JP7018227B1 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a program capacity of a main control board. SOLUTION: A gaming machine starts rotation of three reels in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, a motor for rotating each reel, and three reels, and is operated according to an operation of a stop switch. A reel control means for stopping the reel corresponding to the stop switch and a storage means are provided, and parameter variables relating to the three reels are continuously assigned to the storage means in a storage unit, and the reel control means is , For one specific reel, the process of determining whether the parameter variable is a specific value, and for two reels different from the specific one reel, two consecutive parameter variables are specified in the storage unit. It executes a process of collectively determining whether or not it is a value. [Selection diagram] FIG. 14

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines by lottery whether or not to give a gaming benefit to a player.

In a slot machine as a game machine, a lottery of winning combinations is performed according to a bet of a medal (game value) by a player and an operation of a start switch, and a plurality of reels on which various symbols are written are rotated. Then, the reels are sequentially stopped according to the lottery result and the operation of the stop switch by the player, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the effective line on the line to be paid out, the predetermined number of reels is displayed. A game profit (hereinafter, simply referred to as a game profit) will be given to the player, such as the medals being paid out.

In such a slot machine, it is desired to effectively utilize the storage area of a finite memory in order to improve the playability. For example, there is known a technique for reducing the data capacity when executing reel stop control by associating the same slip number data with a plurality of symbol positions (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-239010

In the slot machine, the program related to the game control process for controlling the progress of the game must be arranged in the used area (control area 4.5 kbyte + data area 3.0 kbyte) in the ROM of the main control board. However, in recent slot machines, the content to be controlled by the main control board is increasing, so that the program capacity is also increasing. Therefore, it is desired to reduce the program capacity of the main control board.

In view of such problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the program capacity of the main control board.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention wins a winning combination according to the operation of three reels in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, a motor for rotating each of the reels, and a start switch. The winning combination lottery means for determining whether or not the reels are successful, and the rotation of the three reels is started, and the motor of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is excited to stop the reels in response to the operation of the stop switch. A reel control means for releasing the excitation when a predetermined time has elapsed since the excitation is performed , and a storage means, and the storage means has three consecutive parameter variables related to the reel in a storage unit. The reel control means is assigned, and the process of determining whether or not the variable of the parameter is a specific value for a specific reel, and two reels different from the specific reel. With respect to, a process of collectively determining whether or not two consecutive variables of the parameter in the storage unit are the specific values is executed , and after the start switch is operated, the rotation of the reel is started. In the meantime, the excitation release waiting process that waits for the excitation release of the motor is executed .
In order to solve the above problems, the other gaming machines of the present invention have four reels in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, a motor for rotating the reels, and an operation of a start switch. The winning combination lottery means for determining the winning or losing of the winning combination and the motor of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch are excited in response to the operation of the four reels by starting the rotation of the reels. The storage means includes a reel control means and a storage means for releasing the excitation when a predetermined time elapses after the reels are stopped and excited, and the storage means has four continuous parameter variables related to the reel in a storage unit. The reel control means collectively determines whether or not the variables of the two consecutive parameters in the storage unit are specific values for the two specific reels, and the specific reel control means. For the two reels different from the two reels, a process of collectively determining whether or not the variables of the two consecutive parameters in the storage unit are the specific values is executed , and the start switch is operated. Then, before the rotation of the reel is started, the excitation release waiting process for waiting for the excitation release of the motor is executed .

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the program capacity of the main control board.

It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is an external view with the front door open for explaining the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a figure explaining the symbol arrangement and effective lines of a reel. It is a block diagram which showed the schematic electric structure of a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the winning combination. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating transition of a game state. It is a figure which shows the winning combination lottery table. It is a flowchart which showed the main processing of a main control board. It is a flowchart which showed the lottery process of a main control board. It is a flowchart which showed the payout process of a main control board. It is a flowchart which showed the medal payout device control process of a main control board. It is a flowchart which showed the excitation release waiting process of a main control board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the memory map of a main ROM and a main RAM. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the program and work area of the medal payout device control process. It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a figure explaining the flowchart which showed the excitation release wait process when the number of reels is four, the program of the excitation release wait process, and the work area. It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is an external view with the front door open for explaining the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a figure explaining the symbol arrangement and effective lines of a reel. It is a block diagram which showed the schematic electric structure of a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the winning combination. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating transition of a game state. It is a figure which shows the winning combination lottery table. It is a flowchart which showed the main processing of a main control board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the memory map of a main ROM and a main RAM. It is a flowchart which showed the reel rotation processing which the reel control means controls the rotation of three reels. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of processing during acceleration. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the excitation pattern update pre-processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of processing during steady rotation. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of rotation error processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the symbol information update process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of processing during stop. It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is an external view with the front door open for explaining the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement and effective line of a reel. It is a block diagram which showed the schematic electric structure of a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the winning combination. It is a figure which shows the lottery table of a winning type. It is a figure which shows the lottery table of a winning type. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating transition of a game state. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating transition of an effect state. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation and stop processing of a reel. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation and stop processing of a reel. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation and stop processing of a reel. It is a flowchart which showed the main processing of a main control board. It is a flowchart which showed the reel stop processing of a main control board.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, other specific numerical values, etc. shown in the embodiment are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified.

In the following, a plurality of embodiments will be shown. The code, step number, name, etc. used in each embodiment may be the same as the code, step number, name, etc. used in other embodiments, but these are applied only within each embodiment. .. In each of the embodiments, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals to omit duplicate explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

Further, any configuration can be used in combination in each embodiment, and further, configurations of the embodiments can be used in combination.

(First Embodiment)
In order to facilitate the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, the mechanical configuration and the electrical configuration of the slot machine (game machine) in which the player can play are briefly described, and then the specifics in each substrate of the slot machine are described. Specific processing (transition of combination configuration and gaming state) and characteristic processing in the present embodiment will be described, and a flowchart for realizing these will be described in detail.

(Mechanical configuration of slot machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 100 has a housing 102 which is a substantially rectangular box body, and a front upper door which is openably and closably attached to the front opening of the housing 102. 104, located below the front upper door 104, and like the front upper door 104, located below the front lower door 106 and the front lower door 106 that are openable and closable to the front opening of the housing 102. , A saucer portion 108 for storing medals paid out from the medal discharge port 108a is provided.

An operation unit installation table 122 is formed on the upper part of the front lower door 106, and a medal insertion unit 124, a bet switch 126, a start switch 128, a stop switch 130, and the like are arranged on the operation unit installation table 122.

The medal insertion unit 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation table 122 accepts the insertion of medals as a game value through the medal insertion slot (insertion opening) 124a, and the medal selector (shown) provided on the back surface of the front lower door 106. Send a medal to. The medal selector includes a blocker (not shown) that guides medals inserted outside the insertion period or non-standard medals to the medal outlet 108a, and medals within the standard inserted during the insertion period. The inserted medal detection unit 124b for detecting the passage of the above is provided. Here, the medal guided to the medal ejection port 108a is ejected to the saucer portion 108. When a player inserts a medal in excess of the maximum specified number (for example, 3) among a plurality of specified number of medals required to start one game, the maximum specified number is exceeded. The number of medals is electrically stored (hereinafter, simply referred to as credit) in the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c) up to a predetermined upper limit (upper limit amount, for example, 50). The number of credited medals is called the number of stored medals.

The bet switch 126 is a push-type button switch for betting a maximum specified number of medals among credited medals. When the bet switch 126 is pressed while the maximum number of medals is credited, the maximum number of medals is bet and the number of stored medals is reduced by the maximum number of medals. If the bet switch 126 is pressed while the number of medals less than the maximum specified number is credited, all the stored medals are bet and the stored number is reduced to 0.

The start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation unit installation table 122 is composed of a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a start operation of one game by a player. Further, the start switch 128 can also be configured by a button switch capable of detecting a pressing operation.

A colorless and transparent design display window 136 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided in the lower center of the front upper door 104, and a reel is provided at a position corresponding to the design display window 136 in the housing 102. A unit 134 is provided. In the reel unit 134, as shown in the design arrangement of the reels in FIG. 3A, three reels 134a, 134b, 134c in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each region divided into 20 equal parts are independent of each other. The reels 134a, 134b, and 134c can be visually recognized through the symbol display window 136. The reel unit 134 starts the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c triggered by the operation of the start switch 128.

The stop switch 130 located at the center of the operation unit installation table 122 is a button switch provided corresponding to each of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c and capable of detecting the pressing operation of the player, and is a button switch capable of detecting the pressing operation of the player, and the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. The stop operation of the player who tries to stop each is detected. The three button switches related to the stop switch 130 are the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c in order from the left according to their positions.

In this way, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped by the stop operation through the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c, respectively. Here, an effective line is provided as shown in FIG. 3B so that the player can grasp the stopping mode. There is only one effective line, and specifically, it corresponds to the symbol that stops at the middle of reels 134a, 134b, 134c out of the nine symbols (3 reels x 3 stages of upper, middle, and lower) facing the symbol display window 136. The line connecting the winning positions is set as the effective line A for determining the winning combination.

A liquid crystal display unit (image display unit) 138 for displaying various images accompanying the effect is provided at substantially the center of the upper part of the front upper door 104. Further, on the upper portion and the left and right of the front upper door 104, for example, a directing lamp 142 composed of a high-luminance light emitting diode (LED) is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a speaker that performs an auditory effect by sound effects, musical sounds, etc. at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 138 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and the inner surface left and right positions on the back surface of the front lower door 106. 140 is provided. Further, below the reel unit 134 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 264 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 108a is provided. The medal payout device 264 includes a medal storage unit 264a for storing medals, a payout control unit 264b for discharging medals stored in the medal storage unit 264a from the medal discharge port 108a, and medals discharged from the medal discharge port 108a. It is provided with a payout medal detection unit 264c for detecting the above.

Further, although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inside the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, among the symbols applied to the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to the symbol display window 136 are formed. A reel backlight 144 (see FIG. 4) is provided to illuminate the upper, middle, and lower symbols independently from the back surface. Further, a reel upper light 146 that directly illuminates the front of all the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is also provided on the upper part of the back surface of the symbol display window 136.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the operation unit installation table 122, the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit are on the substantially horizontal plane of the step portion 122a provided between the symbol display window 136 and the stop switch 130. 154 is provided. Further, a sub-credit display unit 156 and a sub-payout display unit 158 are provided between the symbol display window 136 and the operation unit installation table 122. The number of stored medals stored internally is displayed on the main credit display unit 152 and the sub credit display unit 156, and the number of medals paid out is displayed on the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158. The sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 can also display various numerical values associated with the effect.

Further, a power switch 148 is provided at an arbitrary position in the housing 102. The power switch 148 is composed of a switch such as a rocker switch that can detect a pressing operation, and is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100 to switch between two states, a power off state and a power on state. Used.

(Electrical configuration of slot machine 100)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 is mainly controlled by a control board. Here, as an example of the control board, the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202, which share the functions of the control board, will be described. For example, among the programs related to the progress of the game, particularly important processing such as lottery of the winning combination to be used for the game and its winning is executed on the main control board 200, and other processing related to the production, for example, is performed on the sub control board 202. Is running on. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is one from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention and the like. Limited to direction only. However, if there is no such limitation, bidirectional communication is technically possible.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a which is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b in which a program or the like is stored, a main RAM (RWM) 200c which functions as a work area, and the like. Control centrally. However, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 200c, and even if the power is turned off, the data will not be erased unless the settings are changed and the initialization process of the main RAM 200c is executed. Be retained.

Further, the main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b, the initialization means 300, the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, and the reel control means. It has functional units such as 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, state transition means 312, command determination means 314, and command transmission means 316.

The initialization means 300 executes the initialization process on the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets medals for use in the game. Here, the bet is based on the case where the credited medal is inserted through the operation of the bet switch 126, the case where the medal is inserted through the medal insertion unit 124, and the case where the replay combination is displayed on the valid line A. This includes all cases where medals are automatically inserted. The winning combination lottery means 304 selects one of a plurality of types of winning combinations including a small winning combination, a replay winning combination, a bonus winning combination, and an unwinning winning combination by lottery based on the bet of the medal and the operation of the start switch 128. decide.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the plurality of reels 134a, 134b, 134c according to the operation of the start switch 128, and the plurality of stop switches 130a, 130b corresponding to the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c, respectively. In response to the operation of 130c, the reels 134a, 134b, 134c corresponding to the operated stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c are stopped and controlled, respectively. Further, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switch 130 in the previous game in response to the operation of the start switch 128, and then displays the lottery result of the winning combination lottery of the stop switch 130 by the player. The time until the operation is enabled (disabled by the completion of the operation of the stop switch 130 in the previous game) is extended from the specified time (wait time, for example, 4.1 seconds), during which the reel 134a, In some cases, a reel effect (freeze effect) is performed in which the rotation of 134b and 134c is controlled in various modes. In the reel effect, any switch that should be originally enabled is not enabled for a predetermined time, the processing that should be originally executed is suspended for a predetermined time, and the signal of any switch that should be originally transmitted / received is transmitted or received for a predetermined time. It can be realized even if there is no such thing.

The determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the valid line A. Here, the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination lottery on the valid line A may be simply referred to as winning. The payout control means 310 pays out as many medals as the number corresponding to the winning combination based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the valid line A (winning). .. The state transition means 312 transitions the gaming state based on the winning or winning of the bonus combination.

The command determining means 314 sequentially determines commands related to the game associated with the operations of the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the state transition means 312, and the like. The command transmitting means 316 sequentially transmits the commands determined by the command determining means 314 to the sub-control board 202.

The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from the input medal detection unit 124b, the bet switch 126, the start switch 128, and the stop switch 130, and based on the received detection signals, the bet means 302 and the winning combination lottery means. The 304, the reel control means 306, and the determination means 308 perform the various processes described above. Further, the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154 are connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 displays the number of stored medals and the number of payouts on both display units 152 and 154. Control.

Further, a reel drive control unit 258 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive control unit 258 drives the stepping motor 262 and stops switch based on the rotation start signals of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 128. The drive of the stepping motor 262 is stopped based on the stop signals of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c and the detection signals of the rotation position detection circuit 260 transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the 130.

Further, a medal payout device 264 is connected to the main control board 200. A detection signal of the payout medal detection unit 264c is input to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 from the payout control unit 264b counts the number of medals to be paid out according to the detection signal. Control the ejection of medals.

Further, the main control board 200 is provided with a random number generator 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops it within a predetermined total number (for example, 65536) (0 to 65535), and generates (acquires) a random number by extracting the count value at a predetermined time point. The random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as a winning combination lottery random number) is used to give a game profit to the player, for example, the winning combination lottery means 304 determines the winning combination. ..

(Sub-control board 202)
Further, the sub control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 202a which is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 202b in which a program or the like is stored, a sub RAM 202c which functions as a work area, and the like, like the main control board 200. , In particular, the effect is controlled based on the command from the main control board 200. Further, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 202c as well as the main RAM 200c, and even when the power is turned off, the data is retained without being erased. Similar to the main control board 200, the sub control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator 202d, and the random numbers generated by the random number generator 202d (hereinafter referred to as “directed lottery random numbers”) mainly represent the mode of the effect. Used to determine.

Further, the sub control board 202 is such that the initialization determination means 330, the command receiving means 332, the effect control means 334, etc., in which the sub CPU 202a functions by cooperating with the sub RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub ROM 202b. It has a functional part.

The initialization determination means 330 executes the initialization process on the sub-control board 202. The command receiving means 332 receives a command from another control board such as the main control board 200, and processes the command. The effect control means 334 determines the effect of the game performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142 based on the winning combination command. Specifically, the effect control means 334 includes image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, an effect lamp 142, a reel backlight 144, a reel upper light 146, a sub credit display unit 156, a sub payout display unit 158, and the like. The lighting data for the production through the lighting device is determined, and the audio data constituting the sound to be output from the speaker 140 is determined. Then, the effect control means 334 executes the effect of the determined game.

The effect includes an effect executed by the main control board 200 such as the reel effect described above, and an effect executed by the sub control board 202. As the game progresses, the effect executed by the sub control board 202 includes a liquid crystal display unit 138, a speaker 140, an effect lamp 142, a reel backlight 144, a reel upper light 146, a sub credit display unit 156, and a sub payout display unit. It is a visual and auditory expression means provided through 158 and the like, and can give a story to the game and suggest the result of the winning combination lottery with a more dynamic image. In such an effect, for example, an effect suggesting winning of a bonus game can be performed over a plurality of games to raise the expectation of the player. In addition, even if you have not won any of the winning roles, you can give the player a sense of expectation of a high payout through the production as if you were also winning, so that the player will not get bored. It will be possible. By interlocking the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202, various playability can be constructed. Hereinafter, the main game modes will be described in detail.

(Table used in the main control board 200)
In the slot machine 100, a plurality of gaming states are provided, and the gaming states change according to the progress of the game. Then, in the main control board 200, a plurality of winning combination lottery tables and the like corresponding to the gaming states managed by the state transition means 312 are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning combination lottery means 304 extracts and extracts the corresponding winning combination lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current gaming state stored in the main RAM 200c (game state based on whether or not a bonus combination is established, which will be described later). Based on the winning combination lottery table and the current set value, it is determined which winning combination or non-winning combination in the winning combination lottery table is the winning combination lottery random number acquired according to the operation signal of the start switch 128. Here, the set value indicates the ease of obtaining the game profit step by step, and the higher the numerical value of the set value, the easier it is to obtain the game profit. The set value is generally determined by the hall-side manager at least at the start of the game, and the player cannot acquire or change the set value during the game.

Here, the winning combination extracted in the winning combination lottery table includes a replay role, a small role, and a bonus role. The state in which the symbol combinations corresponding to such winning combinations are aligned on the valid line A is called display or winning, and the state until the winning combination is won and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed is internal. Win a prize. The replay role among the winning combinations is a role in which one game can be executed again without making a new bet of the medal by the player when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the valid line A. The small winning combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the symbol combination by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination on the effective line A. Further, the bonus combination is a winning combination that can shift the gaming state managed by the state transition means 312 to the bonus gaming state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the effective line A. .. The game profits given to the winning combination and the player will be described below.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the winning combination, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the gaming state.

Further, in the present embodiment, as the winning combination, as shown in FIG. 5, the winning combination "replay", "bell", and "big bonus (hereinafter referred to as" BB ")" are provided. Of these, the winning combination "replay" corresponds to the above replay combination, the winning combination "bell" corresponds to the above small role, and the winning combination "BB" corresponds to the above bonus combination.

(Replay role)
As a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination "replay" is won, the symbol "replay" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, which is a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination "replay" shown in FIG. 5, is displayed. When it becomes possible to display on the valid line A and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" is displayed on the valid line A, as described above, one game (replay) is performed again without betting by the player. ) Can be executed.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the stop switch 130 is pressed by the player, if the symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is on the effective line A, the reel control means 306 is used. , Stop control is performed so that the symbol stops on the effective line A. Further, when the stop switch 130 is pressed, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are not on the effective line A, but in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. When it exists in the range (retraction range) corresponding to four symbols, the number of separated symbols becomes the number of sliding frames by the reel control means 306, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is configured. Stop control is performed so that the symbol is pulled onto the effective line A and the rotation is maintained for the number of sliding frames and then stopped. Further, when there are a plurality of symbols corresponding to the winning combination in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c and all of them are within the pull-in range of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, according to a predetermined priority. It is determined which symbol is to be drawn onto the effective line A, and stop control is performed so as to keep the rotation for the number of sliding frames so that the prioritized symbol is drawn onto the effective line A and then stop. When the stop switch 130 is pressed, if there is a symbol on the effective line A that constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination other than the winning combination, the reel control means 306 is used to change the symbol. The so-called kicking process, which prevents the player from stopping on the effective line A, is also executed in parallel.

Then, in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" are arranged so as to be always displayed on the effective line A by the above stop control (the above-mentioned stop control). See FIGS. 3 and 5). Specifically, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" are separated from each other by a maximum of 4 frames in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, so that they are always on the effective line A by the stop control. Can be displayed in. In this way, when the winning combination "replay" is won, the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combination "replay" is always displayed on the valid line A. In this way, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" is displayed on the effective line A, it is possible to start the next one game without inserting a medal.

(Small role)
In addition, when the winning combination "Bell" is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the symbol "Bell A" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, which is a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination "Bell". Can be displayed on the valid line A, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "bell" is displayed on the valid line A, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination (here, 9) is displayed by the player. Will be paid out to. Here, since the symbols "Bell A" constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Bell" are separated from each other by a maximum of four symbols in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c (FIGS. 3 and 5). (See), as with the winning combination "replay", it can always be displayed on the effective line A by the above stop control.

(Bonus role)
Further, when the winning combination "BB" is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the symbol "red" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, which is a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination "BB" shown in FIG. 7 ”can be displayed on the valid line A, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination“ BB ”is displayed on the valid line A, the game state is set to the bonus game state, and the next one game (hereinafter, After that (simply referred to as the next game), the game can be executed in the bonus game state until a predetermined number (for example, 297) of medals are paid out. In each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, the symbol "red 7" is arranged so that it may not be displayed on the effective line A even by the above stop control (see FIGS. 3 and 5). ). Therefore, even if the winning combination "BB" is won, the player is not always able to display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" on the effective line A.

When any of the above-mentioned winning combinations is won, the internal winning flag corresponding to each winning combination is established (ON), and the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are each set according to the establishment status of the internal winning combination. Stop control will be performed. At this time, if the small winning combination is won, but the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination cannot be displayed on the valid line A in the one game, the internal winning flag is set after the end of the one game. Is turned off. That is, the right to win a small role is limited to one game in which the small role is won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. In addition, when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning combination "replay", which is the replay combination, is established, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" is always displayed on the valid line A, and the next one without requiring a medal. After the processing required for playing the game is performed, the internal winning flag is turned off. On the other hand, when the winning combination "BB" is won, the BB internal winning flag is established (ON) and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is displayed on the valid line A until it is displayed. The BB internal winning flag is carried over across the game.

(Transition of game state)
Here, the BB internal winning flag will be specifically described together with the transition of the gaming state. When the BB internal winning flag is established, the gaming state managed by the main control board 200 is the winning combination, which is a bonus combination, as shown in FIG. 6 (1), depending on the establishment status of the BB internal winning flag. From the non-bonus game state that has not been won in "BB" to the bonus-established game state corresponding to the preparation state of the bonus game state, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped and controlled based on the bonus-established game state. At this time, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" cannot be displayed on the valid line A, the BB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game as it is (the bonus-established game state is maintained). In the next and subsequent games, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" can be displayed on the effective line A. Then, when the player displays the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" on the effective line A, the game state shifts from the bonus-established game state to the bonus game state as shown in (2) of FIG. do. Further, in the bonus gaming state, when a predetermined number (for example, 297) of medals is paid out, the gaming state shifts from the bonus gaming state to the bonus non-established gaming state as shown in (3) of FIG. .. However, as shown by the broken line arrow in (4) of FIG. 6, in the game in which the winning combination "BB" is established in the game state in which the bonus is not established, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is placed on the effective line A. When displayed, the game directly shifts to the bonus game state without going through the bonus game state.

(Winner lottery table)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a winning combination lottery table used when determining a winning combination lottery random number. In the winning combination lottery table, a plurality of winning areas are divided, and the winning combination to be the target of the lottery may differ depending on each game state. In FIG. 7, the winning area (winning combination) assigned to each game state (bonus non-established game state, bonus established game state, bonus game state) is represented by “◯”. Therefore, the winning area not marked with "○" indicates that it is not assigned to the gaming state. Each partitioned winning area is associated with a predetermined number (winning range value), which is a numerical value indicating the winning range, and a winning combination, and the number of all winning areas assigned to each gaming state. Is summed up to be the total number of winning combination lottery random numbers (65536). Therefore, the probability that each winning combination is determined is a value obtained by dividing the number of places associated with the winning area by the total number of winning combination lottery random numbers. The winning combination lottery means 304 sequentially acquires the number of winning combinations from the one with the highest number among the plurality of winning areas in the winning combination lottery table based on the gaming state at that time, and the winning combination lottery random number is used as the winning combination lottery random number. When the subtraction value is less than 0, the winning combination associated with the winning area at that time is taken as the lottery result. The lottery procedure can be applied to other lottery.

In addition, the winning combination to be the target of the lottery differs depending on each game state. For example, in FIG. 7, when the bonus non-established gaming state and the bonus established gaming state are compared, the former draws the winning combination "BB", while the latter draws the winning combination "BB". Not. This is because in the latter case, since the winning combination "BB" has already been won, the winning combination "BB" cannot be won again. Further, in the latter, the winning probability of the winning combination "replay" is set higher than that in the former. Further, according to the bonus game state of FIG. 7, the winning combination “BB” is not drawn again and the winning combination “replay” is not drawn. In addition, since the winning combination "Bell" is set to win with a high probability, the expected number of cards to be obtained, which indicates the average value of the number of cards that can be obtained in one game, is higher than that of the non-bonus game state or the bonus game state. It's getting higher. In addition, "unwinning" is associated with the winning area 0 of the winning combination lottery table, and when "unwinning" is determined by the winning combination lottery, the symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning combinations shown in FIG. Is not displayed on the valid line A, and medals are not paid out. However, if "unwinning" is determined by the winning combination lottery in the bonus-established gaming state (BB internal winning flag is ON), the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" can be displayed on the valid line A.

Hereinafter, specific processing in the main control board 200 will be described based on a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, the outline of one game after initialization will be described along with the main processing of the main control board 200. Further, although detailed description is omitted, when each process is executed, the switches (bet switch 126, start switch 128, stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d) used in each process are effective at the start of the process. And invalidated at the end of the process.

(Step S100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch 148 and the power is turned on, the initialization means 300 executes the initialization process in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization means 300 generates backup data at any time while the power is turned on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power failure occurs, it is possible to restore the state before the power failure by using the retained backup data in this initialization process. For example, even if an unexpected power failure occurs during the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, the reels 134a, 134b, 134c are started from the state of being rotated again after the return operation. Therefore, in the initialization process, the main RAM 200c is basically not initialized (RAM clear).

(Step S200)
Further, the command determining means 314 generates an input command indicating the changed number of bets and the number of stored sheets when the number of bets is changed, and the command transmitting means 316 uses the generated input command as the sub-control board 202. Send to.

(Step S300)
Next, the winning combination lottery means 304 activates the game start operation for the start switch 128, and shifts to the operation waiting state of the start switch 128. Here, the winning combination lottery means 304 is at the time when the start switch 128 is operated from the winning combination lottery random numbers updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 in response to the operation of the start switch 128 by the player. Acquire the winning combination lottery random number of 1. Then, the winning combination lottery means 304 determines which winning area the acquired winning combination lottery random number corresponds to based on the winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 7 and the currently set gaming state. , The winning combination or the unwinning of the determined winning area is determined as the lottery result. Further, the command determination means 314 generates a winning combination command including information on the lottery result (winning combination or unwinning) of the winning combination lottery, the game state, and the like after the lottery result is determined according to the operation of the start switch 128. Then, the command transmission means 316 transmits the generated winning combination command to the sub-control board 202. Further, the state transition means 312 shifts the gaming state from the bonus non-established gaming state to the bonus established gaming state based on the winning combination "BB" being won in the bonus non-established gaming state. The lottery process S300 will be described in detail later.

(Step S400)
When the start switch 128 is operated, the reel control means 306 drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c in the previous game (wait), the reels 134a, 134b, 134c in the game The rotation is started, and when all of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c have reached constant speed rotation, the process is transferred to step S500. Further, the reel control means 306 may execute a reel effect.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 activates the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, and when the player accepts the operation of the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, any one of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c corresponding to the operation is received. Stop control. Further, when any one of the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is operated, the command determining means 314 is a stop command (first stop command, second stop command, second) indicating information on the stopped switches 130a, 130b, 130c that have been operated. The stop command (third stop command) is generated each time the operation is performed, and the command transmission means 316 sequentially transmits the generated stop commands to the sub-control board 202.

(Step S600)
Next, the determination means 308 determines which combination of symbols displayed on the effective line A shown in FIG. 3B corresponds to a predetermined combination, and is in a gaming state according to the combination of symbols. Performs various processes required for changes and replays. Further, the command determining means 314 generates a winning command including a symbol combination displayed on the valid line A and a winning command including the number of medals to be paid out when the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the valid line A. , The command transmission means 316 transmits the generated winning command to the sub-control board 202. Further, the state transition means 312 shifts the gaming state from the bonus-established gaming state to the bonus gaming state based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is displayed on the valid line A in the bonus-established gaming state. ..

(Step S700)
Subsequently, the payout control means 310 executes a medal payout process corresponding to the small winning combination when, for example, a symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the effective line A based on the determination result in step S600. , When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the valid line A, the process for betting the next game is automatically executed. Further, the state transition means 312 shifts the gaming state from the bonus gaming state to the bonus non-established gaming state when a predetermined number of medals are paid out in the bonus gaming state. In this way, the payout control means 310 executes various processes corresponding to the symbol combinations displayed on the effective line A, and ends the one game. Further, when the medal payout process is performed, the command determination means 314 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been performed, and the command transmission means 316 transmits the generated payout command to the sub-control board 202. .. The payout process S700 will be described in detail later.

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S700. After that, the main loop from step S200 to step S700 will be repeated.

(Lottery process S300)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the lottery process in step S300. Here, the processing related to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S301)
The winning combination lottery means 304 acquires the winning combination lottery random number, and the winning combination lottery random number acquired based on the winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 7 and the currently set gaming state is any winning area. Is determined, and the winning combination lottery process for determining the winning combination or the unwinning combination in the determined winning area as the lottery result is executed.

(Step S302)
The winning combination lottery means 304 determines a symbol code setting process that determines a symbol that can be displayed on the valid line A among the symbols arranged on the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, based on the lottery result determined in step S301. To execute.

(Step S800)
The reel control means 306 executes an excitation release waiting process that waits until all-phase excitation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c is released. The excitation release waiting process S800 will be described in detail later.

(Step S303)
The reel control means 306 determines whether or not the one-game inter-game timer for timing the one-game inter-game wait time is zero. As a result, if the one-game timer is 0, the process is transferred to step S304, and if the one-game timer is not 0, the process of step S303 is repeated. The one-game timer is set in step S304 below, and is operated in parallel every time in the interrupt process (every 5.96 msec) executed once every four interrupts every 1.49 msec. It is subtracted by 1.

(Step S304)
The reel control means 306 sets a value corresponding to the wait time in the timer between games, and ends the lottery process S300.

In this way, in the lottery process S300, all-phase excitation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c is released, and when the wait time between one game elapses, the lottery process S300 ends and shifts to the reel rotation process S400, and the reel 134a , 134b, 134c will start rotating.

(Payout processing S700)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the payout process of step S700. Here, the processing related to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S701)
The payout control means 310 determines whether or not there is a medal payout based on the determination result (winning combination) in step S600. As a result, if there is a medal payout, the process moves to step S702, and if there is no medal payout, the payout process S700 ends.

(Step S702)
The payout control means 310 determines whether or not the number of stored medals (credited medals) is 50 (upper limit). As a result, if the number of stored sheets is 50, the process is transferred to step S703, and if the number of stored sheets is not 50, that is, if the number of stored sheets is 49 or less, the process is transferred to step S704.

(Step S703)
The payout control means 310 executes a medal payout device control process that controls the medal payout device 264 in order to pay out one medal from the medal discharge port 108a. The medal payout device control process S703 will be described in detail later.

(Step S704)
The payout control means 310 adds 1 to the number of stored sheets.

(Step S705)
The payout control means 310 adds 1 to the numerical value displayed on the main payout display unit 154.

(Step S706)
The payout control means 310 determines whether or not all the medals have been paid out. As a result, if the payout of all medals is completed, the process is transferred to step S707, and if the payout of all medals is not completed, the process is returned to step S702.

(Step S707)
The payout control means 310 stops the operation of the medal payout device 264 and ends the payout process S700. If the medal payout device 264 is not operating, the process of step S707 is omitted.

As described above, in the payout process S700, when the medals are paid out, the processes from step S702 to step S706 are repeated in order to pay out the medals one by one. Therefore, for example, when there are 15 payouts, the processes from step S702 to step S706 are performed 15 times.

(Medal payout device control process S703)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the medal payout device control process in step S703. Here, the processing related to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S800)
When the medal payout device control process S703 is started, the payout control means 310 executes an excitation release wait process that waits until all-phase excitation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c is released. The excitation release waiting process S800 will be described in detail later.

(Step S703-1)
The payout control means 310 operates the medal payout device 264 to pay out (send) one medal from the medal payout device 264.

(Step S703-2)
The payout control means 310 sets a predetermined value corresponding to the time determined to be empty in the empty timer for detecting that the medals stored in the medal storage unit 264a are empty. The empty timer is decremented by 1 each time in the interrupt process (every 5.96 msec) that is operated in parallel and is executed once every four interrupts every 1.49 msec.

(Step S703-3)
The payout control means 310 determines whether the empty timer is 0, that is, whether an empty error has occurred. As a result, if an empty error has occurred, the process is transferred to step S703-7, and if no empty error has occurred, the process is transferred to step S703-4.

(Step S703-4)
The payout control means 310 determines whether the payout medal detection unit 264c is off, that is, whether or not the medal payout device 264 has started paying out medals. As a result, if the payout medal detection unit 264c is off, the process is returned to step S703-3, and if the payout medal detection unit 264c is not off, that is, if the medal payout device 264 has started paying out medals. , Step S703-5.

(Step S703-5)
The payout control means 310 determines whether or not a medal jam error has occurred. The medal jam error is detected when the time during which the payout medal detection unit 264c is on is equal to or longer than the specified time, which is regarded as a medal jam error. As a result, if a medal jam error has occurred, the process is transferred to step S703-7, and if a medal jam error has not occurred, the process is transferred to step S703-6.

(Step S703-6)
The payout control means 310 determines whether the payout medal detection unit 264c is on, that is, whether or not the medal payout device 264 has finished paying out the medals. As a result, if the payout medal detection unit 264c is on, the process is returned to step S703-5, and if the payout medal detection unit 264c is not on, that is, if the medal payout device 264 has completed the payout of medals. , The medal payout device control process S703 is terminated.

(Step S703-7)
The payout control means 310 stops the operation of the medal payout device 264.

(Step S703-8)
The payout control means 310 displays an error code corresponding to the medal jam error on the main credit display unit 152, and executes an error wait process for notifying the sub control board 202 of the medal jam error. Further, the payout control means 310 waits (stands) until the cause of the error is removed and the error cancellation operation is performed, and when the cause of the error is removed and the error cancellation operation is performed, the process is performed in step S703-1. To move.

As described above, in the medal payout device control process S703, while the processes from step S702 to step S706 are looping in the payout process S700, the medal payout device 264 is powered when the process of step S703-1 is executed for the first time. Is supplied and the medal payout device 264 is started, and then one medal is paid out from the medal payout device 264, but if no error occurs, the medal payout device 264 is stopped (power supply is stopped). There is no such thing. After that, when the process of step S703-1 is executed from the second time onward, since the power is supplied to the medal payout device 264, one medal is paid out from the medal payout device 264 as it is. Then, when all the processes from step S702 to step S706 are completed in the payout process S700, the medal payout device 264 is stopped (power supply is stopped) in step S707.

(Excitation release waiting process S800)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the excitation release waiting process in step S800. Here, the processing related to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be omitted. In the lottery process S300 described above, the reel control means 306 executes the excitation release wait process S800, and in the medal payout device control process S703, the payout control means 310 executes the excitation release wait process S800. , The excitation release waiting process S800 executed by the reel control means 306 and the payout control means 310 is executed by the same subroutine (program).

(Step S801)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 acquires the motor phase of the reel 134a (shown as the left reel in the figure). Here, the motor phase is set as the state of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. The motor phase indicates the operating state of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, that is, during acceleration, steady rotation, stop, and standby, as will be described in detail later. Specifically, the 1-byte (storage unit) variable assigned to the motor phase is accelerating = 3, steady rotation = 2, stopped = 1, waiting =, depending on the operating state of the stepping motor 262. It changes to a value such as 0. Here, an example in which 1 byte is used as the storage unit is given, but for example, 2 bytes may be used. Further, the excitation release waiting process S800 is a determination process of waiting for the motor phases of all the reels 134a, 134b, 134c to become 0 (specific value).

(Step S802)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether the motor phase of the reel 134a acquired in step S801 is 0, that is, whether the reel 134a is on standby. As a result, if the motor phase of the reel 134a is 0, the process is transferred to step S803, and if the motor phase of the reel 134a is not 0, the process is returned to step S801. Therefore, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 repeats the determination process of determining whether the motor phase is 0 if the motor phase is not 0.

(Step S803)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 acquires the motor phases of the reel 134b (shown as the middle reel in the figure) and the reel 134c (shown as the right reel in the figure).

(Step S804)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether or not the motor phase of the reels 134b and 134c acquired in step S803 is 0. As a result, if the motor phase of the reels 134b and 134c is 0, the excitation release waiting process S800 is terminated, and if the motor phase of the reels 134b and 134c is not 0, the process is returned to step S801. Therefore, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 repeats the determination process of determining whether the motor phase is 0 if the motor phase is not 0.

As described above, in the excitation release waiting process S800, first, it is determined whether or not the motor phase of the reel 134a is 0, and if the motor phase of the reel 134a is 0, then the motors of the reels 134b and 134c are subsequently determined. Determine if the phase is 0. If the motor phase of the reels 134b and 134c is 0, all the reels 134a, 134b and 134c are on standby, and all-phase excitation of the stepping motor 262 corresponding to the reels 134a, 134b and 134c is completed. It is determined that there is, and the excitation release waiting process S800 is terminated.

(State of reels 134a, 134b, 134c)
In this embodiment, a stepping motor 262 having a total number of steps of 252 is used to rotate the three reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. This is because if the number of symbols is 21, 252 is a multiple of 21, so the number of steps for each symbol can be handled evenly. In this embodiment, since the stepping motor 262 is operated by 1-2 phase excitation, the resolution can be increased and the number of steps can be counted at 504, which is twice 252. Therefore, in the following example, the total number of steps is treated as 504.

The states of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are represented by the motor phase (parameter). The motor phase indicates the operating state of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, that is, during acceleration, steady rotation, stop, and standby. Specifically, the 1-byte variable assigned to the motor phase changes to values such as accelerating = 3, steady rotation = 2, stopped = 1, and waiting = 0, depending on the operating state of the motor. .. Although the operations such as acceleration, steady rotation, stop, and standby are mentioned here, deceleration may be included as the operation.

When the start switch 128 is operated, the reel control means 306 excites the stepping motors 262 corresponding to the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in a 1-2 phase, and starts rotating the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, respectively. At this time, the reel control means 306 shifts the motor phase to 3. Then, when the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c reach a predetermined speed (less than 80 rpm / min) after, for example, 167 msec, the reel control means 306 continues 1-2 phase excitation to achieve a constant speed. Move to the state. At this time, the reel control means 306 shifts the motor phase to 2.

After that, for example, when the stop switch 130a is operated, the reel control means 306 determines a symbol existing in the pull-in range at the time of operation as a stop symbol (determines the number of sliding frames), and the stop symbol is valid. The rotation is maintained for the number of sliding frames so as to be pulled onto the line A. Subsequently, when the reel 134a reaches the stop position where the determined stop symbol can be stopped on the effective line A, the reel control means 306 excites the stepping motor 262 corresponding to the reel 134a in all phases, and the exciting phase is generated. The stop processing of the reel 134a is started so as not to switch. At this time, the reel control means 306 shifts the motor phase to 1. In this way, the rotation speed of the reel 134a is reduced, the reel 134a is stopped about 13 msec after the start of the stop processing, and the reel 134a is maintained in the stopped state. Such full-phase excitation is released after being continued for a predetermined time (eg, 200 msec) and the reel control means 306 shifts the motor phase to zero.

(Excitation release waiting process S800 in lottery process S300)
Here, while the stepping motor 262 corresponding to any of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c to be stopped last among the reels 134a, 134b, 134c is excited in all phases (without paying out medals). It is assumed that the next game is started and the rotations of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are started. In that case, the operation of any of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to the stepping motor 262 that is all-phase excited may become unstable. Specifically, any of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c corresponding to the stepping motor 262 that is all-phase excited may vibrate while all-phase excited. In this way, if any one of the vibrating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is started to rotate, the initial operation of the reels will be affected.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, after the winning combination lottery process S301 and the symbol code setting process S302 are executed in the lottery process S300, and before the reel rotation process S400 is executed, the excitation release waits. Process S800 is executed. That is, before the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c starts, it waits for all-phase excitation of the stepping motor 262 corresponding to all the reels 134a, 134b, 134c to be released.

As a result, for example, in the previous game, even if the result of the loss is that the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combinations are not aligned on the effective line A, the number is equal to or more than the specified number required to start the game. If the start switch 128 in the next game can be operated while the full-phase excitation of the stepping motor 262 performed in the previous game continues, as in the case of the reels being stored in the next game: It is possible to prevent the reels 134a, 134b and 134c from starting to rotate in the game, and it is possible to stabilize the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b and 134c. This is a predetermined time between the time when the stop operation is performed on any one of the reels 134a, 134b and 134c and the time when the stop operation on any one of the next reels 134a, 134b and 134c becomes possible. (For example, 200 ms) or the time until the reels 134a, 134b, 134c that have been stopped are stopped may also occur, but more notably, the specifications that do not wait for these times, that is, one reel. This is a case where the specifications allow the stop operation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c immediately after the stop operation of the 134a, 134b, 134c.

Further, the excitation release waiting process S800 is executed after the winning combination lottery process S301 and the symbol code setting process S302 are executed. As a result, the time required for all-phase excitation of the stepping motor 262 to continue can be elapsed by the time during which the winning combination lottery process S301 and the symbol code setting process S302 are executed, and the time required for the excitation release waiting process S800 can be reduced. Can be reduced.

(Excitation release waiting process S800 in payout process S700)
Further, in the payout process S700, when the medal is paid out from the medal payout device 264, the excitation release wait process S800 is executed in the medal payout device control process S703. Therefore, when the medals can be electrically stored inside the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c), the excitation release waiting process S800 is not executed. As a result, when the medals are electrically stored inside the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c), the medals are immediately stored, so that the game progresses quickly and the stress of the player is reduced. be able to.

On the other hand, when the medals cannot be electrically stored inside the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c), that is, when the number of stored medals is 50, the payout control means 310 executes the medal payout device control process S703.

Here, it is necessary to supply a large current in order to drive the medal payout device 264. When the excitation (all-phase excitation) timing of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c and the timing of driving (starting) the medal payout device 264 overlap, the amount of current allowed for the entire device managed by the main control board 200 is reached. May be exceeded.

Therefore, when the medal is paid out from the medal payout device 264, the payout control means 310 executes the excitation release waiting process S800 before supplying electric power to the medal payout device 264 to operate the medal payout device 264 (step S703-1).

As a result, the excitation (full-phase excitation) timing of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c can be made different from the timing at which the medal payout device 264 is driven, so that the amount of current allowed for the entire device managed by the main control board 200 can be different. Will not be exceeded. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a power supply having a large current capacity for driving the medal payout device 264 during the excitation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, the medal payout device control process S703 is executed every time one medal is paid out. Therefore, the excitation release waiting process S800 is also executed every time one medal is paid out. It seems that it is not necessary to execute the excitation release waiting process S800 a plurality of times because the excitation of the stepping motor 262 is released once the excitation release waiting process S800 is executed. However, if it is determined whether or not the excitation release waiting process S800 is executed each time one medal is paid out, the program capacity (memory capacity) increases by that amount. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the program capacity is reduced by executing the excitation release waiting process S800 every time one medal is paid out without determining whether or not the excitation release waiting process S800 is executed. Can be done.

Further, in the lottery process S300 and the payout process S700, the excitation release wait process S800 is executed by the same subroutine (program), so that it is not necessary to provide another subroutine (program) in each process. The capacity can be reduced.

(Memory management by main CPU 200a)
By the way, as described above, in the main control board 200, the main CPU 200a cooperates with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b, so that the initialization means 300, the betting means 302, and the winning combination lottery means 304 , Reel control means 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, state transition means 312, command determination means 314, command transmission means 316, etc., and controls the progress of the game. The program for executing these functional units is arranged in a predetermined area (used area) of the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory map of the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c. Here, the main ROM 200b is allocated a memory space of 0000h to 2FFFh (12kbite), and the main RAM 200c is allocated a memory space of F000h to F1FFh (512byte) and F200h to F3FFh (512byte). Further, the used area is defined in both the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c.

A used area is allocated to the memory space of the main ROM 200b from 0000h to 1DF3h. Specifically, in the memory space (control area) limited to 0000h to 11FFh (4.5kbyte), the initialization means 300, the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, and the payout control. The instruction code of the program for executing the main process for controlling the progress of the game by operating the means 310, the state transition means 312, the command determination means 314, and the command transmission means 316 is stored, and 1200h to 1DF3h (3.0 kbyte). The data used for the game control processing program is stored in the memory space (data area) limited to. Further, a comment area is allocated to the memory space of 1E00h to 1EFFh, and a program management area is allocated to the memory space of 2FC0h to 2FFFh. The instruction code of the program is written in assembler language. Here, the program is composed of an instruction code, is read by a computer, and can realize a predetermined process in cooperation with data and a work area.

Further, a used area is allocated to the memory space of F000h to F1FFh of the main RAM 200c. Specifically, the work area for the main processing is allocated to the memory space of F000h to F13Fh, and is used for managing variables such as timers, counters, and flags. The stack area for the main processing is allocated to the memory spaces of F1C0h to F1FFh. Further, the main CPU 200a is provided with an internal register. As the internal register, for example, an 8-bit general-purpose register A register to an H register are provided, and each constitutes a 16-bit pair register AF, BC, DE, and HL.

Under such an environment, the main CPU 200a initially follows the instruction code of the program in the used area, refers to the program data in the used area, and uses each internal register, the work area in the used area, and the stack area. The main process of operating the conversion means 300, the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the state transition means 312, the command determination means 314, and the command transmission means 316 is executed. ..

Here, as an instruction code, a command prepared for LEM50A-P (product name) sold by LETech is used. The LEM50A-P is a microprocessor equipped with a Z80 series CPU called NC80EX, which is widely used in the gaming machine industry (has a high market share).

As described above, in the main CPU 200a, the storage capacity of the used area is predetermined. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the control area is limited to 4.5 kbytes and the data area is limited to 3.0 kbytes. There is. Therefore, when the main CPU 200a manages the AT effect state and the so-called reel effect of rotating the reel unit 134 in various modes, the storage capacity of the game control process may be further limited in the control area. Here, by devising an array of variables, the capacity of the control area for performing the game control process is secured.

In the following description, a device that is a part of the slot machine 100 and can be physically recognized independently, such as reel 134a, reel 134b, and reel 134c, may be referred to as a device, and is referred to as a motor phase. As such, a value for controlling a device may be referred to as a parameter.

Here, for each of the three reels 134a, 134b, 134c (plurality of devices), variables corresponding to parameters such as the motor phase are arranged in the work area.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a program and a work area of the excitation release waiting process S800. In the work area, the motor phases of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are continuously arranged in order. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14B, the motor phase (_SMC_PHS + 0) of the reel 134a is assigned to F010H in the work area, the motor phase (_SMC_PHS + 1) of the reel 134b is assigned to F011H, and the motor phase (_SMC_PHS + 1) of the reel 134b is assigned to F012H. The motor phase (_SMC_PHS + 2) is assigned. Further, in the motor phase (_SMC_PHS + 0) to the motor phase (_SMC_PHS + 2), as shown in FIG. 14C, any one of 0 to 3 is stored as a variable as the motor phase of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. ..

The flowchart of the excitation release waiting process S800 is realized by, for example, the program of FIG. 14A. “EXCFREE” on the first line of FIG. 14A indicates the start address of the subroutine. "JTQ NZ, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 0), EXCFREE" on the second line is a command used uniquely to NC80EX with "Q", and is 0 (zero) from the value of the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS + 0) of the reel 134a. ) Is not 0, and if the first zero flag (zero flag set to 1 when all bits are 0) is not 0, it indicates that the game moves to EXCFREE. The command on the second line corresponds to step S801 and step S802 in FIG. “LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 1)” on the third line indicates that the contents of the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS + 1) of the reel 134b and the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS + 2) of the reel 134c are set in the HL register. Even if a value is simply called to a register, if the called value is 0, the second zero flag (a specific bit flag of the extended specification for gaming machines that is set to 1 when all bits are 0). Is 0. The command on the third line corresponds to step S803 in FIG. "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" on the 4th line indicates that if the second zero flag is not 0, it moves to EXCFREE. The command on the fourth line corresponds to step S804 in FIG. Then, "RET" on the fifth line returns to the main routine.

In the example of FIG. 14A, the command length when the command is in machine language is 4 bytes for "JTQ NZ, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 0), EXCFREE" and 2 bytes for "LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 1)". "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" is 2 bytes, and "RET" is 1 byte. Therefore, the total command length of the program of FIG. 14A is 9 bytes. The total command length of the program of FIG. 14A is when determining whether the motor phase of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c is 0, that is, a JTQ command is issued for each reel 134a, 134b, 134c. It is shortened by 4 bytes from the case where the RET command is executed 3 times and the RET command is executed once (4 bytes × 3 + 1 = 13 bytes).

This is because, in the case of FIG. 14A, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 has one instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 1)”) or a plurality of consecutive instruction commands (“JTQ NZ,”. This is because the variables of a plurality of different devices (reels 134a, 134b, 134c) corresponding to the same parameter (_SMC_PHS) are accessed by "LOW _SMC_PHS + 0), EXCFREE" and "LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 1)"). As a result, the number of command commands can be reduced and the command length can be shortened. More specifically, by reading the motor phase values of the two reels 134b and 134c with one instruction by an instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 1)”), the reels 134b and 134c are read out and determined, respectively. This is because the total number of bytes is smaller when the LDQ instruction and the JR instruction, which have a total of 4 bytes, are executed once than when the 4-byte JTQ instruction is executed twice. In this way, it is possible to secure the capacity (program capacity) of the control area for performing the main processing.

Further, as can be understood by referring to FIG. 14 (b), when the variable of the parameter such as the motor phase is continuously arranged in the storage unit, the variable is referred to the motor phase or the value thereof is confirmed. It is easy to understand, and problems such as forgetting to rewrite some variables can be avoided.

Here, the case where the number of reels is three is taken up, and an example in which the total command length is shortened by 2 bytes by arranging variables has been described. However, when the number of reels is increased to 4 or more, the command length is shortened. The total will increase further.

FIG. 15 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100. Here, in the same slot machine 100 as in FIG. 1, the number of reels and the number of stop switches are increased by one from the slot machine 100 in FIG. Therefore, in the slot machine 100 of FIG. 15, the reel 134d is added and the stop switch 130d is added as compared with the slot machine 100 of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a excitation release waiting process S1800 when the number of reels is four (reels 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d), and a diagram illustrating a program and a work area of the excitation release waiting process S1800.

(Step S1801)
As shown in FIG. 16A, when the excitation release waiting process S1800 is started, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 of the reels 134a and 134b (shown as the first and second reels in the figure). Get the motor phase.

(Step S1802)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether or not the motor phase of the reels 134a and 134b acquired in step S1801 is 0. As a result, if the motor phase of the reels 134a and 134b is 0, the process is transferred to step S1803, and if the motor phase of the reels 134a and 134b is not 0, the process is returned to step S1801. Therefore, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 repeats the determination process of determining whether the motor phase is 0 if the motor phase is not 0.

(Step S1803)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 acquires the motor phases of the reels 134c and 134d (indicated as the third and fourth reels in the figure).

(Step S1804)
The reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 determines whether or not the motor phase of the reels 134c and 134d acquired in step S1803 is 0. As a result, if the motor phase of the reels 134c and 134d is 0, the excitation release waiting process S1800 is terminated, and if the motor phase of the reels 134c and 134d is not 0, the process is returned to step S1801. Therefore, the reel control means 306 or the payout control means 310 repeats the determination process of determining whether the motor phase is 0 if the motor phase is not 0.

Then, the flowchart of the excitation release waiting process S1800 is realized by, for example, the program of FIG. 16B. Further, as shown in FIG. 16C, the motor phases of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d are continuously arranged in the work area in order.

In the program of FIG. 16 (b), "JTQ NZ, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 0), EXCFREE" in the second line of FIG. 14 (a) is the second line of FIG. 16 (b) as compared with FIG. 14 (a). "LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 0)" is replaced with "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" in the third line of FIG. 16 (b), and "LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 1)" in the third line of FIG. 14 (a). Is changed to "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS + 2)" as shown in the fourth line of FIG. 16 (b). In the second line "LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 0)" of FIG. 16B, the contents of the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS + 0) of the reel 134a and the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS + 1) of the reel 134b are set in the HL register. Show that you do. Even when a value is simply called to the register, if the called value is 0, the second zero flag becomes 0. “JR NTZ, EXCFREE” on the third line of FIG. 16B indicates that if the second zero flag is not 0, the train moves to EXCFREE. In the fourth line "LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 2)" of FIG. 16B, the contents of the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS + 2) of the reel 134c and the motor phase address (_SMC_PHS + 3) of the reel 134d are set in the HL register. Show that you do. Further, "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" on the 5th line of FIG. 16B indicates that if the second zero flag is not 0, it moves to EXCFREE. Here, the commands on the 2nd and 3rd lines determine whether or not both the motor phase of the reel 134a and the motor phase of the reel 134b are 0, and the commands on the 4th and 5th lines determine whether or not the reel 134c is set. Whether or not it is 0 is determined for both the motor phase and the motor phase of the reel 134d.

Compared with FIG. 14 (a), the number of lines of the instruction code is added, but the command length of "JTQ NZ, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 0), EXCFREE" in the second line of FIG. 14 (a) is 4 bytes. On the other hand, the command length of "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS + 0)" on the second line of FIG. 16B is 3 bytes, and the command length of "JR NTZ, EXCFREE" on the third line is 2 bytes, which is a result. In addition, the command length is only increased by 1 byte. Further, the description change to "LDQ HL, (LOW_SMC_PHS + 2)" on the fourth line of FIG. 16B does not affect the command length (the command length does not change). Therefore, the total command length of the program is 9 bytes.

Therefore, by reading the motor phase values of the two reels 134a and 134b with one instruction by the instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 0)”), the 4-byte JTQ is read and determined for each of the reels 134a and 134b. The total number of bytes is smaller when the LDQ instruction and the JR instruction, which total 4 bytes, are executed once than when the instruction is executed twice. Further, by reading the motor phase values of the two reels 134c and 134d with one instruction by the instruction command (“LDQ HL, (LOW _SMC_PHS + 2)”), the 4-byte JTQ is read and determined for each of the reels 134c and 134d. The total number of bytes is smaller when the LDQ instruction and the JR instruction, which total 4 bytes, are executed once than when the instruction is executed twice.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Will be done.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 are arranged so as to share the functional part for advancing the game, but the functional part of the main control board 200 is assigned to the sub control board 202. Alternatively, the functional parts of the sub-control board 202 may be arranged on the main control board 200, or all the functional parts may be arranged together on one control board.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the bonus game has been described as a game profit, but not limited to such a case, the above-mentioned AT production state and the winning probability of the replay combination are set to be higher than the normal game. An RT (replay time) game that increases the chances of drawing a winning combination for the consumption of medals by suppressing the consumption of medals, or an ART game in which the above AT and RT games are simultaneously performed may be provided.

Further, the excitation release waiting process S800 in the lottery process S300 may be executed before the winning combination lottery process S301, may be executed before the symbol code setting process S302, and one game timer becomes 0. It may be executed after (YES in S303), or it may be executed after setting one game timer. That is, the excitation release waiting process S800 may be executed at any timing after the start switch 128 is operated and before the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is started.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c have been described as examples as the device, but the device is not limited to this.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as the motor phase, acceleration = 3, steady rotation = 2, stopped = 1, standby = 0, but for example, acceleration = 2, steady rotation = 1, Any state corresponding to 0 may be used, such as stopped = 0 and waiting = 3.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the motor phase has been described as an example of the device parameter, but the parameters include the step counter value, the currently appearing symbol number, the stop request flag, the index previous value, the sequence counter, and the rotation error. It may be a detection counter, an initial detection edge type, or the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped by exciting the stepping motor 262 in all phases, but the reel 134a, by exciting the stepping motor 262 in one phase or two phases. 134b and 134c may be stopped.

(Second embodiment)
In order to facilitate the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, the mechanical configuration and the electrical configuration of the slot machine (game machine) in which the player can play are briefly described, and then the specifics in each substrate of the slot machine are described. Specific processing (transition of combination configuration and gaming state) and characteristic processing in the present embodiment will be described, and a flowchart for realizing these will be described in detail.

(Mechanical configuration of slot machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 17 and 18, the slot machine 100 has a housing 102 which is a substantially rectangular box body, and a front upper door which is openably and closably attached to the front opening of the housing 102. 104, located below the front upper door 104, and like the front upper door 104, located below the front lower door 106 and the front lower door 106 that are openable and closable to the front opening of the housing 102. , A saucer portion 108 for storing medals paid out from the medal discharge port 108a is provided.

An operation unit installation table 122 is formed on the upper part of the front lower door 106, and a medal insertion unit 124, a bet switch 126, a start switch 128, a stop switch 130, and the like are arranged on the operation unit installation table 122.

The medal insertion unit 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation table 122 accepts the insertion of medals as a game medium through the medal insertion slot (insertion opening) 124a, and the medal selector (shown) provided on the back surface of the front lower door 106. Send a medal to. The medal selector includes a blocker (not shown) that guides medals inserted outside the insertion period or non-standard medals to the medal outlet 108a, and medals within the standard inserted during the insertion period. The inserted medal detection unit 124b for detecting the passage of the above is provided. Here, the medal guided to the medal ejection port 108a is ejected to the saucer portion 108. When a player inserts a medal in excess of the maximum specified number (for example, 3) among a plurality of specified number of medals required to start one game, the maximum specified number is exceeded. The number of medals is electrically stored (hereinafter, simply referred to as credit) in the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c) up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 50).

The bet switch 126 is a push-type button switch for betting a maximum specified number of medals among credited medals. When the bet switch 126 is pressed while the maximum number of medals is credited, the maximum number of medals is bet and the number of stored medals is reduced by the maximum number of medals. If the bet switch 126 is pressed while the number of medals less than the maximum specified number is credited, all the stored medals are bet and the stored number is reduced to 0.

The start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation unit installation table 122 is composed of a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a start operation of one game by a player. Further, the start switch 128 can also be configured by a button switch capable of detecting a pressing operation.

A colorless and transparent design display window 136 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided in the lower center of the front upper door 104, and a reel is provided at a position corresponding to the design display window 136 in the housing 102. A unit 134 is provided. In the reel unit 134, as shown in the design arrangement of the reels in FIG. 19A, three reels 134a, 134b, 134c in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each region divided into 20 equal parts are independent of each other. The reels 134a, 134b, and 134c can be visually recognized through the symbol display window 136. The reel unit 134 starts the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c triggered by the operation of the start switch 128.

The stop switch 130 located at the center of the operation unit installation table 122 is a button switch provided corresponding to each of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c and capable of detecting the pressing operation of the player, and is a button switch capable of detecting the pressing operation of the player, and the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. The stop operation of the player who tries to stop each is detected. The three button switches related to the stop switch 130 are the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c in order from the left according to their positions.

In this way, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped by the stop operation through the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c, respectively. Here, an effective line is provided as shown in FIG. 19B so that the player can grasp the stopping mode. There is only one effective line, and specifically, it corresponds to the symbol that stops at the middle of reels 134a, 134b, 134c out of the nine symbols (3 reels x 3 stages of upper, middle, and lower) facing the symbol display window 136. The line connecting the winning positions is set as the effective line A for determining the winning combination.

A liquid crystal display unit (image display unit) 138 for displaying various images accompanying the effect is provided at substantially the center of the upper part of the front upper door 104. Further, on the upper portion and the left and right of the front upper door 104, for example, a directing lamp 142 composed of a high-luminance light emitting diode (LED) is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 138 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and the inner left and right positions on the back surface of the front lower door 106, a speaker that produces an auditory effect by sound effects, musical sounds, or the like. 140 is provided. Further, below the reel unit 134 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 264 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 108a is provided. The medal payout device 264 includes a medal storage unit 264a for storing medals, a payout control unit 264b for discharging medals stored in the medal storage unit 264a from the medal discharge port 108a, and medals discharged from the medal discharge port 108a. It is provided with a payout medal detection unit 264c for detecting the above.

Further, although not shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, inside the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, among the symbols applied to the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to the symbol display window 136 are formed. A reel backlight 144 (see FIG. 20) is provided to illuminate the upper, middle, and lower symbols independently from the back surface. Further, a reel upper light 146 that directly illuminates the front of all the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is also provided on the upper part of the back surface of the symbol display window 136.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, in the operation unit installation table 122, the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit are on the substantially horizontal plane of the step portion 122a provided between the symbol display window 136 and the stop switch 130. 154 is provided. Further, a sub-credit display unit 156 and a sub-payout display unit 158 are provided between the symbol display window 136 and the operation unit installation table 122. The number of stored medals stored internally is displayed on the main credit display unit 152 and the sub credit display unit 156, and the number of medals paid out is displayed on the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158. The sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 can also display various numerical values associated with the effect.

Further, a power switch 148 is provided at an arbitrary position in the housing 102. The power switch 148 is composed of a switch such as a rocker switch that can detect a pressing operation, and is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100 to switch between two states, a power off state and a power on state. Used.

(Electrical configuration of slot machine 100)
FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 20, the slot machine 100 is mainly controlled by a control board. Here, as an example of the control board, the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202, which share the functions of the control board, will be described. For example, among the programs related to the progress of the game, particularly important processing such as lottery of the winning combination to be used for the game and its winning is executed on the main control board 200, and other processing related to the production, for example, is performed on the sub control board 202. Is running on. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is one from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention and the like. Limited to direction only. However, if there is no such limitation, bidirectional communication is technically possible.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a which is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b in which a program or the like is stored, a main RAM (RWM) 200c which functions as a work area, and the like. Control centrally. However, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 200c, and even if the power is turned off, the data will not be erased unless the settings are changed and the initialization process of the main RAM 200c is executed. Be retained.

Further, the main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b, the initialization means 300, the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, and the reel control means. It has functional units such as 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, state transition means 312, command determination means 314, and command transmission means 316.

The initialization means 300 executes the initialization process on the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets medals for use in the game. Here, the bet is based on the case where the credited medal is inserted through the operation of the bet switch 126, the case where the medal is inserted through the medal insertion unit 124, and the case where the replay combination is displayed on the valid line A. This includes all cases where medals are automatically inserted. The winning combination lottery means 304 selects one of a plurality of types of winning combinations including a small winning combination, a replay winning combination, a bonus winning combination, and an unwinning winning combination by lottery based on the bet of the medal and the operation of the start switch 128. decide.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the plurality of reels 134a, 134b, 134c according to the operation of the start switch 128, and the plurality of stop switches 130a, 130b corresponding to the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c, respectively. In response to the operation of 130c, the reels 134a, 134b, 134c corresponding to the operated stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c are stopped and controlled, respectively. Further, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switch 130 in the previous game in response to the operation of the start switch 128, and then displays the lottery result of the winning combination lottery of the stop switch 130 by the player. The time until the operation is enabled (disabled by the completion of the operation of the stop switch 130 in the previous game) is extended from the specified time (wait time, for example, 4.1 seconds), during which the reel 134a, In some cases, a reel effect (freeze effect) is performed in which the rotation of 134b and 134c is controlled in various modes. In the reel effect, any switch that should be originally enabled is not enabled for a predetermined time, the processing that should be originally executed is suspended for a predetermined time, and the signal of any switch that should be originally transmitted / received is transmitted or received for a predetermined time. It can be realized even if there is no such thing.

The determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the valid line A. Here, the display of the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination lottery on the valid line A may be simply referred to as winning. The payout control means 310 pays out as many medals as the number corresponding to the winning combination based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the valid line A (winning). .. The state transition means 312 transitions the gaming state based on the winning or winning of the bonus combination.

The command determining means 314 sequentially determines commands related to the game associated with the operations of the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the state transition means 312, and the like. The command transmitting means 316 sequentially transmits the commands determined by the command determining means 314 to the sub-control board 202.

The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from the input medal detection unit 124b, the bet switch 126, the start switch 128, and the stop switch 130, and based on the received detection signals, the bet means 302 and the winning combination lottery means. The 304, the reel control means 306, and the determination means 308 perform the various processes described above. Further, the main credit display unit 152 and the main payout display unit 154 are connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 displays the number of stored medals and the number of payouts on both display units 152 and 154. Control.

Further, a reel drive control unit 258 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive control unit 258 drives the stepping motor 262 and stops the stop switch based on the rotation start signals of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 128. The drive of the stepping motor 262 is stopped based on the stop signals of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c and the detection signals of the rotation position detection circuit 260 transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the 130.

Further, a medal payout device 264 is connected to the main control board 200. A detection signal of the payout medal detection unit 264c is input to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 from the payout control unit 264b counts the number of medals to be paid out according to the detection signal. Control the ejection of medals.

Further, the main control board 200 is provided with a random number generator 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops it within a predetermined total number (for example, 65536) (0 to 65535), and generates (acquires) a random number by extracting the count value at a predetermined time point. The random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as a winning combination lottery random number) is used to give a game profit to the player, for example, the winning combination lottery means 304 determines the winning combination. ..

(Sub-control board 202)
Further, the sub control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 202a which is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 202b in which a program or the like is stored, a sub RAM 202c which functions as a work area, and the like, like the main control board 200. , In particular, the effect is controlled based on the command from the main control board 200. Further, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 202c as well as the main RAM 200c, and even when the power is turned off, the data is retained without being erased. Similar to the main control board 200, the sub control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator 202d, and the random numbers generated by the random number generator 202d (hereinafter referred to as “directed lottery random numbers”) mainly represent the mode of the effect. Used to determine.

Further, the sub control board 202 is such that the initialization determination means 330, the command receiving means 332, the effect control means 334, etc., in which the sub CPU 202a functions by cooperating with the sub RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub ROM 202b. It has a functional part.

The initialization determining means 330 executes an initialization process on the sub-control board 202. The command receiving means 332 receives a command from another control board such as the main control board 200, and processes the command. The effect control means 334 determines the effect of the game performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142 based on the winning combination command. Specifically, the effect control means 334 includes image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, an effect lamp 142, a reel backlight 144, a reel upper light 146, a sub credit display unit 156, a sub payout display unit 158, and the like. The lighting data for the production through the lighting device is determined, and the audio data constituting the sound to be output from the speaker 140 is determined. Then, the effect control means 334 executes the effect of the determined game.

The effect includes an effect executed by the main control board 200 such as the reel effect described above, and an effect executed by the sub control board 202. As the game progresses, the effect executed by the sub control board 202 includes a liquid crystal display unit 138, a speaker 140, an effect lamp 142, a reel backlight 144, a reel upper light 146, a sub credit display unit 156, and a sub payout display unit. It is a visual and auditory expression means provided through 158 and the like, and can give a story to the game and suggest the result of the winning combination lottery with a more dynamic image. In such an effect, for example, an effect suggesting winning of a bonus game can be performed over a plurality of games to raise the expectation of the player. In addition, even if you have not won any of the winning roles, you can give the player a sense of expectation of a high payout through the production as if you were also winning, so that the player will not get bored. It will be possible. By interlocking the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202, various playability can be constructed. Hereinafter, the main game modes will be described in detail.

(Table used in the main control board 200)
In the slot machine 100, a plurality of gaming states are provided, and the gaming states change according to the progress of the game. Then, in the main control board 200, a plurality of winning combination lottery tables and the like corresponding to the gaming states managed by the state transition means 312 are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning combination lottery means 304 extracts and extracts the corresponding winning combination lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current gaming state stored in the main RAM 200c (game state based on whether or not a bonus combination is established, which will be described later). Based on the winning combination lottery table and the current set value, it is determined which winning combination or non-winning combination in the winning combination lottery table is the winning combination lottery random number acquired according to the operation signal of the start switch 128. Here, the set value indicates the ease of obtaining the game profit step by step, and the higher the numerical value of the set value, the easier it is to obtain the game profit. The set value is generally determined by the hall-side manager at least at the start of the game, and the player cannot acquire or change the set value during the game.

Here, the winning combination extracted in the winning combination lottery table includes a replay role, a small role, and a bonus role. The state in which the symbol combinations corresponding to such winning combinations are aligned on the valid line A is called display or winning, and the state until the winning combination is won and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed is internally. Win a prize. The replay role among the winning combinations is a role in which one game can be executed again without making a new bet of the medal by the player when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the valid line A. The small winning combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the symbol combination by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination on the effective line A. Further, the bonus combination is a winning combination that can shift the gaming state managed by the state transition means 312 to the bonus gaming state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the effective line A. .. The game profits given to the winning combination and the player will be described below.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the winning combination, and FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the gaming state.

Further, in the present embodiment, as the winning combination, as shown in FIG. 21, the winning combination "replay", "bell", and "big bonus (hereinafter referred to as" BB ")" are provided. Of these, the winning combination "replay" corresponds to the above replay combination, the winning combination "bell" corresponds to the above small role, and the winning combination "BB" corresponds to the above bonus combination.

(Replay role)
As a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination "replay" is won, the symbol "replay" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, which is a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination "replay" shown in FIG. When it becomes possible to display on the valid line A and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" is displayed on the valid line A, as described above, one game (replay) is performed again without betting by the player. ) Can be executed.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the stop switch 130 is pressed by the player, if the symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is on the effective line A, the reel control means 306 is used. , Stop control is performed so that the symbol stops on the effective line A. Further, when the stop switch 130 is pressed, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are not on the effective line A, but in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. When it exists in the range (retraction range) corresponding to 4 symbols, the number of separated symbols becomes the number of sliding frames by the reel control means 306, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is configured. Stop control is performed so that the symbol is pulled onto the effective line A and the rotation is maintained for the number of sliding frames and then stopped. Further, when there are a plurality of symbols corresponding to the winning combination in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c and all of them are within the pull-in range of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, according to a predetermined priority. It is determined which symbol is to be drawn onto the effective line A, and stop control is performed so as to keep the rotation for the number of sliding frames so that the prioritized symbol is drawn onto the effective line A and then stop. When the stop switch 130 is pressed, if there is a symbol on the effective line A that constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination other than the winning combination, the reel control means 306 is used to change the symbol. The so-called kicking process, which prevents the player from stopping on the effective line A, is also executed in parallel.

Then, in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" are arranged so as to be always displayed on the effective line A by the above stop control (the above-mentioned stop control). 19 and 21). Specifically, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" are separated from each other by a maximum of 4 frames in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, so that they are always on the effective line A by the stop control. Can be displayed in. In this way, when the winning combination "replay" is won, the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combination "replay" is always displayed on the valid line A. In this way, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" is displayed on the effective line A, it is possible to start the next one game without inserting a medal.

(Small role)
In addition, when the winning combination "Bell" is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the symbol "Bell A" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, which is a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination "Bell". Can be displayed on the valid line A, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "bell" is displayed on the valid line A, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination (here, 9) is displayed by the player. Will be paid out to. Here, since the symbols "Bell A" constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Bell" are separated from each other by a maximum of four symbols in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c (FIGS. 19 and 21). (See), as with the winning combination "replay", it can always be displayed on the effective line A by the above stop control.

(Bonus role)
Further, when the winning combination "BB" is won as a result of the winning combination lottery, the symbol "red" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, which is a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination "BB" shown in FIG. 7 ”can be displayed on the valid line A, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination“ BB ”is displayed on the valid line A, the game state is set to the bonus game state, and the next one game (hereinafter, After that (simply referred to as the next game), the game can be executed in the bonus game state until a predetermined number (for example, 297) of medals are paid out. In each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, the symbol "red 7" is arranged so that it may not be displayed on the effective line A even by the above stop control (see FIGS. 19 and 21). ). Therefore, even if the winning combination "BB" is won, the player is not always able to display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" on the effective line A.

When any of the above-mentioned winning combinations is won, the internal winning flag corresponding to each winning combination is established (ON), and the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are each set according to the establishment status of the internal winning combination. Stop control will be performed. At this time, if the small winning combination is won, but the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination cannot be displayed on the valid line A in the one game, the internal winning flag is set after the end of the one game. Is turned off. That is, the right to win a small role is limited to one game in which the small role is won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. In addition, when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning combination "replay", which is the replay combination, is established, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" is always displayed on the valid line A, and the next one without requiring a medal. After the processing required for playing the game is performed, the internal winning flag is turned off. On the other hand, when the winning combination "BB" is won, the BB internal winning flag is established (ON) and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is displayed on the valid line A until it is displayed. The BB internal winning flag is carried over across the game.

(Transition of game state)
Here, the BB internal winning flag will be specifically described together with the transition of the gaming state. When the BB internal winning flag is established, the gaming state managed by the main control board 200 is the winning combination, which is a bonus combination, as shown in FIG. 22 (1), depending on the establishment status of the BB internal winning flag. From the non-bonus game state that has not been won in "BB" to the bonus-established game state corresponding to the preparation state of the bonus game state, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped and controlled based on the bonus-established game state. At this time, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" cannot be displayed on the valid line A, the BB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game as it is (the bonus-established game state is maintained). In the next and subsequent games, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" can be displayed on the effective line A. Then, when the player displays the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" on the effective line A, the game state shifts from the bonus-established game state to the bonus game state as shown in (2) of FIG. 22. do. Further, in the bonus gaming state, when a predetermined number (for example, 297) of medals is paid out, the gaming state shifts from the bonus gaming state to the bonus non-established gaming state as shown in (3) of FIG. .. However, as shown by the broken line arrow in (4) of FIG. 22, in the game in which the winning combination "BB" is established in the game state in which the bonus is not established, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is placed on the effective line A. When displayed, the game directly shifts to the bonus game state without going through the bonus game state.

(Winner lottery table)
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a winning combination lottery table used when determining a winning combination lottery random number. In the winning combination lottery table, a plurality of winning areas are divided, and the winning combination to be the target of the lottery may differ depending on each game state. In FIG. 23, the winning area (winning combination) assigned to each game state (bonus non-established game state, bonus established game state, bonus game state) is represented by “◯”. Therefore, the winning area not marked with "○" indicates that it is not assigned to the gaming state. Each partitioned winning area is associated with a predetermined number (winning range value), which is a numerical value indicating the winning range, and a winning combination, and the number of all winning areas assigned to each gaming state. Is summed up to be the total number of winning combination lottery random numbers (65536). Therefore, the probability that each winning combination is determined is a value obtained by dividing the number of places associated with the winning area by the total number of winning combination lottery random numbers. The winning combination lottery means 304 sequentially acquires the number of winning combinations from the one with the highest number among the plurality of winning areas in the winning combination lottery table based on the gaming state at that time, and the winning combination lottery random number is used as the winning combination lottery random number. When the subtraction value is less than 0, the winning combination associated with the winning area at that time is taken as the lottery result. The lottery procedure can be applied to other lottery.

In addition, the winning combination to be the target of the lottery differs depending on each game state. For example, in FIG. 23, when the bonus non-established gaming state and the bonus established gaming state are compared, the former draws the winning combination "BB", while the latter draws the winning combination "BB". Not. This is because in the latter case, since the winning combination "BB" has already been won, the winning combination "BB" cannot be won again. Further, in the latter, the winning probability of the winning combination "replay" is set higher than that in the former. Further, according to the bonus game state of FIG. 23, the winning combination "BB" is not drawn again and the winning combination "replay" is not drawn. In addition, since the winning combination "Bell" is set to win with a high probability, the expected number of cards to be obtained, which indicates the average value of the number of cards that can be obtained in one game, is higher than that of the non-bonus game state or the bonus game state. It's getting higher. In addition, "unwinning" is associated with the winning area 0 of the winning combination lottery table, and when "unwinning" is determined by the winning combination lottery, the symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning combinations shown in FIG. Is not displayed on the valid line A, and medals are not paid out. However, if "unwinning" is determined by the winning combination lottery in the bonus-established gaming state (BB internal winning flag is ON), the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" can be displayed on the valid line A.

Hereinafter, specific processing in the main control board 200 will be described based on a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, the outline of one game after initialization will be described along with the main processing of the main control board 200. Further, although detailed description is omitted, when each process is executed, the switches (bet switch 126, start switch 128, stop switch 130a, 130b, 130c) used in each process are enabled at the start of the process. , Will be disabled at the end of the process.

(Step S100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch 148 and the power is turned on, the initialization means 300 executes the initialization process in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization means 300 generates backup data at any time while the power is turned on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power failure occurs, it is possible to restore the state before the power failure by using the retained backup data in this initialization process. For example, even if an unexpected power failure occurs during the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, the reels 134a, 134b, 134c are started from the state of being rotated again after the return operation. Therefore, in the initialization process, the main RAM 200c is basically not initialized (RAM clear).

(Step S200)
Further, the command determining means 314 generates an input command indicating the changed number of bets and the number of stored sheets when the number of bets is changed, and the command transmitting means 316 uses the generated input command as the sub-control board 202. Send to.

(Step S300)
Next, the winning combination lottery means 304 activates the game start operation for the start switch 128, and shifts to the operation waiting state of the start switch 128. Here, the winning combination lottery means 304 is at the time when the start switch 128 is operated from the winning combination lottery random numbers updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 in response to the operation of the start switch 128 by the player. Acquire the winning combination lottery random number of 1. Then, the winning combination lottery means 304 determines which winning area the acquired winning combination lottery random number corresponds to based on the winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 23 and the currently set gaming state. , The winning combination or the unwinning of the determined winning area is determined as the lottery result. Further, the command determination means 314 generates a winning combination command including information on the lottery result (winning combination or unwinning) of the winning combination lottery, the game state, and the like after the lottery result is determined according to the operation of the start switch 128. Then, the command transmission means 316 transmits the generated winning combination command to the sub-control board 202. Further, the state transition means 312 shifts the gaming state from the bonus non-established gaming state to the bonus established gaming state based on the winning combination "BB" being won in the bonus non-established gaming state.

(Step S400)
When the start switch 128 is operated, the reel control means 306 drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c in the previous game (wait), the reels 134a, 134b, 134c in the game Start spinning and accelerate spinning. Then, the reel control means 306 activates the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c when all of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c have reached a predetermined speed and have reached a steady rotation (a state of rotating at a constant speed). When the operation of the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c by the player is received, any one of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c corresponding to the operation is stopped and controlled. Further, when any one of the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is operated, the command determining means 314 is a stop operation command (first stop operation command, which indicates information on the stopped switches 130a, 130b, 130c that have been operated. The second stop operation command and the third stop operation command) are generated each time the operation is performed, and the command transmission means 316 sequentially transmits the generated stop operation commands to the sub-control board 202. The reel rotation process S400 will be described in detail later.

(Step S500)
Next, the determination means 308 determines which combination of symbols displayed on the effective line A shown in FIG. 19B corresponds to a predetermined combination, and is in a gaming state according to the combination of symbols. Performs various processes required for changes and replays. Further, the command determining means 314 generates a winning command including a symbol combination displayed on the valid line A and a winning command including the number of medals to be paid out when the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the valid line A. , The command transmission means 316 transmits the generated winning command to the sub-control board 202. Further, the state transition means 312 shifts the gaming state from the bonus-established gaming state to the bonus gaming state based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is displayed on the valid line A in the bonus-established gaming state. ..

(Step S600)
Subsequently, the payout control means 310 executes a medal payout process corresponding to the small winning combination when, for example, a symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the effective line A based on the determination result in step S500. , When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the valid line A, the process for betting the next game is automatically executed. Further, the state transition means 312 shifts the gaming state from the bonus gaming state to the bonus non-established gaming state when a predetermined number of medals are paid out in the bonus gaming state. In this way, the payout control means 310 performs various processes corresponding to the symbol combinations displayed on the effective line A, and ends the one game. Further, when the medal payout process is performed, the command determination means 314 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been performed, and the command transmission means 316 transmits the generated payout command to the sub-control board 202. ..

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S600. After that, the main loop from step S200 to step S600 will be repeated.

By the way, in the slot machine 100, in order to position the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, the light-shielding plate is fixed to the reels 134a, 134b, 134c with the same axis as the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. The light-shielding plate has a shape in which a donut-shaped plate is left by a semicircle, and rotates with the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. It is configured to block light from the photosensor in any semicircular region. Therefore, in the other half circumference, the photo sensor collects light without being shielded by the light shielding plate. Therefore, the index sensor repeatedly detects on and off every half turn of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c.

Then, the index sensor sets the edge of the light-shielding plate as a reference position (index) around the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. Specifically, if the index sensor is on when the operation signal of the start switch 128 is acquired, the reel control means 306 sets the edge from on to off as the reference position for one round of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. An index signal is output each time an edge from on to off is detected. On the other hand, if the index sensor is off when the operation signal of the start switch 128 is acquired, the reel control means 306 sets the edge from off to on as the reference position for one round of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and from off. An index signal is output each time an on edge is detected. Therefore, the index signal is always output from the start of rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c to the half-circumferential position. In this way, the reason why only one edge of the light-shielding plate is set as the reference position is that when both edges are used and each half circumference (252 steps) is set as the reference position, the light-shielding plate has a dimensional error. This is because an event that is not exactly half a lap occurs. Here, the index (index signal) is detected by detecting the edge. Therefore, the expression of detecting an edge shown below can be read as detecting an index.

In such an index sensor, the edge of the light-shielding plate that should be originally detected is not detected for a predetermined time, and when a so-called time-out occurs, the reel control means 306 determines that a rotation error of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c has occurred. Therefore, the slot machine 100 is provided with a rotation error detection counter for determining a so-called time-out, in which a predetermined time elapses without detecting an edge while the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are rotating. The rotation error detection counter is a counter that determines whether or not the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is normal. The rotation error detection counter is incremented by 1 for two interrupt cycles of 1.49 msec, and satisfies a predetermined error condition when the index sensor changes. That is, if the count value is less than 6 (corresponding to the lower limit time) or 131 (corresponds to the upper limit time) or more (corresponding to the upper limit time), it is determined that the rotation error is reached. Then, the reel control means 306 clears the rotation error detection counter every time the index sensor detects an edge associated with the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. In this way, no rotation error (timeout) occurs while the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are normally rotating. However, as described above, if the rotation error detection counter exceeds a predetermined upper limit time, that is, if the index sensor does not detect an edge, the reel control means 306 determines that the rotation error has occurred.

Therefore, in order not to cause an unintended rotation error, the rotation error detection counter must be cleared before a predetermined time has elapsed since the edge was detected last time. For example, it is conceivable to clear the rotation error detection counter at various timings, such as when an edge is detected during steady rotation of the reels after the end of one game in which all reels are stopped.

However, if the rotation error detection counter is frequently cleared, the following problems may occur. That is, in the slot machine, the program related to the game control process for controlling the progress of the game must be arranged within the range of the used area (control area 4.5 kbyte + data area 3.0 kbyte) in the ROM of the main control board. However, if the rotation error detection counter clearing process is frequently executed, the control area for performing the game control process becomes unnecessarily large, and the program area cannot be allocated to other processes.

Specifically, in the main control board 200, the main CPU 200a cooperates with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b to control the initialization means 300, the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, and the reel control. It functions as means 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, state transition means 312, command determination means 314, command transmission means 316, etc., and controls the progress of the game. The program for executing these functional units is arranged in a predetermined area (used area) of the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory map of the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c. Here, the main ROM 200b is allocated a memory space of 0000h to 2FFFh (12kbite), and the main RAM 200c is allocated a memory space of F000h to F1FFh (512byte) and F200h to F3FFh (512byte). Further, the used area is defined in both the main ROM 200b and the main RAM 200c.

A used area is allocated to the memory space of the main ROM 200b from 0000h to 1DF3h. Specifically, in the memory space (control area) limited to 0000h to 11FFh (4.5kbyte), the initialization means 300, the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, and the payout control. The instruction code of the program for executing the game control process for controlling the progress of the game by operating the means 310, the state transition means 312, the command determination means 314, and the command transmission means 316 is stored, and 1200h to 1DF3h (3.0 kbyte). ), The data used for the game control processing program is stored in the memory space (data area). Further, a comment area is allocated to the memory space of 1E00h to 1EFFh, and a program management area is allocated to the memory space of 2FC0h to 2FFFh. The instruction code of the program is written in assembler language. Here, the program is composed of an instruction code, is read by a computer, and can realize a predetermined process in cooperation with data and a work area.

Further, a used area is allocated to the memory space of F000h to F1FFh of the main RAM 200c. Specifically, the work area for the game control process is allocated to the memory spaces of F000h to F13Fh, and is used for managing variables such as timers, counters, and flags. The stack area of the game control process is allocated to the memory spaces of F1C0h to F1FFh. Further, the main CPU 200a is provided with an internal register.

As described above, in the main ROM 200b, the storage capacity of the used area is predetermined. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the control area is limited to 4.5 kbytes and the data area is limited to 3.0 kbytes. There is. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to increase the variation of the game control process in order to improve the game playability, the storage capacity of the game control process is limited in the control area, and there is a possibility that the game control process cannot be added. In addition, when a winning type including a winning combination with a large game profit (selected winning combination) is won, the operation mode of the stop switch, which is a winning condition for the selected winning combination, is notified to correspond to the selected winning combination. The so-called AT (assist time) execution state in which the player can easily display the symbol combination to be performed on the effective line, and the so-called reel effect in which the reel unit 134 is rotated in various modes. When managed by the main CPU 200a, the storage capacity of the game control process may be further limited in the control area.

Here, by executing the clearing process of the rotation error detection counter at an appropriate timing, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are appropriately controlled while preventing an increase in the control area for performing the game control process.

(Reel rotation processing S400)
As a processing example of the reel rotation processing S400 described above, a program in which the reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the three reels 134a, 134b, and 134c (acceleration, steady rotation, stop, standby) is given. The reel rotation process S400 functions as a subroutine. Therefore, the value of each register is saved before the reel rotation process S400 is executed, and the value is returned to the register after the execution. In the reel rotation process S400, as described above, the reel control means 306 drives the stepping motor 262 to accelerate the reels 134a, 134b, 134c (during acceleration) in accordance with the operation of the start switch 128. Then, the reel control means 306 activates the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c when all of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c reach a predetermined speed and reach steady rotation (during steady rotation). At this time, when the player accepts the operation of the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c, the reel control means 306 operates the stepping motor 262 through all-phase excitation (excitation of all phases at the same time to apply the brake). One of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to the above is stopped (stopped). When all the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are completely stopped, the stepping motor 262 is excited and released, the medal is bet, and the start switch 128 is waited to be operated (waiting).

Here, the states of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c are represented by three parameters for controlling the motor phase, the number of steps, and the reels 134a, 134b, 134 of the currently appearing symbol number (symbol number). Of these, the motor phase is a variable indicating the rotational state of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, that is, during acceleration, steady rotation, stop, and standby. Here, during acceleration, the stepping motor 262 accelerates from the time when the start switch 128 is operated and the reels 134a, 134b, 134c start to rotate until the speeds of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c reach a predetermined speed. The state of being. During steady rotation, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are rotating at a constant speed after reaching a predetermined speed until the operation of the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is accepted. During stop, the stepping motor 262 is decelerating from the time when the operation of the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c is received and the stepping motor 262 is all-phase excited until the reels 134a, 134b, 134c are stopped. .. During standby, after all reels 134a, 134b, 134c are completely stopped and the stepping motor 262 is excited and released, until the start switch 128 is effectively operated and the reels 134a, 134b, 134c start to rotate. A state in which the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped. Here, the variables assigned to the motor phase change to values such as acceleration = 3, steady rotation = 2, stopped = 1, and standby = 0, depending on the rotation state of the motor. Although the operations such as acceleration, steady rotation, stop, and standby are mentioned here, deceleration may be included.

The number of steps indicates the number of steps in the unit symbol. The unit symbol indicates one of a plurality of symbols. For example, when the number of symbols is 21, the maximum value of the number of steps in the unit symbol is 504/21 = 24, so the symbols are updated by counting 24 and the number of steps is initialized. However, since the number of symbols is 20 in this embodiment, the value obtained by dividing 504 is not an integer. In this case, the maximum value of the number of steps is 26 in 12 frames out of 20 frames, and the maximum value of the number of steps is 24 in 8 frames. Specifically, the maximum value of the number of steps is shifted in the order of 26 → 24 → 26 → 24 → 26 for each symbol for five symbols, and the combination is repeated four times. In this way, the maximum value of the number of steps can be set to 26 at 3 × 4 times = 12 frames out of 20 frames, and the maximum value of the number of steps can be set to 24 at 2 × 4 times = 8 frames. Therefore, by counting 24 or 26 according to the symbol (symbol number), the symbol is updated and the number of steps is initialized.

Further, the currently appearing symbol number is a number assigned to each symbol in order to specify the symbol currently appearing at the reference position (for example, on the effective line A), and the position of each symbol can be specified. Hereinafter, the reel rotation process will be specifically described.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a reel rotation process in which the reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the three reels 134a, 134b, 134c. Here, the processing related to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be omitted.

The reel control means 306 first acquires the motor phase (S410). Then, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the motor phase indicates that the motor phase is on standby (S411). As a result, if the motor phase is on standby (YES in S411), the reel control means 306 returns from the reel rotation process S400, and if it is not on standby (NO in S411), the reel control means 306 is engaged. It is determined whether or not the motor phase indicates steady rotation (S412). As a result, if the motor phase is in steady rotation (YES in S412), the reel control means 306 executes a steady rotation process (S413), which is a process corresponding to the steady rotation, and is not in steady rotation. (NO in S412), the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the motor phase indicates that the motor phase is stopped (S414). As a result, if the motor phase is stopped (YES in S414), the reel control means 306 executes a stopped processing that is a process of stopping the reels 134a, 134b, 134c (S415), and if it is not stopped. (NO in S414), the reel control means 306 executes an accelerating process, which is a process of accelerating the reels 134a, 134b, 134c (S416). Hereinafter, the accelerating process S416, the steady rotation process S413, and the stopped process S415 will be described in detail in that order.

(Processing during acceleration S416)
FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the accelerating process S416. First, the reel control means 306 decrements and updates the sequence counter (S420). Here, the sequence counter is a counter that counts the time related to the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. For example, the interrupt period 1.49 msec is counted up to 135 (corresponding to the upper limit time), and the full-phase excitation of 201.15 msec is performed. Time it. For example, during acceleration of the stepping motor 262, a predetermined upper limit time is set in the sequence counter, and if the sequence counter becomes 0 by decrementing, the sequence counter is advanced by one step and a new upper limit time is set. The speed is increased by gradually reducing the upper limit time for counting. In this way, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the sequence counter becomes 0 as a result of updating the sequence counter (S421). As a result, if the sequence counter is 0 (YES in S421), the reel control means 306 sets the next time (a value smaller than the previous time) to the sequence counter again (S422), and the sequence counter is still 0. If not (NO in S421), the reel control means 306 returns from the reel rotation process S400.

When the sequence counter is set, the reel control means 306 acquires the rotation speeds of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, and whether or not the acceleration has ended, that is, the upper limit time set in the sequence counter is a predetermined value (for example, 1). It is determined whether or not the result is (S423). As a result, if it is determined that the acceleration is finished (YES in S423), the reel control means 306 clears the rotation error detection counter (S424). Here, the motor phases of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c change from accelerating to steady rotation, and the rotation error detection counter can be counted. Therefore, first, the rotation error detection counter is cleared (reset to 0) and immediately. Avoids timing out. For example, if the rotation error detection counter does not detect an edge before a predetermined time elapses during steady rotation, a timeout occurs, and the process shifts to acceleration again to perform acceleration processing. Even if the rotation error detection counter is not updated during such re-acceleration, if the rotation error detection counter is not cleared at the timing from acceleration to steady rotation, the value of the rotation error detection counter is maintained and immediately. , It is determined that there is a rotation error (it is regarded as a timeout), and the acceleration process is repeated. Here, since the rotation error detection counter is cleared at the timing from the acceleration to the steady rotation, the rotation error is not determined after the acceleration process is performed again.

For example, the rotation error detection counter can be cleared at various timings such as after the end of one game in which all the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped. However, in the present embodiment, acceleration, stop, and standby can be performed. The rotation error detection counter is not counted in the process, and the clearing process of the rotation error detection counter other than during steady rotation is performed at the timing of switching from acceleration to steady rotation (end timing during acceleration). For example, even if the rotation error detection counter is cleared after the end of one game, if the rotation error detection counter is not cleared at the timing of the steady rotation from the acceleration, the timeout will occur during the steady rotation of the next game. As described above, the value of the rotation error detection counter is maintained after the acceleration processing again, the rotation error is determined (considered as a timeout), and the problem of repeating the acceleration processing arises. Here, the reels 134a, 134b, 134c are obtained by clearing the rotation error detection counter at the timing from acceleration to steady rotation, regardless of execution failure such as clearing of the rotation error detection counter after the end of one game. Can be controlled appropriately. Here, by executing the clearing process of the rotation error detection counter at the timing of switching from acceleration to steady rotation except during steady rotation, the control area for performing the game control process is prevented from increasing. The reels 134a, 134b, 134c are appropriately controlled. Here, it is allowed to execute the clearing process of the rotation error detection counter at a timing other than the timing of switching from acceleration to steady rotation, but rotation error detection is performed only at the timing of switching from acceleration to steady rotation. The counter may be cleared.

Next, the reel control means 306 sets a stop prohibition timer (S425). The stop prohibition timer is a stop switch until the reels 134a, 134b, 134c can be stopped, that is, after the acceleration processing of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c is completed and the operation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c is unstable. It is provided to time the time when the operation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c will be stable so as not to enable the operation of the 130a, 130b, 130c. Subsequently, the reel control means 306 acquires the detection result of the index sensor and updates the state of the index sensor (S426). In this way, it is possible to maintain the current state of the index sensor and identify the reference position at an early stage during steady rotation. Then, the reel control means 306 updates the motor phase from accelerating to steady rotation (S427). Subsequently, the reel control means 306 executes the excitation pattern update pre-processing (S428). The excitation pattern update pretreatment S428 will be described in detail later.

As can be understood by comparing FIG. 27 with FIGS. 29 and 32 described later, the rotation error detection counter is updated (decremented) in the steady rotation process S413, but the acceleration process S416 and In the stopped processing S415, the rotation error detection counter is not updated. While the rotation error detection counter is not updated, the rotation error is not determined.

(Excitation pattern update preprocessing S428)
FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the excitation pattern update preprocessing S428. First, the reel control means 306 updates the excitation pointer in order to acquire an excitation pattern (a pattern of which phase to excite) (S430). Then, the reel control means 306 acquires an excitation pattern (S431), sets (overwrites) the excitation pattern in the main RAM 200c (S432), and returns from the reel rotation process S400. The excitation pattern overwritten on the main RAM 200c is read out by another module and output from the output port.

A part of the excitation pattern update pre-processing S428 is also used as an excitation pattern update process S496, which will be described later, which does not require a predetermined process (excitation pointer update process S430). As a program configuration, in the excitation pattern update process S496, the process of step S431 and the process of step S432 are executed as one module, and the excitation pattern update pre-process S428 is the process of step S430 and the excitation. It may be configured to execute the pattern update process S496.

(Processing during steady rotation S413)
FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the process S413 during steady rotation. First, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not one of the 1-2 phase excitations is planned to be output as the next excitation of the stepping motor 262 (S440). This is because the number of processes is halved by advancing the process only in one of the 1-2 phase excitations. As a result, if it is planned to output one-phase excitation (YES in S440), the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the index signal is detected (S441). As described above, such an index signal is output at any predetermined timing from off to on and from on to off of the index sensor. As a result, if the index signal is detected (YES in S441), the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the index flag is ON (S442). Here, the index flag is a flag that is turned on when the index signal is acquired after the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c have reached the steady rotation speed. As a result, if the index flag is ON (YES in S442), the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the rotation error detection counter is less than the lower limit time (S443). As a result, if the rotation error detection counter is less than the lower limit time (YES in S443), the rotation error processing is executed (S444). The rotation error processing S444 will be described in detail later. If the index flag is OFF (NO in S442), and if the rotation error detection counter is equal to or longer than the lower limit time (NO in S443), the reel control means 306 processes without executing the rotation error processing S444. To proceed.

Here, the lower limit time is determined for the following reasons. Normally, when the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped, the time counted by the rotation error detection counter becomes equal to or longer than the upper limit time and time-out occurs. However, when the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c vibrate in the vicinity of the index sensor, the index sensor repeats the operation from off to on and from on to off, and the index signal is generated frequently in a short time to detect rotation error. The counter may not count properly. Here, if the rotation error detection counter is less than the lower limit time, it is determined that the reels 134a, 134b, 134c are stopped or vibrating in the vicinity of the index sensor, and it is determined that there is a rotation error.

Next, the reel control means 306 clears the rotation error detection counter (S445). Here, since the index signal is detected, the rotation error detection counter is cleared (reset to 0) to avoid the timeout. During steady rotation, the rotation error detection counter is constantly updated as described later. Therefore, during steady rotation, the rotation error detection counter must be cleared each time an index signal (edge) is detected.

Subsequently, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the index flag is ON (S446). As a result, if the index flag is ON (YES in S446), the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the stop request flag is ON (S447). Here, the stop request flag is a flag that requests the stop of the symbol, and if bit 7 is 1, it indicates that the stop request is made, and the symbol number that is the stop request target is indicated by bits 6 to 0. , A flag that turns ON when the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c are properly operated during steady rotation. As a result, if the stop request flag is not ON (NO in S447) and the index flag is not ON (NO in S446), the reel control means 306 uses the initial value of the step counter (number of unit symbol steps). (S448), the initial value (upper limit number of symbols) of the symbol number counter is set (S449), and the above-mentioned excitation pattern update preprocessing S428 is executed. The number of unit symbol steps is the number of steps of the stepping motor 262 corresponding to the rotation of the unit symbols of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and the upper limit number of symbols (number of symbols) is one rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. It is the number of corresponding unit symbols.

Here, the step counter is a counter that counts the number of steps of the stepping motor 262 (incremented or decremented by 1 according to the change of the step), and the symbol number counter counts the currently appearing symbol number (1 each time the symbol changes). It is a counter that increments or decrements in increments. As will be described later, the reel control means 306 causes the step counter to count the number of steps, and each time the number of steps counted by the step counter elapses for the number of unit symbol steps, the symbol number counter counts the symbol number, and The step counter is reset, and when the symbol number counted by the symbol number counter reaches a predetermined upper limit number of symbols, it is assumed that the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c have rotated once, and the symbol number counter is reset.

If the index signal is not detected in step S441 (NO in S441), the reel control means 306 increments and updates the rotation error detection counter in order to identify an error due to a timeout (S450). Then, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the rotation error detection counter has reached a predetermined error condition, that is, whether or not it is equal to or longer than the upper limit time (S451). As a result, if the rotation error detection counter is equal to or longer than the upper limit time (YES in S451), the rotation error processing is executed (S444), and if the rotation error detection counter is less than the upper limit time (NO in S451), the reel control means. 306 proceeds with the process without executing the rotation error process S444.

Here, the upper limit time is determined for the following reasons. If the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped or stepped out, the time counted by the rotation error detection counter becomes equal to or longer than the upper limit and times out. Here, if the rotation error detection counter is equal to or longer than the upper limit time, it is determined that the reels 134a, 134b, 134c are stopped or stepped out, and it is determined that there is a rotation error.

If it is determined in step S440 that one-phase excitation is not planned to be output (NO in S440), or if it is determined in step S447 that the stop request flag is ON (YES in S447), the reel The control means 306 performs a symbol information update process for updating the symbol information on the reels 134a, 134b, 134c (S452). The symbol information update process S452 will be described in detail later.

Subsequently, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the stop request flag is turned on (S453). As a result, if the stop request flag is turned ON (YES in S453), the reel control means 306 compares the symbol number to be stopped indicated by bits 6 to 0 of the stop request flag with the currently appearing symbol number. (S454). Then, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the symbol number requested to be stopped is equal to the currently appearing symbol number (S455). As a result, if the symbol number requested to be stopped and the currently appearing symbol number are equal (YES in S455), the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the index flag is ON (S456). As a result, if the index flag is ON (YES in S456), the reel control means 306 resets the stop request flag (S457), updates the motor phase from steady rotation to stop (S458), and the sequence counter. Is set to the initial value (S459), and the above-mentioned excitation pattern update preprocessing S428 is executed. Further, if the stop request flag is not turned ON in step S453 (NO in S453), or if the symbol number requested to stop in step S455 and the currently appearing symbol number are not equal (NO in S455), or step. If the index flag is OFF in S456 (NO in S456), the above-mentioned excitation pattern update preprocessing S428 is executed.

(Rotation error processing S444)
FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the rotation error processing S444. First, the reel control means 306 clears the index flag in order to invalidate the index flag (S470). Then, the reel control means 306 sets the sequence counter to the initial value (S471), updates the motor phase from steady rotation to acceleration (S472), and returns from the reel rotation process S400. In this way, when the rotation error is detected, the motor phase is returned to the acceleration process again, and the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are accelerated and controlled again.

(Design information update process S452)
Before explaining the symbol information update process S452, the technique that is a premise thereof will be described. In this embodiment, a stepping motor 262 is used in which the total number of steps (total number of steps) is 252 for each rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. This is because if the number of symbols is 21, 252 is a multiple of 21, so the number of steps of the unit symbol can be handled evenly. In this embodiment, since the stepping motor 262 is operated by 1-2 phase excitation, the resolution is improved and the number of steps can be counted at 504, which is twice 252. Therefore, in the following example, the total number of steps is treated as 504.

If the total number of steps in one rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c is 504 and the number of symbols of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c is 21, the number of unit symbol steps is 504/21 = 24, so that the reels. The control means 306 updates the symbol number counter and initializes the step counter by causing the step counter to count 24. Further, the reel control means 306 resets the symbol number counter when the currently appearing symbol number counted by the symbol number counter reaches 21, which is the upper limit number of symbols.

In this embodiment, the number of symbols is set to 20. Therefore, the value obtained by dividing the total number of steps 504 by the number of symbols 20 is not an integer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of unit symbol steps is set to 26 in 12 frames out of 20 frames, the number of unit symbol steps is set to 24 in 8 frames, and the number of steps is proportionally divided for each symbol. Specifically, the number of unit symbol steps is changed in the order of 26 → 24 → 26 → 24 → 26 for each symbol for five consecutive symbols, and the combination is repeated four times. In this way, the number of unit symbol steps can be set to 26 at 3 × 4 times = 12 frames out of 20 frames, and the number of unit symbol steps can be set to 24 at 2 × 4 times = 8 frames. Therefore, the reel control means 306 updates the currently appearing symbol number by counting 26 or 24 according to the symbol (symbol number), and initializes the number of steps. Further, the reel control means 306 resets the symbol number counter when the currently appearing symbol number counted by the symbol number counter reaches 20, which is the upper limit number of symbols.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the symbol information update process S452. The reel control means 306 acquires the number of steps of the stepping motor 262 from the step counter (S480), and updates the number of steps (S481). Specifically, the reel control means 306 decrements the number of steps by 1, determines whether the number of steps is negative, that is, whether the number of steps is counted by the number of unit symbol steps, and the number of steps is only the number of unit symbol steps. If it is counted, the number of steps is updated to "25", which is obtained by subtracting "1" for calculation convenience from the number of unit symbol steps "26". If the number of unit symbol steps is not counted, the number of decremented steps is used. Update the step counter.

Subsequently, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not it is necessary to update the currently appearing symbol number, that is, whether or not the number of steps is counted by the number of unit symbol steps (S482). As a result, if it is necessary to update the currently appearing symbol number (YES in S482), the reel control means 306 acquires the currently appearing symbol number from the symbol number counter (S483) and updates the currently appearing symbol number (YES in S482). S484). Specifically, the reel control means 306 decrements the currently appearing symbol number by 1, determines whether the currently appearing symbol number is negative, that is, whether the currently appearing symbol number is counted by the upper limit number of symbols, and determines whether the currently appearing symbol number is counted. If the number is counted by the upper limit number of symbols, the currently appearing symbol number is set to "19" which is obtained by subtracting "1" for convenience of calculation from the upper limit number of symbols "20". Then, the reel control means 306 sets the updated currently appearing symbol number in the symbol number counter (S485).

Subsequently, the reel control means 306 updates the number of steps again according to the currently appearing symbol number. Specifically, the reel control means 306 divides the currently appearing symbol number by a predetermined divisor, here, 5 (S486), and whether or not the value of bit 0 of the divided remainder (remainder) is 0. That is, it is determined whether or not the number is even (S487). As a result, if the value of bit 0 is not 0, that is, if it is 1 (NO in S487), the reel control means 306 sets the number of steps from the unit symbol step number "24" to "1" for convenience of calculation. It is updated again to the subtracted "23" (S488). On the other hand, if bit 0 is 0 (YES in S487), the number of steps is maintained without being updated. Then, the reel control means 306 sets the updated number of steps in the step counter (S489).

The reason for updating the number of steps again in this way is as follows. That is, as described above, the number of steps 504 of the stepping motor 262 is not divisible by 20. Therefore, the number of unit symbol steps is set to "26" in 12 frames out of 20 frames, and the number of unit symbol steps is set to "24" in 8 frames. Then, the ratio of the symbol whose unit symbol step number is "26" to the symbol whose unit symbol step number is "24" is 3: 2, so when the remainder divided by 5 is an even number, "26", By setting it to "24" in the case of an odd number, it is possible to realize the apportionment of "26" and "24". Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, "26" is set as the number of steps, and if the remainder obtained by dividing the currently appearing symbol number by 5 is an odd number, it is replaced with "24". In this way, while maintaining the regularity of change in the number of unit symbol steps for each symbol, the number of unit symbol steps is set to "26" in 12 frames out of 20 frames, and the number of unit symbol steps is set to "24" in 8 frames. Is possible. Here, "26" is set as the number of steps, and if the remainder obtained by dividing the currently appearing symbol number by 5 is an odd number, an example of replacing it with "24" has been described. That is, it goes without saying that if "24" is set as the number of steps and the remainder obtained by dividing the currently appearing symbol number by 5 is an even number, it can be configured to be replaced with "26".

(Processing during stop S415)
FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the stopped processing S415. First, the reel control means 306 sets a value (for example, 1) for exciting all phases of the stepping motor 262 to excite all phases (S490), and decrements and updates the sequence counter by 1 (S491). Then, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not all-phase excitation for stopping the stepping motor 262 is continued depending on whether or not the sequence counter is 0 (whether or not the upper limit time has been reached). (S492). As a result, if the all-phase excitation is not continued, that is, if the all-phase excitation is completed (NO in S492), the reel control means 306 updates the motor phase from stopped to standby (S493). .. Further, the reel control means 306 adjusts the excitation pointer (S494). Here, the excitation pointer indicates whether the excitation pattern of the stepping motor 262 at that time is one phase or two phases. In this embodiment, the rotation of the stepping motor 262 is started by two-phase excitation. Therefore, here, the stepping motor 262 whose excitation pointer is one phase is forcibly adjusted to two phases, and if it is two phases, no adjustment is made. In this way, the rotation of the stepping motor 262 can be reliably started by two-phase excitation. Next, the reel control means 306 sets a value (for example, 0) to release the excitation and releases the all-phase excitation (S495). Then, in step S492, if all-phase excitation continues (YES in S492), or after setting a value for releasing the excitation, the above-mentioned excitation pattern update process S496 is executed.

In the stopped processing S415, the excitation is released after all-phase excitation, the start switch 128 is operated, and the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are on standby until they start to rotate (accelerate). At the time of excitation release, the current to the stepping motor 262 is cut off, and the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c can rotate freely, but since they are well-balanced, they do not rotate by their own weight. Further, at this time, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c may be fixed with a weak force by continuously passing a small amount of current through the stepping motor 262, or all-phase excitation may be continued as it is to firmly fix the reels 134a, 134b, 134c.

Further, although the motor phase is changed to standby by performing excitation release after being stopped, the parameter of waiting may not be provided and any of the motor phases may be treated as being stopped.

Here, the clearing process of the rotation error detection counter performed other than during steady rotation is performed at the timing of switching from acceleration to steady rotation (after acceleration), and one game in which all reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped. By reducing the number of program codes, it is possible to appropriately control the reels while preventing an increase in the control area for performing the game control process.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Will be done.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the reel control means 306 outputs an index signal every time the index sensor detects an off-to-on edge or an on-off edge, that is, every one rotation. However, the angle is not limited to 360 degrees (one rotation), and may be a predetermined angle less than 360 degrees, for example, 180 degrees. Further, here, as the light-shielding plate fixed to the reels 134a, 134b, 134c, a shape in which a donut-shaped plate is left for a semicircle is described, but the angle of the circle is made small (not limited to this case). An index signal may be output each time the index sensor detects an off-to-on edge (acute angle).

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the rotation error detection counter counts the time, and if the rotation error detection counter exceeds a predetermined upper limit time without detecting the index, an example of determining a rotation error has been described. , Not limited to such cases, various parameters corresponding to "time" can be adopted. For example, the rotation error detection counter counts (integrates) the number of steps in the drive command for driving the stepping motor 262, and the rotation error detection counter has a predetermined upper limit number of steps corresponding to one rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. If the above predetermined value (or more than the predetermined value) is reached, that is, if a command to rotate the reels 134a, 134b, 134c one or more times is sent, but the index is not detected, it is judged as a rotation error. May be good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 are arranged so as to share the functional part for advancing the game, but the functional part of the main control board 200 is assigned to the sub control board 202. Alternatively, the functional parts of the sub-control board 202 may be arranged on the main control board 200, or all the functional parts may be arranged together on one control board.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the bonus game has been described as a game profit, but not limited to such a case, the above-mentioned AT production state and the winning probability of the replay combination are set to be higher than the normal game. An RT (replay time) game that increases the chances of drawing a winning combination for the consumption of medals by suppressing the consumption of medals, or an ART game in which the above AT and RT games are simultaneously performed may be provided.

(Third embodiment)
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, other specific numerical values, etc. shown in the embodiment are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals to omit duplicate explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown. do.

(Mechanical configuration of slot machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 33 and 34, the slot machine 100 as a gaming machine has a housing 102 having an open front surface and a front surface rotatably arranged vertically on one end of the front surface of the housing 102. An upper door 104 and a front lower door 106 are provided. A colorless and transparent design display window 108 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided in the lower center of the front upper door 104 at a position corresponding to the design display window 108 in the housing 102. Three reels 110 (left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, right reel 110c) are provided independently and rotatably. As shown in the symbol arrangement of FIG. 35 (a), a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each region equally divided into 20 on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c. Through the symbol display window 108, the player can visually recognize three consecutive symbols of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c located in the upper, middle, and lower stages, for a total of nine symbols.

An operation unit installation table 112 is formed on the upper part of the front lower door 106, and the operation unit installation table 112 is provided with a medal insertion unit 114, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, a stop switch 120, an effect switch 122, and the like. There is. The medal insertion unit 114 accepts the insertion of medals as a game value through the medal insertion slot 114a. The bet switch 116 inserts (bets) a specified number of medals required for one game among the medals electrically stored inside the slot machine 100 (hereinafter, simply referred to as credits).

The start switch 118 is composed of, for example, a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a game start operation by a player. The stop switch 120 (stop switch 120a, stop switch 120b, stop switch 120c) is provided corresponding to each of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, and detects the player's stop operation. It should be noted that the first stop operation by the player of any of the stop switch 120a, the stop switch 120b, and the stop switch 120c while the stop switch 120 can be stopped is called the first stop, and the first stop is performed. After that, the stop operation of any of the two stop switches 120 that have not been stopped is called the second stop, and the stop operation of the last remaining stop switch 120 after the second stop is called the third stop. .. The effect switch 122 is composed of, for example, a pressing switch and a jog dial switch rotatably arranged around the pressing switch, and detects a pressing operation or a rotation operation of a player.

A liquid crystal display unit 124 for displaying various images accompanying the effect is provided at substantially the center of the upper part of the front upper door 104. Further, on the upper portion and the left and right of the front upper door 104, for example, a directing lamp 126 composed of a high-luminance light emitting diode (LED) is provided. Further, speakers 128 are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 124 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and at the left and right positions on the back surface of the front lower door 106 to produce an auditory effect by sound effects, musical sounds, and the like.

The operation unit installation table 112 is provided with a main credit display unit 130 and a main payout display unit 132. Further, a sub-credit display unit 134 and a sub-payout display unit 136 are provided between the symbol display window 108 and the operation unit installation table 112. The number of medals credited (number of credits) is displayed on the main credit display unit 130 and the sub-credit display unit 134, and the number of medals paid out is displayed on the main payout display unit 132 and the sub-payout display unit 136. ..

Below the reel 110 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 142 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 140a is provided. Further, in the lower part of the front surface of the front lower door 106, a saucer portion 140 for storing medals paid out from the medal discharge port 140a is provided. Further, a power switch 144 is provided in the housing 102. The power switch 144 is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100, and is used to switch between two states, a power off state and a power on state.

Further, in the housing 102, a setting key and a setting change switch (collectively referred to as a setting value setting means), which are not shown, are provided on the main control board 200, which will be described later. In the slot machine 100, when a predetermined key (operation key) is inserted into the setting key and the power is turned on via the power switch 144 in a state of being rotated from the OFF position to the ON position, the slot machine 100 shifts to the setting change mode. , The setting value can be changed (also simply called setting change). The set value indicates the degree of advantage (machine discount) of the player in stages, and is represented by, for example, 6 stages from 1 to 6. Generally, the larger the value of the set value, the higher the degree of advantage of the game as a whole. It is set to be high (the expected number of acquisitions is high). Then, each time the setting change switch is pressed in a state where the setting can be changed, the setting value is added by 1, for example, the setting value is changed to one of the 6-step setting values, and the start switch 118 is operated. Then, the set value is confirmed, and by returning the setting key to the original position (OFF position), the setting change mode ends and the game becomes possible. The setting can be changed only for a certain period after the power switch 144 is operated and the power is turned on.

In the slot machine 100, the game can be started, and when a predetermined number of medals are bet, the effective line A is activated and the operation on the start switch 118 becomes effective. Here, as for the bet, the case where the credited medal is inserted through the operation of the bet switch 116, the case where the medal is inserted through the medal insertion unit 114, and the case where the replay combination described in detail will be described in detail are displayed on the effective line A. This includes all cases where medals are automatically inserted based on the above. Further, the effective line A is a line for determining the winning combination of the winning combination, and is one in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 35 (b), the effective line A is the middle stage of the left reel 110a and the middle stage of the middle reel 110b among the nine symbols (3 reels x 3 stages of upper, middle and lower) facing the symbol display window 108. It is set to a line connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols stopped on the upper stage of the right reel 110c. The invalid line is used for the winning judgment of the winning combination, which displays another symbol combination that makes it easy to grasp the winning combination when it is difficult to grasp the winning combination only by the symbol combination displayed on the valid line A. It is a line other than the valid line A, and in the present embodiment, the five invalid lines B1, B2, B3, C1, and C2 shown in FIG. 35 (b) are assumed. Here, the winning determination is to determine whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning type lottery is displayed on the valid line A.

Then, when the start switch 118 is operated by the player, the game is started, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are rotated, and the winning type lottery or the like is executed. After that, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are stopped, respectively, according to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Then, depending on the combination of the lottery result of the winning type lottery and the symbol displayed on the valid line A, if the winning combination that can receive the medal payout wins, the medal is paid out and the winning type that can receive the medal payout is executed. If the game is not won, or if the player wins but does not win, the game ends when the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c all stop.

In this embodiment, in the above one game, a medal is inserted through the medal insertion unit 114, a credited medal is inserted through the operation of the bet switch 116, or a replay combination is displayed on the effective line A. After any of the automatic medals are inserted based on the above, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are rotationally controlled and the winning type lottery is executed according to the operation of the start switch 118 by the player. The left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel corresponding to the operated stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c according to the lottery result of the winning type lottery and the operation of the plurality of stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c by the player. When each of the 110c is stopped and controlled and the winning combination who can receive the payout of the medal wins a prize, it means a game until the payout of the medal is executed. In addition, if the winning type that can receive the payout of medals is not won, or if the winning is not won, one game ends when the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c all stop. However, the start of one game may be read as the operation of the start switch 118 by the player instead of inserting the above medal or winning the replay combination. Further, the number of times such one game is repeated is defined as the number of games.

(Electrical configuration of slot machine 100)
FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 36, the slot machine 100 includes a main control board 200 (main control unit) that controls the progress of the game and a sub control board 202 (sub control unit) that controls the effect according to the progress of the game. A control board including the control board is provided. Further, the transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is limited to only one direction from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention and the like.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has a semiconductor integrated circuit including a main CPU 200a which is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b in which a program or the like is stored, a main RAM 200c which functions as a work area, and the like, and controls the entire slot machine 100 in an integrated manner. .. Even when the power is turned off, the main RAM 200c is held without erasing the data unless the setting is changed and the RAM is cleared.

Further, the main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b, the initialization means 300, the betting means 302, the winning type lottery means 304, and the reel control means. It has functional units such as a 306, a determination means 308, a payout control means 310, a game state control means 312, an effect state control means 314, and a command transmission means 316.

The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from the insertion medal detection unit 114b, the bet switch 116, the start switch 118, and the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c for detecting the insertion of medals into the medal insertion port 114a. The main CPU 200a executes various processes based on the received detection signal.

The initialization means 300 executes the initialization process on the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets medals for use in the game. Based on the operation of the start switch 118, the winning type lottery means 304 performs a winning type lottery to determine whether or not the winning combination is won or not, and more specifically, whether or not the winning type including the winning combination is won or not.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c according to the operation of the start switch 118, and corresponds to the rotating left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively. The corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are stopped and controlled according to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Further, the reel control means 306 is operated by the player to display the lottery result of the winning type lottery after the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is enabled in the previous game in response to the operation of the start switch 118. The time until the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is enabled (disabled by the completion of the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c in the previous game) is extended from the specified time, and the reel 110a is in the meantime. , 110b, 110c may be rotated in various modes to perform a reel effect (freeze effect). In the reel effect, any switch that should be originally enabled is not enabled for a predetermined time, the processing that should be originally executed is suspended for a predetermined time, and the signal of any switch that should be originally transmitted / received is transmitted or received for a predetermined time. It can be realized by not having it.

Further, a reel drive control unit 150 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive control unit 150 drives the stepping motor 152 based on the rotation start signals of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118. do. Further, the reel drive control unit 150 detects the stop signals of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c and the rotation position detection circuit 154 transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the stop switch 120. The drive of the stepping motor 152 is stopped based on the signal.

The determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the valid line A. Here, displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination on the valid line A may be simply referred to as winning. The payout control means 310 pays out medals by the number (value amount) corresponding to the winning combination based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the valid line A (winning). Further, a medal payout device 142 is connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 ejects medals while counting the number of medals to be paid out.

The game state control means 312 refers to the result of the winning type lottery and the determination result of the determination means 308, and shifts the game state to any of a plurality of types of game states. Further, the effect state control means 314 refers to the result of the winning type lottery, the determination result of the determination means 308, and the transition information of the game state, and shifts the effect state to any of a plurality of types of effect states.

The command transmission means 316 is a command related to the game associated with the operation of the bet means 302, the winning type lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the game state control means 312, the effect state control means 314, and the like. Are sequentially determined, and the determined commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

Further, the main control board 200 is provided with a random number generator (random number generation means) 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops within a predetermined numerical range, and extracts the count value at a predetermined time point to obtain a random number. The random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as a winning type lottery random number) is used to give a game profit to the player, for example, the winning type lottery means 304 determines the winning type. ..

(Sub-control board 202)
Further, the sub control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 202a which is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 202b in which a program or the like is stored, a sub RAM 202c which functions as a work area, and the like, like the main control board 200. , In particular, the effect is controlled based on the command from the main control board 200. Further, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 202c as well as the main RAM 200c, and even when the power is turned off, the data is retained without being erased. Similar to the main control board 200, the sub control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator (random number generation means) 202d, and the random numbers generated by the random number generator 202d (hereinafter referred to as effect lottery random numbers) are mainly used. It is used to determine the mode of production.

Further, in the sub control board 202, the sub CPU 202a functions by cooperating with the sub RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub ROM 202b, such as the initialization determination means 330, the command receiving means 332, and the effect control means 334. It has a functional part.

The initialization determining means 330 executes an initialization process on the sub-control board 202. The command receiving means 332 receives a command from another control board such as the main control board 200, and processes the command. The effect control means 334 receives the detection signal from the effect switch 122, and determines the effect of the game performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 124, the speaker 128, and the effect lamp 126 based on the received command. Specifically, the effect control means 334 is an electric display through an image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 and an electric decoration device such as an effect lamp 126, a sub-credit display unit 134, and a sub-payout display unit 136. The decoration data is determined, and the audio data constituting the audio to be output from the speaker 128 is determined. Then, the effect control means 334 executes the effect of the determined game. The production also includes an auxiliary production. The auxiliary effect is the correct answer of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, which is the winning condition for the correct answer when the correct answer (specific role) and the incorrect answer overlap in the selection winning type in the winning type lottery. It is an effect of notifying the operation mode. With such an auxiliary effect, the player can easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the correct answer combination on the effective line A. The effect state in which such an auxiliary effect is executed is referred to as an AT (assist time) effect state. In addition, a so-called ART game state in which the AT effect state and the RT (replay time) game state in which the winning probability of the replay combination is high progress in parallel may be used.

In the following, the notification managed by a board other than the main control board 200 including the sub control board 202 such as the liquid crystal display unit 124, the effect lamp 126, the speaker 128, the sub credit display unit 134, and the sub payout display unit 136. The means may be referred to as another notification means. On the other hand, the notification means managed by the main control board 200, such as the main credit display unit 130 and the main payout display unit 132, may be referred to as a main notification means (instruction monitor). In addition, the main notification means and other notification means capable of executing the auxiliary effect may be collectively referred to as the auxiliary effect execution means. The effect state control means 314 causes the auxiliary effect execution means to execute the auxiliary effect in the AT effect state.

(Table used in the main control board 200)
37 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the winning combination, and FIGS. 38 and 39 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the winning type lottery table.

As will be described in detail later, the slot machine 100 is provided with a plurality of types of gaming states and effect states, and the gaming states and effect states are shifted according to the progress of the game. In the main control board 200, a plurality of winning type lottery tables and the like corresponding to the game states managed and controlled by the game state control means 312 are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning type lottery means 304 sets the corresponding winning type lottery table in the main ROM 200b according to the current set value (which shows the easiness of obtaining the game profit stepwise) stored in the main RAM 200c and the current game state. Based on the winning type lottery table extracted from, it is determined which winning type in the winning type lottery table the winning type lottery random number acquired according to the operation signal of the start switch 118 corresponds to.

Here, the winning combination constituting the winning type extracted in the winning type lottery table includes a replay combination, a small combination, and a bonus combination. The replay combination is a combination in which, when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the effective line A, the game can be executed again without making a new bet of the medal by the player. The small winning combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the symbol combination by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination on the effective line A. Further, in the bonus combination, the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination is displayed on the effective line A, so that the gaming state managed by the gaming state control means 312 is changed to the bonus gaming state (the gaming state during RBB operation, which will be described later). It is a role that can be transferred to.

As shown in FIG. 37, as the winning combination in the present embodiment, the winning combination “Replay 1” to “Replay 7” is provided as the replay combination. Further, as small roles, winning combinations "small role 1" to "small role 39" are provided. In addition, a winning combination "RBB" is provided as a bonus combination. In FIG. 37, one or a plurality of symbols constituting each winning combination are associated with each of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the stop switch 120 is operated by the player, if the symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination that can be won is on the effective line A, the reel control means. By 306, stop control is performed so that the symbol stops on the effective line A. Further, when the stop switch 120 is operated, there is no symbol on the effective line A that constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination that can be won, but four symbols in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reel 110. When it exists within the range corresponding to the minute (pull-in range), the number of distant symbols becomes the number of sliding frames by the reel control means 306, and the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are effective. The stop control is performed so as to stop after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to be pulled onto the line A. Further, if there are a plurality of symbols corresponding to the winning combinations that can be won in the reel 110 and all of them are within the pull-in range of the reel 110, any of the symbols is valid line A according to a predetermined priority. It is determined whether to pull it up, and stop control is performed so that the priority symbol is pulled onto the effective line A and the rotation is maintained for the number of slip frames and then stopped. When the stop switch 120 is pressed, if a symbol constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination other than the winning combination that can be won is on the effective line A, the symbol is controlled by the reel control means 306. The so-called kicking process, which prevents the reel from stopping on the effective line A, is also executed in parallel. Further, as will be described later, when an operation mode (operation order or operation timing) is set as a winning condition for the winning combination included in the winning type, the reel control means 306 is a winning combination according to the operation mode of the player. The symbol combination corresponding to the above is stopped and controlled so that it can be displayed on the effective line A.

Then, for example, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Replay 1" to "Replay 4", the winning combination "Small role 1" to "Small role 6", and the "Small role 35" to "Small role 39". Are arranged in each reel 110 so that they can always be displayed on the effective line A by the above-mentioned stop control. Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB = 1. On the other hand, for example, the symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combinations "Replay 5" to "Replay 7", the winning combinations "small combination 7" to "small combination 34", and the winning combination "RBB" are in each reel 110. Because the stop control is not necessarily arranged so that it can be displayed on the effective line A, so-called omission may occur. Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB ≠ 1.

As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, in the winning type lottery table, a plurality of winning areas are divided, and the winning type to be the target of the lottery differs depending on each game state, and the presence or absence of unwinning (loss) differs. Or In FIGS. 38 and 39, the winning area assigned to each gaming state (non-internal gaming state (non-internal), RBB internal medium gaming state (RBB internal), RBB operating gaming state (RBB operating)). The winning type) is represented by "◎" or "○", but in reality, the winning type lottery table corresponding to each of the plurality of gaming states is stored in the main ROM 200b. In addition, "◎" indicates that the lottery for the advantageous section can be performed, and "○" indicates that the lottery for the advantageous section cannot be performed. It indicates that it is a winning type.

In the winning type lottery table, each of the divided winning areas is associated with a predetermined number (winning range value), which is a numerical value indicating the winning range, and the winning type, and all assigned to each gaming state. The total number of winning areas is the total number of winning type lottery random numbers (65536). Therefore, the probability that each winning type is determined is a value obtained by dividing the number of places associated with the winning area by the total number of winning type lottery random numbers. Based on the gaming state at that time, the winning type lottery means 304 sequentially acquires the number of winnings from the one with the highest number among the plurality of winning areas in the winning type lottery table, and determines the number of winnings by the winning type lottery random number. When the value after subtraction becomes less than 0 by subtracting from, the winning type associated with the winning area at that time is used as the lottery result of the winning type lottery. In addition, if the number of winning areas in the winning area 1 or higher is subtracted from the winning type lottery random numbers and the value after subtraction is 0 or more, the winning type "loss" in the winning area 0 is the winning type lottery. Will be the result of the lottery.

Here, the winning combination "RBB" constituting the winning type "RBB" will be supplemented. The predetermined type 1 special bonus RB is a bonus that increases the number of combinations of symbols related to winning for each specified number, or increases the probability that the condition device related to winning for each specified number will operate, and is predetermined. It operates when it is played, and can continue to operate until the result of the game is obtained not more than 12 times. Here, the condition device is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for displaying a combination of symbols related to a prize, a replay, an accessory or an operation of the accessory continuous operation device, and is a winning type lottery (winning type lottery). It means the one that operates when the lottery by the computer performed in the game machine) is won, that is, the winning flag. Then, the bonus continuous operation device (winning combination "RBB") related to the first-class special bonus that constitutes the winning type "RBB" is a device that can continuously operate the first-class special bonus RB. Yes, it operates when a specific combination of symbols is displayed, and ends the operation when a predetermined combination is displayed.

According to the winning type lottery table of FIG. 38, for example, the winning area 0 is associated with the winning type “loss”, and when the winning type is won, the symbol corresponding to any of the winning combinations shown in FIG. 37 is obtained. The combination is not displayed on the valid line A, and the medal is not paid out. However, as will be described later, when the RBB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" may be displayed on the valid line A by winning the winning type "missing". It will be possible.

Further, the winning area 1 is associated with the winning type "small combination ALL" in which the winning combination "small combination 1" to "small combination 39" are duplicated, and the winning combination "small combination 1" is associated with the winning area 2. The winning type "1 piece ALLA" in which "small winning combination 11" to "small winning combination 39" are duplicated is associated, and the winning combination "small winning combination 12" to "small winning combination 27" is associated with the winning area 3. The winning type "1 sheet ALLB" that is included in duplicate is associated. Further, the winning area 4 is associated with the winning type "choice 1 sheet 1" in which the winning combination "small combination 12" and the "small combination 20" are duplicated, and the winning combination "small" is associated with the winning area 5. The winning type "choice 1 sheet 2" in which "role 13" and "small combination 21" are duplicated is associated, and the winning combination "small combination 14" and "small combination 22" are duplicated in the winning area 6. The winning type "choice 1 piece 3" is associated with the winning type "choice 1 piece 3", and the winning combination "small winning combination 15" and "small winning combination 23" are included in the winning area 7 in duplicate. It is associated. Further, the winning area 8 is associated with the winning type "weak cherry" in which the winning combination "small combination 35" and the "small combination 36" are duplicated, and the winning area 9 is associated with the winning combination "small combination 37". The winning type "strong cherry" in which "small winning combination 39" is duplicated is associated, and the winning winning combination "small winning combination 7", "small winning combination 8", and "small winning combination 11" are associated with each other. The winning type "watermelon A" that is included in duplicate is associated, and the winning type "watermelon B" that includes the winning combination "small winning combination 7" to "small winning combination 10" in duplicate is associated with the winning area 11. The winning area 12 is associated with a winning type "strong bell" in which the winning combination "small combination 1", "small combination 3", and "small combination 5" are duplicated. Further, the winning area 13 is associated with the winning type "common bell A" in which the winning combinations "small combination 1" to "small combination 6" are duplicated, and the winning combination 14 is associated with the winning combination "small combination". The winning type "common bell B" in which "1" to "small winning combination 6" and "small winning combination 11" are duplicated is associated with each other.

In the winning areas 15 to 26, there are 11 correct batting orders (winning batting orders "small winning combination 1" to "small winning combination 6") and incorrect batting orders with one payout number (winning winning combination "small winning combination"). The selection winning types (winning types "batting order bell 1A" to "batting order bell 6A", "batting order bell 1B" to "batting order bell 6B") in which the winning combination 12 "to" small winning combination 34 ") are duplicated are associated with each other. Has been done.

Further, according to the winning type lottery table of FIG. 39, the winning types "symbol replay A1" to "symbol replay A7" in which the winning combinations "replay 1" to "replay 7" are duplicated are included in the winning areas 27 to 39. , "Symbol Replay B1" to "Symbol Replay B6" are associated with each other. Further, the winning area 40 is associated with a winning type "normal replay" in which the winning combinations "replay 1" and "replay 2" are duplicated.

Further, the winning areas 41 to 46 are associated with winning types "RBB1" to "RBB6" in which the winning combination "RBB" is included alone or in duplicate with other small combinations.

Then, when a winning combination including a plurality of winning combinations is won in duplicate, a winning condition regarding which symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is preferentially displayed on the valid line A, for example, a stop. The order in which the switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated is set.

In the following description, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c is defined as "beating order 1", and the left reel 110a, the right reel 110c, and the middle reel 110b are operated. The operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c that stop the reels in order is defined as "beating order 2", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c that stop the reels in the order of the middle reel 110b, the left reel 110a, and the right reel 110c is "beating order". 3 ”, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c that stop the reels in the order of the middle reel 110b, the right reel 110c, and the left reel 110a is set to“ striking order 4 ”, and the right reel 110c, the left reel 110a, and the middle reel 110b are in that order. The operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c for stopping the reels is set to "beating order 5", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the right reel 110c, the middle reel 110b, and the left reel 110a is set to "beating order 6". ".

For example, in the non-internal gaming state, when the winning type "batting order bell 1A" in the winning area 15 is won and the operation is performed according to the correct answer operation mode (batting order 1), the winning combination with 11 payouts is the correct answer. Stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to "small winning combination 1" is preferentially displayed on the effective line A. Further, when the operation is performed in the batting order 2, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "small combination 28", which is an incorrect answer of one payout number, is preferentially displayed on the effective line A. When the operation is performed according to the batting order 3 and 4, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "small combination 12", which is an incorrect answer of one payout number, is preferentially 1/4 on the effective line A. When stop control is performed so that it is displayed with a probability and operations are performed in batting orders 5 and 6, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "small combination 16", which is an incorrect answering of one payout number, is effective line A. Stop control is performed so that it is preferentially displayed on the top with a probability of 1/4.

It should be noted that the winning probabilities (numbers) of each winning type in the winning areas 15 to 26 are set to be equal. Since the player cannot usually know which winning type is won, it is difficult to win the correct answer by providing the winning areas 15 to 26 as described above. Further, as described above, even if the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated in the batting order in which the incorrect answer is preferentially displayed, the symbol combination corresponding to the incorrect answer is not necessarily displayed on the effective line A. Therefore, depending on the operation mode, omission may occur (PB ≠ 1).

When any of the above-mentioned winning types is won, the internal winning flag corresponding to each winning type is established (ON), and the stop control of each reel 110 is performed according to the establishment status of the internal winning flag. The Rukoto. At this time, if the winning type including the small winning combination is won, but the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combinations cannot be displayed on the valid line A in the game, after the end of the game. The internal winning flag is turned off. That is, the right to win a small winning combination is limited to the game in which the winning type including the small winning combination is won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. On the other hand, when the winning type including the winning combination "RBB" is won, the RBB internal winning flag is established (ON), and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" is on the valid line A. The RBB internal winning flag is carried over across the game until it is displayed. If the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning type including the replay combination is established, the symbol combination corresponding to any of the replay combinations included in the winning type is always on the valid line A. It is displayed, and after the processing necessary for performing the next game without requiring a medal is performed, the internal winning flag is turned off.

(Transition of game state)
Here, the transition of the gaming state will be described with reference to FIG. 40. Here, a plurality of gaming states such as a non-internal gaming state, an RBB internal medium gaming state, and an RBB operating gaming state are prepared. As will be described later, each game state is changed according to the winning of the bonus combination, the winning (operation), and the end.

The non-internal gaming state is a gaming state corresponding to the initial state in a plurality of gaming states. In such a non-internal gaming state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to about 1 / 7.3. Further, in the non-internal gaming state, the winning combination "RBB" is determined with a predetermined probability (for example, about 1/30).

The game state control means 312 changes the game state according to the winning of the winning combination “RBB”. For example, in the game in which the winning combination "RBB" is won, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" is displayed on the effective line A, the game state control means 312 changes the game state to the game state during RBB operation. Migrate (1).

In the gaming state during RBB operation, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to 0. In the game state during the RBB operation, the winning type "small role ALL" is in the winning area 1, and the winning types "1 piece ALLA" and "1 piece ALLB" are in the winning areas 2 and 3. It is set. If you win the winning type "Small role ALL", the symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning combination "Small role 1" to "Small role 39" is displayed on the valid line A, and you win the winning type "1 piece ALL". Then, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning combinations "small combination 11" to "small combination 39" is displayed on the effective line A. Here, the expected number of sheets to be acquired per unit game in the game state during RBB operation is lowered due to the configuration of such a small winning combination.

When the end condition of the gaming state during RBB operation is satisfied, that is, when the acquired number reaches a predetermined number, the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state to the non-internal gaming state (2).

On the other hand, in the game in which the winning combination "RBB" is won, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the effective line A, the game state control means 312 displays the game state inside the RBB. Transition to the medium game state (special game state) (3).

In the RBB internal middle game state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to about 1 / 5.9. In addition, in the RBB internal middle game state, the winning type "loss" is not won. In other words, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the valid line A in the winning game of the winning combination "RBB", after that, a smaller role or a smaller role than the winning combination "RBB" Since the replay combination is preferentially stopped and controlled on the effective line A, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the effective line A. Therefore, once the gaming state shifts to the RBB internal medium gaming state, the RBB internal medium gaming state is maintained without the subsequent transition of the gaming state. Here, while maintaining the RBB internal medium gaming state, the AT effect state is realized in the RBB internal medium gaming state.

Here, in the RBB internal middle game state, since a plurality of types of correct answer combinations are won without overlapping each other, it is possible to increase the chances that the correct answer combination can be won, and as a result, for example, the RBB internal middle game. AT effect in the state By performing the auxiliary effect in the state, it is possible to easily obtain a medal. On the other hand, in the game state during RBB operation, since multiple types of correct answer combinations are won in duplicate, there are few chances that the correct answer combination can be won, so the correct answer combination is won more than the AT production state in other game states. The chances of being able to do this are reduced, making it difficult for players to increase the number of medals they own. Therefore, while having the function of the RBB operating game state in which the winning probability of the winning combination is higher than that of the RBB internal medium game state, the RBB internal game state is changed to the RBB internal medium game state in terms of medal acquisition performance. It is possible to realize a specification that is inferior (accelerator RBB).

(Transition of production state)
FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the effect state. Hereinafter, the effect state (non-AT effect state, AT effect state) transitioned by the effect state control means 314 on the main control board 200 will be described in detail. In the following, a case where the gaming state is the RBB internal middle gaming state will be described.

Here, in order to comprehensively and uniformly determine whether or not the game state in which the medal acquisition performance is high is biased, a game section having performance related to the instruction function, that is, an auxiliary effect (instruction function) is executed. A game section that is advantageous to the player, including a game section, is defined as an advantageous section (specific section). In the advantageous section, for example, when the auxiliary effect is activated as a result of performing a lottery related to the operation of the auxiliary effect on the main control board 200, the content of the instruction can be identified on the main control board 200, for example, the main notification. Only when displayed on the means, the instruction information may be transmitted to a peripheral board such as the sub-control board 202. In addition, a game section different from the advantageous section is regarded as a non-advantageous section. Therefore, the plurality of effect states (non-AT effect state, AT effect state) belong to either the advantageous section or the non-advantageous section which is the game section. In the present embodiment, almost all the effect states belong to the advantageous section, and the non-advantageous section is realized in a part of the non-AT effect state (here, the non-advantageous effect state).

In addition, in the winning mode in which the correct answer role is missed if there is no auxiliary effect in the advantageous section, the assistance to assist the winning of the correct answer role in the selected winning type in which the payout of the correct answer role is the maximum (here, 11 cards). When performing an effect (auxiliary effect that can obtain the maximum number of payouts), for example, the section display 160 must be turned on to notify the effect.

Further, in the non-advantageous section, it is possible to make the winning probability of the winning type different for each set value, but the probability of determining the transition to the effect state (AT effect state) accompanied by the auxiliary effect in the same winning type. Must not be different for each set value. On the other hand, in the advantageous section, if both the winning probability of the winning type and the probability of determining the transition (or addition) to the effect state (AT effect state) accompanied by the auxiliary effect in the same winning type are different for each set value. It is possible to make it.

Therefore, the effect state control means 314 manages the transition between the non-advantageous section and the advantageous section in addition to the management of the transition of the effect state. In addition, the advantageous section is forcibly terminated by satisfying the following termination conditions regardless of such management. For example, based on the fact that the value counted in the advantageous section reaches a predetermined value (for example, the number of staying games (number of game executions) reaches 1500 games, or the number of acquired games (net increase number) exceeds 2400). And forcibly terminate. In any case, the effect state control means 314 resets all the information updated in the advantageous section (all variables affecting the performance related to the instruction function) by shifting from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section. ..

(Non-AT production state, AT production state)
In the non-AT effect state, the execution frequency of the auxiliary effect is extremely low and the auxiliary effect is hardly performed as compared with the AT effect state, so that the number of medals that can be obtained is limited. Here, as the non-AT effect state, six effect states such as a normal effect state, a non-advantageous effect state, a preparatory effect state, a first interval effect state, a continuous lottery effect state, and a second interval effect state are provided.

In the AT effect state, by having the auxiliary effect executing means execute the auxiliary effect at the time of winning all the selected winning types, it is possible to acquire many medals while suppressing the consumption of medals. Therefore, the player can advance the game advantageously by shifting to the AT effect state as compared with the non-AT effect state. Here, a pseudo bonus effect state is provided as the AT effect state. Hereinafter, each effect state (normal effect state, pseudo bonus effect state, non-advantageous effect state, preparation effect state, first interval effect state, continuous lottery effect state, second interval effect state) will be described individually.

(Each production state)
The normal effect state is an effect state corresponding to the initial state among the plurality of effect states. The effect state control means 314 performs an AT lottery in a normal effect state. The AT lottery is a lottery that determines the transition to the AT effect state, and the effect state control means 314 performs the AT lottery with a different probability for each winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Then, when the AT lottery is won, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the pseudo bonus effect state, which is the AT effect state, after the predetermined number of precursor games has elapsed (1). Further, when a predetermined ceiling condition (for example, the normal effect state is continuously consumed by a predetermined number of games) is satisfied in the normal effect state without shifting to the pseudo bonus effect state (so-called ceiling arrival), the effect state control means 314. Shifts the effect state to the pseudo bonus effect state (1). The transition to the pseudo-bonus effect state due to reaching the ceiling will be described in detail later.

In the pseudo-bonus effect state, the auxiliary effect is executed until a predetermined end condition (for example, the number of digested games reaches the predetermined number of games) is satisfied, and the player obtains, for example, an expectation in the pseudo-bonus effect state. You can get 3.5 sheets. In the pseudo-bonus effect state, mainly two end conditions are prepared. For example, if the end condition is that the number of digested games reaches a predetermined number of games, two stages of 30 and 80 are provided as the predetermined number of games, and one of them is determined by lottery. In the pseudo-bonus effect state, of course, the larger the number of games digested, the more game profits the player will get. Therefore, the player wants the predetermined number of games to be 80 instead of 30. However, even if 30 is determined as the predetermined number of games, a promotion lottery for increasing the predetermined number of auxiliary effects from 30 to 80 is also performed during the digestion. The conditions for ending the pseudo-bonus effect state will be described in detail later. Here, as an end condition of the pseudo-bonus effect state, it is illustrated that the number of digested games has reached the predetermined number of games, but instead of this, the number of auxiliary effects that can obtain the maximum number of payouts is predetermined. It may be adopted that the number is reached or the number of acquired sheets (net increase number) reaches a predetermined number.

Then, when a predetermined end condition is satisfied in the pseudo bonus effect state, the effect state control means 314 may shift the effect state to the non-advantageous effect state (2). At this time, the effect state control means 314 temporarily shifts the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section, and resets all the information updated in the advantageous section. For example, if the pseudo-bonus effect state in the previous stage is the first pseudo-bonus effect state, that is, if the pseudo-bonus effect state immediately after the transition from the normal effect state, the effect state control means 314 has a disadvantageous effect on the effect state. At the same time as shifting to the production state, the advantageous section is temporarily shifted to the non-advantageous section. Further, even when the pseudo-bonus effect state in the previous stage is a pseudo-bonus effect state that is a multiple of 3 (3, 6, ...) That does not go through the normal effect state, the effect state control means 314 temporarily sets the advantageous section. , The advantageous section is temporarily transferred to the non-advantageous section as well as the non-advantageous section.

Then, the effect state control means 314 draws a lottery for the transition to the advantageous section with a high probability (for example, 1/2), and after digesting several games, returns to the advantageous section and shifts the effect state to the preparatory effect state (for example). 3). This is to avoid forcibly ending the pseudo-bonus effect state when the value counted in the advantageous section reaches a predetermined value.

On the other hand, if the pseudo-bonus effect state in the previous stage is not the first time, or is not the pseudo-bonus effect state that is a multiple of 3 that does not go through the normal effect state, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the non-advantageous effect state. Directly shift to the preparatory production state without doing (4). This is because the pseudo-bonus effect state is not forcibly terminated when the value counted in the advantageous section reaches a predetermined value, and the advantageous section is not terminated unnecessarily.

In the preparatory effect state, the effect state control means 314 draws a lottery for the transition to the first interval effect state with a high probability (for example, 1/2), and based on the determination of the transition to the first interval effect state, the effect state. To the first interval effect state (5).

The first interval effect state continues until a predetermined end condition (for example, digestion of 40 games) is satisfied, during which the continuous lottery of the pseudo bonus effect state is executed. Unlike the pseudo-bonus effect state, the first interval effect state has a small expected number of sheets per unit game and may have a negative value. In this embodiment, when the advantageous section is won in the non-advantageous section, the effect state is set to be the first interval effect state without fail. Therefore, after the end of the pseudo-bonus effect state, even if the advantageous section continues or, as described above, even if the non-advantageous section is temporarily moved, the state shifts to the first interval effect state. It becomes. Then, when the predetermined end condition in the first interval effect state is satisfied, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the continuous lottery effect state (6).

The continuous lottery effect state continues until a predetermined end condition (for example, digestion of 5 games) is satisfied, and finally, the result of the continuous lottery in the pseudo bonus effect state in the first interval effect state is notified. Unlike the pseudo-bonus effect state, the continuous lottery effect state also has a small expected number of acquired cards per unit game, and may have a negative value. If the transition (continuation) to the pseudo-bonus effect state is determined in the first interval effect state, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the pseudo-bonus effect state (7), and the effect state control means shifts to the pseudo-bonus effect state (7). If the transition to is not determined, the effect state control means 314 returns the effect state to the normal effect state (8).

As described above, in the present embodiment, once the pseudo-bonus effect state is entered, the pseudo-bonus effect state → the preparation effect state → the first interval effect state → the continuous lottery effect state unless the continuous lottery in the continuous lottery effect state is missed. By repeating the transition of, the player can accumulate medals.

In the preparatory effect state, the effect state control means 314 also performs a transition lottery to the second interval effect state in addition to the transition lottery to the first interval effect state. However, the transition probability to the second interval effect state (for example, 1/20) is set smaller than the transition probability to the first interval effect state (for example, 1/2). If the transition to the second interval effect state is determined before the transition to the first interval effect state is determined in the preparation effect state, the effect state control means 314 determines the transition to the second interval effect state. Based on the above, the effect state is shifted to the second interval effect state (9). In addition, although the example of performing the transition lottery to the second interval effect state in the preparatory effect state is given here, similarly, the transition lottery to the second interval effect state may be performed in the non-advantageous effect state.

Like the first interval effect state, the second interval effect state continues until a predetermined end condition (for example, digestion of 40 games) is satisfied, and during that time, a continuous lottery of the pseudo bonus effect state is executed. Similar to the first interval effect state, the second interval effect state is different from the pseudo bonus effect state, and the expected number of acquired cards per unit game is small and may be a negative value.

However, in the second interval effect state, the pseudo bonus effect state is determined with a higher probability than in the first interval effect state. For example, in the first interval effect state, the pseudo bonus effect state is determined for each game 1/58 (winning probability 50%) for 40 games, and in the second interval effect state, the pseudo bonus effect state is determined for 40 games. Is determined by every game 1/25 (winning probability 80%). Then, when the predetermined end condition is satisfied, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the continuous lottery effect state (10). Once the transition to the second interval effect state is determined, the process does not shift to the non-advantageous effect state, the preparatory effect state, or the first interval effect state until the continuous lottery effect state is leaked. The pseudo-bonus effect state only shifts to the second interval effect state (11). Therefore, the player can always receive a continuous lottery with a high probability. Further, once the transition to the second interval effect state is determined, the effect state control means 314 immediately changes the effect state even if the transition to the pseudo bonus effect state is not determined in the continuous lottery effect state. It shifts to the non-advantageous production state without returning to the normal production state (12). Therefore, if the transition to the pseudo bonus effect state is not determined in the continuous lottery effect state, the pseudo bonus effect state → the preparation effect state → the first interval effect state → continue until the continuous lottery in the continuous lottery effect state is leaked again. The transition of the lottery effect state can be repeated. In this way, once the transition to the second interval effect state is made, the transition of the pseudo bonus effect state → the second interval effect state → the continuous lottery effect state can be repeated with high probability, and further, the pseudo in the continuous lottery effect state. Even if the transition to the bonus effect state is not decided, at least the transition of the pseudo bonus effect state → the preparation effect state → the first interval effect state → the continuous lottery effect state can be repeated, so that the number of players is larger. It is possible to accumulate medals. That is, it can be said that the second interval effect state is more advantageous than the first interval effect state.

Further, as described above, when the effect state control means 314 shifts from the pseudo bonus effect state to the second interval effect state, it may shift to the non-advantageous section unlike the transition to the first interval effect state. do not have. In the present embodiment, when the pseudo-bonus effect state is the first pseudo-bonus effect state, the effect state control means 314 does not shift to the second interval effect state, and the advantageous section is temporarily changed to the non-advantageous section. Be sure to shift to the first interval production state. Then, the advantageous section is once reset. Therefore, even if the advantageous section is not reset when shifting to the second interval effect state, the pseudo-bonus effect state via the second interval effect state does not end in a short period due to the limitation of the advantageous section, and the player can use it. , Pseudo-bonus effect state → 2nd interval effect state → Continuous lottery effect state loop, many medals can be obtained.

(Reel rotation, stop processing)
As described above, in the slot machine 100, the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are rotated and stopped through the operation of each switch such as the bet switch 116, the start switch 118, and the stop switch 120, and the player can perform the stop result. You can get medals according to. Here, the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c with respect to the operation of the start switch 118 and the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, and the stop processing will be described in detail.

When the start switch 118 is operated by the player, the reel control means 306 starts the rotation of each of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c (hereinafter, starting the rotation of the reel 110 is referred to as the rotation start). Then, the reel control means 306 reaches a predetermined speed (less than 80 rpm / min) as the rotation speeds of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c each increase (hereinafter, the state in which the rotation speed increases is referred to as an acceleration state). Then, the predetermined speed is maintained (hereinafter, the state of maintaining the speed and rotating is referred to as a constant speed state). Then, when all the indexes specifying the positions of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are detected, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. The player can determine whether the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is valid or invalid by the emission color of the backlight of each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. For example, if the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is valid, the backlight of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is made to emit blue light, and if the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is invalid, the stop switch The backlights of 120a, 120b and 120c are made to emit red light. The emission color and emission timing will be described in detail later based on the flowchart.

However, the reel control means 306 not only detects the index, but also enables the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c only when a predetermined permission condition is satisfied. The permission conditions will be described below.

As described above, the bet switch 116, the start switch 118, and the stop switch 120 are exposed to the slot machine 100 so as to be easy to operate, and the player can come into contact with the slot machine 100 at any time. However, even if the player operates each switch, the operation is not effectively processed unless the operation of the switch is enabled. For example, when one game is completed, the operation of the bet switch 116 is activated, when a medal is bet, the operation of the start switch 118 is activated, and when the start switch 118 is operated, the reels 110a and 110b are activated. , 110c starts rotating, and when the reels 110a, 110b, 110c can be stopped, the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c are activated, and the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are stopped.

Therefore, after operating the start switch 118, the player waits for the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to be activated, and then operates the activated stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to operate the reel 110a, Stop 110b and 110c. Since the stop switch 120 can be operated at any time, the player operates (presses) any of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that have not been activated yet after the operation of the start switch 118 is activated. , The start switch 118 can be operated. However, when the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is not enabled, the operation is not effectively processed, only the operation of the start switch 118 is effectively processed, and the reel control means 306 is the start switch 118. The reels 110a, 110b, 110c are started to rotate according to the operation. Then, when it is time to detect all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c and activate the operation of the stop switch 120 in one game, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. do. However, if the stop switch 120 is already operated at such a timing and the operation is not released (when the ON state is maintained), the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is enabled as soon as the operation is enabled. The operation is effectively accepted and the reel 110 is started to stop.

As described above, as soon as the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is enabled and the operation is accepted, the following problems may occur. That is, since the stop positions of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are determined based on the rotation start positions of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c, the player can preliminarily set the rotation start positions of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c in the previous game. It is possible to perform so-called eye-pressing assistance by adjusting and stopping the reels 110a, 110b, 110c at a desired position without performing any eye-pressing.

Further, even if the stop switch 120 is fixed in the operated state (ON state) and fails, the stop switch 120a is activated as soon as the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is enabled. , 120b, 120c are effectively accepted, so that the game proceeds with the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c malfunctioning.

Further, even if the player accidentally operates the start switch 118 while holding down the stop switch 120 for some reason, the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are effectively accepted. The reel 110 corresponding to the erroneously operated stop switch 120, which is different from the stop switch 120 to be operated or the stop switch 120 to be operated, stops. As a result, for example, when the effect state is the pseudo bonus effect state (AT effect state), the stop operation may be different from the correct answer operation mode, and the original game profit may not be obtained.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the reel control means 306 enables the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c in one game while the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c are operated (the pressing operation is maintained). When all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are detected, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c is not enabled unless the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c are released. do. Then, the reel control means 306 detects all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c while the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c are operated, and the operation of the operated stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is released. Then, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is enabled. Therefore, the above-mentioned permission condition means that the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are released (not operated).

42 to 44 are explanatory views for explaining the rotation and stop processing of the reels 110a, 110b and 110c. The operation timings of the stop switch 120 and the reel 110 are shown in FIG. 42, and the operation timings of the stop switch 120 and the reel 110 are shown in FIGS. 43 and 44. It represents an aspect. The arrows in FIGS. 43 and 44 indicate that each reel 110 is rotating, the stop switch 120 in which the operation is invalid is shown by cross-hatching, and the stop switch 120 in which the operation is valid is shown in white. Here, for convenience of explanation, a case where the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels in the order of reel 110a, reel 110b, and reel 110c are operated in the so-called forward push batting order will be described, but the operation is possible. Needless to say, it can be applied to any of the batting orders of all the ways (6 ways here).

At the time point (a) of FIG. 42, the player operates (presses) the stop switch 120a, and as shown in FIG. 43 (a), the time point (b) of FIG. 42 is maintained while the pressed state (ON state) is maintained. ), It is assumed that the start switch 118 is operated. When the start switch 118 is operated, the reel control means 306 excites the stepping motor 152 corresponding to the reels 110a, 110b, 110c in a 1-2 phase, as shown in FIG. 43B, and the reels 110a, 110b, 110c. Start spinning each. Then, when the reels 110a, 110b, 110c reach a predetermined speed (less than 80 rpm / min) at the time point (c) after 167 msec, for example, after the reels 110a, 110b, 110c reach the predetermined speed (less than 80 rpm / min), the reel control means 306 excites 1-2 phases. Continue to shift to the constant speed state.

Here, it is assumed that after the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are in the constant speed state, all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are detected at the time point (d) in FIG. 42. When all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b and 110c are detected, the reel control means 306 enables the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c as originally shown by the alternate long and short dash line. However, at the time point (d), since the pressed state of the stop switch 120a is maintained (because the permission condition is not satisfied), the reel control means 306 uses the stop switch 120a as shown in FIG. 43 (c). The operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is not enabled while the pressed state of is maintained. Therefore, the player cannot stop the reels 110a, 110b, 110c through the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c.

Then, at the time point (e) in FIG. 42, when the player releases the pressed state of the stop switch 120a, the reel control means 306 detects all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and sets the permission condition. By satisfying the conditions, the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are enabled as shown in FIG. 43 (d). In this way, the player can stop the reels 110a, 110b, 110c through the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. Here, the stop switch 120a is mentioned, and when the stop switch 120a is operated, all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are detected, and when the operation of the operated stop switch 120a is released, the stop switch 120a is stopped. Although the description has been given with an example of enabling the operation of the switches 120a, 120b, 120c, it goes without saying that the same processing is performed not only in such a case but also for the other stop switches 120b, 120c.

As described above, due to the configuration in which the operation of the stop switch 120 is not activated until the permission condition is satisfied, as soon as the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is enabled, the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c ( Here, the operation of the stop switch 120a) is effectively accepted, and the reel 110a is not started to stop. Therefore, the player cannot perform so-called eye-pressing assistance. Further, if any of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c fails, the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c cannot be effectively operated, so that the game proceeds with the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c broken. It can be avoided. Further, even if there is a stop switch 120 that is mistakenly operated by the player, which is different from the stop switch 120 that the player should originally operate or the stop switch 120 that the player was trying to operate, the operation is not accepted and the player can play the game appropriately. You can proceed.

Here, the reel control means 306 detects all the indexes of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c while the stop switch 120 is operated, and the permission condition (operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is released. When the above conditions are satisfied, an example of enabling the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c has been described. However, if the end of the accelerated state or the start of the constant speed state can be grasped without detecting the index, for example, by timing at least the time required to complete the acceleration from the start of the accelerated state, the vehicle accelerates. If the end of the state or the start of the constant speed state can be grasped, the end of the accelerated state or the start of the constant speed state can be adopted instead of detecting the index. Here, when the reel control means 306 ends the acceleration state of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c while the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c are operated, the permission condition (operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c) is performed. If the release) is not satisfied, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is not enabled, and if the permission condition is satisfied, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is enabled. Alternatively, when the reel control means 306 starts the constant speed state of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c while the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c are operated, the permission condition (operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c) is performed. If the release) is not satisfied, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is not enabled, and if the permission condition is satisfied, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is enabled.

Further, when the stop switch 120 is operated, the same process can be realized by not detecting all the indexes in the first place. Specifically, the reel control means 306 does not detect the index when the stop switch 120 is operated, or even if the index is detected, the detection of the index is invalidated. In this way, it is possible to prevent the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c from being activated in the state where the stop switch 120 is operated regardless of whether or not the permission condition is satisfied.

When the player operates the stop switch 120a at the time point (f) of FIG. 42 in response to the activation of the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, the reel control means 306 operates the stop switch 120a. , And the operation of the stop switches 120b, 120c corresponding to the reels 110b, 110c which have not been stopped yet (that is, the operation of all the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c) is invalidated. Then, the reel control means 306 determines a symbol existing in the drawing range at the time of operation as a stop symbol (determines the number of sliding frames), and the number of sliding frames so as to draw the stopped symbol onto the effective line A. Maintain minute rotation. Therefore, it takes 0 to 189 msec (predetermined time within 190 msec) including the reaction time of the operation detection and the interrupt process to rotate by the number of slip frames from the operation of the stop switch 120a.

Subsequently, when the reel 110a reaches the stop position where the determined stop symbol can be stopped on the effective line A at the time point (g) in FIG. 42, the reel control means 306 causes the stepping motor 152 corresponding to the reel 110a. Is excited in all phases, and the stop processing of the reel 110a is started so that the phases to be excited do not switch (hereinafter, starting the stop processing by all-phase excitation is referred to as stop start). In this way, the rotation speed of the reel 110a decreases (hereinafter, the state in which the rotation speed decreases is referred to as a deceleration state), and as shown in FIG. 44 (a), a time point about 13 msec after the start of the stop process ( It stops at h) (hereinafter, the rotation speed decreases as a result of the stop start and the reel 110 stops is called stop completion), and the stopped state is maintained (hereinafter, the state where the stop is maintained). It is called a stopped state). Such full-phase excitation is continued for 200 msec and then released at time point (i). With the release of all-phase excitation, the reel control means 306 has not yet been stopped, and enables the operation of the stop switches 120b and 120c corresponding to the rotating reels 110b and 110c. The rotational state indicating the operating state of the reel 110 is represented by any of the above-mentioned acceleration state, constant speed state, deceleration state, and stop state.

Subsequently, when the player operates the stop switch 120b at the time point (j) in FIG. 42, the reel control means 306 performs the stopped switch 120b and the stop process as in the operation of the stop switch 120a. The operation of the stop switch 120c corresponding to the unbroken reel 110c is invalidated. Then, the reel control means 306 determines a symbol existing in the pull-in range at the time of operation as a stop symbol, and maintains rotation by the number of sliding frames so as to pull the stop symbol onto the effective line A.

Subsequently, when the reel 110b reaches the stop position where the determined stop symbol can be stopped on the effective line A at the time point (k) in FIG. 42, the reel control means 306 causes the stepping motor 152 corresponding to the reel 110b. Is excited in all phases, and the stop processing of the reel 110b is started so that the phases to be excited do not switch. In this way, as shown in FIG. 44 (b), the reel 110b is stopped at the time point (l) in FIG. 42 about 13 msec after the start of the stop process. However, full-phase excitation is continued for 200 msec and is released at time point (m). With the release of all-phase excitation, the reel control means 306 enables the operation of the stop switch 120c corresponding to the reel 110c which has not yet been stopped.

Here, as a stop completion condition, it is determined whether or not all-phase excitation has been released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c, but the player will continuously press the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, which will be described later. When the so-called slide push that can be operated is not adopted, the first stopped reel 110 and the second stopped reel 110 are always at the time when the third stop of the stop switch 120 becomes possible. The stop has been completed. Therefore, as a stop completion condition, instead of determining whether or not all-phase excitation has been released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c, the reel corresponding to the third stopped (last stopped operation) stop switch 120. It may be determined whether or not all-phase excitation is released for 110. Further, here, it is effective to operate the stop switch 120c corresponding to the reel 110c which is clocked 200 msec after the start of all-phase excitation, is excited and released after 200 msec has elapsed, and has not been stopped due to the excitation release. I give an example of making it. However, as a stop completion condition, instead of determining whether or not all-phase excitation has been released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c, it is determined whether or not 200 msec has elapsed from all-phase excitation, and stop processing is performed accordingly. The operation of the stop switch 120c corresponding to the reel 110c in which the above is not performed may be enabled. The replacement of the stop completion condition can also be applied to all the processes described below.

Next, when the player operates the stop switch 120c at the time point (n) in FIG. 42, the reel control means 306 invalidates the operation of the operated stop switch 120c as in the operation of the stop switch 120b. Then, the reel control means 306 determines a symbol existing in the pull-in range at the time of operation as a stop symbol, and maintains rotation by the number of sliding frames so as to pull the stop symbol onto the effective line A. Subsequently, when the reel 110c reaches the stop position where the determined stop symbol can be stopped on the effective line A at the time point (o) in FIG. 42, the reel control means 306 causes the stepping motor 152 corresponding to the reel 110c. Is excited in all phases, and the stop processing of the reel 110c is started so that the phases to be excited do not switch. In this way, as shown in FIG. 44 (c), the reel 110c is stopped at the time point (p) in FIG. 42 about 13 msec after the start of the stop process. Such full-phase excitation is continued for 200 msec and is released at time point (q).

Then, in the determination means 308, when all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are stopped and the predetermined stop completion condition is satisfied at the time point (q) in FIG. 42, that is, all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are all. When the condition that the phase excitation is released and the operation of the stop switch 120 (here, the stop switch 120c) that was last operated (third stop) is released is satisfied, it is displayed on the effective line A. It is determined which combination the symbol combination corresponds to (winning winning combination).

Subsequently, the effect control means 334 notifies the information related to the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A. For example, when the winning type "common bell A" is determined by the winning type lottery and the stop completion condition is satisfied, the symbol combination displayed on the valid line A indicates the winning combination "small combination 1". If so, the effect control means 334 notifies through the liquid crystal display unit 124 that the winning combination “small combination 1” has won a prize, as shown in FIG. 44 (d). Further, the notification of the information related to the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A is not limited to the notification through the liquid crystal display unit 124, and in addition to or instead, corresponds to the winning combination through the reel backlight. The effect corresponding to the combination of symbols may be performed, or the payout sound may be output from the speaker 128 according to the payout of medals (together).

In this way, all-phase excitation is released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and the operation of the last operated stop switch 120 (here, stop switch 120c) is released. , The game is performed by executing a determination process or by notifying an image (an image corresponding to the symbol "bell") indicating that the symbol combination displayed on the valid line A is the winning combination "small combination 1". The person can surely recognize the symbol combination and does not feel distrust or discomfort. The image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 to show that the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A is the winning combination "small combination 1" is as described above from the viewpoint of preventing misidentification of the game result. , The image corresponds to the symbol "bell" displayed on the effective line A.

Further, the payout control means 310 is displayed on the effective line A after the winning type "common bell A" is determined by the winning type lottery and the stop completion condition is satisfied, as in the effect control means 334. If the combination of symbols indicates the winning combination "small combination 1", 11 medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination "small combination 1" are paid out.

In this way, all-phase excitation is released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and the operation of the last operated stop switch 120 (here, stop switch 120c) is released. By paying out the medals, the medals will not be paid out before one game is completed. Therefore, the player does not feel distrust or discomfort.

Further, as described above, the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 perform their respective processes according to the condition that the stop completion condition is satisfied. Here, the determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning type lottery is displayed on the effective line A, and the effect control means 334 displays on the effective line A. Notifying information about the winning combination and paying out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination displayed on the valid line A are collectively referred to as post-stop processing. There is. Further, the effect control means 334 and the payout control means 310 may collectively refer to the determination execution means in that the processing based on the winning determination of the determination means 308 is executed. In addition, as the processing based on the winning judgment, the automatic insertion processing of the medal of the next game based on the fact that the replay combination is displayed on the valid line A, and the bonus game state based on the winning of the bonus combination (game state during RBB operation). Transition processing to, RT game state transition processing based on the winning of the replay combination for transitioning the RT gaming state, transition to the AT production state based on the display of the lottery result of the winning type lottery for transitioning the AT production state. Including processing etc. Therefore, the player can grasp the game result by at least one of the post-stop processing. Specifically, by operating (pressing) the last stop switch 120, the reel control means 306 starts stopping the corresponding reel 110. Since the reel 110 is stopped within 190 msec by all-phase excitation, the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are all stopped at least 200 msec after the start of the stop and timed by the timer, and the player visually recognizes the game result. do. However, if the player has not yet released the operation of the stop switch 120 (if the stop switch 120 is continuously pressed) at that time, the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 have been stopped. Do not perform post-processing. Here, only the player can grasp the game result through the symbol display window 108. Then, when the player releases the operation of the stop switch 120, the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 perform the post-stop processing for the first time. Originally, if the stop operation is performed on all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c, the game result is recognized inside the slot machine 100 based on the result of the winning type lottery, the order in which the stop operation is performed, and the operation timing. be able to. However, before all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c have been stopped, or when the operation of the last stop switch 120 has not been released, the player cannot grasp (visually recognize) the game result, or the player may not be able to grasp (visually recognize) the game result. Since there is a possibility that the game operation of the game has not been completed, if the processing is performed after the stop is completed under such a situation, the player feels distrust or discomfort. Here, the distrust and discomfort of the player can be dispelled by setting the stop completion condition that all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are stopped and the operations of all the stop switches 120 are released. .. Further, another person who can see the entire slot machine 100 and another person who can hear the payout sound of the medal can also grasp the game result. Therefore, the player can still grasp the game result only by himself / herself and immerse himself in a sense of superiority before the processing after the completion of the stop is executed.

Further, in the above description, as the stop completion condition, an example in which all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c have been stopped and the operation of the operated stop switch 120 is canceled has been described, but only in such a case. However, as the stop completion condition, it may be assumed that all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c have been stopped, and all the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c have been released.

In this case, the player can perform the following operations. That is, as described above, the player operates (presses) the last stop switch 120 and maintains the pressed state, whereby the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 are used. Execution of post-stop processing can be delayed. Further, here, the stop completion condition includes the cancellation of the operation of all the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. Therefore, the player presses the other stop switch 120 while maintaining the pressed state of the last stop switch 120, and keeps the pressed state of the other stop switch 120 while maintaining the pressed state of the last stop switch 120. Even if the pressed state is released, since the operation of any of the stop switches 120 has not been released before (because the operations of all the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c have not been released), after the stop is completed. No processing is performed. Further, not limited to the last stop switch 120, the post-stop processing is not executed even when the pressed state of the first stop or the second stopped stop switch 120 is maintained. For example, it is assumed that when the stop switch 120 is first stopped or second stopped, the operation of the other stop switch 120 is enabled regardless of whether or not the pressed state is maintained. Here, while maintaining the pressed state of the first stopped or second stopped stop switch 120, another activated stop switch 120 is operated to release the first stopped or second stopped stop switch 120. It is assumed that the third stop is completed in the state where it has not been completed. At this time, the player presses the other stop switch 120 while maintaining the pressed state of the first stop and / or the second stopped stop switch 120, and maintains the pressed state of the other stop switch 120. However, even if the pressed state of the first stop or the second stopped stop switch 120 is released, the operation of any of the stop switches 120 has not been released before (all the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c). (Because the operation of) has not been canceled), the post-stop processing is not executed. As described above, if the pressed state of any of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is maintained, the processing after the stop is completed is not executed, and the player is in the pressed state of the stop switch 120a, By switching between 120b and 120c, it is possible to delay the execution of the post-stop processing by the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310.

With such a configuration, it is possible to dispel the distrust and discomfort of the player. In addition, the player still has a sense of superiority while enjoying the operation of switching the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c in the pressed state by grasping the game result only by himself / herself before the processing after the stop is completed. You can soak in.

Further, here, the payout control means 310 pays out medals after all-phase excitation is released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c. Therefore, since the excitation (full-phase excitation) timing of the reel 110 and the timing at which the medal payout device 142 is driven can be different, the amount of current allowed for the entire device managed by the main control board 200 may be exceeded. It disappears. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a power supply having a large current capacity for driving the medal payout device 142 during the excitation of the reel 110, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, even if the full-phase excitation is not released for all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c, depending on the current capacity allowed by the power supply, the payout of medals may be started before that. For example, if the power supply allows the excitation timing of one reel 110 to overlap with the timing of driving the medal payout device 142, the excitation timing of the remaining two reels 110 and the timing of driving the medal payout device 142 overlap. Since it is not necessary to do so, the payout of medals is started after all-phase excitation is released for the reel 110 corresponding to the second operated stop switch 120. Similarly, when the power supply allows the overlap between the excitation timing of the plurality of reels 110 (for example, 2) and the timing of driving the medal payout device 142, the number obtained by subtracting the allowable number of reels from the total number of reels (for example). Since it is sufficient that the excitation timing of the reel 110 of 3-2 = 1) and the timing of driving the medal payout device 142 do not overlap, all the reels 110 (for example, the reel 110 that has been stopped first) have been subtracted. The payout of medals is started after the mutual excitation is released.

Further, the payout start timing may be switched according to whether or not the medal payout device 142 is driven. For example, when it is necessary to drive the medal payout device 142, payout is started after all-phase excitation of all reels 110a, 110b, 110c is released or at a predetermined timing thereafter, and the medal payout device 142 is driven. If it is unnecessary, for example, if all the medals that have been paid out can be put into credit (without the actual payout of medals), even if the determination means 308 starts paying out at any time after the game result is determined. good.

Here, the payout control means 310 responds to the fact that all-phase excitation has been released for all reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, and that the last operated stop switch 120 has been released. , But after confirming that all-phase excitation was released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c and that the last operated stop switch 120 was released. The medal may be paid out at a predetermined timing (for example, after 10 msec).

Further, here, the reel control means 306 will be described with reference to an example in which the stepping motor 152 corresponding to each of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is excited in all phases to start the stop processing of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c. However, the stop processing is not limited to all-phase excitation, and it suffices only to excite, and the stop process may be started by one-phase excitation. Further, when the rotation control is performed by 1-phase excitation or 1-2 phase excitation, and the final stop position is set to the position of a specific 1 phase, 1 phase excitation is applied in the specific 1 phase. You may want to stop it. Further, in the case where the rotation control is performed by 1-phase excitation or 1-2 phase excitation, when the final stop position is set to the position of a specific 1 phase, the specific 1 phase and the phases before and after the specific 1 phase are included. It may be stopped by applying three-phase excitation. Further, when the rotation control is performed by two-phase excitation or 1-2 phase excitation, and the final stop position is set to a specific two-phase position, two-phase excitation is applied in the specific two-phase. You may want to stop it.

Further, here, it is described that the all-phase excitation of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is released as the stop of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is completed, and that 200 msec has elapsed since the start of all-phase excitation. However, not limited to such cases, for example, the result of the winning type lottery is displayed on the valid line A so that the player can grasp (visualize) it, or the determined stop symbol is the valid line. Stopping is completed in various states where the reels 110a, 110b, 110c can be regarded as stopped, such as entering a predetermined number of steps from the number of steps of the corresponding stepping motor 152 when stopped on A. be able to.

Further, here, an example in which the reel control means 306 controls three reels 110a, 110b, 110c has been described, but the number of reels 110 is not limited to this case, and even if it is 2 or less, 4 It may be the above. In addition, regardless of the number of reels 110, if the stop switch 120 corresponding to the other rotating reels 110 cannot be operated until any reel 110 is stopped, the game time may become long as described below. There is. For example, in order to grasp the winning combination at an early stage and to avoid missing the winning combination that was grasped after grasping the winning combination, the game is such that the predetermined symbol of the predetermined reel stops on the effective line A. This is the case when a person carefully pushes the medals, or when a winning combination with a high payout wins a prize and, for example, 11 medals are paid out in sequence. As a result, the game time in one game becomes longer than the wait time (4.1 seconds), and the progress of the game itself may be delayed. Here, after the operation of the stop switch 120 becomes effective, the operation state (whether or not the operation is performed) of the other stop switch 120 and the corresponding reel rotation state (acceleration state, constant speed state, deceleration state, stop state). ), Any stop switch 120 can be operated, so regardless of the number of reels 110, there is a possibility that the game can be played without the game time in one game being longer than the wait time (4.1 seconds). Will be higher (you can play with full weight).

Further, here, the determination means 308 is effective according to the fact that all-phase excitation is released for all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c and the operation of the stop switch 120 that was last operated is released. The symbol combination displayed on the line A is determined, the effect control means 334 notifies the information related to the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A according to the determination result, and the payout control means 310 wins. The explanation was given with an example of paying out the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the role. However, regardless of this case, the determination means 308 can determine the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A when the stop switch 120 is last operated, so that all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c can be determined. In response to the release of the phase excitation and the release of the last operated stop switch 120, the effect control means 334 outputs information related to the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A. The payout control means 310 may pay out the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination. In this way, the distrust and discomfort of the player can be dispelled.

Further, here, the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 are released from all-phase excitation for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and the operation of the last operated stop switch 120 is released. An example of performing post-stop processing on the condition that the reels have been stopped has been described, but not limited to this case, all-phase excitation is released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c (finally operated). (Even if the operation of the stopped switch 120 is not released), the post-stop processing may be performed. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the game result at an early stage regardless of the operation time from the start of the operation of the stop switch 120 of the player to the release of the operation.

Hereinafter, specific processing in the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 will be described with reference to the flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, the outline of one game after initialization will be described along with the main processing of the main control board 200, and then the details of each processing will be described. Further, here, the processing related to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be omitted. Further, although detailed description is omitted, when each process is executed, the switches (bet switch 116, start switch 118, stop switch 120a, 120b, 120c) used in each process are enabled at the start of the process. , Will be disabled at the end of the process.

(Step S100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch 144 and the power is turned on, the initialization means 300 executes the initialization process in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization means 300 generates backup data at any time while the power is turned on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power failure occurs, it is possible to restore the state before the power failure by using the retained backup data in this initialization process. For example, even if an unexpected power failure occurs during the rotation of the reels 110, the reels 110 are started from the state of being rotated again after the return operation. Therefore, in the initialization process, the main RAM 200c is basically not initialized (RAM clear).

(Step S200)
Subsequently, the betting means 302 bets the medal through the operation of the bet switch 116 by the player or the insertion of the medal into the medal insertion unit 114. Further, the command transmission means 316 generates an input command indicating that the operation has been performed, and transmits the generated input command to the sub-control board 202.

(Step S300)
Next, the winning type lottery means 304 enables the game start operation for the start switch 118, and shifts to the operation waiting state of the start switch 118. Here, the winning type lottery means 304 is at the time when the start switch 118 is operated from the winning type lottery random numbers updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 in response to the operation of the start switch 118 by the player. Acquire the winning type lottery random number of 1. Then, the winning type lottery means 304 determines one winning type lottery table corresponding to the currently set gaming state from the winning type lottery table shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, and obtains the winning type lottery random number. Determines which winning area corresponds to the determined winning type lottery table, and determines the winning type or the unwinning of the determined winning area as the lottery result. Further, when the winning combination "RBB" is determined in the winning type lottery, the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state from the non-internal gaming state to the RBB internal middle gaming state.

Further, the command transmission means 316 generates a winning type command including information on the lottery result (winning type or unwinning) of the winning type lottery, the game state, and the like after the lottery result is determined according to the operation of the start switch 118. Then, the generated winning type command is transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

(Step S400)
When the start switch 118 is operated, the reel control means 306 drives the stepping motor 152 to rotate the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c in the previous game (wait), the left reel in the game is left reel. The rotation of the 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c is started, and when all of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c have a constant speed (steady) rotation, the process is transferred to step S500.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 activates the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, and when the player accepts the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right corresponding to the operation are received. One of the reels 110c is stopped and controlled. Further, when any one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is operated, the command transmission means 316 is a stop command (first stop command, second stop command, second) indicating information on the stopped switches 120a, 120b, 120c that have been operated. (Stop command, third stop command) is generated for each operation, and the generated stop commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 202. The reel stop process S500 will be described in detail later.

(Step S600)
Next, the determination means 308 determines which predetermined combination the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A shown in FIG. 35 (b) corresponds to (winning winning combination), and the details will be described later. As a result, the net increase counter is updated if the small winning combination is in the advantageous section according to the symbol combination. Further, in the game state control means 312, if the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" in the RBB internal middle game state, the game state is changed from the RBB internal middle game state. It shifts to the gaming state while the RBB is operating. Further, the command transmission means 316 generates a winning command including a symbol combination displayed on the valid line A and a winning command including the number of medals to be paid out when the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the valid line A. , The generated winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

(Step S700)
Further, the payout control means 310 is based on the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A (reel 110 stop mode), for example, when the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the effective line A, the small combination is displayed. The medal payout process corresponding to the winning combination is executed, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay winning combination is displayed on the valid line A, the processing for betting the next game is automatically executed. Further, when the medal payout process is performed, the command transmission means 316 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been performed, and transmits the generated payout command to the sub-control board 202.

(Step S800)
When a predetermined number of medals are paid out in the game state during RBB operation, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state from the game state during RBB operation to the non-internal gaming state. Further, the effect state control means 314 changes the effect state and changes between the advantageous section and the non-advantageous section. Further, when the game state or the effect state is changed, the command transmission means 316 generates a game transition command including the changed game state or effect state, and transmits the generated game transfer command to the sub-control board 202. do. As described above, when the transition process S800 is completed, the one game is completed.

Here, when the transition to the pseudo-bonus effect state is determined, the effect state control means 314 causes the reel control means 306 to execute the first reel effect indicating the transition to the pseudo-bonus effect state described above. From the next game, the pseudo bonus production state is started.

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S800. After that, steps S200 to S800 will be repeated.

(Reel stop processing S500)
FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the reel stop process in step S500. Here, the processing related to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the characteristics of the present embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S501)
First, the reel control means 306 initializes a temporary switch light emission flag (predetermined flag) for determining whether the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is valid or invalid. Here, the temporary switch light emission flag is composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit is associated with any of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, respectively, and valid = 1 (ON) and invalid = 0. It is represented by (OFF). Therefore, the reel control means 306 sets all the bits of the temporary switch light emission flag to 0 as the initialization of the temporary switch light emission flag. Here, valid = 1 (ON) and invalid = 0 (OFF), but valid = 0 (ON) and invalid = 1 (OFF) may be used.

(Step S502)
Next, the reel control means 306 refers to the temporary switch light emission flags of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and updates the switch light emission flag based on the contents of the temporary switch light emission flag (the contents of the switch light emission flag are changed to the temporary switch). Overwrite with the contents of the light emission flag). Here, the switch light emission flag is composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit is associated with any of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, respectively, and valid = 1 (ON) and invalid = 0 (effective = 1 (ON)). It is represented by OFF). The switch light emission flag operates according to the temporary switch light emission flag. Then, the reel control means 306 refers to the updated switch light emission flag in the interrupt process every 1.49 msec, which is operating in parallel, and if the switch light emission flag is 1 through the output port, that is, If the operation of the stop switch 120 is valid, the backlight of the stop switch 120 is made to emit blue light, and if the switch emission flag is 0, that is, if the operation of the stop switch 120 is invalid, the stop switch is emitted. The 120 backlights are made to emit red light. By visually recognizing the backlight of the stop switch 120, the player can determine whether the operation of the stop switch 120 is valid or invalid. Here, updating the switch light emission flag with the contents of the temporary switch light emission flag is to set the temporary switch light emission flag once in the interrupt of the reel stop processing S500 and to emit light of the backlight of the stop switch 120 in the next interrupt. This is to reflect the above, and also as a countermeasure when the state in which the stop switch 120 is operated is maintained before the rotation of the reel 110 is started, as described above.

(Step S503)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 confirms whether or not an error has occurred. For example, the reel control means 306 confirms an abnormal state "payout abnormality error", "backflow error", "loading abnormality error", and "retention error". Here, the abnormal state "payout abnormality error" occurs when the ON state of the passing sensor of the payout medal detection unit (not shown) continues for a predetermined time (for example, 6 msec) or more, except for the payout of medals. The abnormal state "backflow error" occurs when the insertion order of medals is not correct in the two passage sensors of the insertion medal detection unit 114b while the insertion of medals is being accepted. The abnormal state "insertion abnormality error" is when the passing sensor of the insertion medal detection unit 114b is in the ON state after a predetermined time (for example, 269 msec) or more has elapsed after the blocker (not shown) is closed, or the insertion of medals is accepted. This occurs when there is a difference between the number of medals passed in the correct order in the two passing sensors of the inserted medal detection unit 114b and the number of medals passed through the R shoot sensor (not shown). The abnormal state "retention error" occurs when the ON state of the passing sensor of the insertion medal detection unit 114b continues for a predetermined time (for example, 132 msec) or more, or the ON state of the insertion detection sensor of the medal insertion port 114a is for a predetermined time (for example, 533 msec). ) Occurs when the above is continued.

(Step S504)
Next, the reel control means 306 refers to the index flag and acquires the indexes of the rotating reels 110a, 110b, 110c. The index flag is set only after the reels 110a, 110b, 110c have reached the constant speed rotation speed. In other words, the fact that the index flag is set means that the reels 110a, 110b, 110c rotate at a constant speed. It also indicates that the speed has been reached.

(Step S505)
As a result of step S504, the reel control means 306 shifts the process to step S506 if the index is detected for all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and if there is a reel 110 for which the index is not detected, step S501. Repeat the process from.

(Step S506)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 refers to the stop reel information and identifies the reels 110a, 110b, 110c in which the stop process has already been completed or started according to the operation of the stop switch 120 of the player.

(Step S507)
Next, the reel control means 306 identifies the reels 110a, 110b, 110c that are not stopped and is rotating from the result of step S506, and sets the rotating cylinder rotating flag. Here, the rotating cylinder rotating flag is composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit is associated with any of the three reels 110a, 110b, 110c, respectively, and the constant speed state = 1, acceleration state, deceleration. Represented by state or stopped state = 0. Further, the reel control means 306 identifies stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c corresponding to the rotating reels 110a, 110b, 110c, that is, operable stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c.

(Step S508)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 sets the temporary switch light emission flag corresponding to the operable stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c specified in step S507 to 1 (ON).

(Step S509)
Next, the reel control means 306 refers to a predetermined input port (for example, the port number “0”) and acquires the current state value of the input port. The value of such an input port serves as an operation flag. Here, the operation flag is composed of a bit string of 3 bits, and each bit is associated with any of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, respectively, and is operated = 1, not operated =. It is represented by 0).

(Step S510)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 calculates the logical product of the rotating cylinder rotating flag and the operation flag. Here, if the reel is rotating and the stop switch 120 corresponding to the reel is operated, that is, if the operated stop switch 120 corresponds to the reel 110 that is effectively rotating. The logical product is 1.

(Step S511)
As a result of step S510, if there is at least one bit having a logical product of 1, that is, if the reel 110 is rotating and the stop switch 120 corresponding to the reel 110 is operated, step S512. If there is no bit whose logical product is 1, the process from step S502 is repeated.

(Step S512)
Next, the reel control means 306 calculates the logical product of the switch light emission flag and the operation flag. Here, if the stop switch 120 is valid and the stop switch 120 is operated, the logical product is 1.

(Step S513)
As a result of step S512, if there is only one bit having a logical product of 1, that is, if the stop switch 120 is valid and only one stop switch 120 is being operated, step S514. If there is no bit whose logical product is 1 or there are two or more bits whose logical product is 1, the process from step S501 is repeated.

Here, the reason why the step S513 is provided in addition to the step S511 is to enable the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c only when the permission condition is satisfied, as described above. That is, if the state in which the stop switch 120 is operated is maintained before the rotation of the reel 110 is started without providing step S513, as soon as the index is detected (YES in S505), This is because the logical product of the reel rotation flag and the operation flag becomes 1 (YES in S511), and the stop process is started immediately.

Here, by providing step S513, the switch light emission flag does not become 1, so that it is possible to avoid that the stop process is started immediately. Specifically, if the stop switch 120 is operated before the start switch 118 is operated, the operation flag is set to 1, and all reels are set regardless of whether the operation flag is before or after the rotation of the reel 110 is started. If the index is detected for 110a, 110b, 110c, the logical product of the reel rotation flag and the operation flag becomes 1 in step S510 (YES in S511). However, if the stop switch 120 is operated before the rotation of the reel 110 is started, the temporary switch light emission flag is set to 1, but the path of NO in step S513 is not passed through the path of NO in step S511. Is repeated, so that the temporary switch light emission flag is reset to 0 (OFF) in step S501, and the switch light emission flag does not become 1 (ON). Then, in step S513, the logical product of the switch light emission flag and the operation flag does not become 1, and the stop process is not started immediately.

On the other hand, if the index is detected for all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c while the stop switch 120 is not operated, the logical product of the rotating cylinder rotating flag and the operation flag becomes 0 in step S510 (NO in S511). ), The process from step S502 is repeated without going through step S501. Then, 1 of the temporary switch light emission flag is updated to the switch light emission flag in step S502 without being reset in step S501. Therefore, in step S502, the backlight of the stop switch 120 is emitted in blue. After that, when the stop switch 120 is operated, the logical product of the rotating cylinder rotating flag and the operation flag becomes 1 in step S510, and the logical product of the switch light emission flag and the operation flag becomes 1 in step S512 (S513). YES), the stop process is started appropriately. In this way, even if the state in which the stop switch 120 is operated is maintained before the rotation of the reel 110 is started, the stop process is not performed, and the stop is performed after the index is detected for all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c. If the switch 120 is operated, the stop processing can be appropriately executed.

Looking at the above configuration from another point of view, it is as follows. First, the temporary switch light emission flag (predetermined flag) is turned on at the timing of step S508 when the indexes of all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are detected. At this time, if the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are not released, NO is not set in step S511, and the temporary switch light emission flag is reset to 0 in step S501 through NO in step S513. Then, since the switch light emission flag is updated in step S502, the switch light emission flag does not become 1 while the stop switch 120 is being operated. After all, step S501 → step S502 → step S508 → step S513 is repeated, and the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are not activated.

On the other hand, if the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c are released, the operation is as follows. That is, in step S508, the temporary switch light emission flag corresponding to the operable stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is set to 1 (ON). Then, if the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are rotating, but the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c are not operated even once, the process proceeds to the process of step S502 through NO in step S511, and the step is performed. Since the switch light emission flag can be updated with 1 of the temporary switch light emission flag without performing the processing of S501, it is possible to appropriately create a state in which the switch light emission flag is 1 (ON). Therefore, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c can be enabled through the route of step S508 → step S511 → step S502.

Further, here, it is a condition that only one bit has a logical product of 1, and if there are two or more bits, that is, any two or more of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated at the same time. If so, the process from step S501 is repeated without performing the subsequent stop process. In this way, when a plurality of stop switches 120 are operated at the same time, the reels 110 corresponding to the stop switches 120 are not stopped at the same time, and it is effective if there is no difference of at least 1 interrupt time (1.49 msec). The operation will not be accepted. Here, by stopping the plurality of reels 110 at the same time, for example, it is possible to avoid an event in which the processing is not completed within the interrupt time and the interrupt processing that should be originally executed is skipped.

Here, if any two or more of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated at the same time, the processing from step S501 is repeated without performing the subsequent stop processing, and any operation is invalidated. I made it. However, not only in such a case, a plurality of stop switches 120 operated at the same time may be stopped according to a predetermined rule. As a predetermined rule, for example, the reel 110 corresponding to the stop switch 120 on the left side is preferentially stopped in the order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, or the so-called AT (assist time) described later. In the above, it is conceivable to give priority to the reel 110 corresponding to the stop switch 120 operated in the order in which it should be operated.

(Step S514)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 determines the number of slip frames of the reel 110 as a stop process of the reel 110 corresponding to the bit whose logical product is 1.

(Step S515)
Next, the reel control means 306 acquires the stop symbol number, which is the symbol number of the symbol to be stopped (see the symbol number in FIG. 35 (a)) among the symbols of 20 frames, and holds the stop symbol number in a predetermined storage area.

(Step S516)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 sets the stop request flag to 1. The stop request flag is a flag for requesting the stop processing of the target reel 110 from the programs operating in parallel, and by setting the stop request flag to 1, the symbol corresponding to the stop symbol number is valid. It is possible to stop on line A. The stop request flag and the above stop symbol number are read by a program operating in parallel, and stop processing is performed. When the stop processing is completed, the stop request flag is reset to 0 (OFF) by the program.

(Step S517)
Next, the reel control means 306 sets the temporary switch light emission flag corresponding to the stop switch 120 that has been stopped to 0 (OFF), and updates the switch light emission flag to 0 (OFF) according to the content of the temporary switch light emission flag.

(Step S518)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 refers to the switch emission flags of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, respectively, and causes the backlight of the stop switch 120 whose bit is 0 in step S517 to emit red light.

(Step S519)
Next, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not all-phase excitation of the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 is open. As a result, if the full-phase excitation is open, the process shifts to step S520, and if the full-phase excitation is not open, step S519 is repeated. As described above, here, the reel control means 306 invalidates the operations of all the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c in response to the operation of the stop switch 120, and all of the reels 110 corresponding to the operated stop switches 120. The operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c is not enabled until the phase excitation is released. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the stop order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c from being different from the stop order of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and the player does not feel distrust or discomfort.

(Step S520)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not the stop processing (steps S514 to S519) of all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c has been completed. As a result, if the stop process is completed, the process shifts to step S521, and if the stop process is not completed, the process from step S501 is repeated. Here, if there is a reel 110 that has not been stopped yet, the process is transferred to step S501 so that the stop process of the other reel 110 can be executed immediately, and the game time is shortened.

(Step S521)
Next, the reel control means 306 determines whether or not all-phase excitation of all reels 110a, 110b, 110c is open. As a result, if the full-phase excitation is open, the process shifts to step S522, and if the full-phase excitation is not open, step S521 is repeated.

(Step S522)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 confirms whether or not an error has occurred. For example, the reel control means 306 confirms an abnormal state "payout abnormality error", "backflow error", "loading abnormality error", and "retention error".

(Step S523)
Next, the reel control means 306 refers to a predetermined input port (for example, the port number “0”), and determines whether or not the current state values of the input ports are all 0. As a result, if all of them are 0, the reel stop process S500 is terminated, and if any of them is 1, that is, if the stop switch 120 operated by the player is not released, the process of step S522 is repeated. Wait for the release. In this way, the determination process S600 can be started after waiting for the stop switch 120 to be released.

Then, the determination process S600 is performed after the reel stop process S500 is completed, and then the payout control means 310 pays out the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination. Further, when the determination process S600 is performed, a command indicating the result of the winning determination is transmitted to the sub-control board 202, and the effect control means 334 displays information related to the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A on the liquid crystal display unit. Notify through 124 or through the reel backlight. Further, the effect control means 334 may output a payout sound from the speaker 128 (in combination) according to the payout of medals by the payout control means 310.

In this way, the post-stop processing is performed according to the fact that all-phase excitation has been released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c and that the last operated stop switch 120 has been released. Therefore, the player can surely recognize the symbol combination and does not feel distrust or discomfort.

Further, here, medals are paid out after all-phase excitation is released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c. Therefore, since the excitation (all-phase excitation) timing of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c and the timing of driving the medal payout device 142 can be different, the amount of current allowed for the entire device managed by the main control board 200 can be increased. It will not be exceeded. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a power supply having a large current capacity for driving the medal payout device 142 during the excitation of the reel 110, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, here, the player pays out medals by canceling the operation of the stop switch 120. By such processing, it is possible to dispel the distrust and discomfort of the player. Further, another person who can see the entire slot machine 100 and another person who can view the payout sound can also grasp the game result. Therefore, the player can still grasp the game result and immerse himself in a sense of superiority before the process is performed.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Will be done.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the reel control means 306 enables the operation of the other stop switch 120 only after the full-phase excitation of the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 is released. I mentioned and explained. However, not limited to this case, the reel control means 306 may enable the operation of the other stop switch 120 after all-phase excitation of the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 is started. In this case, it can be dealt with by setting the determination target of step S519 or step S521 in FIG. 46 to start all-phase excitation. It should be noted that when the medals are paid out from the medal payout device 142 or when the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c of the next game is started (start of the acceleration state), the excitation release of all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is waited for (determination) processing. In the case of executing, step S521 of FIG. 46 can be omitted.

Further, here, an example in which the reel control means 306 enables the operation of the other stop switch 120 only after the full-phase excitation of the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 is released will be described. did. However, not only in such a case, the operation of the other stop switch 120 may be enabled before the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 is stopped. For example, the operation of any stop switch (eg, stop switch 120a) may not affect the validity or invalidity of other stop switches (eg, stop switches 120b, 120c). That is, regardless of whether the other stop switch 120 has already been operated (whether the other reel is rotating or stopped), and without waiting for the stop start or stop completion, it is still operated. All of the stop switches 120 that are not in operation are maintained in a valid state, and the operation of the stop switch 120 is permitted. Then, the player can continuously operate the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c (so-called slide push). In this case, the reel control means 306 does not need to wait for all-phase excitation of the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 to be open, and thus can be realized by omitting step S519 in FIG. 46. .. Further, not only step S519 in FIG. 46 but also step S521 can be omitted. In this case, as described above, when the medals are paid out from the medal payout device 142 or when the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c of the next game is started, the excitation release of all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is awaited. Is preferable.

Therefore, if all the indexes that specify the positions of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are detected, it does not matter whether the stop switch 120a is operated after that or the rotation state of the reel 110a is a constant speed state. However, since the operation of the stop switches 120b and 120c is enabled, the player can operate the stop switch 120b and the stop switch 120c to stop the reels 110b and the reels 110c.

In this case, the following events may occur. For example, a symbol existing in the pull-in range is determined as a stop symbol at the timing when the stop switch 120 is operated, and the rotation is maintained by the number of sliding frames so as to pull the stop symbol onto the effective line A. Therefore, when the number of sliding frames is different, the time from the operation of the stop switch 120 to the start of the stop processing of the reel 110 is 0 to 189 msec (predetermined time within 190 msec). It will be different for each of 110b and 110c. For example, the player operates the start switch 118 to detect indexes on all reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and the player pushes the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c forward as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the operation is performed in the batting order. Then, if the number of sliding frames is the same, the stop is completed in the order of reel 110a → reel 110b → reel 110c, but if the number of sliding frames is different, the stop order of the reel 110 may be different. For example, the reel 110a may be stopped first, the reel 110c having a small number of sliding frames may be stopped next, and the reel 110b having a large number of sliding frames may be stopped after the reel 110c. As described above, here, the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are not always stopped and completed in the same order as the operation order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. Therefore, the stop completion condition in the slide push is that all-phase excitation is released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c, and all-phase excitation is performed for the reel 110 corresponding to the third stopped (last stopped operation) stop switch 120. Is released, and the last operated stop switch 120 is released. Then, the determination means 308, the effect control means 334, and the payout control means 310 execute the stop completion post-processing when the stop completion condition is satisfied.

Further, as a stop completion condition in the slide push, it is possible to omit the determination of whether or not all-phase excitation is released for the third stopped reel 110. Further, as described above, as a stop completion condition, 200 msec has elapsed from all-phase excitation instead of determining whether or not all-phase excitation has been released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c and the third stopped reel 110. It may be determined whether or not. In this case, it can be dealt with by setting the determination target of step S519 and step S521 in FIG. 46 as the timekeeping of the timer. Further, as a stop completion condition, it is determined whether or not all-phase excitation is released for all reels 110a, 110b, 110c while omitting the determination of whether or not all-phase excitation is released for the third stopped reel 110. Instead, it may be determined whether or not 200 msec has elapsed from full-phase excitation.

Here, as a result notification means, as shown in FIG. 44 (d), when all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are stopped, the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A is the winning combination “small combination 1”. If the above is shown, the effect control means 334 has been described by giving an example of notifying the result of the game, that is, the fact that the winning combination "small combination 1" has won, through the liquid crystal display unit 124. Not limited to such a case, it can be performed by a device other than the liquid crystal display unit 124. For example, the medal payout device 142 as a result notification means is displayed on the effective line A as a result of the game by discharging medals for the number of payouts corresponding to the winning wins in accordance with the winning of the winning wins. Notify the information related to the symbol combination. Further, the main payout display unit 132 and the sub payout display unit 136 as the result notification means display the number of medals to be paid out as a result of the game, thereby notifying the information related to the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A. do. Further, the reel backlight (not shown) as the result notification means irradiates (lights, blinks, turns off, predetermined patterns) the reels 110a, 110b, 110c corresponding to the symbol display window 108 from the back surface as a result of the game. By flashing), the information related to the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A is notified. In addition, the speaker 128 as a result notification means outputs a winning sound (a simple sound effect, a sound corresponding to the winning winning combination, etc.) as a result of the game, so that the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A can be obtained. Notify the relevant information. Further, the effect lamp 126 as a result notification means emits light (simply emits light, emits light in a color corresponding to the winning winning combination, and blinks in a blinking pattern corresponding to the winning winning combination) as a result of the game. Etc.) to notify the information related to the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A.

Further, here, the release of the specific stop switch 120 has been described as a stop completion condition, but the specific stop switch 120 is not limited to the stop switch 120 that was last operated (third stop), but all of them. It is not the stop switch 120 of the above or the stop switch 120 that was operated last, but when the stop switch 120 that was last operated is released, the pressed state is maintained and the stop switch 120 is operated last. The stop switch 120 released after the stop switch 120 is released is also included.

Further, here, an example is given in which information related to the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A is notified as a result of the game after all the reels are stopped. However, the information related to the symbol combination displayed on the valid line A is not limited to the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination shown in FIG. 37, and corresponds to the symbol combination when the winning combination is missed or the unwinning combination ( It also includes symbol combinations (indicating that the winning combination has not been won).

Further, here, a symbol existing in the pull-in range when the player operates the stop switch 120 is determined as a stop symbol, and the rotation is simply maintained by the number of sliding frames so as to pull the stop symbol onto the effective line A. As described above, the effect control means 334 may execute an arbitrary effect while maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding frames. However, as described above, the number of sliding frames changes according to the operation timing of the stop switch 120 by the player. Therefore, the effect control means 334 changes the effect according to the number of slide frames, for example, when the number of slide frames is large, a relatively long effect is performed, and when the number of slide frames is small, a relatively short effect is performed. You may let me. Further, depending on the number of sliding frames, the timing of performing the effect may be changed. For example, it is assumed that the effect control means 334 has scheduled a predetermined effect at the time of the first operation (at the time of the first stop) of the stop switch 120. However, the number of sliding frames of the stop switch 120 is small, and it is not possible to secure a sufficient time for the production, or because the time is short, the content of the production is sufficiently communicated to the player even if the production is executed. If this is not possible, the effect may be performed when the other stop switch 120 is operated, for example, when the last stop switch 120 is operated (at the time of the third stop). In this way, it is possible to secure time for the production and sufficiently convey the content of the production to the player.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 are arranged so as to share the functional part for advancing the game, but the functional part of the main control board 200 is assigned to the sub control board 202. Alternatively, the functional parts of the sub-control board 202 may be arranged on the main control board 200, or all the functional parts may be arranged together on one control board.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, only one type of AT effect state is provided, but for example, a plurality of types of AT effect states such as a special zone for adding the number of continuous games in the AT effect state are provided. May be good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game is played using medals as the game value, but the game value may be electrical information (so-called medalless). In this case, when the winning combination wins, the value amount corresponding to the winning combination may be given to the player by electrical information.

As described above, the configurations of the embodiments (first embodiment, second embodiment, third embodiment) can be used in combination.

For example, in the first embodiment, the main CPU 200a reads a program from the main ROM 200b, updates the variables held in the main RAM 200c, controls a plurality of specific devices that are a part of the plurality of devices, and controls the main RAM 200c. Is assigned a variable of a parameter for controlling a specific device consecutively in a storage unit with respect to a plurality of specific devices, and the main CPU 200a has two parameters in the parameter variable which are continuous in the storage unit. The configuration and storage means (main) that collectively determine whether the variable is 0, repeat the determination process of whether the determination result is 0, and move to the next process if the determination result is 0. The RAM 200c) is continuously assigned a variable of parameters relating to the three reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in a storage unit, and the reel control means 306 has a specific value of the variable of the parameter for a specific reel. It executes a process of determining whether or not the variables are, and a process of collectively determining whether or not the variables of two consecutive parameters in the storage unit are specific values for two reels different from one specific reel. Variables of parameters relating to the four reels 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d are continuously assigned in the storage unit to the configuration or the storage means (main RAM 200c), and the reel control means 306 is assigned to the specific two reels. With respect to, the process of collectively determining whether or not the variables of two consecutive parameters in the storage unit are specific values, and the process of collectively determining whether or not the variables of the two consecutive parameters in the storage unit are for two reels different from the specific two reels. The configuration for collectively determining whether or not the variable is a specific value and the reel control means 306 in the second embodiment clear the rotation error detection counter when the acceleration is completed. , A configuration in which a rotation error detection counter determines that a rotation error is reached when a predetermined error condition is reached may be combined.

Further, in the first embodiment, the main CPU 200a reads a program from the main ROM 200b, updates the variables held in the main RAM 200c, controls a plurality of specific devices that are a part of the plurality of devices, and controls the main RAM 200c. Is continuously assigned a variable of a parameter for controlling a specific device in a storage unit with respect to a plurality of specific devices, and the main CPU 200a determines whether the variable of the parameter is 0 with one instruction. If the variable of the parameter is not 0, the determination process of whether or not it is 0 is repeated, and if the variable of the parameter is 0, the process proceeds to the next process. A process of determining whether or not a variable of a parameter related to a reel is a specific value, and a process of collectively determining whether or not a variable of a parameter is a specific value for two reels different from one specific reel. 2 For one reel, a configuration for collectively determining whether or not a variable of a parameter is a specific value is executed, and the reel control means 306 in the second embodiment rotates when acceleration is completed. It may be combined with a configuration in which the error detection counter is cleared and the rotation error detection counter is determined to be a rotation error when a predetermined error condition is reached.

Further, in the first embodiment, the main CPU 200a reads a program from the main ROM 200b, updates the variables held in the main RAM 200c, controls a plurality of specific devices that are a part of the plurality of devices, and controls the main RAM 200c. Is continuously assigned a variable of a parameter for controlling a specific device in a storage unit with respect to a plurality of specific devices, and the main CPU 200a determines whether the variable of the parameter is 0 and the variable of the parameter. If is not 0, the process of determining whether the value is 0 is repeated, and if the variable of the parameter is 0, the process proceeds to the next process. A configuration that executes a process of determining whether or not a variable has a specific value and a process of determining whether or not a variable of a parameter has a specific value for two reels different from one specific reel, or , The reel control means 306 determines whether or not the parameter variable related to the reel is a specific value for the specific two reels, and the parameter variable is set for two reels different from the specific two reels. All the reels 110a, 110b, with the reel control means 306 in the third embodiment operating the arbitrary stop switch, and the configuration for executing the process of determining whether or not the value is a specific value, respectively. When the index of 110c is detected, if the operation of any stop switch is not released, the operation of all stop switches is not enabled, and if the operation of any stop switch is released, all the stop switches The reel control means 306, which is configured to enable the operation, is released from the operation of the arbitrary stop switch when the acceleration state of all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is completed while the arbitrary stop switch is operated. If not, the operation of all the stop switches is not enabled, and when the operation of any stop switch is released, the operation of all stop switches is enabled, or the reel control means 306 is an arbitrary stop. When the constant speed state of all the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is started while the switch is operated, the operation of all the stop switches is not enabled unless the operation of any stop switch is released. When the operation of any stop switch is released, the operation of all stop switches is enabled. You may combine them.

Further, each process performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above does not necessarily have to be processed in chronological order in the order described in the flowchart, and may include parallel or subroutine processing.

Further, each process performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above does not necessarily have to be processed in chronological order in the order described in the flowchart, and may include parallel or subroutine processing.

100 slot machine (game machine)
200 Main control board 202 Sub control board 200a Main CPU (CPU)
200b main ROM
200c main RAM
262 Stepping motor (motor)
304 Winning combination lottery means 306 Reel control means 308 Judgment means 310 Payout control means 312 Game state control means 314 Effect state control means 334 Effect control means

Claims (2)

Three reels with multiple types of symbols arranged on each,
A motor for rotating each of the reels and
Winning combination lottery means to determine the winning or not of the winning combination according to the operation of the start switch,
When a predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation of the three reels was started, the motor of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch was excited to stop the reels, and the reels were excited in response to the operation of the stop switch. Reel control means to release the excitation to
Memories and
Equipped with
Variables of parameters related to the three reels are continuously assigned to the storage means in a storage unit.
The reel control means
A process of determining whether or not a variable of the parameter is a specific value for a specific reel, and two parameters consecutive in a storage unit for two reels different from the specific reel. The process of collectively determining whether or not the variable of is the specific value is executed , and
A gaming machine that executes an excitation release waiting process that waits for the excitation release of the motor between the operation of the start switch and the start of rotation of the reel . Four reels with multiple types of symbols arranged on each,
A motor for rotating each of the reels and
Winning combination lottery means to determine the winning or not of the winning combination according to the operation of the start switch,
When a predetermined time has elapsed since the rotation of the four reels was started, the motor of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch was excited to stop the reels, and the reels were excited in response to the operation of the stop switch. Reel control means to release the excitation to
Memories and
Equipped with
Variables of parameters relating to the four reels are continuously assigned to the storage means in a storage unit.
The reel control means
For the two specific reels, the process of collectively determining whether or not the variables of the two consecutive parameters in the storage unit are specific values, and the two reels different from the two specific reels. A process of collectively determining whether or not the variables of the two consecutive parameters in the storage unit are the specific values is executed .
A gaming machine that executes an excitation release waiting process that waits for the excitation release of the motor between the operation of the start switch and the start of rotation of the reel .

Images