JP7216346B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Pachinko game machines, slot machines, and the like are known as types of game machines. These gaming machines are provided with control means such as a CPU, read-only storage means such as a ROM, and read/write storage means such as a RAM. The control means executes processing according to the program read from the read-only storage means while writing information to and reading information from the read/write storage means. When executing this process, information is input from sensors and the like to the control means, and information is output from the control means to the electric actuators, the light emitting elements, and the like. It is also known that the control means, the read-only storage means, the read/write storage means, and the like are integrated into one chip.

Specifically, regarding the slot machine, when a new game is started by operating the start lever in a situation where medals are BET (bet), the control means executes the winning lottery process. Further, when the winning lottery process is executed, the rotation start control is executed by the control means to start the rotation of the reel, and when the stop button is operated during the rotation of the reel, the control means Rotation stop control is executed at to stop the rotation of the reel. Then, when the stop result after the rotation of the reels is stopped corresponds to the winning combination in the winning combination lottery process, a privilege corresponding to the winning combination is given to the player. For example, a game medium is provided as the provision of the privilege (see Patent Literature 1, for example).

JP 2014-045989 A

Here, in gaming machines such as those exemplified above, it is necessary to improve the interest in games, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of increasing the interest of a game.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes cyclic display means for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of symbols, start operation means operated to start cyclic display of the symbols in the cyclic display means, A combination lottery means for executing lottery processing for a combination based on the operation of the start operation means, a stop operation means operated to stop the variation display of the symbols in the cyclic display means, and the variation display of the symbols. later, when a stop result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in the lottery process for the combination, the game comprises a response execution means for executing control corresponding to the winning combination as a prize establishment corresponding to the winning combination. a specific effect executing means for executing a specific effect control using the cyclic display means; a rotation abnormality determination means for determining a rotation abnormality of the cyclic display means during the specific effect control; and the cyclic display. a specific effect terminating means for terminating the specific effect control when a rotation abnormality of the means is determined; The means is scheduled to be displayed when the specific effect execution means ends the specific effect control before the specific symbol combination is stopped and displayed, and when the specific effect control is not ended by the specific effect end means. The specific symbol combination is displayed on the image display device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

1 is a front view of a slot machine; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine showing a state in which a front door is opened; FIG. It is a figure which shows the pattern arrangement|sequence of each reel. It is a front view of a display window part. It is a figure which shows the correspondence of the combination of the design which becomes a prize, and the privilege provided when it becomes a prize. It is a figure which shows the aspect of a stop design when each prize-winning generate|occur|produces. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine 10; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing; 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing; It is a flow chart which shows lottery processing. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing processing for determining the contents of an effect; FIG. It is a figure which shows the transition aspect of a game state. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a bonus non-internal state table; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the order in which the reels are stopped and the winning mode established. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a bonus internal state table; FIG. It is a figure which shows the lottery table for bonus states. It is a flow chart which shows information control processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing notification of reel stop order on an image display device 66; 4 is a flowchart showing reel control processing; It is a flow chart which shows winning a prize judging processing. It is a flowchart which shows the correspondence process at the time of the end of a game. 10 is a flowchart showing bonus state processing; 9 is a flowchart showing section management processing; It is a figure which shows an advantageous area transition lottery table. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing small AT shift chance processing; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a small AT transfer lottery table. 4 is a flowchart showing small AT state processing; 4 is a flowchart showing main AT state processing; It is a figure which shows an example of an addition lottery table. It is a figure which shows the whole game flow. It is a figure explaining rotation production|presentation processing at the time of the freeze production|presentation which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a handling process 1 when reel step-out occurs in the main-side MPU; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing processing 1 for dealing with occurrence of reel step-out of the main MPU; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a handling process 2-1 when reel step-out occurs in the main MPU; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing processing 2-1 when reel step-out occurs in the main MPU; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a handling process 2-2 when reel step-out occurs in the master side MPU; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a handling process 2-2 when reel step-out occurs in the main MPU; FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings when the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is a type of game machine.

<Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened.

As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 has a housing 11 forming its outer shell. The housing 11 is formed in a box shape with an open front as a whole by fixing a plurality of wooden panels.

A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 . The front door 12 is supported by the housing 11 so as to be able to open and close the internal space of the housing 11 with its left side as a pivot shaft. The front door 12 is locked so that it cannot be opened by a locking device 13 provided on the rear side thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, a game panel 20 is provided near the upper center of the front door 12 to inform the player of the game status. The game panel 20 has three vertically long display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R arranged side by side. The display windows 21L, 21M, 21R are made of a transparent or translucent material, and the inside of the slot machine 10 is visible through the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition plate, and the reel unit 31 is attached to the upper part of the partition plate. The reel unit 31 includes a left reel 32L, a middle reel 32M, and a right reel 32R, which are each formed in a cylindrical shape. Each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is rotatably supported such that the center axis thereof coincides with the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are arranged on the same axis extending substantially horizontally, and the reels 32L, 32M, 32R correspond to the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R one-to-one. there is Therefore, a part of the surface of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is visible through the corresponding display window portions 21L, 21M, 21R. Further, when the reels 32L, 32M, 32R rotate forward, the surfaces of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are projected through the respective display windows 21L, 21M, 21R as if they are moving from top to bottom.

These reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are connected to stepping motors (not shown), and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be driven to rotate individually by driving the stepping motors. It's becoming

As shown in FIG. 1, on the lower left side of the game panel 20, there is provided a start lever 41 operated to start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R. When the start lever 41 is operated while medals are inserted, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R start rotating all at once.

On the right side of the start lever 41, stop buttons 42, 43, 44 are provided to be operated to individually stop the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R. The respective stop buttons 42, 43, 44 are arranged directly below the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be stopped, respectively. Each of the stop buttons 42, 43, 44 is in a state in which it can be stopped after a predetermined time has passed since the left reel 32L started rotating.

The reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are started to rotate based on the operation of the start lever 41, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop rotating based on the operation of the stop buttons 42, 43, and 44, and medals are awarded. Execution of various processes such as management of the game state and management of the game state corresponds to one game.

A medal slot 45 for inserting medals as an investment value is provided on the lower right side of the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R. As shown in FIG. 2, the medals inserted from the medal slot 45 are guided to the hopper device 53 by the selector 52 provided on the back side of the front door 12 when the medals can be inserted, and when the medals cannot be inserted. The medals are guided to a medal receiving tray 59 from a medal discharge port 58 provided in the lower front portion of the front door 12 . The hopper device 53 has a function of discharging the medals stored in the storage tank to the medal receiving tray 59 through the medal ejection port 58 when a winning corresponding to the awarding of medals is established on the above-mentioned effective line. there is

Below the medal slot 45, as shown in FIG. 1, a return button 46 is provided to be pushed when the medals inserted into the medal slot 45 are stuck in the selector 52. As shown in FIG. Further, on the lower left side of the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R, there is a first credit insertion button 47 for inserting the maximum amount of credited virtual medals that can be betted at once, and two virtual medals are inserted at once. and a third credit insertion button 49 for inserting one virtual medal at a time.

A settlement button 51 is provided on the left side of the start lever 41 . That is, the slot machine 10 has a credit function of storing and storing surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (equivalent to 50 medals) and payout medals at the time of winning as virtual medals. When the checkout button 51 is operated under the stored condition, the virtual medals are dispensed from the medal discharge port 58 as real medals.

A power supply device 54 is provided inside the housing 11 to the left of the hopper device 53 as shown in FIG. The power supply device 54 includes a power button 55 operated when the power is turned on or off, a reset button 56 for resetting various states of the slot machine 10, and a setting state of the slot machine 10 from "setting 1" to "setting 1". and a setting key insertion hole 57 operated to change within the range of setting 6”.

<Designs attached to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R>
Next, the symbols attached to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the pattern arrangement of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, 21 symbols are arranged in a line on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. Numbers 0 to 20 are assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and these numbers are visible to the main controller 70 through the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R. These are numbers for recognizing symbols, and are not actually attached to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, the numbers will be used in the following description.

The symbols include a “bell” symbol (for example, the 20th reel on the left reel 32L), a “replay 1” symbol (for example, the 19th reel on the left reel 32L), a “watermelon” symbol (for example, the 18th reel on the left reel 32L), "Red 7" symbol (eg, 15th on the left reel 32L), "Replay 2" symbol (eg, 11th on the left reel 32L), "BAR" symbol (eg, 10th on the left reel 32L), "Cherry" There are nine types of symbols (eg, 9th on the left reel 32L), "replay 3" symbols (eg, 6th on the left reel 32L), and "white 7" symbols (eg, 5th on the left reel 32L). The number and arrangement order of various symbols are completely different in each of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the display windows 21L, 21M and 21R. Each of the display windows 21L, 21M and 21R is formed so that three of the 21 symbols attached to the corresponding reel are visible as a whole. Therefore, when all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped, 3×3=9 symbols are visible through the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R.

In this slot machine 10, one main line ML is set so as to connect positions where symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are visible. The main line ML is a line connecting the lower symbols of the left reel 32L, the middle symbols of the middle reel 32M, and the lower symbols of the right reel 32R. Spinning of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is started with a prescribed number of medals bet, and when a prize corresponding to the winning combination is established on the main line ML, a privilege of payout of medals and a replay are given. Either the privilege of the privilege or the privilege of transition of the game state is given.

That is, in the present slot machine 10, only one main line ML is set as a line on which winning can be established. The main line ML is set not as a straight line but as a bending line. Therefore, a subline SL1 connecting the upper pattern of the left reel 32L, the middle pattern of the middle reel 32M and the lower pattern of the right reel 32R, and the upper pattern of the left reel 32L, the upper pattern of the middle reel 32M and the upper pattern of the right reel 32R. A subline SL3 connecting a connected subline SL2, a middle pattern of the left reel 32L, a middle pattern of the middle reel 32M and a middle pattern of the right reel 32R, a lower pattern of the left reel 32L, a lower pattern of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R. A subline SL4 connecting the lower symbols and a subline SL5 connecting the lower symbols of the left reel 32L, the middle symbols of the middle reel 32M and the upper symbols of the right reel 32R are arranged on a line extending in a straight line. Even if a combination is established, a winning prize is not established.

The number of main lines is not limited to one, and may be two, three, four, or five or more. A configuration in which the number of main lines to be activated may vary accordingly. Further, the main line is not limited to a bent line, and may be a straight line.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a winning combination of symbols and a privilege to be given when winning. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state of the stop symbols when each winning occurs. 5 and 6, the relationship between the combination of winning symbols and the privilege given when winning will be described below.

As the small role winning prizes for which medals are paid out, the 1st supplementary prize, the 2nd supplementary prize, the 3rd supplementary prize, the 4th supplementary prize, the 5th supplementary prize, the 6th supplemental prize, the pushing order bell prize, the common bell prize, There are a watermelon prize, a cherry prize and a single prize. For example, on the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is any one of "white 7" symbol, "BAR" symbol, "red 7" symbol, or "watermelon" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is "replay" symbol. 1" symbol and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "replay 1" symbol, the first compensation winning prize is obtained. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, the stopped symbols on the left reel 32L on the main line ML are any of the "white 7" symbol, the "BAR" symbol, the "red 7" symbol and the "watermelon" symbol, and the middle reel 32M. 2nd to 6th supplementary prizes are awarded according to the combination of the stop symbols of the right reel 32R being "Replay 1 to 3" symbols and the stop symbols of the right reel 32R being "Replay 1 to 3" symbols. The number of game media to be awarded when the first to sixth supplementary prizes are won is “3” when the number of game media bet is three.

On the main line ML, the stopped symbol of the left reel 32L is a "bell" symbol, the stopped symbol of the middle reel 32M is a "bell" symbol, and the stopped symbol of the right reel 32R is a "cherry" symbol or a "watermelon" symbol. If there is, it will be a prize for pushing the order bell. The number of game media to be awarded in the case of winning the order bell is "15" when the number of bets on the game media is three.

In the case of winning by pushing order bell, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the stopped symbols of the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R are all "bell" symbols on the rising sub-line SL5. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that he/she has won a prize by pushing the order bell. Further, the line on which the combination of "bell" symbols is stop-displayed when the pressing-order bell wins is the subline SL5, which is different from the sub-line SL3 on which the combination of "bell" patterns is stop-displayed when the common bell wins. Due to such a difference, it is possible for the player, who judges whether or not a prize has been won based on whether or not the combination of the same symbols is stopped, to distinguish between the push-order bell win and the common bell win.

On the main line ML, the stopped symbols on the left reel 32L are "Replay 1 to 3" symbols, the stopped symbols on the middle reel 32M are "Bell" symbols, and the stopped symbols on the right reel 32R are "White 7" symbols, " BAR" symbol, "red 7" symbol or "watermelon" symbol, common bell wins. When the common bell is won, the number of game media to be awarded is "9" when the number of game media bet is three.

In the case of common bell winning, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the stopped symbols of the respective reels 32L, 32M and 32R are all "bell" symbols on the middle sub-line SL3. As a result, the player can easily recognize that a prize has been won when the same combination of symbols is stop-displayed on a straight line. In this case, when the common bell wins, the combination of the same "bell" pattern is stopped and displayed to make it easier for the player to recognize the occurrence of the win in the configuration designed to diversify the manner of establishing a win on the main line ML. becomes possible.

On the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is a "watermelon" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is a "BAR" symbol or a "red 7" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is a "watermelon" symbol. If so, the watermelon wins. The number of game media to be given when a watermelon wins is "4" when the number of game media bet is three.

In the case of winning a watermelon prize, as shown in FIG. 6(c), the stopped symbols of the respective reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are all "watermelon" symbols on the lower sub-line SL4. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that the watermelon has won a prize.

When the stopped symbol of the left reel 32L on the main line ML is a "cherry" symbol, the cherry prize is won regardless of whether the stopped symbol of the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R is. When the player wins a cherry prize, the number of game media to be awarded is "6" when the number of game media bet is three.

On the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "Replay 1 to 3" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "Red 7" symbol or the "BAR" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is " Replay 1 to 3” symbol, it will be a prize for 1 piece. The number of game media to be awarded in the case of winning a winning combination of 1 is "1" when the number of bets on the game media is 3.

Replay, Chance Replay A, and Chance Replay B wins are given as wins that give a replay privilege that allows the next game to be played without betting medals (or virtual medals). For example, on the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is any one of "white 7" symbol, "BAR" symbol, "red 7" symbol, or "watermelon", and the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is "replay 1" symbol. to 3" symbol and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is a "white 7" symbol or a "watermelon" symbol, replay, chance replay A or chance replay B wins.

In the case of replay, chance replay A or chance replay B winning, as shown in FIG. ” symbol or “Replay 3” symbol. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that the replay, chance replay A, or chance replay B win has been won.

When a replay, chance replay A, or chance replay B win is won, it is possible to play the next game while eliminating the need to bet the same number of medals as in the previous game. Specifically, if any of the replay wins in a game in which three medals are betted, the next game can be started with the same number of bets as in the previous game.

In addition, there is RBB as a state transition prize in which transition to a special game state is performed. On the main line ML, when the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "red 7" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "BAR" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "BAR" symbol, RBB Win a prize. When the RBB prize is established, the game state shifts to a bonus state (RBB state).

The RBB state is a gaming state in which the expected number of game media to be given per unit number of games is higher than in the normal gaming state. The RBB state ends, for example, when a termination condition is satisfied, which is set such that the number of game media paid out after the RBB state is started is equal to or greater than the termination reference number (for example, "105"). Even if the RBB patterns cannot be aligned in the winning game, the winning flag of the RBB is carried over to the game following the winning game until the RBB prize is established. A state in which the winning flag of the RBB that has been won is carried over is called a bonus internal state. The bonus internal state will be described later again.

<Device for executing various notifications and various effects>
A device for executing various notifications and various effects will be described. On the game panel 20 of the front door 12, below the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R, a credit display part 61 for displaying the number of virtual medals stored and the number of medals obtained at the time of winning are displayed. A winning number display section 62 is provided. These display units 61 and 62 are composed of 7-segment displays, and each segment uses a single-color light emitting LED such as green.

<Electrical Configuration of Slot Machine 10>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10. As shown in FIG.

The main control device 70 has a main control board 71 that controls the main game. An MPU 72 is mounted on the main control board 71 . The MPU 72 includes a ROM 73 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 72, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 73. A RAM 74, a clock circuit 75 for outputting a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, an interrupt circuit, a data input/output circuit, a random number generation circuit, and the like are incorporated. It should be noted that it is not essential that the ROM 73 and the RAM 74 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 72, and they may be individually integrated into chips.

The MPU 72 is provided with an input port and an output port. On the input side of the MPU 72, the reel unit 31 (more specifically, a reel index sensor that individually detects that each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R has made one rotation), a start detection sensor 41a that detects the operation of the start lever 41, stop detection sensors 42a, 43a, and 44a for individually detecting the operation of the stop buttons 42, 43, and 44; an inserted medal detection sensor 45a for detecting medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45; and credit insertion buttons 47, 48, and 49. credit insertion detection sensors 47a, 48a, and 49a that individually detect the operation of , a settlement detection sensor 51a that detects the operation of the settlement button 51, a payout detection sensor of the hopper device 53, and a reset detection sensor 56a that detects the operation of the reset button 56. , and a setting key detection sensor 57 a for detecting insertion of a setting key into the setting key insertion hole 57 . Signals from these sensors are input to the MPU 72 .

On the output side of the MPU 72, the reel unit 31 (more specifically, the stepping motor for rotating the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R), the payout motor of the hopper device 53, the credit display section 61, the winning number display section 62, the internal state A notification unit 63, a sub-control device 80, and the like are connected. In each game, the rotation drive control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R of the reel unit 31 is performed by the MPU 72, and the drive control of the hopper device 53 is performed by the MPU 72 when a small win is established and medals are to be paid out. performed by Further, the display control of the credit display section 61, the winning number display section 62, and the internal state notification section 63 is directly executed by the MPU 72 without going through other control devices. A command is transmitted from the MPU 72 to the sub control device 80 at each timing of each game.

An external terminal board 90 is provided on the output side of the MPU 72 . The external terminal plate 90 is provided adjacent to the main controller 70 on the back plate of the housing 11 . The MPU 72 externally outputs various signals corresponding to the state of the slot machine 10 to the hall computer HC provided in the game hall through the external terminal board 90 .

An input side of the MPU 72 is connected to a power failure monitoring circuit provided in the power supply 54 (not shown). The power supply device 54 is equipped with a power supply unit that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the slot machine 10 including the main controller 70, and a power failure monitoring circuit. A power failure signal is output to the MPU 72 when the voltage is below the reference voltage. The MPU 72 executes power failure processing upon receiving the power failure signal, and after the power is restored, it is possible to return to the processing state before the power failure. Further, the power supply device 54 is provided with a power-off power supply unit for supplying backup power to the RAM 74 as power-off power when the supply of operating power from the external power supply is interrupted. As a result, even when the supply of operating power from the external power source is interrupted, data is stored and retained in the RAM 74 in a situation where backup power can be supplied to the power supply unit during a power failure (for example, for one or two days). be done. However, the data stored in the RAM 74 is initialized by turning on the slot machine 10 while pressing the reset button 56 provided on the power supply device 54 .

The sub-control device 80 has a sub-control board 81 for executing execution control of various notifications and various effects. An MPU 82 is mounted on the sub-control board 81 . The MPU 82 includes a ROM 83 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 82, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 83. A RAM 84, a clock circuit 85 for outputting a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, an interrupt circuit, a data input/output circuit, a random number generating circuit, etc. are incorporated.

It should be noted that it is not essential that the ROM 83 and the RAM 84 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 82, and they may be individually integrated into chips. In addition, the RAM 84 is supplied with backup power from the power failure power supply unit of the power supply unit 54 in a situation where the supply of operating power from the external power supply is interrupted, and in a situation where the backup power is supplied (for example, one day 2 days), the data is stored in the RAM 84 . However, the data stored in the RAM 84 is initialized by turning on the power of the slot machine 10 while pressing the reset button 56 provided on the power supply 54 .

The MPU 82 is provided with an input port and an output port. The MPU 72 of the main control device 70 is connected to the input side of the MPU 82 as already described, and various commands are received from the MPU 72 .

An upper lamp 64 , a speaker 65 and an image display device 66 are connected to the output side of the MPU 82 . Based on the commands received from the MPU 72 of the main control device 70, the MPU 82 executes light emission control of the upper lamp 64, sound output control of the speaker 65, and display control of the image display device 66, thereby performing various notifications and various effects. make it possible to

In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the MPU 72, ROM 73 and RAM 74 of the main controller 70 are referred to as the main MPU 72, the main ROM 73 and the main RAM 74, respectively, and the MPU 82, ROM 83 and RAM 84 of the sub-controller 80 are respectively referred to as the sub-side. It is called MPU82, sub side ROM83, and sub side RAM84.

<Processing Executed by Main MPU 72>
Next, processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described. The processing of the main MPU 72 can be roughly divided into “normal processing” that is repeatedly executed after the main processing started upon power-on, and “timer interrupt processing” that is started by periodically interrupting the normal processing. ”. For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt processing will be explained first, and then the normal processing will be explained.

"Timer interrupt processing"
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the main MPU. The timer interrupt process is activated, for example, every 1.49 msec.

In the register save processing shown in step S101, the values of all the registers in the main MPU 72 used in the normal processing described later are saved in the main RAM 74. FIG. In step S102, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag is set to "1", and if the power failure flag is set to "1", the process proceeds to step S103, and the power failure processing is executed.

The power failure flag is set when a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit of the power supply 54 is input to the main MPU 72 . In the power failure processing, first, it is determined whether or not the command transmission has been completed. If the transmission has not been completed, this processing is terminated, the timer interrupt processing is resumed, and the command transmission is terminated. When the command transmission is completed, the value of the stack pointer of the main MPU 72 is saved in the main RAM 74 . After that, the output state of the output port of the main MPU 72 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, when the power failure is resolved, a judgment value for judging whether or not the data in the main RAM 74 is normal is calculated and stored in the main RAM 74, thereby inhibiting subsequent RAM access. After the above processing is performed, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power is completely cut off and the processing cannot be executed.

When the power failure flag is not set in step S102, various processes after step S104 are performed. That is, in step S104, clearing processing of the watchdog timer for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S105, the main MPU 72 performs interrupt end declaration processing to enable setting of the next timer interrupt. In step S106, stepping motor control processing is performed to drive the respective stepping motors in order to rotate the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. The stepping motor control processing will be described later again.

In step S107, sensor monitoring processing is performed to read the states of various sensors connected to the input port and to monitor whether the read results are normal. In step S108, timer calculation processing is performed to subtract the value of each counter or timer. In step S109, counter processing for outputting the result of counting the number of bets of medals and the number of payouts to the outside is performed.

In step S110, command output processing for transmitting various commands to the sub-control device 80 is performed. In step S111, port output processing is performed to output data corresponding to the I/O device from the input/output port. In step S112, the values of each register saved in the main side RAM 74 in the previous step S101 are returned to the corresponding registers in the main side MPU 72, respectively. Thereafter, in step S113, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

"Normal processing"
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the main MPU.

In step S201, interrupt permission processing is performed to permit the next timer interrupt. In step S202, pre-start processing for enabling a game is performed. In the pre-start process, the process waits until the sub-controller 80 or the like finishes initialization.

In step S203, start waiting processing is executed. In the start waiting process, when any replay prize has been won in the previous game, an automatic insertion process is performed so that the same number of game media as the number of bets in the previous game have been betted. In addition, in the start waiting process, if medals are detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 45a and the current bet number is not equal to or greater than the maximum prescribed number of "3", the bet number is incremented by 1, and the bet number is is greater than or equal to the maximum prescribed number of "3", the value of the credit counter provided in the main RAM 74 is incremented by one. The credit counter is a counter for specifying the number of stored virtual medals in the main MPU 72 .

In the start waiting process, when the automatic input process is not executed and any of the credit input buttons 47 to 49 is operated, the credit for setting the number of bets corresponding to the operation. Executes corresponding processing of input. In the credit-insertion handling process, when the first credit-insertion button 47 is operated, the maximum amount of game media that can be betted at that time is placed in a bet state. When the 3 credits input button 49 is operated, the corresponding BET state is set. In this case, when the virtual medals are used for the BET, the value corresponding to the number of the BET virtual medals is subtracted from the credit counter. Further, when the number of virtual medals required for setting the number of bets corresponding to the operated credit input buttons 47 to 49 is not stored and stored, betting is possible in relation to the stored virtual medals. A maximum amount of gaming media has been betted.

In the start waiting process, when the number of bets is equal to or greater than the maximum specified number and the value of the credit counter in the main RAM 74 is equal to or greater than the upper limit stored number (specifically, "50"), acceptance prohibition processing is executed. In the acceptance prohibition process, the selector 52 is set in the acceptance prohibition state by stopping the output of the drive signal to the selector drive section 52a. As a result, even if a medal is inserted into the medal slot 45, the medal is ejected to the medal tray 59 without being detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 45a. On the other hand, if the number of bets is less than the maximum specified number or the value of the credit counter is less than the upper limit stored number, acceptance permission processing is executed. In the reception permission process, the selector 52 is set to the reception permission state by starting to output a drive signal to the selector driving section 52a. As a result, the medals inserted from the medal slot 45 are collected by the hopper device 53 after being detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 45a. In the start waiting process, when the settlement button 51 is operated and the automatic insertion process is not executed, medals corresponding to the total number of BET numbers and credit counter values are delivered through the medal ejection port 58. The hopper device 53 is driven and controlled so that the medals are discharged to the tray 59.例文帳に追加As a result, the internally stored game media are paid out to the player as actual medals.

In step 204, after execution of the start waiting process of step S203, it is determined whether or not the number of bets for medals has reached the specified number, and if the number of bets has not reached the specified number, the start waiting process (step S203) back to If the BET number has reached the specified number, it is determined in step S205 whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated. When the start lever 41 is operated, after activating the main line ML, step S206 executes acceptance prohibition processing for prohibiting bet acceptance. As a result, even if a medal is inserted into the medal slot 45, the medal is ejected to the medal tray 59 without being detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 45a.

In step S207, a lottery process is executed for performing a lottery for a winning combination in the current game. In step S208, reel control processing for each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is executed. In the reel control process, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are started to rotate, and when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated to generate a stop command, the corresponding reels 32L, 32M and 32R are stopped. I do.

In step S209, medal payout processing is executed. In the medal payout process, when a minor winning combination has been established in the current game, a process for awarding the player with the number of medals or virtual medals corresponding to the minor winning combination is executed. Specifically, when awarding virtual medals, the value corresponding to the small win this time is added to the credit counter, and if the value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit storage number, the upper limit storage number is exceeded. The hopper device 53 is driven and controlled so that the number of medals corresponding to the number of medals is paid out to the medal tray 59.例文帳に追加

In step S210, a process for dealing with the end of the game is executed to enable the setting of the game state corresponding to the result of the current game. Next, the lottery process in step S207, the reel control process in step S208, and the process for dealing with the end of the game in step S210 will be described in detail.

[Lottery process]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing lottery processing. The lottery process of step S207 in the normal process will be described.

In step S301, first, a random number to be used when judging whether a winning combination is right or wrong is acquired. In the slot machine 10, when the start lever 41 is operated, the hardware circuit latches the value of the free-run counter at that time. The free-run counter generates a random number from 0 to 65535, and after confirming the operation of the start lever 41, the main MPU 72 stores the value latched by the hardware circuit in the main RAM 74. FIG. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to quickly obtain a random number at the timing when the start lever 41 is operated, and it is possible to avoid problems such as synchronization. The hardware circuit of the slot machine 10 is configured to latch the value of the free-run counter each time the start lever 41 is operated.

After obtaining the random number, in step S302, the lottery table for judging whether the winning combination is correct or not is read from the main ROM 73 . Here, in the slot machine 10, six stages of winning probabilities from a set value of "1" to a set value of "6" are prepared in advance, and the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 57 and turned on. By performing a predetermined operation together with , it is possible to set which winning probability the lottery process is to be executed based on. In general, the set value of "n+1" is more advantageous for the player than the set value of "n". In addition, in the present embodiment, there are three types of internal modes in which the lottery table differs in the main MPU 72 even if the set values are at the same stage: a bonus non-internal state, a bonus internal state, and a bonus state. . In step S302, a lottery table corresponding to the combination of the current set value and the current game state is selected.

After selecting the lottery table, in step S303, the index value IV is set to "1", and in step S304, the judgment value DV used when judging the winning combination is set. In this determination value setting process, a new determination value DV is set by adding the current index value IV and the corresponding point value PV to the current determination value DV. In the initial determination value setting process, the random value obtained in step S301 is used as the current determination value DV, and the current index value IV "1" and the corresponding point value PV are added to this random value. A new judgment value DV is set.

In step S305, it is determined whether the winning combination corresponding to the index value IV is correct. Whether or not the judgment value DV exceeds "65535" is judged in the winning judgment. If it exceeds "65535", in step S306, winning data acquisition processing for setting the winning combination data corresponding to the index value IV at that time in the main side RAM 74 is executed. In the winning data acquisition process, all the winning data set for the current index value IV in the lottery table to be referred to are set in the main RAM 74 . In the state where the winning data is set, if the winning data is winning data other than the bonus winning data, it is cleared to "0" after the end of the current game regardless of whether or not the winning corresponding to the winning data is established. If it is winning data, it is cleared to "0" when winning is established.

On the other hand, if the judgment value DV does not exceed "65535", it means that the hand corresponding to the index value IV is lost. In step S307, 1 is added to the index value IV, and in step S308, it is determined whether or not there is a combination corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is an object to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV to which 1 has been added exceeds the maximum value of the index value IV set in the lottery table. If there is a determination target to be determined, the process returns to step S304 to continue the determination of the winning combination. At this time, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the judgment value DV used for the judgment of the success or failure of the previous hand (that is, the current judgment value DV) to obtain a new judgment value DV. Based on this, the winning judgment is made.

If the process of step S306 is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S308, this means that the determination of whether the winning combination is correct has been completed. In this case, in step S309, processing for determining the content of the effect is executed. In the effect content determination process, a process for determining the general content of the effect to be executed in the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65, and the image display device 66 in the current game is executed. As the content of the outline, high expectation content, medium expectation content, low expectation content, freeze effect, etc. are set so that the degree of expectation for the occurrence of the bonus state or AT state is gradually lowered.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing processing for determining the content of the effect. The determination processing of the content of the effect in step S309 in the lottery processing will be described.

In step S309-1, it is determined whether the winning data acquired in step S306 is either chance replay A or chance replay B. Chance replay A and chance replay B according to the present embodiment serve as triggers for the occurrence of a freeze effect and the transition to the main AT state (however, during the advantageous section). In step S309-2, if the winning data is either chance replay A or chance replay B, the freeze effect flag of the main side RAM 74 is set to "1".
” is set.

On the other hand, in step S309-3, if the winning data is not either chance replay A or chance replay B, other effect contents are determined. For example, by using an effect content lottery table corresponding to the condition of the winning hand in the current game, the outline of the effect is determined by lottery.

Returning to FIG. 10, in step S310, the information corresponding to the general content determined in the effect content determination process is set in the game start command, and the game start command is set as a transmission target to the effect side MPU 82. The game start command is a command for making the production side MPU 82 recognize that a new game has started, and is for making the production side MPU 82 recognize the general content of the production decided by the main side MPU 72. It is a command, and is transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 in the command output process (step S110) in the timer interrupt process.

When receiving the game start command, the production side MPU 82 grasps the general content of the production in the current game from the game start command, and performs the details of the production in a manner corresponding to the grasped general content of the production. It is decided by lottery. Then, the data table corresponding to the content of the determined performance is read from the performance side ROM 83 to the performance side RAM 84, and according to the read data table, the light emission control of the upper lamp 64, the sound output control of the speaker 65, and the display of the image display device 66 are performed. Execute control.

Thereafter, in step S311, stop information first setting processing for setting stop information for reel stop control is performed.

In step S312, a notification control process is executed. In the notification control process, in the non-bonus state and in the AT state, if the winning order bell is won, the player recognizes the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables establishment of the winning order bell. An enabling notification (so-called Bell Navi) is executed. Thus, by stopping the reels in accordance with the displayed stop order, the player can complete the winning of the pushing order bell without missing the winning pushing order bell. However, since the notification control process is not executed in the non-AT state, in order to win the pressing order bell, the pressing order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, which is 1/6, must be correctly answered. If the pushing order is incorrect, the pushing order bell will be missed. Note that the notification for allowing the player to recognize the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is started before the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be stopped in the corresponding game.

(Game state)
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the mode of transition of the game state. Here, the game states of the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, there are three types of lottery modes, non-bonus internal state, bonus internal state, and bonus state, in which the lottery table differs in the main MPU 72 even if the set values are at the same level.

The bonus non-internal state is a state in which the RBB bonus has not been won. If the RBB bonus is won, the state shifts to the bonus internal state.

The bonus internal state is a state in which the RBB bonus has been won and the RBB bonus has not been won. The winning flag of RBB is carried over to the game after the game in which the player has won. The period until this RBB winning is established is called a bonus internal state. When the RBB bonus is won, the game shifts to the bonus state.

The bonus state is a state in which the RBB bonus has been won. When the bonus ends, the status is shifted to the bonus non-internal state again.

At the same time, in the present embodiment, there are two types of game states, a normal section and an advantageous section, as sections for determining whether or not the performance related to the instruction function can be obtained. The advantageous section means a section in which performance (for example, AT) related to the instruction function can be obtained, and more specifically, for example, a section in which a lottery for transition to the AT state can be executed or a stay in the AT state can be performed. Conversely, the normal section refers to a section in which the performance related to the instruction function (for example, assist time: AT, etc.) cannot be provided.

For the player, in order to execute the lottery for transition to the AT state, which is a game state more advantageous in terms of game than the non-AT state, or to stay in the AT state, the player must win the lottery for transition to the advantageous section, for example, when staying in the normal section. The game state is first shifted to the advantageous section by satisfying the advantageous section transition condition such as to. In other words, in order to execute the lottery to move to the AT state or stay in the AT state, during the stay in the normal section, the advantageous section transition conditions, such as winning the advantageous section transition lottery, are satisfied. need to move to

Also, when the normal section transition condition (also referred to as the normal section fall condition) is satisfied while staying in the advantageous section, the advantageous section ends and shifts (falls) to the normal section. Normal section transition conditions are, for example, winning the normal section transition lottery, exceeding the maximum number of staying games in one advantageous section (e.g. 1500G), or the maximum net increase in the number of game media in one advantageous section (e.g. 2400 sheets), it is possible to design freely to some extent.

Next, the lottery tables referred to during the bonus non-internal state, bonus internal state, and bonus state will be described respectively.

(Lottery table for bonus non-internal state)
FIG. 13 shows a bonus non-internal state table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the order in which the reels are stopped and the winning modes established.

When staying in the bonus non-internal state, the lottery table for bonus non-internal state is referred to in the lottery processing. This lottery table shows the point value PV when betting 3 coins.

Index values IV are set in the bonus non-internal state table, and each index value IV is associated with a winning combination and a point value PV is set. The point value PV determines the winning probability of the corresponding lottery combination in relation to the maximum value ("65535") of the free run counter.

The index value IV=1 is set with the bell-push order winning data and the first compensation winning data. When winning with index value IV=1, as shown in FIG. 14, the left reel 32L is the first stop (the reel to which the stop command is issued first), and the second stop (the reel to which the next stop command is issued). When is the middle reel 32M, the pressing order bell winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, the first compensation winning prize is surely generated.

In the present slot machine 10, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are controlled so that the reels 32L, 32M and 32R can slide up to four symbols after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. In other words, reel control is performed for each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to stop the reels within a specified time (190 msec) after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. By carrying out such reel control, it is possible to facilitate establishment of a prize corresponding to a winning combination, and it is possible to avoid establishment of a prize corresponding to a combination that has not been won. becomes. However, since the amount of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that can be slid is limited as described above, only one reel 32L, 32M, 32R constitutes a combination of symbols for establishing a prize. If there are 5 or more symbols between the constituent symbols, depending on the operation timing of the corresponding stop buttons 42 to 44, the constituent symbols may not stop on the main line ML (this phenomenon is also known as "dropout"). say). In general, compensation winning, bell winning, and various replay winnings are winning modes in which no loss occurs when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped in the corresponding order. This is a winning mode in which a prize may be missed depending on the stop operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44 with respect to the rotational positions of 32L, 32M, and 32R.

For the index value IV=2, the winning order bell winning data and the second complementary winning data are set. When winning with index value IV=2, as shown in FIG. 14, when the first stop is the left reel 32L and the second stop is the right reel 32R, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. The winning of the pushing order bell is surely established, and in the other cases, the second compensation winning is surely established.

The index value IV=3 is set with the bell-push order winning data and the third compensation winning data. When winning with the index value IV=3, as shown in FIG. 14, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M and the second stop is the left reel 32L, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Winning by pressing the bell is surely established, and in other cases, third compensation winning is surely established.

The index value IV=4 is set with the bell-pressing-order winning data and the fourth complementary winning data. When winning with the index value IV=3, as shown in FIG. 14, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M and the second stop is the right reel 32R, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Winning by pressing the bell is surely established, and in other cases, third compensation winning is surely established.

The index value IV=5 is set with the bell-push order winning data and the fifth complementary winning data. When winning with index value IV=5, as shown in FIG. 14, when the first stop is the right reel 32R and the second stop is the left reel 32L, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Winning by pressing the bell is surely established, and in other cases, third compensation winning is surely established.

For the index value IV=6, the winning order bell winning data and the sixth compensation winning data are set. When winning with index value IV=6, as shown in FIG. 14, when the first stop is the right reel 32R and the second stop is the middle reel 32M, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42-44. Winning by pressing the bell is surely established, and in other cases, third compensation winning is surely established.

In this way, when one of the bell winning data with the index value IV=1 to 6 and the 1st to 6th complementary winning data is won, one of the six pressing orders of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is selected. When the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated according to the pressing order of , the bells (so-called 6-choice bells) are aligned.

Common bell winning data is set to index value IV=7. If the winning is achieved with the index value IV=7, as shown in FIG. 14, the common bell winning is established without fail regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42-44.

Watermelon winning data is set to index value IV=8. If a win is made with the index value IV=8, as shown in FIG. 14, a watermelon win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the watermelon prize will not be established (so-called dropout).

Cherry winning data is set to the index value IV=9. If a win is made with the index value IV=9, as shown in FIG. 14, a cherry win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of the left stop button 42 with respect to the rotation position of the left reel 32L, there is a possibility that the cherry winning will not be established (so-called dropout).

If a win is made with index IV=10, 1-card winning data is set. If a win is made with the index value IV=10, as shown in FIG. 14, a single win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the single winning combination will not be established.

If a win is made with index IV=11, RBB winning data is set. If a win is made with the index value IV=11, as shown in FIG. 14, the RBB winning combination can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the RBB winning combination will not be established.

Winning data other than the RBB winning data are erased in the winning game regardless of whether or not the winning is established, and are not carried over to the games following the winning game. On the other hand, the RBB winning data is stored and held until the corresponding RBB winning is established even in the games subsequent to the winning game, except when the main side RAM 74 is cleared. In this case, in a game in which the RBB winning data is carried over, the index value IV corresponding to the RBB winning data is excluded from the lottery. As a result, it is possible to prevent the RBB winning data from being newly stored even though the RBB winning data is already stored, and the accumulation of a plurality of RBB winning data is prevented. It becomes possible to do so.

Replay winning data is set to index value IV=12. If a win is made with the index value IV=12, as shown in FIG. 14, the replay win is established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped and the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. In the case of the bonus non-internal state table according to the present embodiment, the replay winning probability is about 1/7.3.

Chance replay A win data is set to index value IV=13. If a win is made with the index value IV=13, as shown in FIG. 14, the chance replay A prize is established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped and the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. In the case of the bonus non-internal state table according to the present embodiment, the chance replay A winning probability is about 1/60000.

Chance replay B winning data is set to the index value IV=14. If a win is made with the index value IV=14, as shown in FIG. 14, the chance replay B prize is established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped and the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. In the case of the bonus non-internal state table according to the present embodiment, the chance replay B winning probability is about 1/60000.

(Lottery table for bonus internal state)
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a bonus internal state table. When staying in the bonus internal state, the bonus internal state lottery table is referred to in the lottery process. This lottery table shows the point value PV when betting 3 coins.

The bonus internal state is a state in which the RBB bonus has been won and the RBB bonus has not been won. Since the winning flag of RBB is carried over to the games following the winning game, the bonus internal state table is referred to between the winning of RBB and establishment of winning.

Index values IV=1 to 10 are set with the same lottery data as in the bonus non-internal state lottery table, so repeated description will be omitted. Also, replay winning data is set to the index value IV=11. If the reel is won with the index value IV=10, the replay prize is established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are stopped and the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44.

Chance replay A winning data is set to the index value IV=12. If a win is made with the index value IV=12, the chance replay A win is established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped and the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. Chance replay B winning data is set to index value IV=13. If a win is made with the index value IV=13, the chance replay B win is established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped and the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44.

In the case of the bonus internal state table according to the present embodiment, the replay winning probability is higher than the replay winning probability (approximately 1/7.3) in the bonus non-internal state, and the replay winning probability is , about 1/3.9. That is, in the internal bonus state, the RT state (high replay state) is higher than in the non-bonus state.

In addition, in the bonus internal state table, if none of the index values IV=1 to 14 is won, the result is "lost". According to the bonus internal state table according to the present embodiment, the probability of "losing" is about 1/1.6 in the case of betting 3 coins.

In the bonus internal state, although the RBB bonus is won, in a game in which a small winning combination with an index value of IV=1 to 10 or a replay with an index value of IV=11 is won, these small winning combinations or replays are given priority. Since the reels are controlled so as to be established at , the player cannot establish the RBB winning. On the other hand, in the case of "losing", the player can establish the prize by aiming at the established symbol of RBB with the winning flag carried over.

(Lottery table for bonus status)
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a bonus state lottery table. As described above, in this embodiment, RBB exists as a type of bonus. When an RBB prize is won, the player stays in the RBB state (bonus state), and the lottery table for the bonus state is referred to in the lottery processing. This lottery table shows the point value PV when betting 3 coins.

Common bell winning data is set to index value IV=1. When winning is achieved with the index value IV=1 during RBB, the common bell win is established without fail regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42-44.

The index value IV=2 is set with 1-card winning data. If a win is made with index value IV=2 during RBB, a single win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the winning of the one-card combination will not be established (so-called dropout).

The RBB state ends, for example, when a termination condition is satisfied, which is set such that the number of game media paid out after the RBB state is started is equal to or greater than the termination reference number (for example, "105"). When the RBB state ends, the gaming state shifts to the non-bonus state (FIG. 12).

{Notification control process}
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing notification control processing. The notification control process of step S312 in the lottery process will be described.

In step S401, it is determined whether or not the order bell has been won. Specifically, in the bonus non-internal state or in the bonus internal state, it is a case of winning with any of the index values IV=1 to 6 (FIGS. 13 and 15).

In step S402, it is determined whether or not the value of the AT state flag of the main side RAM 74 is 1 or 2 (that is, during the small AT state or during the main AT state). In step S403, on condition that the value of the AT state flag is 1 or 2, a stop order acquisition process is executed. In the stop order acquisition process, the display correspondence table (FIG. 14) of the main ROM 73 is referenced to acquire the stop order that enables the winning of the winning order by pressing the bell with the index value IV that was won this time.

In step S404, the notification execution command and the stop order command are set as objects to be transmitted to the effect side MPU82. The notification execution command is a command for making the effect-side MPU 82 recognize that notification related to the winning combination should be executed in the current game. This is a command for making the production side MPU 82 recognize the stop order of 32R (so-called Bell Navi).

Only one type of notification execution command is set, and the same notification execution command is set as a transmission target regardless of the content of notification on the image display device 66 . The stop order command is set in one-to-one correspondence with the type of stop order notified by the image display device 66, and in step S1804, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables the generation of the bell prize is determined. A stop order command corresponding to is read from the main ROM 73 and set as a transmission target. Various commands set in step S404 are transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 in command output processing (step S110) in the timer interrupt processing.

With such notification control processing, in the AT state (assist time state) including the small AT state or the main AT state, the index value IV=1 to 6 is pushed in the bonus non-internal state table or the bonus internal state table. In the event that a winning is made with any of the order bell winning data and the 1st to 6th compensation winning data, an image display device 66 displays a display corresponding to the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables establishment of the winning order of the bell. is displayed. By stopping the reels in accordance with the displayed order of stopping, the player can easily achieve the winning order of pressing the bell without missing the winning bell.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing notification of the reel stop order on the image display device 66. As shown in FIG.
When receiving both the notification execution command and the stop order command from the main side MPU 72, the effect side MPU 82 displays an image of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R corresponding to the stop order command on the image display device 66. Set the data required for Thereafter, the effect-side MPU 82 executes notification start processing. In the notification start process, an image is displayed on the image display device 66 based on the set data. As a result, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponding to the current stop order command is displayed on the image display device 66. FIG.

When the image display device 66 notifies the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, the image display device 66 displays the same number of unit display images G1 to G3 as the number of stop operations required to end the game. , the left unit display image G1 corresponding to the left reel 32L, the middle unit display image G2 corresponding to the middle reel 32M, and the right unit display image G3 corresponding to the right reel 32R, the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R. is displayed.

In (a), for example, it is shown how the stop order is notified when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R. In this case, the left unit display image G1 displays an image "2" corresponding to the stop order of the left reel 32L, and the middle unit display image G2 displays an image "1" corresponding to the stop order of the middle reel 32M. An image of "3" corresponding to the stop order of the right reel 32R is displayed in the right unit display image G3.

When only the types of reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be stopped are to be notified, the image display device 66 displays the left unit display image G4 corresponding to the left reel 32L and the middle unit display image G4 corresponding to the middle reel 32M. G5 and a right unit display image G6 corresponding to the right reel 32R are displayed.

(b) shows how the stop order is notified when the first stop is the middle reel 32M and the second and third stops are optional. In this case, the image corresponding to the stop order of the left reel 32L is not displayed on the left unit display image G4, and the image "1" corresponding to the stop order of the middle reel 32M is displayed on the middle unit display image G5. An image corresponding to the stop order of the right reel 32R is not displayed in the right unit display image G6.

As described above, the manner in which winnings are established differs according to the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. In the notification control process, on the condition that it is in the AT state, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are displayed on the image display device 66 in relation to the winning combination (for example, the order bell, etc.) so that the winning combination can be won. A notification display of the stop order is performed. This allows the player to recognize the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R.

[Reel control processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing reel control processing. The reel control processing of step S208 in the normal processing will be described.

In the reel control process, first, in step S500, it is determined whether or not the freeze effect flag=1. In this game, if either chance replay A or chance replay B is won in the lottery process, that is, if the winning data is either chance replay A or chance replay B, the freeze effect flag is set to 1. (Step S309-2). If the freeze effect flag=1, then in step S501-1, rotation effect processing is performed. The rotation effect process is a freeze effect process for performing an effect using reel control for a freeze effect.

In the rotation effect process according to the present embodiment, it is checked whether or not a predetermined wait time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has passed since the reel started rotating in the previous game, and if it has not passed waits until the wait time elapses. When the wait time elapses, the wait time for the next game is set again, and motor control initialization processing is performed to set rotation start information for freeze performance in a motor control storage area provided in the main side RAM 74.例文帳に追加. By performing such processing, acceleration processing of the stepping motor for freeze effect is started in the stepping motor control processing of step S106 in the timer interrupt processing, and all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start rotating. After the reels are accelerated, all the reels rotate at a constant speed at a normal speed (it may be a performance speed that is higher or lower than the normal speed), and after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) from the start of rotation, a red 7", "Red 7", "Red 7" (in the case of chance replay A winning) or "Red 7", "Red 7", "BAR" (in the case of chance replay B winning) automatically stop at the middle line. This is the so-called freeze effect processing portion.

Next, after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has passed since the automatic stop, a motor control initialization process is performed to set rotation start information for random delay in the motor control storage area provided in the main RAM 74 . By performing such processing, acceleration processing of the stepping motor for random delay is started in the stepping motor control processing of step S106 in the timer interrupt processing. Specifically, after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has passed since the automatic stop, the stepping motor of the left reel 32L is first accelerated, and the left reel 32L is rotated at a constant speed. About 500 msec after the start of rotation of the left reel 32L, acceleration processing of the stepping motor of the middle reel 32M is started to rotate at a normal speed at a constant speed. Approximately 500 msec after the start of rotation of the middle reel 32M, acceleration processing of the stepping motor of the right reel 32R is started, and the right reel 32R is rotated at a constant speed (in order to randomize the rotation start timing of the reel in this way). processing is called random delay processing). The CPU waits until all the reels rotate at a constant speed at a normal speed, and ends the rotation effect processing. In addition, when the rotational speed of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R becomes constant, the main MPU 72 can generate a stop command by lighting the lamps (not shown) of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Players and the like are notified of the fact. After that, the process proceeds to S502.

On the other hand, if the freeze effect flag is not 1 in step S500, in step S501-2, rotation start processing for starting rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is performed as usual (because the freeze effect is not performed). . In the rotation start process, it is checked whether or not a predetermined wait time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the reel started rotating in the previous game. If not, the wait time has elapsed. wait until When the wait time has passed, the wait time for the next game is set again, and motor control initialization processing is performed to set normal rotation start information in the motor control storage area provided in the main side RAM 74. . By performing such processing, stepping motor acceleration processing is started in the stepping motor control processing of step S106 in the timer interrupt processing, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating. Thereafter, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R wait until they rotate at a predetermined rotational speed at a constant speed, and the rotation start processing ends. Further, when the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R become constant, the main MPU 72 can generate a stop command by turning on lamps (not shown) of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Players and the like are notified of the fact.

Following the rotation effect process or rotation start process, in step S502, it is determined whether or not any one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated. If none of the stop buttons 42-44 is operated, the process waits until one of the stop buttons 42-44 is operated. If it is determined that any one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated, the process advances to step S503 to determine whether or not the stop button corresponding to the rotating reel has been operated, that is, whether or not a stop command has been generated. do. If no stop command has been generated, the process returns to step S502 and waits until any one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated. When a stop command is generated, a stop command is set in step S504.

A stop instruction command is a command sent to the sub-controller 80 in order to grasp which of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated to generate the stop instruction. When the stop instruction command is set, stop control processing shown in steps S505 to S511 is performed to stop the rotating reel.

In step S505, the symbol number of the arrival symbol that has reached the base position (lower stage in this embodiment) at the timing when the stop button is operated is confirmed. Specifically, the pattern number of the arrival pattern that has reached the base position is confirmed based on the number of excitation pulses output from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input. In the subsequent step S506, based on the stop information stored in the main RAM 74, the number of reel slides to be stopped this time is calculated.

In the slot machine 10, as the stop modes for stopping the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated, the arrival symbol that has reached the base position is stopped as it is. A stop mode in which the reel is stopped after sliding by one symbol, a stop mode in which the reel is stopped after sliding by two symbols, a stop mode in which the reel is stopped after sliding by three symbols, and a reel is stopped after sliding by four symbols. 5 patterns of stop modes are prepared. Therefore, in step S506, any value from 0 to 4 is calculated as the sliding number based on the stop information stored in the main RAM 74. FIG.

After that, in step S507, the calculated sliding number is added to the symbol number of the arrival symbol, and the symbol number of the stop symbol to be actually stopped at the base position is determined. In step S508, it is determined whether or not the symbol number of the arrival symbol of the reel to be stopped this time is equal to the symbol number of the stop symbol. conduct. After that, in step S510, it is determined whether or not all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R have stopped. If all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not stopped, stop information second setting processing is performed in step S511, and the process returns to step S502.

Here, the stop information is information for making the stop mode of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R correspond to the result of the lottery process (FIG. 10). When the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated to stop, it is possible to calculate the number of slips (specifically, "0" to "4") with respect to the arrival symbol that has reached the base position. As the stop information, sliding number data indicating the correspondence between each symbol and the sliding number is stored in advance in the main ROM 73 in association with each lottery result and the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sliding number data corresponding to each lottery result and the stop order of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R may be derived while the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are rotating. .

As a process for setting the stop information, the first stop information setting process executed in step S311 of the lottery process (FIG. 10) and the stop information set process executed in step S511 of the reel control process (FIG. 19) There is a second setting process. In the first stop information setting process, stop information is set according to the result of the lottery process.

In the second stop information setting process, the stop information stored in the main side RAM 74 in the first stop information setting process or the previous second stop information setting process is changed after the reel is stopped. In the second stop information setting process, the stop information is changed based on the set winning data, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R, and the stop numbers of the stopped reels 32L, 32M and 32R. do.

It should be noted that, for example, the symbols forming the symbol combination corresponding to the push-order bell win, common bell win, replay win, watermelon win, and cherry win are the maximum distances spaced apart in the circulating direction on the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. The symbols are arranged so that the number of symbols is four. In such a configuration, if the combination of the result of the lottery process and the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponds to the occurrence of any of these winnings, the relevant stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated regardless of the operation order. Stop information is set so that winning occurs.

Returning to the description of the reel control process (FIG. 19), when it is determined in step S510 that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, the winning determination process is executed in step S512, and the process proceeds to step S513. After setting a prize result command including data corresponding to the result of the prize determination process as an object to be output to the sub-control device 80, the reel control process is terminated.

{Winning Judgment Process}
FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the winning determination process.

In the winning determination process, in step S601, the type of symbol stopped on the main line ML on the left reel 32L is grasped, and in step S602, the type of symbol stopped on the main line ML on the middle reel 32M is detected. The type is grasped, and in step S603, the type of symbol stopped on the main line ML on the right reel 32R is grasped. When grasping the type of the pattern, the 2-byte data set for each type of pattern is read from the main ROM 73 .

Then, in step S604, as a logical operation process of the symbol combination, each 2-byte data grasped in steps S601 to S603 are AND-processed with the bits of the same order, so that the 2-byte data corresponding to the symbol combination is processed. Derive the data.

In step S605, it is determined whether or not the 2-byte data derived in step S604 corresponds to any winning data. When an affirmative determination is made in step S605, a winning handling process is executed in step S606.

In the winning handling process, it is determined whether or not the winning flag corresponding to the winning that occurred this time is set to "1", and if "1" is not set, an abnormal command is output to the sub-control device 80 Set as target. Upon receiving the abnormality command, the sub-side MPU 82 uses the speaker 65 and the image display device 66 to notify the abnormality corresponding to the illegal winning.

On the other hand, if the win flag is set to "1", the number of medals to be paid out is reduced so that medals or virtual medals can be given in the medal payout process if the winning is a minor win. It is set in the payout object counter of the main side RAM74. On the other hand, if the winning is a replay winning, in the next step S203 in the normal processing (FIG. 9), a flag setting process is executed to enable setting of the same number of bets as the current bet number.

[Correspondence processing at the end of the game]
FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing a corresponding process at the end of the game. The corresponding processing at the end of the game in step S210 in the normal processing will be described. First, referring to FIG. 21, the overall processing for responding to the end of the game will be described. After that, in the processing for responding to the end of the game, bonus processing in step S702, section management processing in step S703, and AT transition chance processing in step S706. , the small AT state processing in step S707, and the main AT state processing in step S708 will be described in detail.

In the corresponding processing at the end of the game, if the bonus state is set (step S701: YES), the bonus processing is executed (step S702). In the bonus process, if the game is in the bonus winning state, the bonus state flag provided in the main side RAM 74 is set to "1" to shift the game state to the bonus state because the bonus winning has occurred in the current game. As a result, the bonus state lottery table (FIG. 16) is referred to in the lottery processing in the next and subsequent games. In addition, by transmitting a command indicating the transition to the bonus state to the effect side MPU 82, the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65 and the image display device 66 are caused to start the effect for the bonus state. In addition, when the bonus state is shifted to, bonus winning data is erased from the main side RAM 74, thereby canceling the bonus winning state.

On the other hand, in S701, if none of the bonus states exist (step S701: NO), section management processing (step S703) is executed. In the section management process, management processing for normal sections or advantageous sections is executed.

Subsequently, in S704, it is determined whether or not the advantageous section flag is 1. If the advantageous section flag is 1, the process proceeds to the process indicated by the AT state flag (step S705). When the AT state flag indicates 0, it indicates the non-AT state, when the AT state flag indicates 1, it indicates the small AT state, and when the AT state flag indicates 2, it indicates the main AT state.

If the AT state flag indicates 0, the process proceeds to AT shift chance processing in step S706. If the AT state flag indicates 1, the process advances to small AT state processing in step S707. If the AT state flag indicates 2, the process proceeds to main AT state processing in step S708.

If the advantageous section flag is not 1 (step S704), after executing the AT transition chance process (step S706), after executing the small AT state process (step S707), after executing the main AT state process (step S708) , it is determined whether or not the freeze effect flag=1 (step S709). If the freeze effect flag=1 (step S709: YES), the freeze effect flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "0" (step S710). This is because the rotation effect processing (freezing effect generation) is performed only in the winning game, and the rotation effect processing is not generated in the next processing time. Finally, a game end command is set as an object to be transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 (step S711). The game end command is a command for making the effect side MPU 82 recognize that one game has ended, and the command is transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 in the command output process (step S110) in the timer interrupt process.
{Bonus processing}
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing bonus state processing. In step S702 of FIG. 24, if the bonus state is set, bonus state processing is executed as bonus processing.

On the condition that game media have been awarded in the current game (step S801: YES), next, subtraction processing of the bonus counter provided in the main RAM 74 is executed (step S802). The bonus counter is a counter for the main MPU 72 to determine whether or not the total number of game media paid out since the start of the bonus state has reached or exceeded the end reference number. When the bonus state is started, the end reference number is set in this bonus counter. In the bonus counter subtraction process, the number of game media provided in the current game is subtracted from the value of the bonus counter.

If the value of the bonus counter after the subtraction is "0" (step S803: YES), bonus end processing is executed (step S804). In the bonus end processing, the bonus state is ended by clearing the bonus state flag of the main side RAM 74 to "0". Also, by transmitting a command indicating that the bonus state has ended to the effect side MPU 82, the effect for the bonus state in the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65 and the image display device 66 is terminated.

Next, if the value of the bonus counter is not "0" after executing the bonus ending process (step S804) or after subtraction (step S803: NO), it is determined whether or not the advantageous section flag is 1 (step S805). ). If the advantageous section flag=1 (step S805: YES), 1 is added to the advantageous section staying G number counter provided in the main RAM 74 (step S806). The advantageous section staying G number counter is a counter for counting the number of staying games from the start of the advantageous section to the end of the advantageous section. In this embodiment, the game can be played while staying up to 1500G during one advantageous section. When the maximum 1500G is exceeded, the advantageous section ends and falls to the normal section. If the advantageous section flag is 1, that is, if the player is staying in the advantageous section, the number of games played during the bonus period is also counted in the advantageous section staying G number counter.

Further, addition/subtraction processing of the net increase number counter provided in the main RAM 74 is executed (step S807). The net increase number counter (MY counter, also referred to as cumulative net increase number counter) is a counter for counting the cumulative net increase number of game media acquired up to now from the start of the advantageous section. In this embodiment, up to 2400 game media can be acquired during one advantageous section. When the maximum of 2400 sheets is exceeded, the advantageous section ends and falls to the normal section. If the advantageous zone flag is 1, that is, if the player is staying in the advantageous zone, the number of game media obtained during the bonus is also counted in the net increase counter. Note that the net increase number counter counts the difference in the number of won during the advantageous period, so even if the game media cannot be obtained in the current game, the net increase number is subtracted by, for example, the minus of the bet number of three.

Next, it is determined whether or not advantageous section stay G number counter>1500 or net increase number counter>2400 is satisfied (step S808). As described above, in this embodiment, a maximum of 1500 G can be played during one advantageous section, or a maximum of 2400 game media can be acquired. Therefore, when the number of Gs during stay in the advantageous section exceeds the maximum of 1500G, or when the cumulative net increase acquisition number exceeds the maximum value of 2400 (step S808: YES), the advantageous section flag and the AT state flag are set to "0". (Step S809), the advantageous section is ended and the player falls to the normal section. Also, the advantageous section stay G number counter and the net increase number counter are reset to 0 (step S810).

{Section management processing}
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing section management processing. In step S703 of FIG. 21, section management processing is executed for mutual sections of normal sections and advantageous sections. As described above, the advantageous section refers to a section in which performance (for example, AT) related to the indicating function can be provided.

First, it is determined whether the current segment of stay is a normal segment or an advantageous segment (step S901). If the advantageous section flag=0 (step S901: YES), that is, if the vehicle is staying in the normal section, the process proceeds to step S902. On the other hand, if the advantageous section flag is not 0 (step S901: NO), the process proceeds to step S905. Note that the advantageous section flag=0 means staying in the normal section, and the advantageous section flag=1 means staying in the advantageous section.

If it is a normal section, an advantageous section transition lottery is executed (step S902). In the advantageous zone transition lottery process, the advantageous zone transition lottery table corresponding to the number of bets (number of bets) is read from the main ROM 73, and the value of the lottery counter updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) in the main RAM 74 is read. The value of the read out lottery counter is checked against the above-mentioned advantageous zone transition lottery table.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an advantageous section transition lottery table. An advantageous zone transition lottery table is referred to, and an advantageous zone transition lottery process is executed.

According to this advantageous section transition lottery table, during the stay in the normal section, in the current game, for example, pressing order bells with index values IV = 1 to 6 and 1st to 6th compensation, common bells with index value IV = 7, index If watermelon with value IV=8, cherry with index value IV=9, single hand with index value IV=10, RBB with index value IV=11, and replay with index value IV=12 are won, index value IV=13. If the chance replay A of is won, and if the chance replay B of the index value IV=14 is won, the advantageous section transition lottery is won with a probability of 100%.

In addition, in the case of the advantageous section transition lottery table, if any role is won, the probability of winning the advantageous section transition lottery is 100%. Also, the advantageous zone transition lottery table may be set so that the advantageous zone transition lottery is won only with a predetermined probability.

Refer to FIG. 24 again. If the advantageous section transition lottery process wins (step S903: YES), the advantageous section flag is set to "1" (step S904). As a result, the normal section shifts to the advantageous section having performance related to the instruction function. Also, the small AT ceiling counter is reset to 0 (step S904). The small AT ceiling counter is a counter for counting the defined small AT ceiling G number (eg, 600G).

On the other hand, if the advantageous section flag is not 0 in S901 (step S901: NO), that is, if the vehicle is staying in the advantageous section, the process proceeds to step S905.

If the player is staying in the advantageous section, the advantageous section staying G number counter and the small AT ceiling counter are each incremented by one (step S905). This is for counting the number of staying G and small AT ceiling G in the advantageous section.

Next, the number of net increase obtained or decreased in the current game is added to or subtracted from the net increase number counter (step S906). This is for counting the number of net increases in the advantageous section. It should be noted that even if the game media could not be acquired in the current game, the minus amount of the net increase is subtracted.

Next, it is determined whether or not advantageous section stay G number counter>1500 or net increase number counter>2400 is satisfied (step S907). As described above, in this embodiment, a maximum of 1500 G can be played during one advantageous section, or a maximum of 2400 game media can be acquired. Therefore, when the number of Gs during stay in the advantageous section exceeds the maximum of 1500G, or when the cumulative net increase acquisition number exceeds the maximum value of 2400 (step S907: YES), the advantageous section flag and the AT state flag are set to "0". (Step S908), the advantageous section is ended and the player falls to the normal section. Also, the advantageous section stay G number counter and the net increase number counter are reset to 0 (step S909).

On the other hand, if the number of Gs staying in the advantageous section does not exceed the maximum of 1500G and the cumulative net increase acquisition number does not exceed the maximum of 2400 (step S907: NO), the section management process ends.

{Small AT shift chance processing}
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing small AT shift chance processing. The small AT shift chance process (step S706) will be described. The small AT shift chance process is executed when the advantageous interval flag indicates 1 and the AT state flag indicates 0, that is, during the advantageous interval, during the non-bonus period, and in the non-AT state.

First, in the current game, it is determined whether or not the AT shift lottery opportunity has been won (step S1101). The AT shift lottery trigger role includes, for example, watermelon, cherry, one-piece role, chance replay A and chance replay B (however, to be precise, chance replay A and chance replay B are exceptionally AT transition lottery trigger roles). . If the AT shift lottery trigger role is won (step S1101: YES), AT shift lottery processing is executed (step S1102). Even if the winning of the AT shift lottery opportunity is not established, if the AT shift lottery opportunity is won, the AT shift lottery process is executed. However, it is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that the AT transition lottery process is executed on the condition that the corresponding prize is established.

In the AT transition lottery process to the AT state, the AT transition lottery table is read from the main ROM 73, and the lottery counter value updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) is read from the main RAM 74, and the value of the lottery counter is read. is collated against the read AT transfer lottery table.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of an AT transfer lottery table. In the advantageous section, in the non-bonus state and in the non-AT state, when the AT shift lottery trigger role is won, the AT shift lottery process is executed based on the AT shift lottery table.

According to the AT shift lottery table, when a watermelon with an index value IV of 8 is won, the small AT shift lottery process is executed with a winning probability of 10%, which is common to all set values, as the small AT shift lottery probability. Also, when a cherry with an index value of IV=9 is won, the small AT shift lottery process is executed with a winning probability of 25%, which is common to all set values, as the small AT shift lottery probability. Also, when winning is won in a one-card combination with index value IV=10, the small AT shift lottery process is executed with a winning probability of 20%, which is common to all set values, as the small AT shift lottery probability. Also, when winning in chance preplay A with index value IV = 12 and chance preplay B with index value IV = 13, the main AT transition lottery probability is 100% winning probability common to all set values. Processing is performed.

Returning to the description of FIG. 25 again. When the AT transition lottery process to the AT state is won (step S1103: YES), it is determined whether or not the AT that won the lottery is a small AT. If the winning AT is a small AT (step S1103-2: YES), a process for setting the number of small AT (continuation) games is executed (step S1104). In the process of setting the number of small AT games, for example, "20" G is set as the number of small AT games in the small AT game number counter provided in the main RAM 74 .

After the process of setting the number of small AT games (step S1104), the AT state flag of the main side RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1105). By setting the AT state flag to "1", the notification control process (step S312) is performed in the next process of the lottery process, and the small AT state process (step S707) is performed in the next process of the game end response process. ) is executed.

On the other hand, it is determined whether or not the winning AT is a small AT. If the winning AT is not the small AT, that is, it is the main AT (step S1103-2: NO), the process of setting the number of main AT (continuation) games is executed in order to enter the main AT state (step S1103- 3). In the process of setting the number of main AT games, the main AT game number counter provided in the main side RAM 74 is set as the initial number of main AT games, and if the winning data (AT transfer lottery trigger) acquired in step S306 is chance replay A is set to, for example, "300" G, and in the case of chance replay B, for example, "100" G is set.

After setting the number of main AT games, the AT state flag of the main side RAM 74 is set to "2" (step S1103-4). By setting the AT state flag to "2", the notification control process (step S312) is performed in the next process of the lottery process, and the main AT state process (step S708) is performed in the next process of the game end response process. ) is executed to the main AT state.

On the other hand, if the small AT transition lottery trigger role is not won (step S1101: NO), if the AT transition lottery process to the small AT state is not won (step S1103: NO), the small AT ceiling counter≧ 600 is satisfied (step S1106). This is the so-called small ceiling judgment. That is, when reaching a predetermined small AT ceiling G number (for example, 600G) without entering the small AT state either from the start of the advantageous section or after the end of the previous small AT state, the state is shifted to the small AT state. . In other words, the small AT state enters 600G at least once during the advantageous interval. If the small AT ceiling counter≧600 is satisfied (step S1106: YES), the process proceeds to S1104 in order to win the small AT transition.

{Small AT state processing}
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing small AT state processing. The small AT state processing (step S707) will be described. The small AT state process is executed when the advantageous interval flag indicates 1 and the AT state flag indicates 1, that is, during the advantageous interval, during the non-bonus and in the small AT state.

In the current game, it is determined whether or not the main AT shift lottery opportunity has been won (step S1201). The main AT shift lottery trigger combination includes, for example, watermelon, cherry, single combination, chance replay A, chance replay B, and the like. If the main AT shift lottery opportunity is won (step S1201: YES), the main AT shift lottery process is executed (step S1202). Even if the winning of the main AT shift lottery opportunity is not established, the main AT shift lottery process can be executed if the main AT shift lottery opportunity is won.

In the main AT transition lottery process to the main AT state, the main AT transition lottery table is read from the main ROM 73, and the value of the lottery counter updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) in the main RAM 74 is read out and used for the lottery. The value of the counter is collated with the read main AT transition lottery table. Although the main AT transition lottery table is not shown, as an example, the small AT transition lottery table (FIG. 29) may be applied as the main AT transition lottery table. Also, if the main AT shift lottery opportunity is Chance Replay A and Chance Replay B according to the present embodiment, the main AT shift lottery wins 100%.

When the main AT transition lottery process to the main AT state is won (step S1203: YES), the main AT winning flag is set to 1 (step S1204). When the main AT win flag is set to 1, the AT state flag is set to 2 so as to shift to the main AT state after the small AT state ends.

Then, 1 is subtracted from the value of the small AT game number counter (step S1205). After the subtraction, it is determined whether or not the small AT game counter=0 (step S1206). As described above, the small AT game number counter is set to, for example, "20" as the number of AT games. When the AT game number counter becomes 0, it means that 20 small AT games have been completed in the small AT state.

When the small AT game number counter=0, that is, the small AT game ends (step S1206: YES), it is determined whether or not the main AT winning flag is 1 (step S1207). If the main AT winning flag is 1 (step S1207: YES), the number of main AT (continuation) games setting processing is executed in order to enter the main AT state (step S1208). In the process of setting the number of main AT games, for example, "50" G is set as the initial number of main AT games in the main AT game number counter provided in the main side RAM 74 . The number of initial main AT games may be set to a uniform fixed value (for example, "50") or determined by lottery. For example, by lottery, one of the prescribed values 50, 100, 200G, etc. can be selectively added.

After setting the number of main AT games (step S1208), the AT state flag of the main side RAM 74 is set to "2" and the main AT winning flag is set to 0 (step S1209). By setting the AT state flag to "2", the notification control process (step S312) is performed in the next process of the lottery process, and the main AT state process (step S708) is performed in the next process of the game end response process. ) is executed to the main AT state. The main AT state is more advantageous to the player than the small AT state because it is highly likely that a larger number of medals can be obtained.

On the other hand, when the small AT game ends (step S1206: YES) and the main AT winning flag is not 1 (step S1207: NO), the AT state flag and the advantageous section flag of the main side RAM 74 are set to "0" (step S1210), end the small AT state, end the advantageous section, and fall to the normal section. Also, the advantageous section staying G number counter and the net increase number counter are reset to 0 (step S1211).

Finally, a small AT end command is set as a transmission target to the effect side MPU 82 (step S1213). The small AT end command is a command for making the effect side MPU 82 recognize that the small AT state has ended, and the command is transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 in the command output process (step S110) in the timer interrupt process.

{Main AT state processing}
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing main AT state processing. Main AT state processing (step S708) will be described. The main AT state processing is executed when the advantageous interval flag indicates 1 and the AT state flag indicates 2, that is, during the advantageous interval, during the non-bonus period, and in the main AT state.

First, in the current game, it is determined whether or not the number of main AT games (also referred to as the number of main AT continuation games) has been won (step S1501). The additional lottery opportunity combination includes, for example, watermelon, cherry, single combination, chance replay A, chance replay B, and the like. If the additional lottery trigger role is won (step S1501: YES), the additional lottery process is executed (step S1502). Even if the winning of the additional lottery opportunity is not established, the additional lottery process can be executed if the additional lottery opportunity is won.

In the additional lottery process, the additional lottery table is read from the main ROM 73, the value of the lottery counter updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) is read from the main RAM 74, and the value of the lottery counter is read as above. Match against a table.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an additional lottery table. In the advantage section, in the non-bonus state and in the main AT state, if the additional lottery trigger role is won, the additional lottery processing is executed based on this additional lottery table.

The additional lottery table is provided as one type of table common to the setting values "1" to "6" of the slot machine 10. FIG. In other words, when winning with an index value IV of 8, 9, 10, 12 or 13, the probability of winning an additional win is common to all settings. As a result, it is possible to prevent the settings from being advantageous or disadvantageous in terms of the probability of winning an additional prize in the AT state. In addition, since only one type of table common to all settings may be stored in the main ROM 73 as the additional lottery table, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity for pre-storing the additional lottery table.

According to this additional lottery table, when a watermelon with an index value of IV=8 is won, an additional lottery process is executed with a winning probability of 10%, which is common to all set values, as the AT transition lottery probability. Also, when a cherry with an index value of IV=9 is won, the additional lottery process is executed with the winning probability of 25%, which is common to all set values, as the additional lottery probability. In addition, when the player wins the one-card hand with the index value IV=10, the additional lottery process is executed with the winning probability of 20%, which is common to all set values, as the additional lottery probability. In addition, when the chance replay A with the index value IV=12 and the chance replay B with the index value IV=13 are won, the additional lottery processing is executed with the winning probability of 100%, which is common to all set values, as the additional lottery probability. be.

Returning to the description of FIG. 28 again. If an additional lottery process results in an additional winning (step S1503: YES), an additional process for adding the number of main AT games is executed (step S1504). In the process of adding the number of main AT games, for example, "30" G is added as the number of winning extra games to the main AT game number counter provided in the main side RAM 74 .

It should be noted that the number of additional games may be set to a uniformly fixed value (for example, "30") or determined by lottery. For example, one of the specified values 30, 50, and 100G can be selectively added by lottery. Also, the number of winning additional games may be changed according to the winning combination. For example, if a chance replay A with an index value IV of 12 is won and an extra win is made, for example, "300" G is added, and an extra win is made when a chance replay B with an index value IV of 13 is won. For example, "100" G can be added.

Next, if the additional lottery opportunity for the number of main AT games is not won (step S1501: NO) or after the addition processing is executed (step S1504), the value of the main AT game number counter is subtracted by 1 (step S1505). After the subtraction, it is determined whether or not the main AT game counter=0 (step S1506). As described above, the main AT game number counter is set as the number of initial AT continuation games, such as "50", "100" (for example, when winning chance replay B), "300" (for example, when winning chance replay A), etc. . When the main AT game number counter becomes 0, it means that one set of, for example, 50 main AT games has been completed in the main AT state when the number of main AT games has not been added. .

If the main AT game number counter = 0, that is, the main AT game is finished (step S1506: YES), the AT state flag and the advantageous section flag of the main side RAM 74 are set to "0" (step S1507), and the main AT state is set. As well as ending it, the advantageous section is ended and it falls to the normal section. Also, the advantageous section stay G number counter and the net increase number counter are reset to 0 (step S1508).

Finally, the main AT end command is set as a transmission target to the effect side MPU 82 (step S1509). The main AT end command is a command for making the production side MPU 82 recognize that the main AT state has ended, and the command is transmitted to the production side MPU 82 in the command output process (step S110) in the timer interrupt process.

<Overall game flow>
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the overall game flow. A typical game flow will be specifically described.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a so-called AT machine in which the average number of net additions of medals obtained per 1G is 6 medals. It is assumed that the game state at the start is the bonus internal state and the normal section. After the player starts playing the game, the player wins the advantage zone shift lottery, and the game state shifts from the normal zone to the advantage zone (steps S901 to S904 in FIG. 23).

When the game state shifts from the normal section to the advantageous section, the advantageous section stay G number counter and the small AT ceiling counter are counted up one by one every time one G game is played after that (step S905 in FIG. 23).

The small AT state is entered when the small AT shift lottery process to the small AT state is won (step S1103 in FIG. 25: YES), or when the small AT state is entered without entering the small AT state from the start of the advantageous section. (step S1106 in FIG. 25: YES). The small AT state is an AT state in which the number of continuous games is, for example, 20G. During the small AT state, notification control processing (FIG. 17) is executed.

Also, during the small AT state, if the main AT shift lottery during the small AT state is won (S1203 in FIG. 27: YES), the main AT state is entered after the small AT state ends. The main AT state is an add-on AT state in which the number of continuous games is, for example, 50G. During the main AT state, notification control processing (FIG. 16) is executed. Further, in the present embodiment, even in the non-AT state, if a freeze effect occurs with chance replay A or chance replay B winning (S711 in FIG. 21), the main AT state is entered in the next game. The main AT state is an additional AT state in which the number of continuous games is, for example, "50", "100" (for example, when chance replay B is won), or "300" (for example, when chance replay A is won). During the main AT state, notification control processing (FIG. 17) is executed.

If the main AT state is not entered after the small AT state ends, the AT state flag and the advantageous section flag are set to "0" (step S1210 in FIG. 28), and the advantageous section ends and the vehicle falls to the normal section. Also, the advantageous section staying G number counter and the net increase number counter are reset to 0 (step S1211 in FIG. 28).

Also, when the main AT state ends, the AT state flag and the advantageous section flag are set to "0" (step S1507 in FIG. 28), and the advantageous section ends and falls to the normal section. Also, the advantageous section staying G number counter and the net increase number counter are reset to 0 (step S1508 in FIG. 28).

<Rotation effect processing operation (reel control operation) during freeze effect>
FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining rotation effect processing during freeze effect according to the present embodiment. The rotation effect processing operation accompanying the occurrence of the freeze effect in step 501-1 of FIG. 19 (at the time of non-step-out occurrence) will be described.

When the freeze effect is started, at t0, all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start to rotate. The reels are accelerated, and at t1, the rotational speeds of all the reels reach the constant speed rotation of normal speed or performance speed.

Next, the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is reduced at t2, the rotation of the reel 32L completely stops at t3, and the symbol "red 7" stops at the middle stage of the display window portion 21L. Subsequently, the rotational speed of the middle reel 32M is reduced at t3, the rotation of the middle reel 32M completely stops at t4, and the symbol "red 7" stops at the middle stage of the display window portion 21M. Subsequently, the rotational speed of the right reel 32R is reduced at t4, the rotation of the right reel 32R is completely stopped at t5, and the symbol "RED 7" or "BAR" stops at the middle stage of the display window portion 21R. As a result, for example, after 5 seconds from the start of rotation of all the reels, the symbols "red 7", "red 7", "red 7" (in the case of chance replay A winning) or "red 7", "red 7", "BAR" (chance replay If B is won), it automatically stops when it is lined up on a predetermined line, for example, the middle line. This is the so-called freeze effect part.

During, for example, 5 seconds after these stop symbols are automatically stopped, the player is sufficiently given the symbols "Red 7," "Red 7," "Red 7," or "Red 7," "Red 7," and "BAR" on the middle line. After showing, all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are restarted (re-rotated) by random delay processing. Specifically, at t6, first, for example, the rotation of the left reel 32L is started. Subsequently, at t7, rotation of the middle reel 32M is started. Subsequently, at t8, the rotation of the right reel 32R is started. The process of randomizing the rotation start timing of each reel is called random delay process. All the reels start rotating at random rotation start timings, and at t9, when all the reels reach a constant speed rotation at a normal speed, each stop button 42 to 44 is activated.

In the freeze effect occurrence game, when the player presses the activated stop buttons 42 to 44 regardless of the pressing order, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, and chance replay A or chance replay B is performed. A stop symbol corresponding to winning is established (FIG. 5).

In addition, as described above, the chance replay A and the chance replay B according to the present embodiment serve as triggers for the occurrence of the freeze effect and the transition to the main AT state, and in the main AT game number setting process performed after the freeze effect, If the winning data is chance replay A, for example, "300" G is set, and if the winning data is chance replay B, for example, "100" G is set. For this reason, during the freeze production, at t5, the pattern "Red 7", "Red 7", "Red 7" (in the case of chance replay A winning) or "Red 7", "Red 7", "BAR" (in the case of chance replay B winning) It is an important matter of interest for the player to know which of the symbols has stopped.

<Corresponding process 1 when reel step-out occurs during freeze effect>
FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining a countermeasure process 1 when reel step-out occurs in the main MPU. Reel out-of-step means that the stepping motor for rotating each reel and each reel do not mesh well, for example, and the reels spin idle, and the reels do not rotate, are slow, or do not rotate smoothly. , etc., refers to a state in which the reel does not rotate according to the originally assumed control.

During the period from t0 after the start of rotation of all the reels during the freeze performance to t5, when a reel out-of-step condition occurs, for example, at t1', the freeze performance is completely terminated assuming that the continuation of the freeze performance is no longer possible. Further, after the end of the freeze effect, re-acceleration processing of the reels is promptly executed at t1' in order to resume the reel control. When the re-acceleration process is completed at t1 and all the reels have reached the constant speed rotation of the normal speed, the pressing of the stop button is validated, and the reel stop operation becomes possible in the game.

It should be noted that even when the freeze effect ends, the game is a win-win game of either chance replay A or chance replay B, regardless of the order in which the player presses the activated stop buttons 42 to 44. When pressed, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, and a stop symbol corresponding to winning of chance replay A or chance replay B is established (FIG. 5).

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing processing 1 when reel step-out occurs in the main MPU. The process for dealing with the occurrence of reel step-out according to the present embodiment is the process performed by the stepping motor control process (S106 in FIG. 8) in the timer interrupt process that is started every 1.49 msec, for example.

In the out-of-step determination process in step S1601, it is determined whether or not a reel out-of-step state has occurred. Here, a mechanism for detecting the reel position when determining the reel out-of-step will be described. Since the stepping motor controlled by the main MPU 72 identifies symbols on each reel, a reel index sensor (referred to as an index symbol) is provided at one predetermined symbol on the reel. When the drive of the motor is started and the rotation of the reel is started accordingly, the reel index sensor detects one rotation of the reel. When the reel is not out of step, that is, when the reel rotates normally, each time the stepping motor rotates the reel by the number of symbol frames (for example, 21 frames shown in FIG. 3), the reel is rotated together with the symbol frame. Since it rotates for several minutes, the stepping motor detects the index symbol provided on the reel once per rotation. On the other hand, if the reel is out of step, even though the stepping motor rotates the number of symbol frames on the reel (for example, 21 frames), the reel spins idle, and the reel actually rotates for that number of symbol frames. As a result, the stepping motor does not detect the index symbol on the reel, which should be detected once at the timing of rotating the reel by the number of symbol frames (for example, 21 frames). Therefore, after the stepping motor detects the index pattern by the reel index sensor, it counts up by 1 each time the reel is rotated one frame at a time. If it is not detected, it can be determined that the reel has stepped out.

If a step-out state has occurred (step S1602: YES, t1' in FIG. 32), it is determined whether or not the freeze effect flag=1 (step S1603). If the freeze effect flag is 1 (step S1603: YES), to indicate that a step-out state has occurred during the freeze effect, freeze effect end processing is performed (step S1604, t1' in FIG. 32). In the freeze effect end processing, for example, a command indicating that the freeze effect has ended is transmitted to the effect side MPU 82, thereby forcibly ending the freeze effect in the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65 and the image display device 66.

Originally, during the freeze effect, after 5 seconds from the start of rotation of all reels, the pattern "red 7", "red 7", "red 7" (in the case of chance replay A winning) or "red 7", "red 7" Although the "BAR" (in the case of winning the chance replay B) was scheduled to automatically stop in a state of lining up on a predetermined line, for example, the middle line, if the freeze effect is forcibly terminated by the freeze effect end processing, the player loses the opportunity to recognize which of these symbols has automatically stopped. For this reason, in order to allow the player to recognize the automatic stop of any of these symbols, in the freeze effect end processing, a command including a display process for displaying on the image display device 66 the symbols that were originally scheduled to stop automatically is produced. It can be transmitted to the side MPU 82 . As a result, even if the freeze effect is forcibly terminated by the freeze effect end processing, the symbols "red 7", "red 7", "red 7" (in the case of chance replay A winning) or "red 7" during the original freeze effect ', 'Red 7', and 'BAR' (in the case of winning chance replay B), the player can recognize which symbol has been automatically stopped.

When the freeze effect flag is 1 (step S1603: NO) or after the freeze effect end process (step S1604), a re-acceleration process is performed to rotate the out-of-step reels 32L, 32M, and 32R normally again. (step S1605, t1′ to t1 in FIG. 32). In the re-acceleration process, first, the wait time for the next game (for example, 4.1 seconds) is reset, and the motor control initialization process of setting the re-acceleration information in the motor control storage area provided in the main side RAM 74. I do. By performing such processing, re-acceleration processing of the stepping motor is started in the stepping motor control processing of step S106 in the timer interrupt processing.

Here, after the stepping motor detects the index pattern by the reel index sensor, it counts up by 1 each time the reel is rotated frame by frame, and the stepping motor restarts the reel within 21, which corresponds to the number of patterns in the count value. When the index pattern is detected by the index sensor, the count value is reset and incremented by one each time the reel is rotated one frame at a time. On the other hand, when a step-out occurs, the reel pattern does not actually rotate by the number of rotation frames of the stepping motor because the reel idles, and as a result, the count value exceeds 21. This means that the index symbol on the reel, which should have been detected once, was not detected at the timing when the stepping motor rotated the number of reel symbol frames (for example, 21 frames).

Therefore, in the re-acceleration process, the stepping motor re-detects the index symbols on the reel, so that the index symbols are detected again at least once (processing for detecting one rotation of the reel by the reel index sensor), and the reel is at the normal speed. Accelerate to constant speed rotation. Then, when the reel reaches the constant rotation speed, the stop button depression becomes valid and the reel stop operation becomes possible (t1 in FIG. 32). The time until the reel index sensor passes the index symbol at least once is variable depending on the position of the index symbol at the start of the re-acceleration process. That is, if the number of symbol frames on the reel is, for example, 21 frames, it is necessary to rotate 20 frames at the longest and 1 frame at the shortest according to the number of frames spaced between the reel index sensor and the index symbol at the start of the re-acceleration process. This is because there are cases where it is possible to do so.

In this way, when a step-out state occurs during the freeze effect, the freeze effect end processing is performed, and after that, the rotation effect control processing (S501-1) does not require complicated recovery processing to be executed. By performing the acceleration process of the stepping motor in the stepping motor control process of step S106 in the timer interrupt process of the game machine 1, it is possible to simply recover from the step-out state during the freeze effect.

<Corresponding process 2 when reel step-out occurs during freeze effect>
(Response processing 2-1)
According to the processing 1 for dealing with occurrence of reel out-of-step described above, when the state of out-of-step occurs during the freeze effect, the end processing of the freeze effect is performed (step S1604). However, if the freeze effect ends in the middle due to reel out-of-step even though the long-awaited freeze effect has occurred, there is a risk that the player's interest will decrease. Therefore, even if a step-out state occurs during the freeze performance, the freeze performance is resumed after the freeze performance is temporarily stopped, that is, the freeze performance is reset.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the handling process 2-1 when reel step-out occurs in the main MPU.
During the period from t0 after the start of rotation of all the reels during the freeze performance to t5, for example, when a reel out-of-step condition occurs at t1', the freeze performance is temporarily stopped, and the freeze performance for 5 seconds is executed again from the beginning. Reset the freeze effect as follows.

In the resetting of the freeze effect, re-acceleration processing of the out-of-step reels is executed in order to normally resume the reel control associated with the freeze effect. As a result, the re-acceleration process is completed at t1, and all reels reach constant speed rotation. After t2, the rotation of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R is stopped. ', 'Red 7', 'Red 7' or 'Red 7', 'Red 7', and 'BAR' are automatically stopped in a state where they are lined up on a predetermined line, for example, the middle line. In this way, even if a step-out state occurs during the freeze effect, the freeze effect is reset (restarted), so there is no possibility that the player's interest is lowered.

In resetting the freeze effect, for example, a command indicating that the freeze effect has started is again transmitted to the effect side MPU 82, thereby resetting the freeze effect in the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65 and the image display device 66. - 特許庁

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing a process 2-1 for dealing with reel step-out of the main MPU. Reel out-of-step handling process 2 according to the present embodiment is a process performed by the stepping motor control process (S106 in FIG. 8) in the timer interrupt process that is started every 1.49 msec, for example. Compared to FIG. 33, step S1604 is deleted and step S1606-1 is added, and the description of the same steps is omitted.

If a step-out state has occurred (step S1602: YES), it is determined whether or not the freeze effect flag is 1 (step S1603). If the freeze effect flag is 1, that is, during the freeze effect (step S1603: YES), the freeze effect is reset so that the freeze effect is executed again from the beginning (step S1606-1).

In the freeze effect resetting process, a re-acceleration process is performed to restore normal rotation of the out-of-step reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in order to quickly recover the out-of-step state of the reels (t1' in FIG. 34). ~t1). As in step S1605, in the re-acceleration process, the wait time for the next game (for example, 4.1 seconds) is reset, and re-acceleration information is set in the motor control storage area provided in the main side RAM 74. Perform motor control initialization processing. By performing such processing, re-acceleration processing of the stepping motor is started in the stepping motor control processing of step S106 in the timer interrupt processing.

In addition, in the freeze effect resetting process, for example, by sending a command indicating that the freeze effect has started again to the effect side MPU 82, the freeze effect in the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65 and the image display device 66 is reset (Fig. t1' of 34). When a command indicating that the freeze effect has started is sent again to the effect-side MPU 82, the freeze effect on the image display device 66 (that is, on the liquid crystal display) is left as it is, and the freeze effect (effect sound) is generated only on the speaker 65. can be reset. By doing so, the freeze effect on the image display device 66 (that is, on the liquid crystal) continues to display a series of images, etc. without interruption, and the patterns "red 7", "red 7", and "red 7" are displayed on the middle line. Alternatively, only the sound that is scheduled to be generated when "Red 7", "Red 7", and "BAR" are aligned can be generated at the appropriate timing of t5 (if the freeze effect is not reset for the speaker 65, The speech to be generated will occur one second before t5).

As described above, even if a step-out state occurs during the freeze performance, the freeze performance can be resumed by resetting the freeze performance, so that the player's interest is not lowered.

(Response processing 2-2)
According to FIG. 31 described above, when the freeze effect is started, all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R first start rotating at t0. The reels accelerate, all reels reach a constant rotation speed at t1, the rotation speed of the left reel 32L decelerates at t2, the rotation of the reel 32L completely stops at t3, and a symbol " Red 7” stops. Subsequently, the rotational speed of the middle reel 32M is reduced at t3, the rotation of the middle reel 32M completely stops at t4, and the symbol "red 7" stops at the middle stage of the display window portion 21M. Subsequently, the rotational speed of the right reel 32R is reduced at t4, the rotation of the right reel 32R is completely stopped at t5, and the symbol "RED 7" or "BAR" stops at the middle stage of the display window portion 21R. As a result, for example, after 5 seconds from the start of rotation of all the reels, the symbols "red 7", "red 7", "red 7" (in the case of chance replay A winning) or "red 7", "red 7", "BAR" (chance replay If B is won), it automatically stops when it is lined up on a predetermined line, for example, the middle line.

Therefore, if a reel out-of-step state occurs after all reels have started rotating at t0, the reels can be reaccelerated immediately after the occurrence of the step-out, and if the re-acceleration process can be completed by t2, after t2, the reels will continue to operate normally. , the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R are stopped, and at t5, for example, 5 seconds after the start of rotation of all reels, the symbols "red 7", "red 7", and "red 7" (chance replay A If winning) or "Red 7", "Red 7", and "BAR" (if winning chance replay B) are lined up on a predetermined line, for example, the middle line, the game can be automatically stopped. In other words, even if the reels are out of step, all the reels must reach the constant rotation speed again during the period from when all the reels start rotating at t0 until the left reel 32L starts rotating at t2. For example, it is possible to maintain the freeze effect as it is.

FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining the handling process 2-2 when reel step-out occurs in the main MPU.
When reel out-of-step occurs at t1' after all reels have started rotating at t0, the reel control related to the freeze effect is reset so that the reels are quickly re-accelerated. If the re-acceleration process is completed by t2, all the reels reach constant speed rotation at t2. After t2, the rotation of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R is stopped. Alternatively, "RED 7", "RED 7", and "BAR" are automatically stopped in a state in which they are lined up on a predetermined line, for example, the middle line.

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing a process 2-2 for dealing with reel step-out of the main MPU. The reel step-out processing according to the present embodiment is processing performed by the stepping motor control processing (S106 in FIG. 8) in the timer interrupt processing that is started every 1.49 msec, for example. Compared to FIG. 33, steps S1603-2 and S1606-2 are added, and description of the same steps is omitted.

If a step-out state occurs during the freeze effect (step S1602: YES, step S1603: YES), it is determined whether the freeze effect can be continued (step S1603-2). As shown in FIG. 36, whether or not the freeze effect can be continued is determined by the time from the timing t0 after all reels start spinning to the timing t2 until the left reel 32L stops rotating. As long as it reaches the high-speed rotation, it is possible to maintain the freeze effect.
More specifically, if the time required for the re-acceleration process (the time until the re-acceleration process is completed) is tx,
t2≧t1′+tx (where t2 and tx are predetermined values)
is satisfied, it is determined that the freeze effect can be continued. That is, the shorter the time from the start of rotation of all the reels t0 to the occurrence of the out-of-step state t1, the more the freeze effect can be continued. If it is closed, it can be said that the continuation of the freeze effect is impossible.

The time tx required for the re-acceleration process is the time required for the stepping motor to detect at least one index symbol again as described above and for the reels to reach the normal speed of constant rotation. Of these, the time required for the reel index sensor to pass the index symbol at least once is variable depending on the position of the index symbol at the start of the re-acceleration process. Therefore, the time can be the time when the number of frames between the reel index sensor and the index pattern is the longest (for example, 20 frames at the longest) at the start of the re-acceleration process.

If the freeze effect can be continued (step S1603-2: YES), the reel control related to the freeze effect is reset (step S1606-2).

In the reel control resetting process related to the freeze effect, a re-acceleration process is performed to rotate the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R normally again in order to quickly recover the reels from the out-of-step state (t1′ in FIG. 36). ~t1). As in step S1605, in the re-acceleration process, the wait time for the next game (for example, 4.1 seconds) is reset, and re-acceleration information is set in the motor control storage area provided in the main side RAM 74. Perform motor control initialization processing. By performing such processing, re-acceleration processing of the stepping motor is started in the stepping motor control processing of step S106 in the timer interrupt processing.

On the other hand, when the freeze effect cannot be continued (step S1603-2: NO), freeze effect end processing is performed (step S1604). Then, when the freeze effect flag is not 1 (step S1603: NO) or after the freeze effect end process (step S1604), the re-acceleration process of rotating the out-of-step reels 32L, 32M, and 32R normally again. (step S1605).

As described above, even when a step-out state occurs during the freeze performance, the freeze performance can be continued as it is if the re-acceleration processing for rotating the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R normally again is in time. Therefore, there is no possibility that the interest of the player will be lowered. Also, since there is no need to reset the freeze effect, the freeze effect on the image display device 66 (that is, on the liquid crystal) continues to display a series of images, etc. ", "Red 7", "Red 7" or "Red 7", "Red 7", and "BAR" can be generated at timing t5 as originally intended.

<Invention group extracted from the above embodiment>
Hereinafter, the features of the group of inventions extracted from the above-described embodiments will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following description, for ease of understanding, configurations corresponding to the above-described embodiments are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but are not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses or the like.

(Feature A1)
a cyclic display means (reel unit 31) for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of symbols;
a start operation means (start lever 41) operated to start the cyclic display of symbols in the cyclic display means;
a winning lottery means (a function of executing the process of step S207 in the main MPU 72) for executing a winning lottery process based on the operation of the start operation means;
stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to stop the variable display of symbols in the cyclic display means;
When a stop result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in the lottery process of the winning combination after the variation display of the symbols, execution of control corresponding to the winning combination as winning of the winning combination. means (a function of executing the processing of step S211 in the main MPU 72),
Specific effect executing means for executing specific effect control using the cyclic display means, (Freeze effect in FIG. 31)
during the specific effect control (step S1603: YES), rotation abnormality determination means for determining rotation abnormality of the cyclic display means;
When the rotation abnormality of the cyclic display means is determined, a specific effect end means for ending the specific effect control, (freeze effect end processing of step S1604)
A game machine characterized by comprising:

(Feature A2)
cyclic display control means for performing a constant speed process after performing an acceleration process on the cyclic display means;
(re-acceleration processing in step S1605);
The gaming machine according to feature A1, comprising:

When a step-out state occurs during the freeze performance, the game machine 1 can be operated simply by executing the freeze performance end processing without executing complicated recovery processing in the rotation performance control processing (S501-1). By performing acceleration processing of the stepping motor in the stepping motor control processing of step S106 in the timer interrupt processing, it is possible to simply recover from the step-out state during the freezing effect.

(Feature A3)
The specific effect execution means stop-displays a plurality of patterns of specific symbols (red 7, red 7, red 7 or red 7, red 7, BAR) during the specific effect control,
The specific effect end means displays when the specific effect control is ended before the specific effect execution means stop-displays the specific symbol, and when the specific effect control is not ended by the specific effect end means. stopping and displaying the specific pattern of the planned pattern on an image display device that displays the image effect associated with the specific effect control;
The gaming machine according to feature A1, characterized by:

Originally, during the freeze effect, for example, after 5 seconds from the start of rotation of all reels, the pattern "Red 7" "Red 7" "Red 7" (in the case of chance replay A winning) or "Red 7" "Red 7" "BAR ” (in the case of chance replay B winning) was scheduled to automatically stop in a state where it is lined up on a predetermined line, for example, the middle line, but the freeze effect is forcibly terminated by the freeze effect end processing. You will lose the opportunity to recognize which symbol has automatically stopped. For this reason, in order to allow the player to recognize the automatic stop of any of these symbols, in the freeze effect end processing, a command including a display process for displaying on the image display device 66 the symbols that were originally scheduled to stop automatically is produced. It can be transmitted to the side MPU 82 .

(Feature A4)
The rotation abnormality determination means is a rotation abnormality determination process performed by a timer interrupt process that is periodically activated;
The gaming machine according to feature A1, characterized by:

Since rotation abnormality determination is executed in timer interrupt processing which is periodically performed, rotation abnormality can be detected quickly, and a smooth shift to a normal game is possible.

(Feature B1)
Circulating display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying symbols;
a start operation means (start lever 41) operated to start the cyclic display of symbols in the cyclic display means;
a winning lottery means (a function of executing the process of step S207 in the main MPU 72) for executing a winning lottery process based on the operation of the start operation means;
stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to stop the cyclic display of symbols in the cyclic display means;
When a stop result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in the lottery process of the winning combination after the variation display of the symbols, execution of control corresponding to the winning combination as winning of the winning combination. means (a function of executing the processing of step S211 in the main MPU 72),
Specific effect executing means for executing specific effect control using the cyclic display means, (Freeze effect in FIG. 31)
during the specific effect control (step S1603: YES), rotation abnormality determination means for determining rotation abnormality of the cyclic display means;
a specific effect resetting means for resetting the specific effect control by the specific effect executing means when it is determined by the rotation abnormality determining means that the rotation abnormality of the cyclic display means has occurred; (step S1606-1 , step S1606-2)
A game machine characterized by comprising:

If the freeze effect is terminated halfway due to reel out-of-step even though the freeze effect has occurred, there is a risk that the player's interest will decrease. Therefore, even if a step-out state occurs during the freeze performance, the freeze performance is resumed after the freeze performance is temporarily stopped, that is, the freeze performance is reset. As a result, the freeze effect can be continued as it is, so there is no possibility that the interest of the player will be lowered.

(Feature B2)
The specific effect resetting means is
rotation abnormality recovery processing means for accelerating the cyclic display means that has determined the rotation abnormality;
A cyclic display corresponding effect resetting means for resetting a cyclic display corresponding effect (a freeze effect sound in a speaker) corresponding to the control of the cyclic display means (step S1606-1)
The gaming machine according to feature B1, characterized by comprising:

In the freeze effect resetting process, for example, by transmitting a command indicating that the freeze effect has started to the effect side MPU 82 again, the freeze effect in the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65 and the image display device 66 is reset. It is also possible to reset the freeze effect (effect sound) only for the speaker 65 while leaving the freeze effect on the device 66 (that is, on the liquid crystal) as it is. By doing so, the freeze effect on the image display device 66 (that is, on the liquid crystal) continues to display a series of images, etc. without interruption, and the patterns "red 7", "red 7", and "red 7" are displayed on the middle line. Alternatively, only the sound scheduled to be generated when "Red 7", "Red 7", and "BAR" are gathered can be generated at an appropriate timing of t5.

(Feature B3)
Even if the specific effect is reset by the specific effect resetting means, the specific video effect by the video display means started with the start of the specific effect control is not reset;
The gaming machine according to feature B2, characterized by:

In the liquid crystal effect, the images started with the freeze effect are displayed as they are, and only the out-of-step reels are restored, so that the player can be restrained from feeling uncomfortable.

(Feature B4)
a specific time determination means for determining the timing at which the rotation abnormality (t1′ in FIG. 36) occurs when the rotation abnormality of the cyclic display means is determined,
The specific effect resetting means resets the specific effect control when the specific time determining means determines that the specific effect control can be reset,
The gaming machine according to feature B1, characterized by:

After all the reels have started rotating at t0, when the reels are out of step at t1', the reels are immediately re-accelerated. If the re-acceleration process is completed by t2, all the reels reach constant speed rotation at t2. After t2, the rotation of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R is stopped. Alternatively, "RED 7", "RED 7", and "BAR" are automatically stopped in a state in which they are lined up on a predetermined line, for example, the middle line.

(Feature B5)
The specific effect resetting means is either the same control resetting means for resetting the same control as the specific effect control or a different control setting means for setting a specific effect control different from the specific effect control,
The gaming machine according to feature B1, characterized by:

Here, in gaming machines such as those exemplified above, it is necessary to improve the interest in games, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

The basic configuration of a game machine to which each of the above features can be applied is shown below.
Pachinko machine: an operation means operated by a player, a game ball shooting means for shooting game balls based on the operation of the operation means, a ball passage for guiding the shot game balls to a predetermined game area, and a game This game machine is provided with game parts arranged in an area, and gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passing part of the game parts.

Spindle-type game machine such as slot machine: The rotation of the rotating body is started based on the operation of the start operation means, the rotation of the rotating body is stopped based on the operation of the stop operation means, and the player responds to the pattern after the stop. A game machine that gives benefits to

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Slot machine 31... Reel unit 32L, 32M, 32R... Reel 41... Start lever 42-44... Stop button 66... Image display device 72... Main side MPU 82... Effect side MPU

Claims (1)

a cyclic display means for cyclically displaying a plurality of patterns;
a start operation means operated to start cyclic display of symbols in the cyclic display means;
a combination lottery means for executing a combination lottery process based on the operation of the start operation means;
a stop operation means operated to stop the variable display of symbols in the cyclic display means;
When a stop result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in the lottery process of the winning combination after the variation display of the symbols, execution of control corresponding to the winning combination as winning of the winning combination. A gaming machine comprising:
a specific effect executing means for executing specific effect control using the cyclic display means;
rotation abnormality determination means for determining rotation abnormality of the cyclic display means during the specific effect control;
a specific effect ending means for terminating the specific effect control when the abnormal rotation of the cyclic display means is determined;
with
The specific effect execution means stop-displays the specific symbol combination during the specific effect control,
The specific effect ending means terminates the specific effect control before the specific effect execution means stop-displays the specific symbol combination , and the specific effect ending means does not end the specific effect control. causing the image display device to display the specific symbol combination that was scheduled to be displayed;
A game machine characterized by

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