JP7244199B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

As a game machine, a game medium such as a game ball is shot into a game area by a shooting device, and when the game medium wins in a start winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, multiple types of identification information are variably displayed. and slot machines in which a predetermined number of bets is set and a plurality of types of identification information (for example, symbols) are variably displayed when a start operation is performed. In the gaming machine configured to be able to variably display the identification information in this way, when the display result of the variable display of the identification information on the variable display portion becomes a predetermined display result, a predetermined game value (for example, a jackpot) is displayed. state transitions, etc.) to the player.

In such a gaming machine, when switching the production stage, which is in a state corresponding to the progress of the game, the player can change the name of the production stage after switching so that the degree of appeal for the switching of the production stage does not decrease. There is known a liquid crystal display that displays information in an easy-to-recognize manner (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-252265 A

By the way, in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the player visually recognizes the name displayed on the liquid crystal display when switching between the production stages, it is possible to determine which of the plurality of production stages is the production stage during the game. can identify if there is That is, since the player is progressing the game, it is possible to immediately specify which of the plurality of states the player is in during the game. However, even though the staff at the amusement arcade know the name of each state from descriptions in pamphlets and magazines explaining the game machine, they can immediately identify the state from the display mode of the image displayed on the liquid crystal display. is difficult to identify.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine which enables a game parlor clerk to specify which state the game is in as the game progresses. With the goal.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention
In a gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 1) that performs a game,
Control means (for example, main control section 41 and sub-control section 91) for controlling a state (for example, production stage) according to the progress of the game;
Display means (for example, liquid crystal display 51) for displaying a name according to the state in which control is being performed by the control means and displaying an image in accordance with the state in which control is being performed by the control means and,
A specific operation means (for example, a setting key switch 37) that is disabled from being operated by a player and is enabled to be operated by a store clerk at the game hall,
A plurality of different advantages for the player based on the setting confirmation start operation being performed using the specific operation means while the control means is controlling the state according to the progress of the game. control to a setting confirmation state in which it is possible to confirm which setting value is set among the setting values of the type;
Control is performed by the control means before being controlled to the setting confirmation state based on the fact that a setting confirmation end operation is performed using the specific operation means while being controlled to the setting confirmation state. Return to the state according to the progress of the game that was playing,
The display means is
Based on the change in the state in which control is being performed by the control means, a name corresponding to the state after the change is displayed, and after the display of the name is erased, the name is displayed according to the state after the change. a first display means for displaying an image ;
After the display of the image corresponding to the state after the change is started by the first display means, the setting confirmation state is controlled based on the setting confirmation start operation, and then the setting confirmation is finished. When the state after the change is restored based on the operation performed , the name corresponding to the state after the change is displayed again , the display of the name is erased, and then the name after the change is displayed. and second display means for displaying an image according to the state (for example, the portion for performing the processing of Sf3 and Sf5 in FIG. 18, the portion shown in FIG. 20).
According to this configuration, the store clerk of the game parlor can specify which state is the state corresponding to the progress of the game.

The control means controls to the same state before the operation by the specific operation means and after the operation by the specific operation means (for example, the portion shown in FIG. 20).
According to this configuration, the name that has already been notified can be notified again.

The control means controls to one of a plurality of types of states based on the fact that the specific operation means has performed an operation (for example, the portion shown in FIG. 21).
According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the name of the controlled state after the operation by the specific operation means is performed.

The control means controls the state so that the degree of advantage for the player changes according to the state (for example, the portion shown in FIG. 9).
According to this configuration, the game arcade clerk can recognize the degree of advantage of the player.

The display means displays a name corresponding to the state in which control is being performed by the control means when the game is restarted when a predetermined condition is established based on the fact that the game has not been played for a predetermined period of time. (for example, the portion for performing the processing of Sf3 and Sf4 in FIG. 18, the portion shown in FIG. 21).
According to this configuration, the state can be notified to the player who restarts the game.

The display means displays a name according to the state in which control is being performed by the control means by common processing regardless of whether or not an operation is performed by the specific operation means (for example, the processing of Sf3 in FIG. 18 is performed). part).
According to this configuration, since the processing is made common, it is possible to reduce the amount of programs and data and to perform notification in an easy-to-recognize manner.

A gaming machine capable of playing games,
Background display means capable of displaying any one of a plurality of types of backgrounds including a normal background (Fig. 23, etc.) and a specific background (Fig. 24, etc.) having a higher advantage than the normal background (background display during game) processing, background display processing when returning, etc.)
The background display means is
Even when the normal background and the specific background are displayed, the non-game background among the plurality of types of backgrounds (the customer waiting screen in FIG. 24(b), or menu screen, etc.) can be displayed,
When switching from the non-game background to the normal background, the normal background is displayed without executing a special effect (S37, 38 and 40 in FIG. 25, etc.),
When switching from the non-game background to the specific background, the specific background is displayed after executing a special effect (S37-39 in FIG. 25, etc.).
According to such a configuration, by executing the special effect when switching from the non-game background to the specific background, it is possible to give the player who is about to start the game a sense of expectation for the game. can promote

Equipped with a variable display unit (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable,
In a slot machine (e.g., slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived after the variable display portion is variably displayed, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result,
A game control means (for example, the main control unit 41) that controls the game;
Production control means (for example, sub-control unit 91) for producing production based on control information (for example, command) transmitted from the game control means;
Derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) operated by the player to derive the display result;
Operation mode notification means (eg, navigation notification, navigation effect) capable of identifiably reporting the operation mode (eg, stop order) of the derivation operation means;
with
The game control means is
a pre-determining means (e.g., an internal lottery) for determining display results that are allowed to be derived before the display results are derived;
An advantageous operation mode (e.g., an advantageous operation mode ( For example, a notification state control means for controlling a notification state (for example, a state in which navigation notification is executed) in which a stop order advantageous to the player is notified;
Specific control information (e.g., first internal winning command, second internal winning command) regarding the determination result of the pre-determining means (e.g., internal lottery) to the effect control means (e.g., sub-control section 91) Specific control information transmitting means (for example, internal winning command setting process) to transmit by
including
Regardless of whether or not the specific control information transmitting means is controlled to the notification state (for example, a state in which navigation notification is executed), the determination result of the pre-determination means (for example, internal lottery) is the notification. When a target result (for example, a notification target combination) is obtained, the specific control information (for example, the specific control information (for example, the For example, a second internal winning command) may be transmitted to the effect control means.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to avoid the problem caused by the illegality on the side of the performance control means in the one provided with the game control means and the performance control means.

Equipped with a variable display unit (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable,
In a slot machine (e.g., slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived after the variable display portion is variably displayed, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result,
A game control means (for example, the main control unit 41) that controls the game;
Production control means (for example, sub-control unit 91) for producing production based on control information (for example, command) transmitted from the game control means;
Derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) operated by the player to derive the display result;
Operation mode notification means (eg, navigation notification, navigation effect) capable of identifiably reporting the operation mode (eg, stop order) of the derivation operation means;
with
The game control means is
a pre-determining means (e.g., an internal lottery) for determining display results that are allowed to be derived before the display results are derived;
Numerical value setting means for setting different numerical values (e.g., winning numbers) for each determination result of the pre-determining means (e.g., internal lottery);
Predetermined control for performing predetermined control (e.g., internal winning flag setting, navigation notification, command creation, reel 2L, 2C, 2R stop control, etc.) according to the numerical value (e.g., winning number) set by the numerical value setting means means and
An advantageous operation mode (e.g., an advantageous operation mode ( For example, a notification state control means for controlling a notification state (for example, a state in which navigation notification is executed) in which a stop order advantageous to the player is notified;
Specific control information transmitting means for transmitting specific control information (e.g., first internal winning command, second internal winning command) regarding the determination result of said pre-determining means (e.g., internal lottery) to said effect control means and,
including
A numerical value (eg, winning number) set by the numerical value setting means when the notification result (eg, notification target combination) is obtained is in a predetermined numerical range (eg, 2 to 19, 23 to 34). are assigned consecutive numbers,
The specific control information transmitting means, at least in a state other than the notification state (for example, a state in which the navigation notification is executed), the numerical value (for example, winning number) set by the numerical value setting means is within the predetermined numerical range. (for example, 2 to 19, 23 to 34), it is possible to specify that the notification target result (eg, notification target combination) has been obtained, but the advantageous operation mode (eg, advantageous stop order for the player) The specified control information (for example, the second internal winning command) that cannot specify the player may be transmitted to the effect control means (for example, the sub-controller 91).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to avoid the problem caused by the illegality on the side of the performance control means in the one provided with the game control means and the performance control means.

In a gaming machine (slot machine 1) that performs a game,
a first control means (main control unit 41);
a second control means (sub control unit 91) that performs control according to the control information received from the first control means;
with
The first control means (main control unit 41) controls a plurality of timings including a first timing (at the start of the game) and a second timing (at the end of the game) in one unit of game (game). State control for transmitting a plurality of types of state control information (control state commands) capable of specifying the control state of the first control means (main control section 41) to the second control means (sub control section 91) including information transmission means;
The plurality of types of state control information (control state commands) transmitted at one timing by the state control information transmitting means do not change between the first timing (at the start of the game) and the second timing (at the end of the game). First state control information (control state command 2) capable of specifying a control state (for example, a stop order advantageous to the player), first timing (at the start of the game) and second timing (at the start of the game). and second state control information (control state command 1) that can specify a control state (for example, game state, etc.) that can change at the end),
The state control information transmitting means may transmit a plurality of types of state control information (control state commands) under common control (control state command batch setting process) at any one of a plurality of timings. .
According to such a configuration, the first state control information that can specify the control state that does not change between the first timing and the second timing in the game of one unit, and the first timing and the first timing in the game of one unit. A plurality of types of state control information including second state control information capable of specifying a control state that can be changed at two timings, a plurality of timings including a first timing and a second timing in one unit game In the configuration in which these multiple types of state control information are transmitted under common control at any timing, the second control means can grasp the control state of the first control means in detail. , the program capacity can be reduced when the first control means transmits the state control information.

1 is a front view of a slot machine of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied; FIG. It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the slot machine. It is a figure which shows the pattern arrangement|sequence of a reel. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a slot machine; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main control unit; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing control details of game processing executed by a main control unit. It is a figure for demonstrating the transition of a game state. It is a figure which shows the outline|summary of a game state. It is an explanatory diagram showing the winning probability of the ART lottery. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a control state command that the main control section transmits to the sub-control section; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the control contents of a game start transmission command setting process executed by a main control unit; FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the control contents of control state command collective setting processing executed by a main control unit; 4 is a flow chart showing the control contents of command setting processing executed by a main control unit 41. FIG. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the control contents of a game end transmission command setting process executed by a main control unit 41; It is a diagram showing the winning numbers and transmission numbers of the general winning combination and the replaying combination in the second internal winning command transmitted by the main control unit. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control contents of internal winning command setting processing performed by a main control unit; FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the control content of timer interrupt processing (sub) executed by a sub control unit; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control contents of stage name display processing executed by a sub-controller; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a case where a production stage switching condition is satisfied and the production stage is switched; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example in which a stage name of a production stage is displayed after a setting confirmation operation is performed; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of displaying the stage name of the production stage when the game being displayed as a demo is started. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of selecting one of a plurality of types of effect stages when a setting confirmation end operation is performed; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an effect when returning from a non-game screen during the normal mode; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an effect when returning from a non-game screen during a specific mode; 10 is a flow chart showing background display processing at the time of return.

[Slot machine configuration]
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 is composed of a housing 1a with an open front and a front door 1b rotatably pivoted on a side end of the housing 1a. Inside the housing 1a, as shown in FIG. 2, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) having a plurality of types of patterns arranged on the outer circumference are horizontally arranged. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, among the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols (21 symbols each drawn in a predetermined order) are identifiable plural symbols. three patterns out of the types of patterns) are arranged so as to be visible from the see-through window 3 provided on the front door 1b.

The front door 1b is equipped with a medal insertion unit 4 into which medals can be inserted, a medal payout opening 9 through which medals are paid out, and credits (the number of medals stored as gaming value owned by the player). Set the maximum bet number among the prescribed number of bets determined according to the gaming state (in this embodiment, 3 is prescribed as the prescribed number for RT0 to RT4, and 2 is prescribed as the prescribed number for RB, which will be described later). The MAXBET switch 6, which is operated at the time, is operated when the medals stored as credits and the medals used for setting the bet amount are settled (return the medals used for setting the credits and the bet amount). A settlement switch 10, a start switch 7 operated when starting the game, and stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R operated when stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are provided so that they can be operated by the player. It is

In addition, on the front door 1b, a credit display 11 for displaying the number of medals stored as credits, an error code indicating the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a prize, an error code indicating the content of an error, and a navigation notification, which will be described later. A game auxiliary display 12 that displays information that can identify the stopping order of the reels by , a 1 BET LED 14 that lights up to notify that the number of bets has been set to 1, and a number that the number of bets has been set to 2. 3 BET LED 16 lights to notify that the number of bets has been set to 3; insertion request LED 17 lights to notify that medals can be inserted; A start valid LED 18 that notifies by lighting that it is valid, and a waiting state that is in the waiting state (waiting for the reel to start rotating because a certain period of time has not passed since the start of the previous game). A game display unit 13 is provided with an LED 19 and a replaying LED 20 for notifying by lighting that a replay game is in progress, which will be described later.

On the inside of the front door 1b, as shown in FIG. 2, a reset switch 23 for detecting a reset operation for canceling an error or stop state by a predetermined key operation, and a reset switch 23 for changing a set value or checking a set value. A setting value display 24 that displays the setting value at that time is controlled to a stop state (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until a reset operation is performed) at a predetermined opportunity (for example, at the end of the BB described later). A stop switch 36a for selecting enable/disable of the stop function to be played, automatic settlement processing (payment of medals stored as credits without the player's operation ( The automatic checkout switch 36b for selecting the validity/invalidity of the automatic checkout function that controls the return process), the flow path of the medals inserted from the medal insertion section 4, and the hopper tank provided inside the housing 1a. A path switching solenoid 30 for selectively switching to either the 34a (see FIG. 2) side or the medal payout port 9 side, and the medal thrown from the medal insertion unit 4 and dropped to the hopper tank 34a side. A medal selector 29 having a medal sensor 31 and a door open detection switch 25 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the open state of the front door 1b are provided.

Inside the housing 1a, as shown in FIG. 2, reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (see FIG. 4), and the respective reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are set. Reel unit 2 consisting of detectable reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R (see FIG. 4), external output board 1000 (see FIG. 4) for outputting an external output signal, and medals inserted from medal insertion section 4 are stored. a hopper tank 34a, a hopper motor 34b (see FIG. 4) for dispensing the medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal dispensing port 9, and a dispensing sensor 34c (see FIG. 4) for detecting the medals dispensed by driving the hopper motor 34b ( 4) and a power supply box 100 are provided.

At the side of the hopper unit 34, an overflow tank 35 is provided in which medals overflowing from the hopper tank 34a are stored. Inside the overflow tank 35, there is provided a full tank sensor 35a (see FIG. 4) that detects when the stored tokens have exceeded a predetermined amount, that is, when the overflow tank 35 is full.

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

The power supply box 100 is provided inside the housing 1a, and the front door 1b can be opened by operating a predetermined key possessed by a store clerk or the like. The setting key switch 37, the reset/setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 can be operated only by a staff member who has the keys, and cannot be operated by the player. The same applies to the reset switch 23 detected by a predetermined key operation. In particular, since the setting key switch 37 requires key operation after the front door 1b is opened by key operation, only the store clerk who has the key to operate the setting key switch 37 is required to operate the setting key switch 37. operation is possible.

When playing a game on the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal inserting section 4 or credits are used to set the bet amount. To use the credit, the MAXBET switch 6 should be operated. When the prescribed number of bets determined according to the gaming state is set, the winning line LN (see FIG. 1) becomes effective, and the operation of the start switch 7 becomes effective, that is, the game can be started. Become. In this embodiment, the specified number of bets for RT0 to RT4, which will be described later, is set to three, and the specified number of bets for RB, which will be described later, is set to two. When the number of bets is set, the winning line LN becomes effective. When the maximum number of medals among the specified number corresponding to the game state is exceeded, the amount is added to the credits.

A winning line is a line set for determining whether a combination of symbols displayed in the see-through windows 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a combination of winning symbols. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, only the pay line LN set across the symbols horizontally aligned in the middle of the reel 2L, the middle of the reel 2C, and the middle of the reel 2R is the pay line. It is defined. Further, in the present embodiment, as a winning combination, a prize is won when a combination of predetermined symbols defined as a combination is completed on the winning line LN, and any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 is won when the predetermined combination of symbols is completed. It includes a winning combination that can be made to appear as if a prize is won by a combination of symbols that are arranged on any one of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 by arranging a combination of symbols that is an index that is easier to recognize than a predetermined combination of symbols.

When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C and 2R rotate and the symbols on the reels 2L, 2C and 2R continuously change. When one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the see-through window 3. One game ends when all the reels 2L, 2C and 2R are stopped. Winning occurs, and the number of medals determined according to the winning is awarded to the player and added to credits. Also, when the number of credits reaches the upper limit (50 in this embodiment), medals are paid out directly from the medal payout port 9 (see FIG. 1).

In this embodiment, the operation of the start switch 7 after setting the number of bets is the start of the game. One game is defined as the end of the game when the time bet amount is set. However, the definition of one game can be appropriately changed, for example, setting the number of bets is the start of the game, and stopping all reels is the end of the game regardless of whether or not a prize is won.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, an effect control board 90, and a power board 101. The game control board 40 controls the game state, and the effect control board 90 controls the game state. The power board 101 generates drive power for the electrical components that make up the slot machine 1 and supplies it to each part.

The power supply board 101 is supplied with an AC 100V power supply from the outside, and from this AC 100V power supply, a DC voltage necessary for driving the electric parts constituting the slot machine 1 is generated. It is supplied to the effect control board 90 connected via. In addition, the power supply line for supplying power to the effect control board is directly connected from the power supply board 101 to the effect control board 90 without passing through the game control board 40, and the power supply board 101 directly powers the effect control board 90. may be supplied.

Further, the power board 101 is connected with the hopper motor 34b, the dispensing sensor 34c, the full tank sensor 35a, the setting key switch 37, the reset/setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 described above.

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

The game control board 40 includes a main control unit 41, a control clock generation circuit 42, a random number clock generation circuit 43, a switch detection circuit 44, a motor drive circuit 45, a solenoid drive circuit 46, an LED drive circuit 47, and a power failure detection circuit. 48, a reset circuit 49 is mounted, performs processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 40.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40. As shown in FIG. The main control unit 41 shown in FIG. 5 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes an external bus interface 501, a clock circuit 502, a matching block 503, a unique information storage circuit 504, an arithmetic circuit 505, and a reset/interrupt circuit. A controller 506, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 41b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 41c, a free-running counter circuit 507, random number circuits 508a and 508b, a timer circuit 509, It comprises an interrupt controller 510 , a parallel input port 511 , a serial communication circuit 512 , a parallel output port 513 and an address decoding circuit 514 .

In this embodiment, the main control section 41 transmits various commands to the sub-control section 91 via the parallel output port 513 . A command sent from the main control section 41 to the sub-control section 91 is sent only in one direction, and no command is sent from the sub-control section 91 to the main control section 41 . In this embodiment, commands are transmitted to the sub-controller 91 via the parallel output port 513 , that is, commands are transmitted as parallel signals. A configuration for transmitting a command to the sub-controller 91, that is, a configuration for transmitting the command as a serial signal may be employed.

Effect devices such as a liquid crystal display 51, effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, and reel LED 55 are connected to the effect control board 90. These effect devices are connected to a sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90. It is designed to be driven based on the control by. In addition, in this embodiment, the output control of the production devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, the production effect LED 52, the speakers 53 and 54, and the reel LED 55 is performed by the sub-controller 91 mounted on the production control board 90. However, in addition to the sub-control unit 91, an output control unit that directly controls the output of the production device is mounted on the production control board 90 or another board, and the sub-control unit 91 is based on the command from the main control unit 41. The output pattern of the production device may be determined, and the output control unit may control the output of the production device based on the output pattern determined by the sub-control unit 91. In such a configuration, the sub-control unit 91 and the output control unit The output control of the production device is performed by both of the units.

[Setting value]
The slot machine 1 of this embodiment changes the payout rate of medals according to the set value. More specifically, the payout rate of medals is changed by using a winning probability corresponding to a set value in an internal lottery, which will be described later. The set value consists of 6 stages from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest payout rate, and 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 decreasing the value in order, lowering the payout rate. That is, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage for the player is the highest, and the lower the value is in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, the lower the advantage is. The set value may be set in three stages such as 1, 3, 6, 1, 4, H (High), or in seven stages from 1 to 7, and it is not necessary to be limited to six stages.

In order to change the setting value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the slot machine 1 after the setting key switch 37 is turned on while the front door 1b is opened. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on and the power is turned on, the setting value read out from the RAM (not shown) of the main control unit 41 is displayed on the setting value display 24, and the reset/setting switch 38 is operated to set the value. Transition to the setting change state (setting change mode) in which the value can be changed. When the reset/setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the setting value display 24 is updated one by one (when setting 6 is further operated, the setting returns to setting 1). . Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the displayed value is determined as the set value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the determined display value (set value) is stored in the RAM, and the state shifts to a state in which the game can proceed. It should be noted that setting values may be prevented from being changed unless the front door 1b is open, thereby preventing unauthorized setting changes while the front door 1b is not open. That is, the opening of the front door 1b, the operation of turning on the setting key switch 37, and the operation of the power switch 39 may be used as conditions for starting the setting change state. In this case, the setting value change state may be maintained regardless of whether the front door 1b is opened or closed until the setting key switch 37 is turned off. That is, even if the opening of the front door 1b is set as the starting condition of the setting change state, opening and closing of the front door 1b need not be set as the ending condition of the setting change state.

In order to check the set value, after the game is over, the front door 1b is opened and the setting key switch 37 is turned on while the number of bets is not set. When the setting key switch 37 is turned ON in such a situation, the setting value read from the RAM is displayed on the setting value display 24, thereby entering a setting confirmation state (setting confirmation mode) in which the setting value can be confirmed. Transition. In the setting confirmation state, the game cannot be progressed. By turning the setting key switch 37 to the OFF state, the setting confirmation state is ended and the game is returned to the state in which the game can be progressed. As in the setting value change state, the setting value cannot be changed unless the front door 1b is open to prevent unauthorized setting confirmation while the front door 1b is not open. may That is, the opening of the front door 1b and the operation of turning on the setting key switch 37 may be set as conditions for starting the setting confirmation state. Further, even if the opening of the front door 1b is set as the starting condition of the set value confirmation state, opening and closing of the front door 1b may not be set as the end condition of the set value confirmation state. Since the setting key switch 37 cannot be operated unless the front door 1b is opened, it cannot be operated by the player, but can be operated by the staff of the game arcade. When the main control unit 41 shifts to the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the main control unit 41 transmits a command to that effect to the sub-control unit 91, and when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the setting change state or the setting confirmation state is activated. A command indicating that the state has ended is sent to the sub-controller 91 . Upon receiving the command from the main control unit 41, the sub-control unit 91 performs a display to that effect on the liquid crystal display 51 when shifting to the setting change state or the setting confirmation state. Further, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the display indicating that the setting change state or the setting confirmation state has been entered is ended.

[Game processing]
Next, game processing executed by the main control unit 41 for each game will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 41 performs game processing to control one game.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the game control process, first, a BET process for setting the number of bets, credit settlement, and settlement of the bet amount is performed (Sd1).

After setting the number of bets, when the start switch 7 is operated, internal lottery processing is performed to determine whether or not to allow the occurrence of a winning prize (internal lottery) by random number lottery (Sd2).

The internal lottery decides whether or not to allow the winning of each combination before the display results of all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived and displayed (actually, when the start switch 7 is detected). is. In the internal lottery, first, when the start switch 7 is detected, a random number (integer from 0 to 65535) for internal lottery is acquired. Specifically, the value of the random value storage work assigned to the RAM 41c is set to the lottery work assigned to the RAM 41c. Numerical data stored in the lottery work and the game state are specified for each combination determined according to the game state (RT0 to RT4, bonus) and whether or not the special combination (BB, RB) is carried over. , the value of the RT flag for specifying the RT, which will be described later, the number of bets, and the number of judgment values for each combination determined according to the set value. In addition, if the special role is not won in the game in which the special role was won in the internal lottery, the winning status of the special role will be carried over to the next game or later, and the special role will be played until the special role is won. to maintain elected status.

In the internal lottery, the internal lottery target hand, the current game state flag value, the RT flag value, and the number of judgment values determined in correspondence with the set value are set as random numbers for the internal lottery (stored in the lottery work). It is determined that the combination has been won when the result of the addition overflows. Therefore, the combination is won with a probability (number of judgment values/65536) corresponding to the number of judgment values.

When the internal lottery process ends, the reel rotation process is performed. In the reel rotation process, on condition that a specified period (for example, 4.1 seconds) has passed since the start of reel rotation in the previous game, after starting rotation of reels 2L to 2R, stop switches 8L to 8R are activated. and the rotation of the reel is stopped according to the stop operation (Sd3).

When the reel rotation process ends with the reels 2L to 2R stopped, a winning determination process is performed to determine whether or not a winning has occurred based on the symbol combination on the winning line (Sd4).

After the winning determination process is completed, the payout process is performed. In the payout process, medals are paid out or credits are added according to the occurrence of winning, and the game state is shifted according to the symbol combination on the winning line (Sd5).

When the payout process ends, a game end process is performed (Sd6). In the game end processing, processing for setting the game state in preparation for the next game is executed. As a result, the game control processing for one game ends, and the game control processing for the next one game starts.

Note that the main control unit 41 performs an ART lottery, which will be described later, while the internal lottery process is being executed, and when the ART lottery is won, controls AT to perform navigation notification and navigation performance.

[About game status]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main control unit 41 controls any one of RT0 to RT4 and bonus (RB, RB in BB). In this embodiment, RT0, RT1, RT3, and RT4 have a medal payout rate of less than 100% per game, and RT2, RB, and BB have a medal payout rate of 100% or more per game. Among RT0 to RT4, RB, and BB (RB), RB and BB have the highest medal payout rate per game and are the most advantageous gaming state. In addition, among RT0 to RT4, RT0, RT2, and RT4 have a high probability of winning a replay role, and the payout rate of medals per game is higher than RT1 and 3, especially RT0 is to RT2. It can be said that this state is more advantageous for the player than RT1 and RT3 in that the transition is possible. Of RT0, RT2, and RT4, RT2 is more advantageous to the player than RT0 and RT4 in that the payout rate of medals per game is higher than RT0 and RT4.

[About AT and ART]
Further, in the slot machine according to the present embodiment, when the game state is RT0 to RT2, the main control unit 41 can execute navigation notification for notifying the player of the stopping order that is advantageous to the player according to the internal lottery result. It is possible to control the assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT) which is the notification period.

When the main control unit 41 is controlled to AT, the main control unit 41 executes navigation notification and transmits a push order command to the sub control unit 91 by winning the navigation target role according to the game state. By doing so, the navigation effect is executed. The navigation target roles according to the game state are replay GR1-GR6 when RT1, replay GR11-16 when RT0, and replay GR21-26 when RT2. Further, in any of RT0 to RT2, the pressing order of the bell is a common navigating role. Further, in this embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes navigation notification by satisfying certain conditions even in a normal state (RT1 and non-AT state) in which neither AT nor ART is controlled. , it is possible to execute a navigation effect.

In the navigation notification of the present embodiment, by changing the lighting mode of the game auxiliary display 12, the stop order advantageous to the player is identifiably notified. The form of the navigation notification is not limited to such a form, and may be any form as long as the player can distinguish between them according to the winning status. Further, the navigation notification is not limited to the game auxiliary display 12, that is, the display used for notification other than the navigation notification, and may be executed using a dedicated display. In the navigation effect of this embodiment, the stop order that is advantageous to the player notified by the navigation notification is notified by displaying the navigation image from the liquid crystal display 51 and outputting the navigation voice from the speakers 53 and 54 .

For example, when notifying the stop order of left, center and right, the stop switch 8L such as "123" (indicating that the left reel is the first stop, the middle reel is the second stop, and the right reel is the third stop), A stop order image showing the stop order of 8C and 8R is displayed. Also, as a navigation voice, for example, a voice indicating the stop order of the stop switch, such as "Left, middle, right!" to output

Also, when notifying the stop order in which the left reel is the first stop, it indicates the stop order of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R such as "1--" (indicating that the left reel is the first stop). Display stop order images. In addition, as the navigation voice, for example, a voice indicating the stop order of the stop switch, such as "Left!" (Indicating that the left reel is the first stop) do. In particular, when replay GR21-GR26 is won in RT2 and red 7 replay or blue 7 replay is won, in addition to the stop order image described above, red 7 and blue 7 are displayed on each reel. An image prompting the player to stop at the desired timing is also displayed, prompting the player to stop at that timing.

In the navigation notification and navigation effect, when one of the replays GR1 to GR6 is won in RT1, the stopping order of winning the promotion replay is notified so as to be identifiable. Also, when one of the replays GR11 to GR16 is won at RT0, the stop order in which the special replay wins is notified so as to be identifiable. Also, when any one of the replays GR21 to GR23 is won in RT2, the stopping order in which the middle replay or the red 7 replay wins is notified so as to be identifiable. Also, when one of the replays GR24 to GR26 is won in RT2, the stopping order in which the middle stage replay or the blue 7 replay wins is notified in a identifiable manner.

It should be noted that the aspect of the navigation effect is not limited to such an aspect, and may be any aspect as long as the player can distinguish between them according to the winning situation. Further, the navigation effects are not limited to those using the liquid crystal display 51 and the speakers 53 and 54, and may be executed using the effect LEDs 52, the reel LEDs 55, and the like.

As described above, in the navigation notification and the navigation effect, the stop order that is advantageous to the player is identifiably notified. Therefore, the player can intentionally win the promotion replay at RT1, win the middle bell, and win the special replay at RT0 by performing the stop operation in the stop order according to the navigation effect. Winning the middle bell, avoiding winning the falling replay, avoiding the stop of the transition roll, winning the middle bell in RT2, avoiding winning the falling replay, transitioning out Eye stop can be avoided.

In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 performs a lottery (hereinafter referred to as an ART lottery) to determine whether to control to ART (a state controlled by AT in RT2) when the lottery condition is met. Then, the main control unit 41 controls to ART (assist replay time) by winning the ART lottery. The lottery conditions for the ART lottery are to win the bell (one of the left bells 1 to 4, middle bells 1 to 4, and right bells 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 15), and to win the watermelon (watermelon shown in FIG. 15). That is, to win a cherry (either a strong cherry or a weak cherry shown in FIG. 15). The winning probability in the internal lottery is set such that Bell has the highest winning probability, Cherry has the lowest winning probability, and Watermelon has an intermediate winning probability.

As shown in FIG. 9, the winning probability of the ART lottery differs depending on the production stage executed by displaying the image on the liquid crystal display 51. FIG. The production stage consists of three stages: the ocean stage with the motif of the sea, the mountain stage with the motif of mountains, and the town stage with the motif of the city. Each performance stage is switched when it is decided to switch the performance stage by a stage switching lottery performed with a probability according to the result of the internal lottery. In the stage switching lottery, when it is decided to switch the performance stage, the switching destination performance stage is also determined at the same time. The stage switching lottery is executed by the main control unit 41 in internal lottery processing within the game processing. The main control unit 41 transmits to the sub-control unit 91 a command indicating the switching destination production stage when it is determined to perform a stage switching lottery and switch the production stage. In response to the command, the sub-control unit 91 displays the stage name of the destination production stage from the liquid crystal display 51, and after displaying the stage name, switches to an image corresponding to the production stage after switching.

And on the lottery table of the ART lottery, when staying in the sea stage, if you win the bell in the internal lottery, you will win the ART lottery at a rate of 5%, if you win the watermelon, 10%, and if you win the cherry, you will win the ART lottery at a rate of 20%. is assigned the number of judgment values. In addition, on the lottery table of the ART lottery, when staying on the mountain stage, the ART lottery is set so that if you win the bell in the internal lottery, you will win 7%, if you win the watermelon, you will win 15%, and if you win the cherry, you will win 30%. The number of judgment values is assigned so that you can win. Also, on the lottery table for the ART lottery, when staying in the city stage, if you win the internal lottery, you will win the ART lottery at a rate of 10% if you win the bell, 20% if you win the watermelon, and 40% if you win the cherry. is assigned the number of judgment values. Thus, the city stage is the most likely to win the ART lottery, and the sea stage is the least likely to win the ART lottery.

Then, the main control unit 41 controls to ART by winning the ART lottery.

When controlling to ART, first control to AT. The state from the start of AT control to the transition to RT2 is also called a preparation state.

In the preparation state, the main control unit 41 executes navigation notification when the target combination is won. At this time, in RT1, when replay GR1-GR6 is won, navigation notification is made, and when replay GR1-6 is won, the stop order for winning the promotion replay is notified by navigation notification, so the stop is stopped according to the notified stop order. By performing the operation, it becomes possible to win a promotion replay and shift from RT1 to RT0. In addition, after shifting to the preparation state, when the pressing order bell is won in any game state from RT0 to RT2, the stop order for winning the middle bell is notified, so that the stop operation is performed according to the notified stop order. Thus, it is possible to obtain 8 medals with certainty.

After the promotion replay wins in RT1 and shifts to RT0, when replay GR11-GR16 is won, it becomes the object of navigation notification, and when replay GR11-16 wins, the stopping order for winning a special replay is notified by navigation notification, By performing a stop operation in accordance with the reported stop order, it is possible to win a special replay and shift from RT0 to RT2, avoid winning a fall replay, and avoid shifting to RT1. In addition, as described above, when the pressing order bell is won, the stop order for winning the middle bell is notified, so by performing the stop operation according to the notified stop order, it is possible to obtain 8 medals reliably. In addition, it is possible to avoid the stoppage of the transition roll and avoid the transition to RT1.

If a special replay wins in RT0 and shifts to RT2, then when the first replay GR21-23 is won, or when the first replay GR24-26 is won, the navigation that informs the stopping order of winning the red 7 replay Information or navigation notification for notifying the stop order for winning the blue 7 replay is executed, and by performing the stop operation according to the notified stop order, the red 7 replay or the blue 7 replay is won, Winning of the replay can be avoided, and shifting to RT1 can be avoided. In addition, as described above, when the pressing order bell is won, the stop order for winning the middle bell is notified, so by performing the stop operation according to the notified stop order, it is possible to obtain 8 medals reliably. In addition, it is possible to avoid the stoppage of the transition roll and avoid the transition to RT1.

The main control unit 41 terminates the preparation state when the special replay wins, and starts controlling the ART. Along with this, the main control unit 41 performs an ART game number lottery to determine the number of ART games, sets the number of games won in the ART game number lottery as the number of remaining ART games allocated to the RAM 91c, and sets the number of ART games. Start counting the number of remaining games.

After the ART starts, the stop order for winning the middle bell is notified when the pushing order bell is won, so by performing the stop operation according to the notified stop order, it is possible to obtain 8 medals without fail. In addition, it is possible to avoid the stoppage of the transition roll and avoid the transition to RT1. In addition, when replay GR21-GR26 is won, the stop order for winning the middle replay is notified, so by performing the stop operation in accordance with the notified stop order, it is possible to avoid winning the fall replay and shift to RT1. can be avoided.

During ART, the main control unit 41 performs an ART game number lottery when the ART lottery is won, and the number of games determined by the ART game number lottery is used as the number of remaining ART games allocated to the RAM 91c. to add.

After the start of ART, the number of remaining games is decremented by 1 each time one game is played, and if a bonus is won before the number of remaining games reaches 0, ART is interrupted by the end of RT2. Accordingly, counting of the number of games played by ART is also interrupted. After that, control is performed to the corresponding bonus after winning the winning bonus, and at RT3 where the transition is made after the end of the bonus, the transition roll is stopped, and at the time of transition to RT1, the control of AT is resumed, and the preparation state is changed along with this. ART is resumed by shifting to RT2 again after that, and counting of the number of remaining games of ART is also resumed.

Also, when the number of remaining games becomes 0 after the start of ART, control of AT ends. Accompanying this, since the navigation notification is not executed, it becomes impossible to avoid the stoppage of the transitional number when winning the push order bell, and to avoid winning the falling replay when winning the replay GR21 to 26, and the transitional number becomes impossible. A series of AT and ART control is completed by shifting to RT1 due to the stop of or the winning of the falling replay.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 notifies the stop order in which the middle replay wins except for the first time by navigation notification when the replay GR21 to GR26 in the ART is won. If the stop operation is performed ignoring the order, the red 7 replay or the blue 7 replay may win and RT2 may be maintained, but there are also cases where the fall replay wins and shifts to RT1. Therefore, when replay GR21-GR26 is won, it is possible to prompt the stop operation in order to win the middle replay notified by the navigation notification, thereby preventing meaningless red 7 replay or blue 7 replay from winning. It is possible.

[Processing for sending commands]
Next, processing for transmitting a command by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14. FIG.

At the start of the game, the main control unit 41 of the present embodiment updates various control states (for example, the game state, whether or not the navigation notification is executed, etc.) along with the start of the game. Based on the obtained control state, the game control (for example, internal lottery, navigation notification, lottery related to the advantageous state for the player, etc.) is performed, and at the end of the game, the result of the game (for example, each reel Various control states are maintained or updated according to the combination of symbols stopped at the beginning and the result of the lottery regarding the advantageous state). Also, at the start and end of the game, it transmits to the sub-controller 91 a control state command capable of specifying various control states at that time. The control state includes a plurality of types of states that are uniquely set according to the game characteristics and design concept of each model of the slot machine 1, and the number of control state commands indicates the type of control state. It is designed to be set according to the number.

As shown in FIG. 10, a control state command capable of specifying a control state is a control state capable of specifying a control state whose contents may change between the start and end of a unit of game among the control states. It includes a command 1 and a control state command 2 which is unique to the game and can specify a control state whose content does not change between the start of the game and the end of the game.

The control state command 1 includes a plurality of game state-related commands capable of specifying the control state related to the game state in the main control unit 41, and AT control as an advantageous state during AT, that is, advantageous to the player. A plurality of AT-related commands A capable of identifying a control state associated with being in the AT state, and a plurality of AT-related commands B capable of identifying a control state associated with a non-AT state, i.e., not controlling the AT. The control state command 2 includes a plurality of in-game unique information commands capable of specifying the control state unique to the game.

Further, the game state-related command includes, for example, a command that can specify the game state in the main control unit 41, and when the game state is shifted as a predetermined number of games are played, A command that can specify the number of remaining games until the game state being controlled ends, and if the game state is to be changed by paying out a predetermined number of medals, the game is controlled A command or the like that can specify the number of remaining medals until the current game state ends is included.

In addition, the AT-related command A includes, for example, a command that can specify the number of rights controlled by the AT as an advantageous state for the player, and a remaining game in which the AT controlled in the game continues to be controlled. Commands that can specify a number, etc. are included.

The AT-related command B includes, for example, a command that can specify the cumulative number of normal games played in a normal state in which the AT has not been controlled since the control of the previous AT ended, a normal game that has been played in the normal state. When the number of games reaches a predetermined number of games and the player is controlled in an advantageous state, a command capable of specifying the remaining number of games until the player is controlled in an advantageous state, and the right to be controlled are given to AT. The remaining number of games until the AT is started to be controlled is included.

The in-game specific information command group includes, for example, a command that can specify the winning status of an AT lottery that determines whether or not to grant the right to be controlled by the AT as an advantageous state for the player, and a command that is controlled by the AT. A command that can specify the number of games to be added, a command that can specify the stopping order that is advantageous to the player, which is determined according to the results of an internal lottery at the start of the game, and a command that can be determined according to the results of an internal lottery at the start of the game. command that can specify the type of effect (for example, a freeze state that delays the progress of the game for a predetermined period, a reel effect that uses reels in the freeze state, an effect that suggests an internal lottery result, etc.).

One command transmitted from the main control unit 41 of this embodiment to the sub-control unit 91 consists of 2 bytes (one set of two 1-byte communication data), and the first byte (MODE) is the command. It represents the classification, and the second byte (EXT) represents the content of the command. Each command included in the control state command is also composed of 2 bytes like other commands. Especially, as shown in FIG. are set to consecutive numerical values (B0 to CF in this embodiment) corresponding to the order in which they are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the game start transmission command setting process, first, when the game is started, a control state update process is executed to update a corresponding control state among a plurality of control states (Sa1). . In the control state update process, among the control states, for example, the game state, the number of remaining games until the predetermined game state ends, the number of remaining medals until the predetermined game state ends, the accumulated number of normal games For example, the control state determined by the result of the previous game is maintained without being updated. In addition, for example, the number of rights controlled by the AT, the number of remaining games controlled by the AT, and other control states that can change due to the establishment of a predetermined condition with the start of the game are determined when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Update accordingly. Also, for example, control states that are newly determined at the start of the game, such as the AT lottery win status, the stopping order that is advantageous to the player, the type of presentation, etc., are newly set.

After executing the control state update processing in step Sa1, the control state command batch setting processing is executed to collectively set the above-described command group included in the control state command that can specify each control state in the command queue ( Sa2).

As shown in FIG. 12, in the control state command batch setting process, the MODE value set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set to the initial value (in this embodiment, the MODE value of the game state related command included in the control state command). B0) is set (Sb1). Also, the value of the data address set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set to the initial value (the address value of the area where the data of the game state related command is stored) (Sb2). Also, the value of the number of times of processing set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set to the number of commands included in the control state command group (Sb3).

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

Thereafter, timer interrupt wait processing is executed (Sb8). In the timer interrupt waiting process, the timer interrupt is set to be enabled, the process waits until the timer interrupt process (main) is performed, and after the timer interrupt process (main) ends, the caller process is returned to. In the timer interrupt processing (main), as will be described later, when it is not detected that the power supply to the slot machine 1 is stopped, the normal command transmission processing is executed each time the timer interrupt processing (main) is executed. is executed to transmit the data (MODE and EXT constituting the command) set in the command queue to the sub-controller 91 byte by byte. Therefore, when the timer interrupt waiting process is executed in step Sb8, the normal command transmission process is executed. MODE is transmitted to the sub-controller 91 as the first byte of the command.

After the timer interrupt waiting process in step Sb8 is finished, the timer interrupt waiting process is executed again (Sb9). As a result, by the normal command transmission processing executed in the timer interrupt processing (main), the EXT set later among the MODE and EXT set in the command queue in steps Sb5 and Sb7 is transferred as the second byte of the command. A set of MODE and EXT constituting one command is transmitted to the sub-controller 91, and the timer interrupt waiting process is executed twice in steps Sb8 and Sb9. 91.

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

If it is determined in step Sb13 that the value of the remaining processing count is not 0, that is, for all commands in the control state command group, MODE and EXT have not been set in the command queue, and commands that have not yet been set in the command queue. is left, the process returns to step Sb4, and with the timer interrupt disabled again, steps Sb5 to Sb7 are performed, and then steps Sb10 and Sb11 are performed. The process of successively setting the MODE and EXT of commands that have not yet been set in the command queue to the command queue is repeated.

Then, if it is determined in step Sb13 that the number of remaining processes is 0, that is, if MODE and EXT are set in the command queue for all the commands included in the control state command group, the control state command batch setting process is performed. and return to the game start command transmission process of the calling source.

In the game start command transmission process, after the control state command collective setting process in step Sa2 is completed, an internal winning command setting process (first internal winning command) is executed (Sa3), based on the internal lottery result. MODE and EXT of the first internal winning command that can specify the winning status of the special combination are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. After that, command transmission processing is executed to set MODE and EXT in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c in the command queue (Sa4).

In the command setting process, as shown in FIG. 13, timer interrupt is disabled (Sc1), MODE in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set in the command queue, and then EXT in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c is set in the command queue. (Sc2). Then, the prohibition of the timer interrupt set in the step of Sc1 is released (Sc3), the command setting process is terminated, and the process returns to the game start transmission command setting process. In the command setting process, unlike the batch control state command setting process, the timer interrupt waiting process is not executed after setting the MODE and EXT that constitute one command in the command queue, but the timer interrupt is prohibited in step Sc3. MODE and EXT set in the command queue in the step of Sc2 of the command setting processing are canceled, and the timer interrupt processing (main) is performed at the predetermined timing when the interrupt is performed after that. The command is transmitted to the sub-controller 91 by executing the normal command transmission process in the timer interrupt process (main) at a predetermined timing after the step.

After the command setting process in step Sa4 is completed, in the game start transmission command setting process, an internal winning command setting process (second internal winning command) is executed (Sa5), and a general role is selected based on the internal lottery result. MODE and EXT of the second internal winning command that can specify the winning status of , are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. After that, command transmission processing is executed (Sa6), and MODE and EXT in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c are set in the command queue. MODE and EXT of the second internal winning command set in the command queue in the command setting process of step Sa6 are interrupted by a timer at a predetermined timing after which an interrupt is performed, as in the command setting process of Sa4. By executing the normal command transmission process in the process (main), the command is transmitted to the sub-controller 91 .

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

As described above, the main control unit 41 of this embodiment executes the control state command batch setting process when the start switch 7 is operated as the first timing, that is, at the start of the game. A plurality of commands included therein are transmitted to the sub-controller 91 .

Next, processing for transmitting a predetermined command when the game ends by the main control unit 41 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The main control unit 41 is controlled when the third stop operation is completed for the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R whose rotation control has been started in accordance with the game start operation (when the stop switch for the third stop operation is released). That is, at the end of the game, the control state command and the command related to the game result are set in the command queue in order to transmit them to the sub-controller 91.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the process of setting the command to be transmitted at the end of the game, first, based on the output state of the door open detection switch 25, the MODE and EXT of the door command are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sd1), and then the command is transmitted. Processing is executed (Sd2), and MODE and EXT in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c are set in the command queue.

After that, control state update processing is executed (Sd3), and the corresponding control state is updated based on the end of the game and the result of the game. In the control state update process, among the control states, the combination of the symbols stopped on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, that is, the control state that can change according to the result of the game, for example, the game state, until the predetermined game state is completed. The number of remaining games, the number of rights controlled by the AT, etc. are updated or maintained according to the result of the game, and the control state that changes as the game is played in a predetermined state, such as a predetermined Regarding the number of remaining medals until the game state is completed, the accumulated number of normal games, the number of remaining games controlled by AT, etc., 1 is subtracted according to the game being played in the corresponding state. A control state that is maintained without being updated or subtracted, and that does not change regardless of the result of the game or whether the game is played in a predetermined state, for example, winning status of AT lottery, stop order that is advantageous for the player, Control is performed so as to maintain the type of presentation without changing it.

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

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

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

[Regarding the control contents of the internal winning command transmission process]
Next, the control contents of the internal winning command transmission process performed by the main control unit 41 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG.

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

In the special role winning number table, when none of the special roles has been won, that is, the winning number of the missing is "0", the winning number of BB is "1", and the winning number of RB is "2". is assigned.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, in the general role winning number table, when no general role is won, that is, the lost winning number is "0", and the normal replay winning number is "1". , the winning number for replay GR1 is "2", the winning number for replay GR2 is "3", the winning number for replay GR3 is "4", and the winning number for replay GR4 is "5". The winning number for GR5 is "6", the winning number for replay GR6 is "7", the winning number for replay GR11 is "8", the winning number for replay GR12 is "9", and the winning number for replay GR13 is "9". The winning number for replay GR14 is "11", the winning number for replay GR15 is "12", the winning number for replay GR16 is "13", and the winning number for replay GR21. is "14", the winning number for replay GR22 is "15", the winning number for replay GR23 is "16", the winning number for replay GR24 is "17", the winning number for replay GR25 is "18" is assigned, and "19" is assigned to the winning number of the replay GR26. The winning number of strong cherry is "20", the winning number of strong cherry is "21", and the winning number of watermelon is "22". The winning number for left bell 1 is "23", the winning number for left bell 2 is "24", the winning number for left bell 3 is "25", and the winning number for left bell 4 is " 26” is the winning number for middle bell 1, “27” is the winning number for middle bell 2, “28” is the winning number for middle bell 3, and “29” is the winning number for middle bell 4. , "30" is the winning number for the right bell 1, "31" is the winning number for the right bell 2, "32" is the winning number for the right bell 3, and "33" is the winning number for the right bell 4. The number is "34", and the winning number of the common bell is "35".

In this way, in the special combination winning number table and the general combination winning number table, the internal lottery target combination and the winning number are set correspondingly.

In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes an internal lottery process when the start operation is performed, and if either the special combination or the general combination is won in the internal lottery, A winning number corresponding to a lottery object combination for which winning is determined is set in a predetermined area of a RAM 41c, and when no combination is won, a winning number corresponding to a loss is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. While the winning number indicating the winning of the general role is cleared at the end of each game, the winning number indicating the winning of the special role is maintained until the winning special role is won. cleared.

After setting the winning number, the main control unit 41 executes an internal winning command setting process to generate a first internal winning command and a second internal winning command based on the internal winning number set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. The command is set in the command queue, and the first internal winning command and the second internal winning command are transmitted to the sub-controller 91 by the subsequent timer interrupt processing (main).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, in the internal winning command setting process, first, the winning number of the special combination set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in the internal lottery process is acquired (Sf1), and the acquired winning number is , the winning number for transmission to be transmitted to the sub-controller 91 is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sf2), and the first internal winning command is stored in the command queue based on the winning number for transmission. The command transmitted by the main control unit 41 consists of two bytes, the first byte representing MODE (classification of command) and the second byte representing EXT (content of command). When the first internal winning command is stored in the command queue, 41 stores MODE indicating that it is the first internal winning command in the first byte, and wins for transmission of a special role in EXT in the second byte. store the number.

In the step of Sf3, after storing the first internal winning command, the winning number of the general combination set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c in the internal lottery process is obtained (Sf4), and the winning number obtained is less than 2. (Sf5), whether it is less than 20 (Sf6), whether it is less than 23 (Sf7), and whether it is less than 35 (Sf8). It is determined which of a plurality of predetermined ranges the number falls within.

Then, if it is determined that the winning number is less than 2 in step Sf5, that is, if the winning number is 0 or 1, the acquired winning number is transmitted to the sub-control section 91. A number is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sf9). Also, if it is determined that the winning number is not less than 2 in step Sf5 and that it is less than 20 in step Sf6, that is, if the winning number is any of 2 to 19, the winning number for transmission is 2 is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sf10). Also, if it is determined that the winning number is not less than 20 in step Sf6 and less than 23 in step Sf7, that is, if the winning number is any of 20 to 22, the winning number is The winning number for transmission is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sf9). Also, if it is determined that the winning number is not less than 23 in step Sf7 and less than 35 in step Sf8, that is, if the winning number is any of 23 to 34, the winning number for transmission is 23 is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c (Sf10). If it is determined in step Sf8 that the winning number is not less than 35, that is, if the winning number is 35, the winning number is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c as a transmission winning number (Sf9).

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

After the second internal winning command is stored in the command queue in step Sf10, the internal winning command setting process is ended and the process returns to the main process (main).

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

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

On the other hand, when the winning number is within the second predetermined range (2 to 19), one winning number (2) included in the second predetermined range is set as the winning number for transmission, and the winning number for transmission is set. A second internal winning command containing a number is placed in the command queue. As a result, in the second internal winning command to be transmitted when a winning number within the second predetermined range (2 to 19) is set in the internal winning, the winning number for transmission included in the command is Based on this, it is not possible to specify which of the numbers in the second predetermined range (2 to 19) the winning number is, while the winning number is within the second predetermined range (2 to 19) It has become possible to identify something.

Further, when the winning number is within the third predetermined range (23 to 34), one winning number (23) included in the third predetermined range is set as the winning number for transmission, and the winning number for transmission is set. A second internal winning command containing a number is placed in the command queue. As a result, in the second internal winning command to be transmitted when a winning number within the third predetermined range (23 to 34) is set in the internal winning, the winning number for transmission included in the command is Based on this, it is not possible to specify which of the numbers in the third predetermined range (23 to 34) the winning number is, while the winning number is within the third predetermined range (23 to 34) It has become possible to identify something.

The first internal winning command and the second internal winning command set in the internal winning command setting process of this embodiment are sent to the sub-controller 91 by executing the timer interrupt process (main). will be sent sequentially.

[Timer interrupt processing (sub)]
Next, timer interrupt processing (sub) executed by the sub control unit 91 (CPU 91c) at intervals of 1.12 ms based on the count value of the internal clock will be described.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the timer interrupt process (sub), the sub-control unit 91 first saves the registers in use to the stack area (Sp1). Next, power failure determination processing is performed (Sp2). In the power failure determination process, it is determined whether or not a voltage drop signal has been input from the power failure detection circuit 48. If a voltage drop signal has been input, whether or not a voltage drop signal has been input in the previous power failure determination process. If a voltage drop signal was also input in the previous power failure determination process, it is determined that a power failure has occurred, and a power failure flag indicating that effect is set.

After the power failure determination process in step Sp2, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is set (Sp3), and if the power failure flag is set, the power failure process (sub) is performed. In the power-off processing (sub), the backup flag used in the startup processing (sub) is set after the backup data is created, and the checksum is calculated by calculating the exclusive OR of the backup data.

If the power failure flag is not set, command analysis processing is executed (Sp4). In the command analysis process, it is determined whether or not a command is stored in the command buffer, and if the command is stored in the command buffer, the command is acquired from the command buffer. Then, it executes processing according to the acquired command.

At Sp5, the sub-controller 91 executes stage name display processing (Sp5). In the stage name display process, when the image corresponding to the production stage displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 (hereinafter also referred to as the stage image) is switched with the switching of the production stage, the stage name of the production stage after switching is displayed. Perform display processing.

It should be noted that the slot machine 1 performs a demonstration when a period of non-playing reaches a certain period of time (in other words, when a certain period of time has passed since the game ended, or when a certain period of time has passed since the power was turned on). state (hereinafter referred to as demo state). In the demo state, the slot machine 1 shifts to the power saving state. Then, in the timer interrupt processing (sub), when the state is shifted to the demonstration state, the liquid crystal display 51 displays a demonstration indicating that the state is the demonstration state. In the demo display, a unique image such as the model title is displayed.

[Stage name display processing]
Next, the sub control unit 91 executes the stage name display process executed in the timer interrupt process (sub).

As shown in FIG. 18, in the stage name display process, the sub-controller 91 first determines whether or not the game has started (Sf1). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the game has started based on whether or not a command transmitted from the main control section 41 has been received when the start switch 7 is operated after setting the number of bets.

When the game is started (Y in Sf1), it is determined whether or not the condition for switching the production stage is established (Sf2). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the stage switching lottery executed by the main control unit 41 has decided to switch the production stage. This determination is made based on whether or not a command indicating the destination production stage has been received from the main control unit 41 . When the switching condition of the production stage is satisfied (Y in Sf2), the stage name of the production stage after switching is displayed from the liquid crystal display 51 (Sf3).

Further, when the switching condition of the effect stage is not established (N in Sf2), it is determined whether or not the game is started during the demonstration display (Sf4). When the game is started during the demonstration display (Y in Sf2), the stage name of the performance stage when the game is started during the demonstration display is displayed from the liquid crystal display 51 (Sf3). If the game has not started during the demonstration display (N in Sf2), the process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is determined in Sf1 that the game has not started (N in Sf1), it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 has been turned OFF (in the figure, setting confirmation end operation) to end the setting confirmation state. (Sf5). When the setting confirmation end operation is performed (Y in Sf5), the stage name of the production stage when the setting confirmation end operation is performed is displayed from the liquid crystal display 51 (Sf3). If the setting confirmation end operation has not been performed (N in Sf5), the process ends.

As described above, the stage name of the production stage when the setting confirmation end operation is performed is displayed when the setting confirmation end operation is performed, which is inoperable by the player but operable by the game parlor clerk. Therefore, the store clerk of the game hall can recognize which production stage it is.

Also, even if the performance stage is the same before and after the setting end operation is performed, the stage name is displayed when the setting confirmation end operation is performed. Therefore, the stage name that has already been displayed can be displayed again when the production stage is switched. As a result, the store clerk at the game parlor can recognize which production stage it is.

In addition, since the winning probability of the ART lottery changes according to the performance stage, the store clerk at the game parlor can recognize the advantage of the player by recognizing the performance stage.

In addition, since the stage name is also displayed when the game is started during the demonstration display, the stage name can be displayed for confirmation by the player who restarts the game.

In addition, the processing for displaying the stage name is performed at any time when the switching condition for the production stage is satisfied, when the setting confirmation end operation is performed, or when the game is started during the demonstration display. , is performed by common processing (processing of Sf3 in the figure). Therefore, it is possible to display the stage names so that the stage names can be easily recognized by displaying in a common mode while reducing the capacity of data and programs for displaying the stage names.

[Concrete example]
Next, a specific example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21. FIG.

FIG. 19 shows an example in which the condition for switching the production stage is established. As shown in FIG. 19(a), for example, assume that the player is staying in the sea stage. It is assumed that a lottery for stage switching performed when the game is started in the sea stage is won and the condition for switching the production stage is satisfied. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the sub-controller 91 displays the stage name of the production stage after switching from the liquid crystal display 51 (see Sf2 and Sf3 in FIG. 18). In this example, since the stage is switched to the mountain stage, "mountain stage" is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 19C, the sub-control unit 91 displays an image corresponding to the mountain stage, which is the production stage after switching, after displaying the stage name.

FIG. 20 shows an example in which the set values are confirmed. As shown in FIG. 20(a), for example, assume that the player is staying on the mountain stage. Assume that, while staying at the mountain stage, the game parlor clerk turns on the setting key switch 37 (setting confirmation start operation in the figure) to start confirmation of the set values. At this time, as shown in FIG. 20(b), the sub-controller 91 causes the liquid crystal display 51 to display a setting confirmation state. Assume that after confirming the setting values, the game arcade clerk turns off the setting key switch 37 (setting confirmation end operation in the figure) to end the confirmation of the setting values. In this case, as shown in FIG. 20(c), the stage name of the production stage during the stay is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 (see Sf3 and Sf5 in FIG. 18). In this example, "mountain stage" is displayed because the user is staying at the mountain stage before confirming the set values. Then, as shown in FIG. 20(d), the sub-controller 91 continues to display the image corresponding to the mountain stage after displaying the stage name. Thus, in this example, unlike the example of FIG. 19, the purpose is for the store clerk of the game hall to confirm the stage name of the production stage, so the stage name is displayed even if the production stage is not switched.

Then, in the example of FIG. 20, when the setting confirmation end operation is performed, which is inoperable by the player but operable by the game parlor clerk, the stage of the production stage when the setting confirmation end operation is performed is performed. Since the name is displayed, the game hall clerk can recognize which production stage it is.

FIG. 21 shows an example in which the game is started during demonstration display. As shown in FIG. 21(a), for example, it is assumed that the liquid crystal display 51 is performing a demonstration display. In the example shown in the drawing, a character serving as a motif of the model of the slot machine 1 is displayed as a demonstration display. At this time, it is assumed that the user is staying on the mountain stage while the demonstration is being displayed. Assume that the game is started while the demo is being displayed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21(b), the stage name of the production stage during stay is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 (see Sf3 and Sf4 in FIG. 18). In this example, "mountain stage" is displayed because the user is staying at the mountain stage during the demonstration display. Then, as shown in FIG. 21(c), the sub-control section 91 continues to display the image corresponding to the mountain stage after displaying the stage name. Thus, in this example, unlike the example of FIG. 19, the purpose is for the player who restarts the game to confirm the stage name of the production stage, so the stage name is displayed even if the production stage is not switched.

In addition, since the stage name is also displayed when the game is started during the demonstration display, the stage name can be displayed for confirmation by the player who restarts the game.

In this embodiment, the stage name is displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display 51. However, if the stage name is recognizable, it can be displayed in a small size in the corner of the screen of the liquid crystal display 51. is also possible. Further, even if the stage name is not displayed by characters, a symbol or character that can identify the production stage may be displayed.

[Modification 1]
In the above-described embodiment, as the operation by the specific operation means, before the setting confirmation end operation (operation to turn off the setting key switch 37) is performed to end the setting confirmation state, and after the setting confirmation end operation is performed. (See FIG. 20), but the production stage may be different before the setting confirmation end operation is performed and after the setting confirmation end operation is performed. In Modified Example 1, with reference to FIG. 22, an example will be described in which one of a plurality of types of production stages is selected when a setting confirmation end operation is performed. In the modified example 1, by selecting the production stage, the production stage may be the same before the setting confirmation end operation is performed and after the setting confirmation end operation is performed, but it may be different.

As shown in FIG. 22(a), for example, assume that the player is staying on the mountain stage. Assume that the setting key switch 37 is turned ON (setting confirmation start operation in the figure) while the player is staying on the mountain stage, and the setting values are confirmed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 22(b), the sub-controller 91 causes the liquid crystal display 51 to display a setting confirmation state. After confirming the set values, the setting key switch 37 is turned off (in the drawing, operation for finishing confirmation of setting), and the confirmation of the set values is completed. At this time, the main control unit 41 performs a stage selection lottery to determine the stage after the setting key switch 37 is turned off. The main control unit 41 transmits a command indicating the production stage selected by the production stage selection lottery to the sub-control unit 91 . Then, it is assumed that the city stage is selected by the production stage selection lottery. In this case, as shown in FIG. 22(c), the stage name of the production stage during stay is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. FIG. In this example, since the city stage is selected, "town stage" is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 22(d), the sub-controller 91 displays an image corresponding to the town stage.

In this way, the stage name of the newly selected production stage can be displayed. Therefore, even if the production stage is changed, the store clerk at the game hall can recognize the stage name of the production stage during his stay.

[Modification 2]
Next, effects during non-game (when no game is played) in the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 25. FIG. That is, it is possible to apply the effect shown in Modification 2 to the above-described embodiment.

[Production during non-playing]
In the present embodiment, a state in which the game control processing for one game is completed and all of the reels 2L to 2R are stopped is regarded as a non-game state. to the non-game screen. The game screen includes, for example, the display of a normal background, a specific background, or a background image during AT. On the other hand, as the non-game screen, as shown in FIG. 23(b), for example, a customer waiting screen (a so-called demo screen) in which only the company name is displayed, and a menu screen used to change the volume of the speaker, etc. can be cited. be done. The game screen and non-game screen are stored in the ROM of the sub-controller 91 .

In this embodiment, the customer waiting screen is displayed on the game control board 40 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 seconds) while the game is not being played. ) is displayed when no detection signal is sent from switches such as Specifically, the customer waiting screen is displayed when the sub-controller 91 determines that no command transmitted from the main controller 41 has been received for a predetermined period of time. In addition, when the customer waiting screen is displayed, the game screen returns to the game screen when medals are inserted or the number of bets is set. Control for returning from the customer waiting screen to the game screen will be described later.

In the present embodiment, the menu screen is displayed by performing a predetermined operation while the game is not being played or while the customer waiting screen is being displayed. The predetermined operation for displaying the menu screen includes, for example, simultaneously operating the middle and right stop switches 8C and 8R among the stop switches 8L, 8C and 8R. Further, the slot machine 1 may be provided with a menu screen display button for displaying a menu screen. When these predetermined operations are sent, a predetermined operation command is sent from the main control unit 41 to the sub-control unit 91, and the sub-control unit 91 displays the menu screen upon receipt of the predetermined operation command. switch to

Depending on the operation of the menu screen, it is possible to change the volume of the speaker, change the brightness of the liquid crystal display 51, and view game history data such as the number of bonus wins and information between bonuses. The menu screen may be operated by operating means such as the start switch 7 and the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, or may be operated by directly touching the liquid crystal display 51. FIG. When the menu screen end button is pressed in the menu screen, and when medals are inserted or the number of bets is set, the game screen is returned to.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the effect when returning from the non-game screen to the game screen during the normal mode. As shown in FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b), when the game screen is switched to the non-game screen during the normal mode, the normal background display is switched to the customer waiting screen or the menu screen which is the non-game screen. change. Also, as shown in FIGS. 23(b) and (c), when returning from the non-game screen display to the game screen during the normal mode, the game screen is switched from the non-game screen to the game screen without executing any effect. Return to normal background. Control for returning from the menu screen to the game screen will be described later.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the effect when returning from the non-game screen to the game screen during the specific mode. As shown in FIGS. 24(a) and 24(b), when the game screen is switched to the non-game screen during the specific mode, the display of the specific background is switched to the customer waiting screen or the menu screen which is the non-game screen. change. Also, as shown in FIGS. 24(b), (c), and (d), when returning from the non-game screen display to the game screen during the specific mode, a special effect using the name of the specific mode is displayed from the non-game screen. , the screen returns to the specific background, which is the game screen. The special effect executed at this time is a special effect stored in the ROM of the sub-controller 91 that is executed when the normal mode is switched to the specific mode during the game.

Also, when returning from the non-game screen to the game screen during AT, the background image during AT is displayed without any particular effect.

The sub-control unit 91 determines the effect when returning from the non-game screen to the game screen by the background display process at the time of return. FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the background display process at the time of return. In the return background display process, first, it is determined whether or not a coin has been inserted (S30), and if it is determined that a coin has been inserted (Yes in S30), the process proceeds to S33, which will be described later. If it is determined that no coin has been inserted (No in S30), it is determined whether or not a BET operation has been performed (S31). When it is determined that there is no BET operation (No in S31), it is determined whether or not the menu screen exit button of the menu screen has been pressed (S32). ), and terminates the background display process at the time of return. If it is determined that the menu screen exit button has been pressed (Yes in S32), the process proceeds to S33.

In S33, it is determined whether or not AT is being performed based on the AT command, and if AT is being performed (Yes in S33), it is determined to display a background image during AT when returning (S41), and returning is performed. When the background display process is terminated. If it is not in AT (No in S33), it is determined whether it is in the high accuracy mode based on the high accuracy mode command (S35). If it is in the high accuracy mode (Yes in S35), it is decided to display the background image in the high accuracy mode at the time of return (S42), and the background display processing at the time of return is ended. If it is not in the high accuracy mode (No in S35), it is determined whether the specific flag is set (S37). When it is determined that the specific flag is set (Yes in S37), it is determined that the specific background is to be displayed after executing the special effect at the time of return (S39), and the background display process at the time of return is ended. If it is determined that the specific flag is not set (No in S37), it is decided to display the normal background at the time of return (S40), and the background display process at the time of return is terminated.

[Effect of the above embodiment]
In this embodiment, when the setting key switch 37, which is a setting confirmation operation for ending confirmation of setting values, is turned off, the stage name of the effect stage is displayed (in this example, the processing of Sf3 and Sf5 in FIG. 18 is performed). part, the part shown in FIG. 20).
Therefore, the store clerk of the game parlor can specify which production stage is the production stage corresponding to the progress of the game.

In this embodiment, control is performed to the same production stage before and after the setting key switch 37, which is a setting confirmation operation, is turned off (in this example, the portion shown in FIG. 20).
Therefore, the stage names that have already been displayed can be displayed again.

In this embodiment, one of a plurality of types of production stages is selected based on the turning off of the setting key switch 37, which is a setting confirmation operation (in this example, the portion shown in FIG. 21).
Therefore, the stage name of the production stage after the setting key switch 37 is turned off can be displayed.

In this embodiment, the performance stage is controlled so that the winning probability during ART, which is the degree of advantage of the player, changes according to the performance stage (in this example, the part shown in FIG. 9).
Therefore, the store clerk of the game parlor can recognize the degree of advantage of the player.

In this embodiment, the stage name is displayed when the game is started and the game is restarted during the demonstration display (in this example, the portion for processing Sf3 and Sf4 in FIG. 18, the portion shown in FIG. 21).
Therefore, the stage name can be displayed to the player who restarts the game.

In this embodiment, the stage name is displayed by common processing regardless of whether or not the setting key switch 37, which is a setting confirmation operation, is turned off (in this example, the portion performing the processing of Sf3 in FIG. 18).
Therefore, since the processing is made common, it is possible to reduce the volume of programs and data and to perform notification in an easy-to-recognize manner.

In this embodiment, regardless of whether or not it is controlled to the notification state (state in which navigation notification is executed), when the determination result of the pre-determining means (internal lottery) becomes the notification target combination (report target result) Secondly, the sub-control unit 91 (second internal winning command) sends specific control information (second internal winning command) that can specify that the notification target combination (report target result) has been obtained but cannot specify the stopping order (advantageous operation mode) that is advantageous to the player. (Production control means).
Therefore, in the one provided with the main control unit 41 (game control means) and the sub-control unit 91 (production control means), it is possible to avoid the problem caused by the illegality on the sub-control unit 91 (production control unit) side. can be done.

In this embodiment, the winning number (numerical value) set by the numerical value setting means when the informing target combination (informing target result) is obtained is a continuous numeric value within a predetermined numeric range (2 to 19, 23 to 34). is assigned, and the specific control information transmitting means ensures that the winning number (numerical value) set by the numerical value setting means is within a predetermined numerical range (2 19, 23 to 34), specific control information (second Internal winning command) is transmitted to the sub-control section 91 (effect control means).
Therefore, in the one provided with the main control unit 41 (game control means) and the sub-control unit 91 (production control means), it is possible to avoid the problem caused by the illegality on the sub-control unit 91 (production control unit) side. can be done.

In this embodiment, the state control information transmitting means transmits a plurality of types of control state commands in the control state command batch setting process (common control) at any timing among a plurality of timings.
Therefore, since the plurality of types of state control information are transmitted under common control at any one of a plurality of timings, the sub-controller 91 can grasp the control state of the main controller 41 in detail, It is possible to reduce the program capacity when the control unit 41 transmits the state control information.

In modification 2, during the specific mode, the probability of the high probability lottery for shifting to the high probability mode with a high AT lottery probability is set higher than during the normal mode. Therefore, the specific mode is advantageous for the player. Further, in FIGS. 23 and 24, when returning from the non-game screen to the game screen, if it is determined that the game after the return is controlled in the specific mode, the specific background is displayed after the special effect is executed. is displayed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game after returning is controlled to the normal mode, the normal background is displayed without executing any effect. Therefore, the player who has started the game can have expectations for the game to be started from now on by executing the special effect, so that the operation is promoted. Also, when a player who is worried about executing a game operates the menu screen and browses the game history data, even if he/she feels that he/she cannot expect to play with the game machine, the menu screen can be terminated. When the special performance is executed when the button is pressed, the player can have a sense of anticipation for the game in this game machine, and the operation is promoted.

[Others and modifications]
Various modifications of the above embodiment will be described below.

[Regarding specific operation means]
In the above-described embodiment, the operation of turning off the setting key switch 37 at the time of finishing the confirmation of the setting value was taken as an example of the operation of the specific operation means. If it is an operation of a specific operation means such as an operation to turn off the setting key switch 37, an operation to cancel an error by the reset switch 23, or the like, which cannot be operated by the player and is allowed to be operated by the store clerk of the game hall, the above operation is performed. An operation different from the embodiment may be the operation of the specific operation means.

[Regarding the state in which control is performed by the control means]
In the above-described embodiment, the production stage is taken as an example of the state in which control is being performed by the control means, but the game modes differing in the degree of advantage of the player and the mode of the game, the background displayed from the liquid crystal display 51, the speaker 53, etc. , 54, or the like (BGM, etc.).

[Regarding the display of the name according to the state in which control is being performed by the control means]
In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the stage name was displayed in characters as a display of the name corresponding to the state in which control is being performed by the control means. , display may be performed in a manner different from that of the above-described embodiment.

[About game machines]
In the above embodiment, a slot machine in which the number of bets is set using medals and credits has been described as an example. The invention according to claim 1 is realized by applying the configuration shown in the above embodiment to a slot machine in which the bet amount is set or a full credit type slot machine in which the bet amount is set using only credits. Is possible. When game balls are used as game media, for example, when one medal corresponds to five game balls and the bet number is set to 3 in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are used. is used to set the number of bets.

Furthermore, in addition to the medal insertion mechanism such as the flow path switching solenoid 30 and the inserted medal sensor 31, a ball fetching device for fetching the game ball, and a fetching ball for detecting the game ball fetched by the ball fetching device A detection switch is provided, and in addition to a medal payout mechanism such as a hopper motor 34b and a payout sensor 34c, a ball payout device that pays out game balls, and a payout ball detection switch that detects game balls paid out by the ball payout device. is provided, it is possible to play a game by setting the number of bets using both medals and game balls, and the slot machine pays out medals and game balls when a prize is won. Configurations can be applied to implement the present invention.

The present invention also includes a home-use game machine or other computer device that starts game software (slot machine game, pachinko game machine game), or a mobile terminal that starts an installed mobile application (slot machine application, pachinko game machine application). It is also possible to configure it as a game machine.

1 slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R reel 6 MAXBET switch 7 start switch 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch 41 main controller 51 liquid crystal display 91 sub controller

Claims (1)

In gaming machines that play games,
a control means for controlling the state according to the progress of the game;
display means for displaying a name according to the state in which control is being performed by the control means, and displaying an image according to the state in which control is being performed by the control means ;
a specific operation means that is disabled for operation by a player and enabled for operation by a game parlor clerk;
A plurality of different advantages for the player based on the setting confirmation start operation being performed using the specific operation means while the control means is controlling the state according to the progress of the game. control to a setting confirmation state in which it is possible to confirm which setting value is set among the setting values of the type;
Control is performed by the control means before being controlled to the setting confirmation state based on the fact that a setting confirmation end operation is performed using the specific operation means while being controlled to the setting confirmation state. Return to the state according to the progress of the game that was playing,
The display means is
Based on the change in the state in which control is being performed by the control means, a name corresponding to the state after the change is displayed, and after the display of the name is erased, the name is displayed according to the state after the change. a first display means for displaying an image ;
After the display of the image corresponding to the state after the change is started by the first display means, the setting confirmation state is controlled based on the setting confirmation start operation, and then the setting confirmation is finished. When the state after the change is restored based on the operation performed , the name corresponding to the state after the change is displayed again , the display of the name is erased, and then the name after the change is displayed. and a second display means for displaying an image according to a state .

Images