payout sound (prize ball sound) is stopped. In addition, a specific effect is executed by receiving the payout completion command. If the total number of prize balls (for example, 600, 1200, 1800, 2400) has been reached when the payout completion command is received, the effect control board side notifies that fact. For example, when the total number of prize balls has reached 2401, the sub side displays "2400 OVER!".

When an error occurs in the middle of the 15 prize balls, the payout sound (prize ball sound) is output and the number of prize balls is displayed by the method described with reference to FIG. The display of the number of prize balls on the game control board side is linked to the actual number of prize balls. On the other hand, the display of the number of prize balls on the effect control board side updates the display up to 15 prize balls even if an error occurs in the middle of the prize balls. When an error occurs, the payout sound (prize ball sound) stops outputting and an error sound is output. When the error is cleared, the prize balls are restarted, and the display of the number of prize balls on the game control board side is updated accordingly. At this time, the payout sound (prize ball sound) is not output. When the prize ball is completed, the game control board side sends a payout completion command. When the effect control board side receives the payout completion command, the effect control board side executes the specific effect in the same manner as described above.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reel, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 40 game control board, 41 main control unit, 41a main CPU, 41b ROM, 41c RAM, 42 random number circuit, 43 pulse oscillator, 51 liquid crystal display Instrument, 56 production switch, 90 production control board, 91 sub control unit, 91a sub CPU, 91b ROM, 91c RAM.

Claims (1)

It is a gaming machine that can play games,
Granting means to give game value and
Sound output means that can output the added sound corresponding to the addition of game value,
It is equipped with an update means that can update the specific information displayed on the display when the game value is given.
When the awarding of the game value is interrupted due to an error state occurring before the awarding of the game value is completed, the awarding means restarts the awarding of the amusement value after the error state is resolved.
When the error state does not occur, the sound output means completes the output of the added sound according to the timing related to the completion of the addition of the game value, while it occurs before the addition of the game value is completed. When the addition of the game value is resumed after the error state is resolved, the output of the added sound is not restarted.
When the specific information reaches a specific number, a specific effect can be executed.
If the error state occurs while waiting for the completion of granting the gaming value after the specific information reaches the specific number, after the error state is resolved after the specific information reaches the specific number. A gaming machine in which the specific effect is not executed until the resumed game value assignment is completed, and the specific effect is executed after the resumed game value addition is completed.

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