JP7255085B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

A slot machine, for example, is an example of a gaming machine that utilizes a revolving body. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof, and has a configuration in which a part of the symbols attached to each reel can be visually recognized through the display section. When the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, the reels start rotating, and after the reels start rotating, the reels are sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that medals are inserted and a start lever is operated, and the symbols in which the lottery result is winning and the player wins on the preset effective line are stopped. On the condition that the game is played, a predetermined number of medals are paid out, or a predetermined game that is advantageous to the player is played.

In addition, as a game machine using reels as a revolving body as described above, it is possible to play the same game as the above slot machine by using game balls instead of medals as a game medium other than the slot machine. Game machines are mentioned. Also, there is a pachinko machine that utilizes the above-mentioned revolving body in order to provide a player with an effect according to the result of a lottery.

A stepping motor is generally used as a driving means for rotating the revolving body as described above. In this case, when the circulation start condition is satisfied, the driving by the stepping motor is started, and the acceleration period is followed by the constant speed period. After the constant speed period continues for a predetermined period, the rotation is stopped based on the satisfaction of the circulation stop condition.

JP 2009-261415 A

Here, in the gaming machines such as those exemplified above, it is necessary to appropriately perform stop control of the variable display of patterns, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably performing stop control of the variable display of patterns.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides a pattern display means for variably displaying a plurality of patterns in a predetermined direction;
a stop operation means operated to stop the variable display of the pattern;
a pattern display control means for stopping the variable display of the pattern based on the operation of the stop operation means after starting the variable display of the pattern;
with
The pattern display means has an out-of-target area and a predetermined stop reference, which are excluded from execution of stop control for stopping at a predetermined stop reference position corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns. A target area within the execution target of the stop control for stopping at the position is set,
The position where each of the plurality of types of patterns can be stopped and started is set in the pattern corresponding range of the downstream side pattern located downstream by one pattern in the predetermined direction with respect to the one pattern,
The target area of the downstream design is set over a range from the upstream end of the downstream design in the predetermined direction to the stop start possible position corresponding to the one design,
The non-target area of the downstream design is set over a range from the stop start possible position corresponding to the one design to the downstream end of the downstream design in the predetermined direction,
The picture display control means is arranged such that, when the stop operation means is operated, the picture to be managed whose stop reference position is included in the picture corresponding range is the picture on the downstream side with respect to the picture to be stopped, means for starting the stop control when the stop reference position is included in the target area of the picture to be managed;
Among the plurality of kinds of patterns, a first pattern in which a shift amount between the pattern corresponding range and the possible stop start position is a first predetermined amount, and a shift amount between the pattern corresponding range and the stop start possible position is a first pattern. 2, a predetermined amount of the second pattern is included .

According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably perform stop control of the variable display of the pattern.

1 is a front view of a slot machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine showing a state in which a front door is opened; FIG. It is an assembly perspective view of a left reel. It is a figure which shows the pattern arrangement|sequence of each reel. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a pattern and a combination line that can be visually recognized through the display window; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the winning mode and the privilege to be given; 1 is an electrical configuration diagram of a slot machine; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the main MPU; 4 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing executed by the main MPU; 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing executed by the main MPU; It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process performed by main side MPU. It is an explanatory view for explaining a lottery table for normal mode. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the reel stop order and the winning mode established when the normal mode lottery table is selected; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a lottery table for the first RT mode; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the order of stopping reels and the winning mode established when the lottery table for the first RT mode is selected; It is an explanatory view for explaining a lottery table for the second RT mode. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the order of stopping reels and the winning mode established when the lottery table for the second RT mode is selected; (a) is a connection diagram showing a drive system of a stepping motor, and (b) is a diagram showing drive characteristics of the stepping motor. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of an excitation order table; It is an explanatory view for explaining a first acceleration table. It is an explanatory view for explaining a second acceleration table. (a) An explanatory diagram for explaining the stop position of symbols on each reel, and (b) an explanatory diagram for explaining the number of steps assigned to each symbol on each reel. 4 is a flowchart showing reel control processing executed by the main MPU; It is a flowchart which shows the rotation start processing performed by main side MPU. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing valid operation determination processing executed by the main MPU; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing winning determination processing executed by the main MPU; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing stepping motor control processing executed by the main MPU; 4 is a flowchart showing motor control processing executed by the main MPU; (a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a pattern range to which each pattern is attached on a reel tape; (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a pattern corresponding range; (a) to (d) are explanatory diagrams for explaining stop control of the left reel. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing step number monitoring processing executed by the main MPU; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing stop start processing executed by the main MPU; FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing stop control processing executed by the main MPU; (a) to (h) are time charts showing the timing at which the stop control of the left reel is started when the one-frame slip stop control is performed. (a) It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time in stop control for one-frame sliding, and (b) an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time in stop control for four-frame sliding. (a), (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the positional relationship of the design range and the design correspondence range in the 19th design and the 0th design. (a), (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the positional relationship of the design range and the design correspondence range in the 1st design and the 2nd design. (a), (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the positional relationship of the design range and the design correspondence range in a 3rd design and a 4th design. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 1st deviation|shift width|variety and 2nd deviation|shift width|variety of an n-th design. (a), (b) The positional relationship between the symbol range of the n-th symbol and the stoppable range of the (n-1)th symbol when the n-th symbol is the symbol to be stopped and the stop control is executed at the stop possible start timing. (c), (d) The symbol range of the n-th symbol and the symbol range of the (n-1 ) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the symbols and the possible stop range. A pattern in which two 26 steps, two 25 steps, and one 24 step are assigned to every five symbols is repeated four times. It is an explanatory view for explaining a value. It is a flowchart which shows the information control processing performed by main side MPU. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a corresponding process at the end of a game, which is executed by the main MPU; FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process for CB performed by main side MPU. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing stop start processing executed by the main MPU in the second embodiment; FIG. (a) It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time in stop control for one-frame sliding, and (b) an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time in stop control for four-frame sliding. (a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the number of steps assigned to the stoppable range of the n-th symbol in the third embodiment; (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the first deviation width and the second deviation width; It is an explanatory diagram. (a) It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time in stop control for one-frame sliding, and (b) an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time in stop control for four-frame sliding. (a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the number of steps assigned to the stoppable range of the n-th symbol in the fourth embodiment; (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the first deviation width and the second deviation width; It is an explanatory diagram. (a) It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time in stop control for one-frame sliding, and (b) an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time in stop control for four-frame sliding.

<First embodiment>
A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is a type of game machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened.

As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 has a housing 11 forming its outer shell. A plurality of wooden panels are fixed to the housing 11 so that the housing 11 is formed into a box-like shape that is open forward as a whole.

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

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

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

Each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is connected to a stepping motor 33 (see FIG. 3), and driven by the stepping motor 33, the reels 32L, 32M, 32R rotate independently. It is configured to be drivable. Since these reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have the same structure, the left reel 32L will be described here as an example with reference to FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of the left reel 32L.

The left reel 32L includes a cylindrical frame member 34 forming a cylindrical cage, and a strip-shaped reel tape (not shown in FIG. 3) endlessly wound around the outer peripheral surface thereof. Then, it is attached to the cylindrical skeleton member 34 via a pair of seal portions formed along both sides of the long side of the reel tape so as to maintain the wound state. A large number of patterns as identification information are printed at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape. A central portion of the cylindrical frame member 34 is attached to the drive shaft of the stepping motor 33 . Therefore, when the drive shaft of the stepping motor 33 rotates, the cylindrical skeleton member 34 rotates about the drive shaft, and the left reel 32L rotates.

The stepping motor 33 is screw-fixed to the side surface of a motor plate 35 arranged in an upright state within the reel unit 31 . A motor plate 35 is provided with a reel index sensor 36 in which a light-emitting element 36a and a light-receiving element 36b are held at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, a radially extending sensor cut bang 37 is screwed to the cylindrical frame member 34 . A leading end portion 37a of the sensor cut bang 37 is bent at a substantially right angle and positioned so as to pass between the elements 36a and 36b of the reel index sensor 36. As shown in FIG. Each time the left reel 32L rotates once, the reel index sensor 36 detects the passage of the leading end 37a of the sensor cut bang 37, and each detection signal is output to the main controller 70, which will be described later. Therefore, main controller 70 can confirm and correct the angular position of left reel 32L for each rotation based on this detection signal.

The stepping motor 33 is set so as to make one rotation by applying an excitation signal of 504 pulses, for example, and progressing by 504 steps, and the rotational position of the stepping motor 33, that is, the rotational position of the left reel 32L is controlled by the number of steps. be done. On each reel tape of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, a plurality of patterns, specifically 20 patterns are drawn in the long side direction (rotating direction). The main controller 70 recognizes which symbols are visible through the display window portion 21L, based on the number of steps (that is, the number of pulses) from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor 36 is output. Control can be performed to make any pattern visible from the display window portion 21L.

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

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

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

A medal slot 45 for inserting medals as an investment value is provided on the lower right side of the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R. As shown in FIG. 2, the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45 are guided to the hopper device 53 by the selector 52 provided on the back of the front door 12 when reception is permitted, and are guided to the hopper device 53 when reception is prohibited. The medals are led from a medal discharge port 58 (FIG. 1) provided in the front lower portion of the front door 12 to a medal tray 59 (FIG. 1). The hopper device 53 has a function of paying out the medals stored in the storage tank to the medal receiving tray 59 through the medal discharge port 58 when a winning corresponding to the awarding of the game media is established on the activated line. there is

Below the medal slot 45, as shown in FIG. 1, a return button 46 is provided to be pushed when the medals inserted into the medal slot 45 are jammed in the selector 52 (FIG. 2). Further, on the lower left side of the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R, there is a first credit insertion button 47 for inserting the maximum amount of credited virtual medals that can be betted at once, and two virtual medals are inserted at once. and a third credit insertion button 49 for inserting one virtual medal at a time.

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

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

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

FIG. 4 shows the pattern arrangement of the left reel 32L, middle reel 32M and right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, each reel 32L, 32M, 32R has 20 symbols arranged in a row. Numbers 0 to 19 are assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and these numbers are visible to the main controller 70 through the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R. These are numbers for recognizing symbols, and are not actually attached to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, the numbers will be used in the following description.

The symbols include a "first replay" symbol (eg, the 19th symbol on the left reel 32L), a "bell" symbol (eg, the 18th symbol on the left reel 32L), and a "second replay" symbol (eg, the left reel 32L). 17th symbol), “White 7” symbol (e.g., 16th symbol on left reel 32L), “Watermelon” symbol (e.g., 15th symbol on left reel 32L), “BAR” symbol (e.g., left 12th symbol on the reel 32L), "red 7" symbol (eg, 11th symbol on the left reel 32L), and "cherry" symbol (eg, 10th symbol on the left reel 32L). Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the number and arrangement order of various symbols are completely different in each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the display windows 21L, 21M and 21R. Each of the display windows 21L, 21M and 21R is formed so that 3 of the 20 symbols attached to the corresponding reel are visible as a whole. Therefore, when all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped, 3×3=9 symbols are visible through the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R.

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

That is, in the present slot machine 10, only one main line ML is set as a line on which winning can be established. The main line ML is set as a straight line. A subline SL1 connecting the upper pattern of the left reel 32L, the middle pattern of the middle reel 32M and the lower pattern of the right reel 32R, and the upper pattern of the left reel 32L, the upper pattern of the middle reel 32M and the upper pattern of the right reel 32R. A subline SL3 connecting a subline SL2, a lower pattern of the left reel 32L, a lower pattern of the middle reel 32M and a lower pattern of the right reel 32R, a lower pattern of the left reel 32L, a middle pattern of the middle reel 32M and an upper pattern of the right reel 32R. Even if a combination of symbols to be a winning target is established on a straight line such as a sub-line SL4 connecting the symbols, winning is not established. The number of main lines ML is not limited to one, and may be two, three, four, or five or more. The number of main lines ML to be activated may be different depending on the number of main lines ML. Further, the main line ML is not limited to a straight line, and may be a curved line.

In the slot machine 10, a CB (Challenge Bonus) state, which will be described later, and a non-CB state, which is not the CB state, are set as game states. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the correspondence relationship between the combination of winning symbols and the benefits given when winning in the non-CB state and the benefits given when winning in the CB state are shown. explain. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the correspondence relationship between the combination of winning symbols and the privilege given when winning.

The small winnings for which medals are paid out include the 1st to 9th compensation winnings, the bell winnings, and the watermelon winnings.

Specifically, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L on the main line ML is any one of the "BAR" symbol, the "cherry" symbol, the "white 7" symbol and the "first replay" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M. is a "bell" symbol and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is a "bell" symbol, the first supplemental winning is achieved, and the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L on the main line ML is a "bell" symbol and a "BAR" symbol. "Cherry" symbol, "White 7" symbol and "Watermelon" symbol. In the case of , it becomes the second supplementary prize, and the stopped symbol of the left reel 32L on the main line ML is any one of "Bell" symbol, "BAR" symbol, "Cherry" symbol, "White 7" symbol and "Watermelon" symbol. , and when the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "bell" symbol and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "first replay" symbol, the third supplementary prize is awarded. Further, on the main line ML, the left reel 32L has any one of the "bell" symbol, "BAR" symbol, "cherry" symbol and "white 7" symbol, and the middle reel 32M has the "first If the symbols on the right reel 32R are the "replay" symbol and the symbol stopped on the right reel 32R is the "first replay" symbol, then the fourth supplementary prize is won, and the symbols stopped on the left reel 32L on the main line ML are the "bell" symbol and the "BAR" symbol. "Cherry" symbol, "White 7" symbol and "Watermelon" symbol. In this case, it becomes the fifth supplementary prize, and the stopped symbol of the left reel 32L on the main line ML is any one of "Bell" symbol, "BAR" symbol, "Cherry" symbol, "White 7" symbol and "Watermelon" symbol. , and when the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "first replay" symbol and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "watermelon" symbol, the sixth supplementary prize is won. Furthermore, on the main line ML, the stopped symbols of the left reel 32L are any of the "bell" symbol, "BAR" symbol, "cherry" symbol, "white 7" symbol and "watermelon" symbol, and the middle reel 32M When the stopped symbol is a "bell" symbol and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is a "watermelon" symbol, the seventh supplementary prize is won, and the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L on the main line ML is a "bell" symbol, " BAR" symbol, "cherry" symbol, "white 7" symbol, and "watermelon" symbol, the stopped symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "watermelon" symbol, and the stopped symbol of the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol. In this case, the eighth supplementary prize is won, and the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L on the main line ML is any one of the "bell" symbol, the "BAR" symbol, the "cherry" symbol and the "white 7" symbol. When the stopped symbol on the reel 32M is the "watermelon" symbol and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "watermelon" symbol, the ninth supplementary prize is awarded. When any one of the first to ninth supplementary prizes is won, one medal is paid out in the case of non-CB, and four medals are paid out in the case of CB.

When the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "bell" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "bell" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol on the main line ML, the bell wins. becomes. When the bell wins, 9 medals are paid out regardless of whether it is non-CB or CB.

In the case of winning a bell prize, the stopped symbols of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are all "bell" symbols on the main line ML. A player can easily recognize that a prize has been won when a combination of the same symbols is stop-displayed on a straight line. In this case, by stopping and displaying the same combination of "bell" symbols when the bell wins, it is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize the occurrence of the win in the configuration designed to diversify the manner in which the wins are established in the main line ML. It becomes possible.

Watermelon wins when the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "watermelon" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "watermelon" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "watermelon" symbol on the main line ML. becomes. When a watermelon wins, four medals are paid out regardless of whether it is non-CB or CB. When the watermelon wins, the stopped symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are all "watermelon" symbols on the main line ML. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that the watermelon has won a prize.

As prizes that give the privilege of replaying the next game without betting medals, normal replay prize, 1st replay prize, 2nd RT replay prize, 1st fall replay prize, and 2nd fall There is a replay prize.

Specifically, on the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "first replay" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "first replay" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "first replay" symbol. 1 replay” symbol, it will be a normal replay prize.

On the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "first replay" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "first replay" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "second replay" symbol. In the case of any of the "BAR" symbols, the first RT replay wins, and the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "first replay" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "second replay" symbol. If it is one of the "BAR" symbols and the stop symbol on the right reel 32R is the "first replay" symbol, the second RT replay wins.

On the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "first replay" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "first replay" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "red 7" symbol. If the symbol is one of the "white 7" symbols, or if the stopped symbol of the left reel 32L on the main line ML is either the "red 7" symbol or the "white 7" symbol, and the stopped symbol of the middle reel 32M is the " If the symbol is either "Red 7" or "White 7" and the stop symbol on the right reel 32R is the "first replay" symbol, the first falling replay wins. On the main line ML, the left reel 32L has a "first replay" symbol, the middle reel 32M has a "red 7" symbol or a "white 7" symbol, and the right reel 32R has a "red 7" symbol. is the "first replay" symbol, or the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L on the main line ML is either a "red 7" symbol or a "white 7" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is is the "first replay" symbol, and the stop symbol on the right reel 32R is either the "red 7" symbol or the "white 7" symbol, the second drop replay wins.

If any of the above replay wins, it is possible to play the next game without betting medals. Specifically, when any of the replay wins in a game in which three medals are bet, it is possible to start the next game with three medals betted, while eliminating the need to bet medals.

In addition, among the above various replay prizes, the 1st replay prize, the 2nd RT replay prize, the 1st fall replay prize, and the 2nd fall replay prize not only trigger the grant of replay prizes, but also trigger the transition of the game state. Become. In the slot machine 10, a plurality of types of game states are set so that the types of wins to be drawn and the probability of winning each of the wins are different in the lottery process of the wins, and the transition between these game states is the transition of the game states. Occurs when the replay winning as a trigger is established.

There is a CB prize as a state transition prize in which only game state transition is performed. Specifically, on the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "Red 7" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "Red 7" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "Red 7" symbol. If it is a pattern, it will be a CB prize. When the CB winning is established, the game state shifts to the CB state.

The CB state is a gaming state in which when the combination of symbols corresponding to a minor winning combination stops on the main line ML, medals are paid out as a winning regardless of whether there is a winning combination. For example, even if the win flag corresponding to the bell winning is not set to "1", if the combination of symbols corresponding to the bell winning is stopped on the main line ML, the number of medals corresponding to the bell winning is displayed. is given to the player. On the other hand, the replay winning prize is established on the condition that the corresponding combination is won in the lottery.

As described above, the slot machine 10 is provided with the non-CB state and the CB state as game states. The non-CB state includes a normal game state, an ART state which is more advantageous for the player than the normal game state, and a preparatory state which is a preliminary stage to the ART state.

In the CB state, different reel control is performed than in the non-CB state. In the non-CB state, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are controlled by the first reel, which can slide up to four symbols after the stop buttons 42-44 are operated. In other words, in the non-CB state, the first reel control to stop the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R before the first specified time (190 msec) elapses after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. I can say On the other hand, in the CB state, the first reel control, that is, the same first reel control as in the normal game is performed for the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R, but the first reel control is not performed for the left reel 32L. For the left reel 32L, a second reel control is performed in which the left stop button 42 is operated and the reel is slid only up to one symbol. In other words, in the CB game state, the left reel 32L is subjected to the second reel control to stop the game after the second specified time (75 msec) shorter than the first specified time elapses after the left stop button 42 is operated. It can also be said.

In the CB state, if the winning combination corresponding to the replay winning prize is won, the replay winning prize is given priority, and if the replay winning prize is not possible, one of the minor winning prizes is generated at 100%. In addition, if the winning combination corresponding to the replay winning prize is not won, any minor winning combination is generated at 100%. The number of bets in each game in the non-CB state and the number of bets in each game in the CB state are both three. As already explained, the number of medals to be paid out is four when any one of the first to ninth compensation winnings is established in the CB state. In the CB state, the number of medals to be paid out is nine when the bell win is established, and the number of medals to be paid out is four when the watermelon win is established. The CB state is an advantageous state for the player, in which the player's owned medals increase each time a small winning combination occurs. The CB state ends when the total number of game media awarded since the start of the CB state becomes equal to or greater than the end reference number (for example, "350"). In addition, the termination condition of the CB state is arbitrary, and for example, the CB state may be terminated when a small winning combination is won 19 times.

In the CB game, the second reel control that slides only up to one symbol is not limited to the left reel 32L, and the second reel control is performed on the reel corresponding to the first operated stop button. Alternatively, the second reel control may be performed only for a predetermined reel. Further, the reel corresponding to the stop button operated in a certain order is controlled in such a way that the reel corresponding to the stop button operated second or the stop button operated last is subjected to the second reel control. 2 reel control may be performed.

<Device for executing various notifications and various effects>
Next, a device for executing various notifications and various effects will be described.

Above the front door 12, as shown in FIG. 1, an upper lamp 61, a speaker 62, and an image display device 63 are provided. When an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, light emission of the upper lamp 61 is controlled in a manner corresponding to the abnormality, and light emission is controlled in a manner corresponding to the winning result. Further, the upper lamp 61 is controlled to emit light so that a light emission effect corresponding to the display effect on the image display device 63 is performed. The speakers 62 are provided as a pair of left and right speakers, and when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, the sound output is controlled so that a sound or voice corresponding to the abnormality is output, and a sound or voice corresponding to the winning result is output. Sound output is controlled so that Further, the speaker 62 is controlled to output sound so that a sound output effect corresponding to the display effect on the image display device 63 is performed.

The image display device 63 has a display surface 63a, and when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, display control is performed so that an image corresponding to the abnormality is displayed on the display surface 63a. Further, the image display device 63 is controlled to display on the display surface 63a an image corresponding to the result of winning a role in the internal lottery and the result of winning in each game.

Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

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

The MPU 72 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the MPU 72 includes the reel unit 31, a start detection sensor 41a that detects the operation of the start lever 41, stop detection sensors 42a, 43a, and 44a that individually detect the operation of each of the stop buttons 42, 43, and 44, and a medal insertion sensor. A inserted medal detection sensor 45a for detecting medals inserted from the mouth 45; credit insertion detection sensors 47a, 48a, 49a for individually detecting the operation of each credit insertion button 47, 48, 49; A settlement detection sensor 51a, a payout detection sensor of the hopper device 53, a reset detection sensor that detects operation of a reset button 56 provided in the power supply device 54, and a setting that detects insertion of a setting key into a setting key insertion hole 57. Various sensors such as a key detection sensor are connected, and signals from these sensors are input to the MPU 72 .

The output side of the MPU 72 is connected to the reel unit 31, the selector drive section 52a provided in the selector 52, the payout motor of the hopper device 53, the credit display section 65, the given number display section 66, the effect control device 80, and the like. . In each game, the MPU 72 controls the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R of the reel unit 31. FIG. The selector 52 guides the medals inserted from the medal slot 45 to the hopper device 53 after being detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 45a if reception is permitted, and to the inserted medal detection sensor 45a if reception is prohibited. It has a function of ejecting to the medal receiving tray 59 without being detected by the The selector drive unit 52a has a function of switching the state of the selector 52 between the reception permission state and the reception prohibition state. and a position for prohibiting reception. The MPU 72 switches the state of the selector 52 between the reception permission state and the reception prohibition state by switching the output state and the stop state of the driving signal to the selector driving section 52a.

The MPU 72 controls the display of the credit display section 65 so that the number of stored virtual medals is displayed. Further, the MPU 72 executes drive control of the hopper device 53 when a small winning combination is established and medals are to be paid out. Furthermore, the MPU 72 controls the display of the given number display section 66 so that the number of game media to be given is displayed when game media are given. Moreover, MPU72 transmits a command to the production|presentation control apparatus 80 at each timing of each game.

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

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

It should be noted that it is not essential that the ROM 83 and the RAM 84 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 82, and they may be individually integrated into chips. In addition, the RAM 84 is not supplied with backup power from the power supply section of the power supply unit 54 when the supply of operating power from the external power supply is interrupted, but the backup power is supplied to the RAM 84. good too.

The MPU 82 is provided with an input port and an output port. The MPU 72 of the main control device 70 is connected to the input side of the MPU 82 as already described, and various commands are received from the MPU 72 . An upper lamp 61 , a speaker 62 and an image display device 63 are connected to the output side of the MPU 82 . Based on commands received from the MPU 72 of the main control device 70, the MPU 82 executes light emission control of the upper lamp 61, sound output control of the speaker 62, and display control of the image display device 63, thereby performing various notifications and various effects. let it happen.

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

Next, processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described. First, the main processing executed by the main MPU 72 when the supply of operating power to the main MPU 72 is started will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the main process, first, an initialization process is executed (step S101). In the initialization processing, interrupts by the timer interrupt processing are permitted, and various initial settings are made for the registers and I/O devices in the main MPU 72 . After that, it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 57 and the power is turned on (step S102). If the power is turned on with the setting key inserted (step S102: YES), if the reset button 56 is not turned on when the power is turned on (step S103: NO), the probability of winning remains unchanged. A setting process is executed (step S105). On the other hand, if the reset button 56 is turned on when the power is turned on (step S103: YES), the winning probability setting process is executed (step S105) after executing the clear process (step S104).

In the clear processing, all areas in the main RAM 74 are initialized. In this case, in the main side RAM 74, an area for storing the setting values of the slot machine 10, an area for storing data indicating whether or not the CB state is stored, an area for storing data indicating the gaming state, and the end of the AT state. Each area of the main side RAM 74 is cleared to "0" including the area in which the data for specifying the condition is stored. When the clear process is executed, if the state before the power cutoff was a state in which the progress of the game was restricted due to the occurrence of an abnormality, the abnormal state is canceled.

In the winning probability setting process, the current set value is read and the current set value is displayed on the credit display section 65 on condition that the setting key is inserted and turned on. When the clearing process (step S104) of the main RAM 74 is executed, a display corresponding to "setting 1" is displayed on the credit display section 65 at the start of the winning probability setting process, and the clearing process (step S104) is performed. is not executed, a display corresponding to the setting value in the state before the power shutdown is performed. In the winning probability setting process, the set value is updated by 1 each time the reset button 56 is operated, and the updated set value is displayed on the credit display section 65 . If the reset button 56 is operated while the setting value is "setting 6", the setting value is updated to "setting 1". When the ON operation of the setting key is released after the start lever 41 is operated, the winning probability setting process is terminated. In this case, the display of the set value on the credit display section 65 is ended.

After executing the winning probability setting process, the process shifts to the normal process (step S106). The normal processing will be explained later in detail. If the ON operation of the setting key is not performed in the main process (step S102: NO), the power recovery process from step S107 onwards is executed. The power restoration process is a process for restoring the state of the slot machine 10 to the state before the power shutdown. In the power restoration process, it is determined whether or not the setting values of the slot machine 10 are normal by checking the main RAM 74 (step S107). Specifically, if the setting value is any one of "setting 1" to "setting 6", it is determined to be normal, and if it is "0" or "7" or more, it is determined to be abnormal. If the set value is normal, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is set to "1" (step S108). A power failure flag is provided in the main side RAM 74, and when the predetermined power failure processing is normally executed when the supply of operating power to the main side MPU 72 is stopped, the power failure flag is set to "1". will be set. If the power failure flag is set to "1", it is checked whether the RAM determination value is normal (step S109). Specifically, the checksum value of the main RAM 74 is checked to confirm whether the value is normal.

If affirmative determination is made in all of steps S107 to S109, it means that the power failure processing at the time of the previous power failure was normally executed. In this case, the value of the stack pointer saved in the main RAM 74 is written to the stack pointer of the main MPU 72, and the data saved in the main RAM 74 is returned to the register of the main MPU 72. The state is restored to the state before the power was cut off (step S110). Also, the power failure flag in the main RAM 74 is cleared to "0" (step S111). After that, after transmitting a power recovery command for recognizing the execution of the power recovery process to the production side MPU 82 (step S112), it returns to the address before the power shutdown (step S113).

On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in any of steps S107 to S109, operation prohibition processing is executed. In the operation prohibition process, execution of the next timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) is prohibited (step S114), and all the output ports of the main MPU 72 are cleared to "0", thereby all actuators connected to the output ports are cleared. is turned off (step S115), and an error notification process is executed to notify the hall manager or the like of the occurrence of an error (step S116). Then it becomes an infinite loop. The operation prohibition process is canceled by executing the clear process (step S104).

Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Timer interrupt processing is started every 1.49 msec.

In the register saving process (step S201), the values of all the registers in the main MPU 72 used in the normal process described later are saved in the main RAM 74. FIG. In step S202, it is checked whether or not the power failure flag is set to "1", and if the power failure flag is set to "1", the process proceeds to step S203 to execute power failure processing.

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

If the power failure flag is not set to "1" in step S202, various processes after step S204 are performed. In step S204, clearing processing of the watchdog timer for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S205, the main MPU 72 performs an interrupt termination declaration process to enable the next timer interrupt to be set. In step S206, stepping motor control processing is performed to drive the stepping motors 33 provided for the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R in order to rotate the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R. Details of the stepping motor control process will be described later.

In step S207, sensor monitoring processing is performed. In the sensor monitoring process, the states of various sensors connected to the input port are read, and whether or not the read result is normal is monitored. Further, in the sensor monitoring process, the detection signal states of the stop detection sensors 42 a to 44 a are stored in the detection state storage area provided in the main RAM 74 . The detection state storage area is a storage area capable of storing the state of the detection signal for the last two times of each of the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a. The main MPU 72 refers to the state of the detection signal for the last two times stored in the detection state storage area, and is in an operation corresponding state in which the previous detection signal is in the LOW state and the current detection signal is in the HI state. In this case, it is grasped that the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated.

In step S208, timer subtraction processing is performed to subtract the value of each counter or timer. In step S209, counter processing for outputting the result of counting the number of bets of medals and the number of payouts to the outside is performed. In step S210, command output processing for transmitting various commands to the effect side MPU 82 is performed. In step S211, port output processing is performed to output data corresponding to the I/O device from the input/output port. In step S212, the values of each register saved in the main RAM 74 in the previous step S201 are returned to the corresponding registers in the main MPU 72, respectively. After that, in step S213, interrupt permission processing for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processing is terminated.

Next, normal processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, interrupt permission processing is performed to permit the next timer interrupt (step S301). After that, start waiting processing is executed (step S302). In the start waiting process, it is determined whether or not any replay winning has occurred in the previous game. If any of the replay winnings have occurred, automatic injection processing is performed to automatically insert the same number of virtual medals as the number of previous bets, and the start waiting processing ends. When no replay winning has occurred, it is determined whether or not the settlement button 51 has been operated, and when the settlement button 51 has been operated, the same number of medals as credited virtual medals are paid out. Perform medal return processing. After the completion of the medal return processing or when the settlement button 51 is not operated, whether or not the insertion of medals or the operation of the insertion of credit buttons 47 to 49 has been performed between the previous start waiting processing and the current start waiting processing. If either one is performed, a medal insertion process for changing the number of bets, etc. is performed, and the start waiting process is terminated. Also, if both the insertion of medals and the operation of the credit insertion buttons 47 to 49 have not been performed between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, the start waiting process is terminated as it is.

After execution of the start waiting process in step S302, it is determined whether or not the number of bets on medals has reached a specified number (specifically, "3") (step S303), and if the number of bets has not reached the specified number Then, the process returns to the start waiting process (step S302). If the number of bets has reached the prescribed number, it is determined whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated (step S304). If the start lever 41 has not been operated, the process returns to the start waiting process (step S302). On the other hand, if the start lever 41 has been operated, after the main line ML is activated, reception prohibition processing is executed (step S305). By executing the reception prohibiting process, even if a medal is inserted into the medal slot 45, the medal is ejected to the medal receiving tray 59 without being detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 45a. After that, a lottery process for performing a lottery for a winning combination in the current game is executed (step S306), and a reel control process for driving and controlling the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R in a manner corresponding to the result of the current lottery process. is executed (step S307).

After that, medium application processing is executed (step S308). In the medium awarding process, when a minor winning combination has been established in the current game, a process for awarding the player with a number of game media corresponding to the winning of the minor winning combination is executed. Specifically, when virtual medals are awarded, a value corresponding to the current minor winning combination is added to a credit counter provided in the main RAM 74, and when the value of the credit counter reaches the maximum number of stored coins, drives and controls the hopper device 53 so that the number of medals exceeding the upper limit stored number is paid out to the medal receiving tray 59 .

After executing the medium giving process in step S308, a corresponding process at the end of the game is executed to enable the setting of the game state corresponding to the result of the current game (step S309). After that, an external output setting process for outputting the state of the slot machine 10 to the management computer of the game hall is executed (step S310), reception permission process is executed (step S311), and the process returns to step S301. By executing the acceptance permission process, the medals inserted from the medal slot 45 are collected by the hopper device 53 after being detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 45a.

<Lottery processing>
Next, the lottery process executed in step S306 of the normal process (FIG. 10) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the lottery process, first, a random number used for judging whether a winning combination is right or wrong is acquired (step S401). In the slot machine 10, when the start lever 41 is operated, the hardware circuit latches the value of the free-run counter at that time. The free-run counter generates a random number from 0 to 65535, and after confirming the operation of the start lever 41, the main MPU 72 stores the value latched by the hardware circuit in the main RAM 74. FIG. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to quickly obtain a random number at the timing when the start lever 41 is operated, and it is possible to avoid problems such as synchronization. The hardware circuit of the slot machine 10 is configured to latch the value of the free-run counter each time the start lever 41 is operated.

After obtaining the random number in step S401, the lottery table for judging the winning combination is read from the main ROM 73 (step S402). Here, in the slot machine 10, six levels of winning probabilities from a setting value of "1" to a setting value of "6" are prepared in advance for the non-CB state, and the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 57. It is possible to set the winning probability based on which the lottery process is to be executed by turning ON and performing a predetermined operation. The set value of “n+1” is higher than the set value of “n” because the probability of winning the CB role that triggers the transition to the CB state is higher than the set value of “n”. The value favors the player. In addition, there are three types of lottery modes, a normal mode, a first RT mode, and a second RT mode, in which the main MPU 72 has different lottery tables even if the set values are at the same stage. In addition, as a game state, the above-described CB state exists separately from the state of each lottery mode. In step S402, a lottery table corresponding to the combination of the current set value and the current game state is selected.

A lottery table corresponding to each of the normal mode, the first RT mode, and the second RT mode will be described using the case where the set value is "3" as an example. First, the normal mode lottery table selected in the normal mode will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the normal mode lottery table, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and the types of wins that can be established in the normal mode lottery table. be.

As shown in FIG. 12, index values IV are set in the normal mode lottery table, and each index value IV is associated with a winning combination and set with a point value PV. The point value PV determines the winning probability of the corresponding lottery combination in relation to the maximum value ("65535") of the free run counter.

Specifically, the index value IV=1 is set with the bell winning data and the first supplementary winning data to the third supplementary winning data. When winning with index value IV=1, as shown in FIG. A bell prize is surely generated regardless of the types of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R and the operation timings of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, any one of the first compensation prize to the third compensation prize is reliably achieved. Occur.

As described above, in the slot machine 10, in the non-CB state, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are controlled by the first reels that can slide up to four symbols after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. will be In the first reel control, stop control of the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is performed from when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated until the first specified time (190 msec) elapses. By performing the first reel control, it becomes possible to facilitate establishment of a prize corresponding to a winning combination, and to avoid establishment of a prize corresponding to a non-winning combination. becomes possible. However, since the amount of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that can be slid is limited as described above, only one reel 32L, 32M, 32R constitutes a combination of symbols for establishing a prize. If there are 5 or more symbols between the constituent symbols, depending on the operation timing of the corresponding stop buttons 42 to 44, the constituent symbols may not stop on the main line ML (this phenomenon is also known as "dropout"). say). The 1st to 4th supplementary prizes, the bell prize and various replay prizes are prize modes in which no loss occurs when the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are stopped in the corresponding order. Compensation prizes and CB prizes are prize modes that may be missed depending on the stop operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44 with respect to the rotational positions of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

For the index value IV=2, as shown in FIG. 12, bell winning data and fourth to sixth supplementary winning data are set. When the winning is made with the index value IV=2, as shown in FIG. A bell winning prize is established without fail regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, any one of the fourth compensation winning prize to the sixth compensation winning prize can be established. However, depending on the operation timing of the middle stop button 43 and the right stop button 44 with respect to the rotation positions of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R, there is a possibility that none of the fourth to sixth supplementary prizes will be won.

As shown in FIG. 12, the index value IV=3 includes bell winning data and seventh to ninth supplementary winning data. When the winning is made with the index value IV=3, as shown in FIG. Regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the bell winning is surely established, and in other cases, any one of the seventh compensation winning to the ninth compensation winning can be established. However, depending on the operation timing of the middle stop button 43 and the right stop button 44 with respect to the rotational positions of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R, there is a possibility that none of the seventh to ninth compensation winnings will be established.

As shown in FIG. 12, only the bell winning data is set to the index value IV=4. If a win is made with the index value IV=4, as shown in FIG. 13, the bell win is established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. Also, if the winning is achieved with the index value IV=4, the winning of the bell is assured regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44.

As shown in FIG. 12, only the watermelon winning data is set to the index value IV=5. If a win is made with the index value IV=5, as shown in FIG. 13, a watermelon win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timings of the stop buttons 42 to 44 with respect to the rotation positions of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, there is a possibility that the watermelon prize will not be established.

As shown in FIG. 12, CB winning data is set for the index value IV=6. If a win is made with the index value IV=6, as shown in FIG. 13, a CB win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the CB prize will not be established.

Winning data other than the CB winning data are erased in the winning game irrespective of whether or not the winning has been established, and are not carried over to the games following the winning game. On the other hand, the CB winning data is stored and held until the corresponding CB winning is established even in the games subsequent to the winning game, except when the main side RAM 74 is cleared. In this case, in a game in which the CB winning data is carried over, the index value IV corresponding to the CB winning data is excluded from the lottery. This prevents new CB winning data from being stored in a situation where CB winning data has already been stored, so that the CB winning data is not accumulated and stored.

As shown in FIG. 12, normal replay winning data and first RT replay winning data are set to index values IV=7-10. In this case, when winning with the index value IV=7, as shown in FIG. 13, the first stop is the left reel 32L, and the second stop (the reel for which the second stop command is issued) is the middle reel 32M. , and when the third stop (reel where the last stop command is generated) is the right reel 32R, the 1st replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, otherwise , normal replay winning is established without fail regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42-44. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=8, the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M. 1RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of 44, and normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44 in other cases. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=9, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R. 1RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of 44, and normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44 in other cases. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=10, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L. 1RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of 44, and normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44 in other cases.

When the normal mode lottery table of FIG. 12 is selected, the probability of winning when the index value IV=1, the probability of winning when the index value IV=2, and the winning when the index value IV=3 The probability of winning is about 1/8.2 respectively, the probability of winning when the index value IV=4 is about 1/6.6, and the probability of winning when the index value IV=5 is The probability of winning when the index value IV=6 is about 1/109, the probability of winning when the index value IV=7 is about 1/82.0, and the probability of winning when the index value IV=8 is about 1/109. The probability of winning, the probability of winning when index value IV=9, and the probability of winning when index value IV=10 are each about 1/41.

Here, in the normal mode lottery table, as already described, 1RT replay winning data is set as winning data with index values IV=7 to 10 in addition to normal replay winning data (see FIG. 12). The probability of winning one of these index values IV=7 to 10 is about 1/10.2. If a win is made with any of the index values IV=7 to 10, the order of stopping the reels 32L, 32M, 32R: 1st stop, 2nd stop and 3rd stop corresponds to the winning combination. When the order is achieved, the 1st replay prize is established, and the lottery mode shifts from the normal mode to the 1st RT mode. When shifting to the first RT mode, the lottery table referred to in the winning lottery process (FIG. 11) is the lottery table for the first RT mode.

Next, the lottery table for the first RT mode, which is selected in the case of "setting 3" and the first RT mode, will be described. 14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the lottery table for the first RT mode.

In the first RT mode lottery table, as shown in FIG. 14, the winning combination data set to index values IV=1 to 6 and the winning probabilities of each index value IV are determined by the normal mode lottery table (see FIG. 14). 12). In this case, the index values IV=1 to 5 are set with the winning combination data and the respective winning probabilities set to the respective index values IV=1 to 5, which are set to allow the provision of game media. Since they are the same, the types of wins for which game media can be awarded and the winning probabilities of those wins are the same in both the normal mode and the first RT mode. Also, CB winning data is set to the index value IV=6 in the same manner as in the normal mode lottery table, and the winning probability is the same as in the normal mode lottery table. That is, the probability of winning the CB role is the same in the normal mode and the first RT mode.

The winning combination data set after the index value IV=7 are different from those in the normal mode. Specifically, in the first RT mode lottery table, as shown in FIG. 14, second RT replay winning data is set as winning data with index values IV=7 to 10 in addition to normal replay winning data. The probability of winning one of these index values IV=7 to 10 is about 1/8.2. When winning with index value IV=7, as shown in FIG. 15, the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the right reel 32R. A second RT replay prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, a normal replay prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=8, the 2nd RT replay wins when the 1st stop is the left reel 32L, the 2nd stop is the right reel 32R, and the 3rd stop is the middle reel 32M. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=9, the 2nd RT replay wins when the 1st stop is the right reel 32R, the 2nd stop is the left reel 32L, and the 3rd stop is the middle reel 32M. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=10, if the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the second RT replay wins. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. In the 1st RT mode, a win is made with any of the index values IV=7 to 10, and the stop order of the 1st stop, 2nd stop and 3rd stop of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R corresponds to the winning combination. If so, the second RT replay prize is established and the lottery mode shifts from the first RT mode to the second RT mode. When shifting to the second RT mode, the lottery table referred to in the winning lottery process (FIG. 11) is the lottery table for the second RT mode.

In the lottery table for the first RT mode, as shown in FIG. 14, as winning data with index values IV=11 to 16, in addition to normal replay winning data, first drop replay winning data is set. The probability of winning one of these index values IV=11 to 16 is about 1/10.9.

When the lottery table for the first RT mode wins with the index value IV=11, as shown in FIG. 15, the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is When it is the right reel 32R, the normal replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is generated according to the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. It definitely happens regardless. Also, when winning with the index value IV=12, when the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M, the normal replay prize is awarded. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=13, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R, the normal replay winning prize is each. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=14, if the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the normal replay prize is awarded. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=15, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M, the normal replay prize is won. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=16, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the normal replay prize is won. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. When the first falling replay prize is established, the lottery mode shifts to the normal mode. When shifting to the normal mode, the lottery table referred to in the winning lottery process (FIG. 11) is the normal mode lottery table.

In the lottery table for the first RT mode, only the normal replay winning data is set for the index value IV=17. The probability of winning with the index value IV=17 is set higher than the probability of winning other roles, specifically about 1/6.6. Then, when winning is achieved with this index value IV=17, the normal replay prize is established regardless of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R and the stop operation timing of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. .

In the lottery table for the first RT mode, a combination that enables establishment of a replay prize is set for index values IV=7 to 17. Since the winning probabilities of these roles are set to the probabilities already explained, the winning probability of the winning role that enables establishment of a replay prize in the first RT mode (hereinafter also referred to as replay probability) is about 1. /2.7. On the other hand, the replay probability in normal mode is about 1/10.2. That is, the first RT mode is a game state with a higher replay probability than the normal mode.

Next, the lottery table for the second RT mode, which is selected in the case of "setting 3" and the second RT mode, will be described. 16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the lottery table for the second RT mode.

In the second RT mode lottery table, as shown in FIG. 16, the winning combination data set to index values IV=1 to 6 and the winning probabilities of each index value IV are determined by the normal mode lottery table (see FIG. 16). 12) and the first RT mode lottery table (FIG. 14). In this case, the index values IV=1 to 5 are set with combinations that allow game media to be awarded, and the winning combination data and the respective winning probabilities set for the index values IV=1 to 5 are respectively set. Since they are the same, the types of wins for which game media can be awarded and the winning probabilities of those wins are the same in the normal mode, the first RT mode, and the second RT mode. CB winning data is set to the index value IV=6 in the same manner as in the normal mode lottery table and the first RT mode lottery table, and the winning probability is set in the normal mode lottery table and the first RT mode lottery table. are identical. That is, the probability of winning the CB role is the same in the normal mode, the first RT mode and the second RT mode.

The winning combination data set after the index value IV=7 are different from those in the normal mode and the first RT mode. Specifically, in the lottery table for the second RT mode, as shown in FIG. 16, in addition to the normal replay winning data, the second fall replay winning data is set as the winning data with index values IV=7 to 12. . The probability of winning one of these index values IV=7 to 12 is about 1/5.5.

When the lottery table for the second RT mode wins with the index value IV=7, as shown in FIG. 17, the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is In the case of the right reel 32R, the normal replay prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay prize is generated at the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. It definitely happens regardless. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=8, when the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M, the normal replay prize is awarded. It certainly occurs irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning prizes certainly occur irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=9, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R, the normal replay winning prize is each. It certainly occurs irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning prizes certainly occur irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=10, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the normal replay winning prize is each. It certainly occurs irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning prizes certainly occur irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=11, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M, the normal replay prize is won. It certainly occurs irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning prizes certainly occur irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=12, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the normal replay winning prize is each. It certainly occurs irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning prizes certainly occur irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. When the second falling replay winning prize is established, the lottery mode shifts to the first RT mode. When shifting to the first RT mode, the lottery table referred to in the winning lottery process (FIG. 11) is the lottery table for the first RT mode.

In the lottery table for the second RT mode, only the normal replay winning data is set for the index value IV=13. The probability of winning with the index value IV=13 is set higher than the probability of winning other roles, specifically about 1/5.5. Then, when winning is achieved with this index value IV=13, the normal replay prize is established regardless of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R and the stop operation timing of each reel 32L, 32M and 32R. .

In the lottery table for the second RT mode, a combination that enables establishment of a replay prize is set for index values IV=7 to 13. Since the winning probabilities of these roles are set to the probabilities already explained, the winning probability (replay probability) of the role that enables establishment of a replay prize in the second RT mode is about 1/2.7. It has become. On the other hand, the replay probability in normal mode is about 1/10.2. That is, the second RT mode is a gaming state with a higher replay probability than the normal mode. On the other hand, the replay probability in the first RT mode is approximately 1/2.7. That is, the second RT mode has the same replay probability as the first RT mode. However, it is not limited to the configuration in which the replay probability in the first RT mode is the same as the replay probability in the second RT mode. A certain configuration may be used, the second RT mode may have a higher replay probability than the first RT mode, and the first RT mode may have a higher replay probability than the second RT mode.

The lottery table for normal mode, the lottery table for 1st RT mode, and the lottery table for 2nd RT mode are set in one-to-one correspondence with "setting 1" to "setting 6", and the set value is high. The probability of winning the CB combination increases as the number increases, but the replay probability set in each lottery mode is the same or substantially the same regardless of the setting value. In addition, if the CB role is won, the CB role is excluded from the lottery regardless of whether it is the normal mode, the first RT mode or the second RT mode so as not to win the CB role twice. .

In addition to the normal mode lottery table, the first RT mode lottery table, and the second RT mode lottery table, the main-side ROM 73 also stores CBs that are referred to in the winning lottery process (FIG. 11) in the CB state. A lottery table for status is stored, and an internal lottery table is stored which is referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) for a combination when a CB winning combination is won but the CB prize is not established. there is

An index value IV is set in the CB state lottery table in the same manner as the normal mode lottery table (FIG. 12), the first RT mode lottery table (FIG. 14), and the second RT mode lottery table (FIG. 16). A winning combination is associated with the index value IV, and a point value PV is set. In the lottery table for CB status, only normal replay winning data is set with index value IV=1, and other winning data is not set. Also, the winning probability is the same as in the case of the lottery table for the second RT mode. However, it is not limited to this, and the winning probability of the normal replay combination may be higher or lower than in the second RT mode lottery table.

As already explained, the number of slips that can be set in the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R performed in the CB state is "0" to "4" for the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R, as in the non-CB state. On the other hand, the left reel 32L has "0" to "1". When the index value IV=1 of the lottery table for CB status is won, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are controlled to stop so that the normal replay winning prize is preferentially established. In addition, if the combination of symbols corresponding to the normal replay winning prize cannot be stopped on the main line ML (Fig. 5) due to the relationship between the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44 and the number of slips that can be set, one of the small wins Stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is performed to stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning (first supplementary winning to ninth supplemental winning, bell winning, or watermelon winning) on the main line ML. In this slot machine 10, when the index value IV=1 of the lottery table for the CB state is won, the normal replay winning prize or any of the minor combination winning prizes is surely generated. On the other hand, when the index value IV=1 of the lottery table for the CB state is not won, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that stop the combination of the symbols corresponding to any of the minor winning prizes on the main line ML are stopped. Control is carried out to ensure that one of the small wins is won.

In the internal lottery table, winning data corresponding to index values IV=1 to 5 in the normal mode lottery table (FIG. 12) are set with the winning probabilities of those index values IV. The index value IV in which only the data is set is set so as to be the sum of winning probability of the index values IV=7 to 10 in the normal mode lottery table. Therefore, when the CB role is internally won, the winning probability of the winning role and the winning role of the winning role are the same as in the normal mode, and the replay probability is the same as in the normal mode. The CB role is not won, and the role that triggers the transition to the normal mode, the first RT mode and the second RT mode is not won.

Returning to the description of the lottery process (FIG. 11), after selecting the lottery table in step S402, the index value IV is set to "1" in step S403, and the judgment value DV used when judging the winning combination is made in step S404. set. In this determination value setting process, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the current determination value DV to set a new determination value DV. In the initial determination value setting process, the random value obtained in step S401 is used as the current determination value DV, and the current index value IV "1" and the corresponding point value PV are added to this random value. A new judgment value DV is set.

After that, in step S405, it is determined whether the winning combination corresponding to the index value IV is correct. Whether or not the judgment value DV exceeds "65535" is judged in the winning judgment. If it exceeds "65535", the process advances to step S406 to execute winning data acquisition processing for setting the winning combination data corresponding to the index value IV at that time in the main RAM74.

On the other hand, if the determination value DV does not exceed "65535" in step S405, it means that the hand corresponding to the index value IV is lost. In such a case, 1 is added to the index value IV in step S407, and in the subsequent step S408, it is determined whether or not there is a hand corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a determination target to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV to which 1 has been added exceeds the maximum value of the index value IV set in the lottery table. If there is a judgment target to be judged, the process returns to step S404 to continue judging the winning combination. At this time, in step S404, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the judgment value DV used for the judgment of the previous combination (that is, the current judgment value DV) to obtain a new judgment value DV, In step S405, it is determined whether the winning combination is correct based on the determination value DV.

If it is determined in step S408 that there is no determination target to be determined, it means that the lottery processing result of the current game is a losing result. If the process of step S406 is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S408, this means that the determination of whether the winning combination is correct has been completed. In this case, a stop information first setting process for setting stop information for reel stop control is executed in step S409, and a game start command transmission process is executed in step S410.

In the process of transmitting the game start command (step S410), if any winning combination is won in the current lottery process (FIG. 11), the information of the winning number corresponding to the winning combination; Information corresponding to the current lottery mode and the current game state is set in a game start command, and the game start command is transmitted to the effect side MPU 82. - 特許庁A game start command is a command for making the effect-side MPU 82 recognize that a new game has started. The effect-side MPU 82 controls the light emission of the upper lamp 61, the sound output control of the speaker 62, and the image display device 63, based on the winning number information set in the received game start command, the lottery mode, and the information corresponding to the game state. display control.

After executing the game start command transmission process in step S410, the notification control process is executed in step S411, and the lottery process ends. Stopping order for establishing a bell prize, Stopping order for establishing promotion replays (first RT replay and second RT replay), or order for avoiding establishment of fall replays (first fall replay and second fall replay) Execute processing for notifying the stop order. Details of the notification control process will be described later.

<Reel control processing>
Next, the reel control process executed in step S307 of the normal process (FIG. 10) will be described. Before describing the reel control process, the stepping motor 33 for rotating the reels 32L, 32M, 32R will be described in more detail.

FIG. 18(a) is a connection diagram showing the drive system of the stepping motor 33, FIG. 18(b) is a diagram showing the drive characteristics of the stepping motor 33, and FIG. It is an explanatory view for explaining a sequence table.

As the stepping motor 33, a hybrid (HB) two-phase stepping motor is used. Note that the stepping motor is not limited to the hybrid type, and various stepping motors can be used.

As shown in FIG. 18(a), the hybrid stepping motor 33 includes a rotor 91 disposed in the center and a stator 90 having first to fourth poles 92 to 95 disposed around the rotor 91. and The rotor 91 is composed of a front rotor 91a magnetized to N poles and a back rotor 91b magnetized to S poles. The rotor 91b is attached to the rotary shaft in a state of being relatively shifted by 1/2 pitch so that the teeth provided around the back side rotor 91b are positioned between them. A cylindrical magnet (not shown) is attached between the front side rotor 91a and the back side rotor 91b.

As shown in FIG. 18(b), the excitation coil L0 and the excitation coil L2 are bifilar-wound around the first pole 92 and the third pole 94, and the end of the winding of the excitation coil L0 and the beginning of the winding of the excitation coil L2 are connected to each other. is connected, and a predetermined DC power supply +B (for example, +24 volts) is applied here. Similarly, the excitation coil L1 and the excitation coil L3 are also bifilar-wound around the second pole 93 and the fourth pole 95, and the end of the winding of the excitation coil L1 and the beginning of the winding of the excitation coil L3 are connected. Power supply +B is applied.

A phase in which an excitation signal is applied to the excitation coil L0 of the first pole 92 to excite the first pole 92 to the south pole and excite the third pole 94 to the north pole is defined as an A phase. A phase in which an excitation signal is applied to the excitation coil L2 of 94 to excite the first pole 92 to the N pole and excite the third pole 94 to the S pole is called an inverse A phase. Similarly, the phase in which an excitation signal is applied to the excitation coil L1 of the second pole 93 to excite the second pole 93 to the S pole and excite the fourth pole 95 to the N pole is defined as the B phase. A phase in which an excitation signal is applied to the excitation coil L3 of the fourth pole 95 to excite the second pole 93 to the north pole and excite the fourth pole 95 to the south pole is called a reverse B phase.

An excitation signal for the stepping motor 33 is applied as excitation data to the motor driver 96 shown in FIG. 18(b). This excitation data is stored in the main-side RAM 74, and appropriate excitation data is output by timer interrupt processing. An excitation phase for the stepping motor 33 is determined by this excitation data, and an excitation signal (current) is supplied to the excitation phase.

When the stepping motor 33 is of the one-phase excitation drive system, the rotor 91 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by sequentially applying excitation signals to the A-phase, B-phase, reverse A-phase, and reverse B-phase. It can be driven to rotate. In other words, for example, when the A phase is energized first, the projection of the first pole 92 having the S pole and the teeth of the rotor 91a on the front side, the projection of the third pole 94 having the N pole and the teeth of the rotor 91b on the back side. are facing each other due to their attractive forces, and when the B-phase is energized next, the projection of the second pole 93 that has become the S pole and the teeth of the rotor 91a on the front side, the projection of the fourth pole 95 that has become the N pole and the back side rotation When the teeth of the child 91b face each other due to the attraction force, and then the reverse A phase is energized, the projection of the first pole 92 that has become the N pole, the teeth of the inner rotor 91b, and the third pole 94 that has become the S pole. and the teeth of the rotor 91a on the front side face each other due to the attractive force. The protrusions of the curved fourth pole 95 and the teeth of the front rotor 91a face each other due to the attraction force. By energizing in this order, the rotor 91 rotates clockwise in FIG. 18(a).

In the present slot machine 10, during the acceleration period until the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate at constant speed and the constant speed rotation period for maintaining the constant speed rotation, one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are performed. A 1-2 phase excitation drive is adopted in which . 1-2 phase excitation drive is performed based on an excitation order table (FIG. 19).

As shown in FIG. 19, in the excitation order table, the types of phase excitation are set in association with the excitation order pointers 0-7. During the acceleration period and the constant speed rotation period, the main MPU 72 outputs an excitation signal to the motor driver 96 to excite the phase corresponding to the current excitation order pointer each time the excitation signal is switched. The excitation order pointer is updated by "1" from "0" to "7" each time the excitation signal is output, and is updated to "0" when the excitation order pointer is "7". ”.

As shown in FIG. 19, the 1-2 phase excitation drive includes 1-phase excitation in which the A phase is energized (excitation order pointer 0), 2-phase excitation in which both the A and B phases are energized (excitation order pointer 1), One-phase excitation that energizes the B phase (excitation order pointer 2), two-phase excitation that energizes both the B phase and the reverse A phase (excitation order pointer 3), one-phase excitation that energizes the reverse A phase (excitation order pointer 4 ), 2-phase excitation that energizes both the reverse A phase and the reverse B phase (excitation order pointer 5), 1-phase excitation that energizes the reverse B phase (excitation order pointer 6), and energizes both the reverse B phase and the A phase. 2-phase excitation (excitation order pointer 7) is performed, and then returns to (excitation order pointer 0).

As described above, in this embodiment, the reel is rotated once by 504 pulses of the excitation signal, so the angle change based on the excitation signal of 1 pulse, that is, the angle change per step is about 0.714°.

An excitation pattern that enables acceleration processing of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R will be described below. The main-side ROM 73 stores a first acceleration table and a second acceleration table in which excitation patterns for starting rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are set. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the first acceleration table, and FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the second acceleration table.

As the initial excitation phase during acceleration, one-phase excitation in which only a specific excitation phase is driven and two-phase excitation in which two specific excitation phases are driven simultaneously are considered. As shown in FIG. 20, the first acceleration table is an acceleration table whose initial excitation is two-phase excitation, and as shown in FIG. 21, the second acceleration table is an acceleration table whose initial excitation is one-phase excitation. It is a table for These two acceleration tables are read according to the type of phase excitation performed immediately before the start of the previous stop control. Specifically, when accelerating the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R for which the stop control is executed after the execution of the 1-phase excitation, the first acceleration table in which the 2-phase excitation is set as the initial excitation is read, and the 2-phase excitation is set. When accelerating the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R for which the stop control is executed after phase excitation is executed, the second acceleration table is read in which one-phase excitation is set as the initial excitation.

The first acceleration table and the second acceleration table are commonly used for all reels 32L, 32M, 32R. When only one of the first acceleration table and the second acceleration table is used at the start of rotation of all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, only the one acceleration table is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74. Acceleration control of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is performed using the read acceleration table. Further, when all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start rotating, if there are reels that use the first acceleration table and reels that use the second acceleration table, the first acceleration table and the second acceleration table are used. Tables are read one by one from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74, and acceleration control using the first acceleration table and acceleration control using the second acceleration table are performed.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the acceleration control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R using the first acceleration table, two-phase excitation is performed during 130 interrupts in synchronization with the interrupt timing every 1.49 msec. The two-phase excitation as the initial excitation is the excitation order corresponding to the excitation phase at the time of the previous rotation stop among the excitation order 2, excitation order 4, excitation order 6, and excitation order 8 shown in the excitation order table (Fig. 19). order will be selected. After the state of 2-phase excitation is held for 130 interrupts, 1-2 phase excitation is alternately repeated. The excitation holding period of excitation is finely controlled. Specifically, the holding period is set to gradually shorten, such that the 1-phase excitation following the 2-phase excitation, which is the initial excitation, is performed for 8 interrupts, and the next 2-phase excitation is performed for 7 interrupts. It is Ultimately, one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are alternately repeated at intervals of two interruptions, and finally one-phase excitation is set to be performed over two interruptions.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the acceleration control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R using the second acceleration table, one-phase excitation is performed during one interruption in synchronization with the interruption timing every 1.49 msec. The one-phase excitation as the initial excitation corresponds to the excitation phase at the time of the previous rotation stop, among the excitation order 1, excitation order 3, excitation order 5, and excitation order 7 shown in the excitation order table (Fig. 19). order will be selected. After holding the state of 1-phase excitation over one interrupt, 1-2 phase excitation is alternately repeated. The excitation holding period of excitation is finely controlled. Specifically, the holding period is set to gradually become shorter, such that 2-phase excitation following 1-phase excitation, which is the initial excitation, is performed for 129 interrupts, and the next 2-phase excitation is performed for 7 interrupts. It is Ultimately, one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are alternately repeated at intervals of two interruptions, and finally one-phase excitation is set to be performed over two interruptions.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, one-phase excitation is set at the end of each acceleration table, and two-phase excitation is the first type of phase excitation in the constant speed rotation period. Reel acceleration control using each acceleration table is executed over 212 interrupts. In this acceleration control, by gradually shortening the holding period in each phase excitation as it approaches constant speed rotation, it is possible to realize high-speed acceleration processing in a short time and enable a smooth transition to constant speed rotation. Become.

Four-phase excitation is used to stop the stepping motor 33 . In four-phase excitation, all of the A phase, reverse A phase, B phase and reverse B phase are excited. When two opposite phases are excited, the magnetic fluxes cancel each other out. During the rotation of the stepping motor 33, the induced voltage causes a back electromotive force, and for example, the torque of the difference between the currents flowing in the A phase and the reverse A phase. occurs. In the case of four-phase excitation, the torque is generated between the two opposite phases. Therefore, it is possible to generate a braking force even with four-phase excitation. However, the braking force in the case of four-phase excitation is smaller than in the case of one-phase excitation.

The main-side ROM 73 stores a stop table in which excitation information for executing stop control for stopping rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is set. In the stop table, "100" is set as the number of steps for executing four-phase excitation. When the stepping motor 33 is stopped, the conditions for starting the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are satisfied in a situation where the 1-phase excitation and the 2-phase excitation are alternately repeated, so that the 4-phase excitation is stopped. be started. Four-phase excitation is performed regardless of the type of phase excitation (one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation) performed immediately before. The 4-phase excitation continues for 100 interrupts (149 msec). In this manner, the rotor 91 of the stepping motor 33 can be smoothly stopped by using the four-phase excitation with the weakest braking force at the start of braking. Conditions for starting stop control of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R will be described later.

Next, a configuration for managing the rotational positions of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R using the number of steps of the stepping motor 33 will be described.

FIG. 22(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining symbol stop positions on the respective reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. As shown in FIG. 22(a), in each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, the areas where the middle symbols stop are reference areas 38L, 38M, and 38R, and the lower ends of the reference areas 38L, 38M, and 38R The reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R are set to be used by the main MPU 72 to identify the stopped symbols stopped on the main line ML of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

As already explained, in the slot machine 10, 20 patterns are drawn on each reel tape of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. On the other hand, the stepping motor 33 and the cylindrical frame member 34 of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are diverted from the reels having 21 patterns on the reel tape. The number of steps required for one rotation is 504 steps. In this case, if the number of symbols attached to the reel is 21, it exists in the reference area (the middle position of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R within the range visible from the display window portions 21L, 21M, 21R). The number of steps required for switching patterns (that is, the number of steps assigned to each pattern) is constant at 24 steps. However, if the number of symbols attached to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is 20, and the number of steps required for switching symbols is fixed at 24 steps, the total number of steps will be less than 504 steps, resulting in 25 steps. Even if the number of steps is constant, the total number of steps will be less than 504 steps, and if the number of steps is constant at 26 steps, the total number of steps will exceed 504 steps. On the other hand, if the number of steps required for pattern switching is greatly different for each pattern, the size of each pattern will be greatly different accordingly, and the types of patterns existing in the reference areas 38L, 38M, and 38R will be different. Management becomes difficult.

In the circumstances as described above, in the slot machine 10, three types of steps, namely, 24 steps, 25 steps, and 26 steps, are used as the number of steps assigned to each symbol. FIG. 22(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the number of steps assigned to each symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. As shown in FIG. 22(b), 20 symbols on each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are grouped with 5 symbols that are continuous in the winding direction of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. They are classified into four groups, the second group, the third group and the fourth group. Five symbols corresponding to symbol numbers 0 to 4 are set in the first group, five symbols corresponding to symbol numbers 5 to 9 are set in the second group, and the third group Five patterns corresponding to the 10th to 14th pattern numbers are set in the group, and 5 patterns corresponding to the 15th to 19th pattern numbers are set in the fourth group.

In this embodiment, the number of steps assigned to the five symbols of each group on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R is in the order of 26 steps, 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, and 24 steps from the leading side in the rotating direction. The first step pattern is set as follows. In each group, 26 steps are assigned to the symbol present at the head of the rotation direction (symbols corresponding to symbol numbers 0, 5, 10, and 15), and it exists second from the head. 25 steps are assigned to the symbols (symbols corresponding to symbol numbers 1, 6, 11 and 16), and the third existing symbol from the top (symbol numbers 2, 7, 12 and 17) 25 steps are assigned to the symbols corresponding to ), and 26 steps are assigned to the symbols that exist fourth from the top (symbols corresponding to symbol numbers 3, 8, 13, and 18). , and the fifth symbol from the head, that is, the last symbol in each group in the rotation direction of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R (corresponding to symbol numbers 4, 9, 14, and 19). 24 steps are assigned to the symbol).

In each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, the number of symbols to which 24 steps are assigned is 4, the number of symbols to which 25 steps are assigned is 8, and the number of symbols to which 26 steps are assigned is 4. Since the number is eight, the total number of steps is 504 steps corresponding to one round of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

Since the arrangement of the number of steps is constant in each group as described above, it is possible to specify which of the 24 to 26 steps the number of steps for each symbol is based on the order of the symbols in each group. It is possible.

As shown in FIG. 22(b), for each symbol on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, it is possible to manage the types of symbols existing at reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R (FIG. 22(a)). Design management data of 1 byte is set. Group information is set in the upper 4 bits of the 1-byte data, and symbol order information is set in the lower 4 bits. The group information is information indicating which of the first to fourth groups the pattern belongs to. "0" corresponds to the first group, and "1" corresponds to the second group. , "2" corresponds to the third group, and "3" corresponds to the fourth group. The symbol order information is information indicating the number of symbols in each group from the top in the direction of rotation. "0" corresponds to the first, and "1" corresponds to the second. , "2" corresponds to the third, "3" corresponds to the fourth, and "4" corresponds to the fifth. Therefore, the symbol management data is, for example, "34H" in hexadecimal for the 19th symbol, "20H" in hexadecimal for the 10th symbol, and "12H" in hexadecimal for the 7th symbol. , and if it is the number 1 symbol, it will be "01H" in hexadecimal.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main side RAM 74 is provided with a symbol management counter 74a in which symbol management data of symbols present in the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are set. there is The symbol management counter 74a is provided in one-to-one correspondence with each of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R. The symbols corresponding to the symbol management data set in the symbol management counter 74a at each timing are the symbols to be managed.

The above-described reel index sensor 36 (FIG. 3) detects the front end portion 37a of the sensor cut van 37 when the 0th pattern (the pattern corresponding to the 0th pattern number) exists in the reference areas 38L, 38M, and 38R. to detect the passage of Then, when the reel index sensor 36 detects the passing of the tip portion 37a, the symbol management data (00H) corresponding to the symbol No. 0 is set in the symbol management counter 74a.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main RAM 74 is provided with a step number counter 74b that counts the number of step updates executed after the symbol to be managed in the symbol management counter 74a is updated. The symbol management data set in the symbol management counter 74a is updated when the number of steps assigned to the symbol corresponding to the symbol management data is counted using the step number counter 74b.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main-side ROM 73 stores a symbol management data table 73a in which the correspondence between symbol management data and symbol numbers is defined on a one-to-one basis. The symbol management data table 73a is a table common to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. The main MPU 72 can specify the symbol number of the current symbol to be managed by collating the symbol management data in the symbol management counter 74a with the symbol management data table 73a.

As already explained, the first step is to repeat four times a pattern in which 26 steps, 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, and 24 steps are assigned every 5 symbols to the 20 symbols attached to each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Since the pattern is set, the order of symbols in each group and the number of steps assigned to the symbols correspond one-to-one. Further, as described above, the order of symbols in each group corresponds to the symbol order information (lower 4 bits) in the symbol management data on a one-to-one basis. As a result, the main MPU 72 can identify the number of steps assigned to the symbols present in the reference areas 38L, 38M, and 38R by referring only to the lower 4-bit symbol order information. It's becoming

Since the number of symbols ("5") included in each group is the same, the symbol order information (lower 4 bits in the symbol management data) of the symbols present in the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R is expressed in hexadecimal. In the case of "4", the next symbol in the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R is unambiguously the top symbol of the next group. This makes it easier to manage the symbols using the symbol management data.

The reel control process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Incidentally, the reel control process is executed in step S307 of the normal process (FIG. 10).

In the reel control process, first, a rotation start process for starting rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is performed (step S501). The rotation start processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the rotation start process, first, a predetermined wait time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponding to the result of the lottery process (FIG. 11) in the previous game was started. (step S601), and if not (step S601: NO), wait until the wait time elapses. While waiting until the wait time elapses, the process of determining whether or not the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated (step S504 in the reel control process (FIG. 23)) is not executed. Therefore, even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the standby, the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is not performed based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and the stop button Operations 42 to 44 are invalid. If the wait time has passed (step S601: YES), the wait time for the next game is set (step S602).

After that, an acceleration table setting process (steps S603 to S613) for setting an acceleration table to be referred to in each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is executed. In the acceleration table setting process, the target reel is updated in the order of the left reel 32L→middle reel 32M→right reel 32R. Therefore, the processes of steps S604 to S613 are executed for each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

After the target reel is set in step S603, if the target reel has been stopped by execution of stop control after execution of one-phase excitation (step S604: YES), two-phase excitation is set as the initial excitation. 20), it is determined whether or not the first acceleration table has been read out to the main RAM 74 (step S605). If the first acceleration table has not been read (step S605: NO), the first acceleration table is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74 (step S606). If the target reel is the left reel 32L, the first acceleration table has not already been read to the main RAM 74, so the first acceleration table is read in step S606. On the other hand, when the target reel is the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R, the first acceleration table has already been read out to the main side RAM 74 as the acceleration table for referring to the previously set reel. There is In this case, step S606 is omitted.

If it is determined in step S605 that the first acceleration table has already been read, or if the first acceleration table has been read in step S606, the first acceleration table is set as a reference ( step S607). Then, "130" corresponding to the switching interval set for initial excitation in the first acceleration table (FIG. 20) is set in the acceleration counter provided in the main RAM 74 (step S608). The acceleration counters are provided in one-to-one correspondence with each of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R. Each acceleration counter is decremented by 1 each time the corresponding stepping motor 33 is updated. When the value after the subtraction becomes "0", the pointer in the first acceleration table is updated, and the value corresponding to the switching interval set in the updated acceleration order is stored in the acceleration counter. set.

On the other hand, if the target reel has been stopped by the stop control after the execution of the two-phase excitation (step S604: NO), the second acceleration table ( 21), it is determined whether or not the second acceleration table has been read out to the main RAM 74 (step S609). If the second acceleration table has not been read (step S609: NO), the second acceleration table is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74 (step S610). If the target reel is the left reel 32L, the second acceleration table has not already been read to the main RAM 74, so the first acceleration table is read in step S609. On the other hand, when the target reel is the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R, the second acceleration table has already been read into the main side RAM 74 as the acceleration table for referring to the previously set reel. There is In this case, step S610 is omitted.

If it is determined in step S609 that the first acceleration table has already been read, or if the first acceleration table has been read in step S610, the second acceleration table is set as the reference destination ( step S611). Then, "1" corresponding to the switching interval set in the initial excitation phase of the second acceleration table (FIG. 21) is set in the acceleration counter provided in the main RAM 74 (step S612).

When the acceleration counter is set in step S608 or step S612, it is determined whether or not setting of the acceleration table to be referred to has been completed for all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R (step S613). In step S613, if the target reel is the left reel 32L or the middle reel 32M, it means that there remains a reel for which setting of the acceleration table to be referred to has not been completed (step S613: NO). Return to S603.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S613 that the target reel is the right reel 32R, this means that setting of the acceleration table to be referred to has been completed for all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R (step S613: YES). The control required flag provided in the RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S614), and this rotation start processing is terminated. The control required flag is a flag for specifying in the main side MPU 72 that it is necessary to perform drive control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. The control required flag is cleared to "0" when the stop control based on the stop table is completed for all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. Specifically, it is cleared to "0" in step S908 of the stepping motor control process (FIG. 27) to be described later.

Returning to the description of the reel control process (FIG. 23), after executing the rotation start process (step S501), it is determined whether or not it is an acceleration period in which acceleration control is performed based on the acceleration table (step S502), if it is the acceleration period (step S502: YES), the process of step S502 is repeated until the acceleration period ends. Then, when the acceleration period has ended (step S502: NO), the process proceeds to step S503.

The processes after step S503 are not executed until the acceleration period ends and the reels 32L, 32M, 32R rotate at a constant speed. As already described, in the sensor monitoring process (step S207 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9)), the state of the detection signals for the last two times from the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a is stored in the detection state storage area of the main RAM 74. . The main MPU 72 detects the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 when the detection state storage area changes to an operation corresponding state (LOW state→HI state) in step S504, which will be described later. Since the detection signals of the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a in the detection state storage area are updated each time the sensor monitoring process is executed, even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the acceleration period, the stop button 42 The reels 32L, 32M and 32R are not stopped based on the operation of .about.44, and the operation of the stop buttons 42.about.44 becomes invalid. In addition, when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is disabled including the acceleration period, the main MPU 72 turns off the lamps (not shown) of the stop buttons 42 to 44 to indicate that the operation is disabled. When the operation of each stop button 42 to 44 is validated, the lamps of the stop buttons 42 to 44 for which the stop command is not generated are illuminated to generate a stop command. Inform the player that it is possible.

If it is determined in step S502 that it is not the acceleration period, it means that the acceleration period has ended, so it is determined whether or not all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped (step S503). Then, if there is one or more rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R (step S503: NO), the processing of steps S504 to S514 is executed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated (step S504), and if any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated (step S504: YES), Valid operation determination processing for determining whether or not the operation is a valid operation that triggers the generation of a command to stop the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is executed (step S505). Valid operation determination processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the effective operation determination process, first, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in any of the braking target flags provided in the main RAM 74 (step S701). The braking target flag is a state in which valid operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R has been detected and the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R has not been completed. This is a flag that enables the main MPU 72 to specify this, and is provided in one-to-one correspondence with each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

When "1" is set to any of the braking target flags (step S701: YES), the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R corresponding to the braking target flags set to "1" is completed. (step S702). If the stop control has been completed (step S702: YES), the braking target flags corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R for which the stop control has been completed are cleared to "0" (step S703).

When a negative determination is made in step S701, when a negative determination is made in step S702, or when the process of step S703 is executed, the vehicle is rotating and the corresponding braking target flag is set to "1". It is determined whether or not a stop operation has been performed on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that are not reels (step S704). In step S704, operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected when the last two detection signals in the detection state storage area of the main RAM 74 are in an operation corresponding state (LOW state→HI state).

If an affirmative determination is made in step S704, it is determined whether or not there are two or more reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be braked (step S705). Specifically, it is determined whether or not there are two or more braking target flags set to "1". If there are two or more reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be braked (step S705: YES), this effective operation determination process is executed without setting "1" to the new stop command flag. finish. When the two reels 32L, 32M, 32R are to be braked, even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to the remaining reels 32L, 32M, 32R are operated, the stop buttons 42 to 44 are stopped. Stop control of the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is not executed based on the operation, and the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 becomes invalid. This makes it possible to prevent the number of simultaneous excitations from exceeding 10 phases, which is the maximum number of excitations.

Incidentally, when the two reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are under stop control, the maximum number of simultaneous excitations for these two reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is eight phases. There is a margin of 2 phases for 10 phases. When the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are not controlled to stop, the stepping motor 33 is subjected to either one-phase excitation or two-phase excitation. Even if stop control is performed simultaneously on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, it is possible to perform rotation drive control on the remaining reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

On the other hand, if the number of braking target flags set to "1" is less than 2 (step S705: NO), the reels 32L, 32M, 32L, 32M, 32M, 32M, 32L, 32M, 32L, 32M, 32M, 32L, 32M, 32M, 32L, 32M, 32M, 32M, 32M, 32M, 32M, 32L, 32M, 32M, 32M, 32L, 32L, 32M long from time to time for which operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is newly detected. The stop command flag of 32R is set to "1" (step S706). The stop command flag is a flag that enables the main MPU 72 to identify that the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 has been detected. Stop command flags are provided in the main side RAM 74 in one-to-one correspondence with each of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R. By setting the stop command flag to "1", an affirmative determination is made in step S506 in the reel control process (FIG. 23), and stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponding to the current stop operation is performed. The process for starting (the process of steps S507 to S511 in the reel control process (FIG. 23)) is executed. After "1" is set to the corresponding stop command flag in step S706, "1" is set to the braking target flag of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R for which the stop operation is newly detected this time (step S707). , terminates the valid operation determination process.

Returning to the description of the reel control process (FIG. 23), after performing the valid operation determination process in step S505, if any of the stop command flags is set to "1" (step S506: YES), The stop command flag is cleared to "0" (step S507), and the processing of steps S508 to S511 is performed for the corresponding reels 32L, 32M and 32R.

In step S508, a stop instruction command is set as an object to be transmitted to the effect side MPU82. A stop instruction command is a command sent to the production side MPU 82 to grasp the type of the stop buttons 42 to 44 for which a valid operation has been detected. After that, the symbol numbers of the reaching symbols reaching the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R are grasped at the timing when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated (step S509). Specifically, by collating the symbol management data set in the symbol management counter 74a of the main RAM 74 with the symbol management data table 73a (FIG. 7) stored in the main ROM 73, the current management target is determined. Check the pattern number of the pattern. As described above, in the slot machine 10, the middle regions in the range visible from the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R are set as the reference regions 38L, 38M, 38R of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. A main line ML is set to connect the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

After that, a slipping number grasping process is executed to grasp the slipping number based on the stop information stored in the main side RAM 74 (step S510). The stop information is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74 in the stop information first setting process (step S409) in the lottery process (FIG. 11), and is read out in the stop information second setting process (reel control process (FIG. 23) to be described later). (step S514), the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are appropriately changed in accordance with the stopping mode. In the sliding number grasping process, when a stop command is issued to any one of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the non-CB state, and when a stop command is issued to the reels 32M, 32R other than the left reel 32L in the CB state, Any value from "0" to "4" is specified as the sliding number. On the other hand, in the slip number grasping process, when a stop command is issued to the left reel 32L in the CB state, a value of "0" or "1" is specified as the slip number.

After that, based on the number of slips specified in the slipping number grasping process (step S510) and the arrival pattern number, the symbol number of the stop target symbol to be actually stopped in the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R is determined, and the determined symbol number is determined. The symbol data that enables specification of the symbol to be stopped is set in the stop symbol information area provided in the main RAM 74 (step S511). The stop symbol information area is an area that allows the main side MPU 72 to specify stop target symbols and stop symbols of the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R. The main MPU 72 refers to the stop symbol information area before executing the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to specify stop target symbols to be stopped in the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R. After the stop control of 32R is executed, the stopped symbols stopped in the reference areas 38L, 38M and 38R are identified by referring to the stopped symbol information area.

If the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not detected in step S504, if the stop command flag is not set to "1" in step S506, or if the pattern to be stopped is determined in step S511 determines whether or not the stop information update flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S512), and if the stop information update flag is not set to "1" (step S512: NO) returns to step S503. The stop information update flag is a flag that enables the main side MPU 72 to identify the update timing of the stop information, and one is provided for all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. The stop information update flag is set to "1" when it is time to start stop control for executing four-phase excitation for the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R whose braking target flags are set to "1". . Specifically, "1" is set in step S1206 of the stop start process (FIG. 32), which will be described later.

On the other hand, when the stop information update flag is set to "1" (step S512: YES), the start of the stop control for any of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R has reached the stop information update timing. means that In this case, the stop information update flag is cleared to "0" (step S513), the second stop information setting process is executed (step S514), and the process returns to step S503.

In the second stop information setting process, the first stop information setting process or the previous second stop information setting process is performed according to the symbols to be stopped in the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R by the current stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. to update the sliding table stored in the main side RAM 74 . As a result, in the slipping number grasping process in step S510, the slipping number is calculated based on the set winning data, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and the slip table corresponding to the stop symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R. can be calculated. The configuration for calculating the number of slips is not limited to the configuration using the slip table. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is led out to the middle or the like.

If it is determined in step S503 that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, a winning determination process is executed (step S515), and a winning result command is set as an object to be transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 ( Step S516), this reel control process is terminated. The winning result command includes data indicating whether or not the current winning has been established, and, if the winning has been established, data indicating the type of the winning.

Next, the winning determination process executed in the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the winning determination process is executed in step S516 of the reel control process (FIG. 23).

In steps S801 to S803, the stop symbol information area in the main side RAM 74 is referenced to grasp the stop symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. Then, the logical operation processing of the symbol combination is executed (step S804). In the symbol combination logic operation processing, 2-byte data set for each symbol type is read from the main ROM 73 for each symbol stopped and displayed on the main line ML of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. Then, 2-byte data corresponding to the combination of symbols is derived by performing AND processing on the 2-byte data grasped in each of steps S801 to S803 with the bits of the same order.

After that, it is determined whether or not the 2-byte data derived in step S804 corresponds to any winning data (step S805). When an affirmative determination is made in step S805, abnormality detection processing is executed for the winning data (step S806). As already explained, in the non-CB state, when the symbol corresponding to the winning combination selected in the lottery process (FIG. 11) stops on the main line ML (FIG. 5), the winning combination is established. . Therefore, in the abnormality detection process in the non-CB state, an abnormality is detected when the prize data does not correspond to the winning combination selected in the lottery process at the start of the current game. Further, as already explained, if the index value IV=1 of the lottery table for the CB state is won in the CB state, the normal replay winning prize is established preferentially, and if the normal replay winning prize is not established, either Winning a small role will surely be established. Therefore, in the abnormality detection process when the index value IV=1 of the lottery table for the CB state is won in the CB state, an abnormality is detected when the winning data does not correspond to either the normal replay winning or the minor combination winning. do. Furthermore, as already explained, if the index value IV=1 of the lottery table for the CB state is not won in the CB state, one of the minor wins will surely be established. For this reason, in the abnormality detection process when the index value IV=1 of the lottery table for the CB state is not won in the CB state, an abnormality is detected when the winning data does not correspond to the winning of a minor combination.

If no abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection process (step S806) (step S807: NO), the winning handling process is executed (step S808). In the winning handling process, if the winning is a minor win, the number of medals to be paid out is set in the payout counter provided in the main RAM 74 so that medals or virtual medals can be awarded in the medal payout process. do. On the other hand, if the winning is a replay winning, a flag setting process is executed in the next start waiting process (step S302 of the normal process (FIG. 10)) so that the automatic insertion process is executed.

If it is determined in step S805 that no winning has occurred, or if the winning handling process is executed in step S808, the stop symbol information area in the main side RAM 74 is cleared, and this winning determination process is terminated.

On the other hand, when an abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection process (step S806) (step S807: YES), an abnormality notification command is set as an output target to the effect side MPU 82 (step S810). The production side MPU 82 executes the abnormality notification corresponding to the illegal winning by the speaker 62 and the image display device 63 by receiving the abnormality notification command. After that, after executing the operation prohibition process in step S811, the progress of the game is stopped by entering an infinite loop. In the operation prohibition process, the next timer interrupt process is prohibited, and all the output ports of the main MPU 72 are cleared to "0" to turn off all the actuators connected to the output ports. This operation prohibited state is released by executing the clear process (step 104 of the main process (FIG. 8)).

Next, details of rotation control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R will be described.

First, the stepping motor control process executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the stepping motor control process is executed in step S206 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9).

In the stepping motor control process, if the control required flag of the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S901: YES), it means that the drive control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is required. The processing after S902 is executed. In step S902, target reel setting processing is performed. In the first target reel setting process in which no target reel is set, the left reel 32L is set as the target reel. In addition, in the second target reel setting process (step S902) performed after the processes of steps S903 to S905 are performed for the left reel 32L, the target reel is updated to the middle reel 32M, and the middle reel 32M is updated to step S903. In the third target reel setting process (step S902) which is performed after the process of step S905 is performed, the target reel is updated to the right reel 32R.

After executing the target reel setting process in step S902, a step number monitoring process is executed (step S903). In the step number monitoring process, the symbol management counter 74a and the step number counter 74b in the main side RAM 74 are updated. Details of the step number monitoring process will be described later. Thereafter, motor control processing is executed (step S904). In the motor control process, excitation data to be output to the motor driver 96 (FIG. 18(b)) is generated in order to control the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and the generated excitation data is stored in the main RAM 74. do. Details of the motor control process will be described later.

After executing the motor control process in step S904, it is determined whether or not the target reel is the right reel 32R (step S905), and if the target reel is not the right reel 32R (step S905: NO), step Return to S902. On the other hand, if the target reel is the right reel 32R (step S905: YES), it indicates that the step number monitoring process (step S903) and the motor control process (step S904) have been performed for all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Therefore, the excitation data stored in the main RAM 74 in the motor control process (step S904) is output to the motor driver 96 (step S906). As a result, the stepping motor 33 immediately energizes the excitation phase specified by the excitation data, and the rotor 91 is excited.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the stop control has been completed for all the reels 32L, 32M and 32R (step S907), and if there are reels 32L, 32M and 32R for which the stop control has not been completed (step S907: If NO), the stepping motor control process is terminated. On the other hand, if stop control has been completed for all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R (step S907: YES), the control required flag is cleared to "0" (step S908), and this stepping motor control process ends. do.

Next, motor control processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the motor control process is executed at step S904 in the stepping motor control process (FIG. 27). As described above, the motor control process is executed when the left reel 32L is set as the reel to be controlled, when the middle reel 32M is set, and when the right reel 32R is set. .

In the motor control process, if the reel to be controlled is not rotating (step S1001: NO) and it is not the time to start rotation (step S1002: NO), the motor control process ends. On the other hand, if the reel to be controlled is rotating (step S1001: YES), it is determined whether or not it is the acceleration period (step S1003).

When it is determined that it is the rotation start timing (step S1002), or when it is determined that it is the acceleration period (step S1003), acceleration processing is executed to accelerate the reel to be controlled toward constant speed rotation. (Step S1004), the motor control process is terminated. In the acceleration process, the excitation phase ( 1 phase or 2 phases) is set as the excitation data to be output to the motor driver 96, and the acceleration counter in the main side RAM 74 is decremented by one. When the value of the acceleration counter after the subtraction becomes "0", if the current pointer is not in the final acceleration order of the acceleration table, the pointer is updated and set to the updated pointer. Set the number of steps corresponding to the switching interval in the acceleration counter. On the other hand, when the value of the acceleration counter after the subtraction becomes "0" and the current pointer is in the last acceleration order of the acceleration table, the acceleration period is finished.

If it is determined in step S1003 that it is not the acceleration period, it is determined whether or not it is time to start stop control (step S1005). The main-side RAM 74 is provided with a stop execution flag that enables the main-side MPU 72 to specify that it is time to start stop control for executing four-phase excitation. The stop execution flag is set to "1" in step S1205 of the stop start process (FIG. 32), which will be described later. In step S1005, it is determined that it is time to start stop control if the stop execution flag is set to "1", and it is determined that it is not time to start stop control if the stop execution flag is set to "0". .

If it is not the stop control start timing (step S1005: NO), it is determined whether or not the stop control for outputting the excitation data of the four-phase excitation is being performed for the current target reel (step S1006). Specifically, when the value of a stop counter described later in the main RAM 74 is "1" or more, it is determined that the stop control is being performed, and when the value of the stop counter is "0", the stop control is not being performed. I judge.

If it is neither the stop control start timing nor the stop control is in progress (step S1005: NO, step S1006: NO), the constant speed rotation process is executed (step S1007), and the motor control process ends. In the constant speed rotation process, based on the excitation order table (FIG. 19), the excitation data to be output to the motor driver 96 are set in the main RAM 74 according to the excitation order while updating the excitation order pointer. As a result, one-phase excitation over one interruption and two-phase excitation over one interruption are alternately executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1005 that it is time to start the stop control, or if it is determined in step S1006 that the stop control is in progress, a stop control process, which will be described later, is executed (step S1008), This motor control process ends.

<Stop Control of Reels 32L, 32M, 32R>
Next, the details of the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R will be described below.

As already explained, a reel tape is wound around the cylindrical skeleton member 34 (FIG. 3) of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R (FIG. 2), and 20 patterns are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape. ing. FIG. 29(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the pattern range RDn (n is an integer from 0 to 19) to which each pattern is attached on the reel tape 97. FIG. The twenty symbol ranges RDn have a uniform width in the winding direction of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R (longitudinal direction of the reel tape 97). As already explained, the stepping motor 33 (FIG. 3) connected to each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R makes one revolution in 504 steps. Therefore, each symbol range RDn has a width dimension corresponding to 504/20=25.2 steps in the winding direction of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R.

On the other hand, as already explained, the number of steps assigned to each symbol is three integers of "24", "25" and "26". Since the minimum unit of updating steps of the stepping motor 33 (FIG. 3) is one step, the number of steps that can be assigned to each symbol is limited to integers. The main MPU 72 grasps symbols to be managed based on the number of steps assigned to each symbol, and executes stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. The reel tape 97 is set with a pattern corresponding range corresponding to the number of steps assigned to each pattern. FIG. 29(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the symbol correspondence range REn (n is an integer from 0 to 19). In the actual reel tape 97, there is no boundary between the symbol corresponding ranges RE0 to E19. As shown in FIG. 29(b), the symbol corresponding range RE0 to E19 of each symbol corresponds to the number of steps (24 steps to 26 steps) assigned to the symbol in the winding direction (reel It has a width dimension in the longitudinal direction of the tape 97).

In this slot machine 10, the symbol management data of the symbols corresponding to the symbol corresponding ranges RE0 to E19 existing at the reference positions 39L, 39M and 39R are set in the symbol management counter 74a. Then, as already explained, the main MPU 72 identifies the symbol to be managed based on the symbol management data set in the symbol management counter 74a. Therefore, the symbols corresponding to the symbol corresponding ranges RE0 to E19 existing at the reference positions 39L, 39M and 39R are the symbols to be managed.

Specifically, when the symbol corresponding range REn of the n-th symbol (n is an integer from 0 to 19) exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R, the n-th symbol is displayed on the symbol management counter 74a. Design management data is set and the design to be managed is updated to the n-th design. Thereafter, step update is performed a number of times corresponding to the number of steps (24th to 26th steps) assigned to the nth symbol, so that the (n+1)th symbol symbol correspondence range RE (n+1) exists, the symbol management data of the (n+1)th symbol is set in the symbol management counter 74a, and the symbol to be managed is updated to the (n+1)th symbol. Here, the (n+1)th symbol is a symbol one upstream of the nth symbol, and the (n+1)th symbol is the 0th symbol when n=19.

In the present slot machine 10, as already explained, all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the non-CB state and the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R in the CB state are operated after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. A first reel stop control is executed to stop the reels 32L, 32M and 32R within one specified time (190 msec). In the first reel stop control, any value from "0" to "4" is set as the number of slips, and the symbol one upstream of the symbol to be managed when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected (at the time of 0 frame slip) ), 2 symbols upstream (when sliding 1 frame), 3 symbols upstream (when sliding 2 frames), 4 patterns upstream (when sliding 3 frames), and 5 patterns upstream (when sliding 4 frames) is set as the symbol to be stopped, and is stopped in the reference areas 38L, 38M and 38R.

Further, as already described, the second reel stop control for executing the stop control of the left reel 32L within the second specified time (75 msec) after the operation of the left stop button 42 is performed for the left reel 32L in the CB state. executed. In the second reel stop control, a value of "0" or "1" is set as the number of slips, and one symbol upstream of the symbol to be managed when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected (at the time of 0 frame slip) or two symbols. The upstream symbol (at the time of one-frame sliding) is set as the symbol to be stopped, and is stopped in the reference area 38L of the left reel 32L.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29(b), for each symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R ( A possible stop position HPn is provided at which stop control can be started to stop the pattern in the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R (FIG. 22(a)) upon reaching (a) in FIG. The possible stop position HPn of the n-th symbol is provided downstream of the symbol-corresponding range REn of the n-th symbol (the leading side in the winding direction of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and the lower side in FIG. 29(b)). It is

For comparison, considering a configuration in which stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be started at the timing when the symbol to be managed is switched to the symbol to be stopped due to a defect in the possible stop position HPn, the first step pattern described above is considered. (26 steps, 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, 24 steps for each 5 symbols) When the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are controlled to stop one-frame sliding, the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. 1 interrupt time until the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are detected, and a maximum of 26 + 25 = 51 interrupt times until the symbols in the 0th frame to the 1st frame pass the reference position, A maximum of 52 interrupt times (approximately 77.5 msec) are required in total. Here, one interrupt time is the interval at which the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) is executed, specifically 1.49 msec. In this way, in the configuration in which the possible stop position HPn is defective, it takes at most the time from when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated to when the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is started with the number of slides set to "1". The required maximum required time exceeds the second specified time (75 msec).

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a possible stop position HPn is provided for each symbol, and the symbol corresponding range REn of the symbols to be stopped reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R (FIG. 22(a)). Since the possible stop position HPn reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R at an earlier timing than that, and the stop control can be started, the maximum required time for the stop control for one frame slip is shortened. Details of the maximum required time in stop control for one-frame sliding will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 29(b), the possible stop position HPn of the n-th symbol is set in the symbol corresponding range RE(n-1) of the (n-1)-th symbol located one downstream of the n-th symbol. The reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R (FIG. 22(a)) extend from the upper end of the symbol corresponding range RE(n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol to the stop possible position HPn. A stoppable range SR (n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol is set so that the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be started when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are present. n-1) When the symbols exist at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R over the range up to the lower end of the symbol corresponding range RE (n-1), the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not allowed to start the stop control. (n-1) The non-stoppable range NR(n-1) of the symbol is set. The stoppable position HPn of the n-th symbol is included in the stoppable range SR (n-1) side of the (n-1)th symbol, and is not included in the non-stoppable range NR (n-1) side. .

Since the possible stop position HPn of the n-th symbol is set in the symbol-corresponding range RE(n-1) of the (n-1)-th symbol which is positioned one downstream from the symbol-corresponding range REn of the n-th symbol, When the condition that the symbol to be managed is one pattern downstream of the symbol to be stopped and the condition that the stop possible range SRn exists in the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R are met, the main MPU 72 Stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be started. Therefore, in a situation where the symbol to be managed is the symbol (n-1)th symbol that is one downstream of the symbol to be stopped (n-th symbol), the possible stop range SR (n- 1) exists, the stop control can be started, and when the non-stop range NR(n-1) exists in the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R, the reference positions 39L, 39M, Stop control cannot be started until the possible stop range SR(n-1) reaches 39R.

As shown in FIG. 29B, the stoppable range SRn of each symbol exists on the upstream side of the symbol corresponding range REn of the symbol. The non-stop range is NRn. 2 steps to 4 steps are assigned to the possible stop range SRn of each symbol by subtracting 22 steps from the number of steps assigned to the symbol (24 steps to 26 steps). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22(b), 2 steps are assigned to the possible stoppage range SRn of the symbols to which 24 steps are assigned, and the possible stoppage range of the symbols to which 25 steps are assigned. Three steps are assigned to SRn, and four steps are assigned to the possible stop range SRn of the symbol to which 26 steps are assigned.

The main ROM 73 stores a step number table in which the number of steps (2 steps to 4 steps) assigned to the possible stop range SRn of the symbol corresponding to the symbol order information is set in association with the symbol order information. It is The main MPU 72 can grasp the number of steps assigned to the possible stop range SRn of the symbol to be managed based on the sliding number table.

On the other hand, the number of steps assigned to the unstoppable range NRn of each symbol is common, specifically 22 steps. Since the number of steps set in the non-stoppable range NRn is fixed at "22", the storage capacity of the data required to specify the number of steps set in the non-stoppable range NRn in the main ROM 73 is reduced. has been reduced.

Here, the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R will be specifically described below using the case of the left reel 32L as an example. FIGS. 30(a) to 30(d) are explanatory diagrams for explaining stop control of the left reel 32L.

First, as shown in FIG. 30(a), when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected in a state where the no-stop range NR0 of the 0th symbol exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R, 0 frames are detected. A case where slip stop control is performed will be described. The zero frame slip stop control is executed for all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the non-CB state and the CB state.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 30(a), the symbol to be managed when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected is the 0th symbol, so the first symbol one upstream is set as the symbol to be stopped. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 30(b), when the possible stop position HP1 of the first symbol reaches the reference position 39L, the left reel 32L is stopped and the first symbol is stopped in the reference area 38L. . The possible stop position HP1 for the first symbol is set downstream by four steps from the symbol corresponding range RE1 for the first symbol. Therefore, the timing at which the stop control of the left reel 32L is started is four interrupt times after the timing at which the symbol correspondence range RE1 of the first symbol reaches the reference position 39L and the symbol to be managed is switched to the first symbol. It's early.

Next, as shown in FIG. 30(a), when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected in a state where the no-stop range NR0 of the 0th symbol exists at the reference position 39L, the one-frame skid is detected. A case where stop control is performed will be described. The one-frame slip stop control is executed for all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the non-CB state and CB state.

In the one-frame sliding stop control, the second symbol two upstream of the 0th symbol, which is the symbol to be managed, is set as the symbol to be stopped. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 30(c), when the possible stop position HP2 of the second symbol reaches the reference position 39L, the left reel 32L is stopped and the second symbol is stopped in the reference area 38L. . The possible stop position HP2 for the second symbol is set downstream by three steps from the symbol corresponding range RE2 for the second symbol. Therefore, the timing at which the stop control of the left reel 32L is started is three interrupt times earlier than the timing at which the symbol correspondence range RE2 of the second symbol reaches the reference position 39L and the symbol to be managed is switched to the second symbol. It's timing.

As described above, since the possible stop position HPn is set downstream of the pattern corresponding range REn of each pattern, the possible stop position HPn of the pattern to be stopped is set to the reference positions 39L, 39M when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected. , 39R, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be stopped at an earlier timing than the symbol to be managed is switched to the symbol to be stopped.

Next, a description will be given of the case where the possible stop range SRn of the symbol positioned one downstream of the target symbol to be stopped exists at the reference position 39L when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected. Even if the possible stop position HPn of the n-th symbol passes through the reference position 39L when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected, if the symbol correspondence range REn of the n-th symbol does not reach the reference position 39L, The symbol to be managed is the (n-1)th symbol. In this case, the n-th symbol one upstream of the (n-1)-th symbol is set as the symbol to be stopped, and control to stop zero frame slip can be executed. When the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected, the possible stop range SRn of the pattern to be stopped is already in the reference position 39L. , the n-th pattern is stopped in the reference area 38L.

For example, as shown in FIG. 30(d), when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected in a state where the stop possible range SR1 of the first symbol exists at the reference position 39L, the management object at the time of detection of the operation is detected. Since the symbol is the first symbol, the second symbol one upstream of the first symbol is set as the symbol to be stopped in the stop control of the 0 frame sliding. When the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected, the possible stop range SR1 of the first symbol, which is one symbol downstream of the second symbol to be stopped, already exists at the reference position 39L. The stop control of the left reel 32L is executed to stop the second symbol in the reference area 38L.

As described above, by providing the stop possible position HPn for starting the stop control for stopping the pattern in the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R on the downstream side of the pattern corresponding range REn of each pattern, the stop Even for a pattern in which the possible stop position HPn passes through the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R when the operation of the buttons 42 to 44 is detected, if the pattern corresponding range REn of the pattern does not reach the reference position 39L, 39M, 39R, , it is possible to execute stop control of zero-frame sliding in order to stop the pattern in the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R.

Next, the number-of-steps monitoring process executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the step number monitoring process is executed in step S903 of the stepping motor control process (FIG. 27).

In the step count monitoring process, first, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the step count (step S1101). In step S1101, it is determined that it is time to update the number of steps when the stepping motor 33 is newly supplied with a one-pulse excitation signal. In addition, when the four-phase excitation is performed, the rotational positions of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R change even if the excitation signal is not newly supplied. It is determined that it is time to update the number of steps each time an interrupt number occurs.

When it is time to update the number of steps (step S1101: YES), the step number counter 74b in the main RAM 74 is decremented by 1 (step S1102), and the pattern management counter 74a in the main RAM 74 is initialized. It is determined whether or not (step S1103). Specifically, in step S1103, it is determined that an initialization opportunity has occurred when the detection state of the reel index sensor 36 of the target reel is in the HI state. In each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, the detection state of the reel index sensor 36 becomes HI at the timing when the symbol corresponding range RE0 of the 0th symbol reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R.

If the initialization trigger has not occurred (step S1103: NO), it is determined whether or not the value of the step number counter 74b after being decremented by 1 in step S1102 has become "0" (step S1105). . The number of steps counter 74b corresponds to the number of steps assigned to the unstoppable range NRn of any of the symbols when the unstoppable range NRn exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R. When "22" is set and the possible stop range SRn of any of the symbols exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R, the number of steps assigned to the possible stop range SRn is Corresponding "2" to "4" are set.

If the value of the step number counter 74b is "0" in step S1104, it means that it is time to update the step number counter 74b. It is determined whether or not there is (step S1106). The stop permission flag 74c is a flag that enables the main side MPU 72 to specify that the possible stop range SRn of any of the symbols exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R. The stop permission flag 74c is set to "1" when the possible stop range SRn of any of the symbols exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. "0" is cleared when any symbol exists in the unstoppable range NRn.

When "1" is set in the stop permission flag 74c in step S1105, the state where the stop possible range SRn exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R is changed to the state where the stop impossible range NRn exists. Since it is the timing of switching to , the symbol management data update process (steps S1106 to S1111) is executed in order to update the symbols to be managed.

Specifically, first, 1 is added to the symbol order information of the symbol management counter 74a in the main RAM 74 (step S1106). As already explained, the symbol order information is numerical information set in the lower 4 bits of the symbol management counter 74a. If the value of the lower 4 bits of the symbol management counter 74a after adding 1 is greater than the maximum value of the symbol ranking information "4" (step S1107: YES), the value of the upper 4 bits of the symbol management counter 74a is incremented by 1. At the same time (step S1108), the value of the lower 4 bits in the symbol management counter 74a is cleared to "0" (step S1109). Further, when the value of the upper 4 bits of the symbol management counter 74a after adding 1 is larger than the maximum value of "3" (step S1110: YES), all bits of the symbol management counter 74a are cleared to "0" (step S1111).

By executing the processes of steps S1106 to S1111 as described above, the value of the symbol management counter 74a becomes the value corresponding to the next symbol. For example, when the process of step S1106 is executed in a situation where "00H" corresponding to the symbol number 0 is set in the symbol management counter 74a, the processes of steps S1108, S1109 and S1111 are not executed. Without this, the value of the symbol management counter 74a becomes "01H" which is the value corresponding to the first symbol. Further, for example, when the process of step S1106 is executed in a situation where "04H" corresponding to the symbol No. 4 is set in the symbol management counter 74a, further the processes of steps S1108 and S1109 are executed, The value of the symbol management counter 74a is "10H", which is the value corresponding to the fifth symbol. Also, for example, when the process of step S1106 is executed in a situation where "34H" corresponding to the number 19 symbol is set in the symbol management counter 74a, the processes of steps S1108, S1109 and S1111 are further executed. As a result, the value of the symbol management counter 74a becomes "00H" corresponding to the number 0 symbol.

Further, when the symbol management counter 74a is initialized in step S1103, that is, when the HI state of the detection signal of the reel index sensor 36 is detected, all bits of the symbol management counter 74a are cleared to "0". (step S1111). As a result, when the reel index sensor 36 detects that the left reel 32L has made one turn, the symbol management counter 74a is forcibly cleared to "0" and the symbol to be managed becomes the 0th symbol.

After making a negative determination in step S1107, after making a negative determination in step S1110, or after clearing all bits of the symbol management counter 74a in step S1111 to "0", the step number counter 74b cannot be stopped. "22", which is the number of steps assigned to the range NRn, is set (step S1112), and "1" is set to the symbol update flag provided in the main RAM 74 (step S1113). The symbol update flag is a flag that enables the main MPU 72 to identify that the symbol to be managed has been updated. The symbol update flag is cleared to "0" in step S1209 when the stop permission flag 74c is cleared to "0" in step S1208 of the stop start process (FIG. 32) to be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1105 that the stop permission flag 74c is not set to "1", the possible stop range SRn is changed from the state where the stop impossible range NRn exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. It means the timing of switching to the state existing at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. In this case, the step number table is read from the main ROM 73 (step S1114), and the design order information is specified by specifying the lower 4 bits of the design management data stored in the design management counter 74a (step S1115). . As already explained, in the step number table, the number of steps (2 steps to 4 steps) allocated to the possible stop range SRn of the symbol corresponding to the symbol order information is recorded in association with the symbol order information. .

After that, in the step number table, the number of steps corresponding to the symbol order information is specified (step S1116). Then, the specified number of steps (“2” to “4”) is set in the step number counter 74b (step S1117), and “1” is set in the stop permission flag 74c (step S1118). By setting "1" to the stop permission flag 74c, the main MPU 72 can specify that the possible stop range SRn of any of the symbols exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R.

If it is determined in step S1104 that the value of the step number counter 74b is not "0", if the stop permission flag 74c is cleared to "0" in step S1113, or if "1" is set to the stop permission flag 74c in step S1118. If set, the stop start process is executed (step S1119), and the step number monitoring process ends.

Next, the stop start process executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The stop/start process is executed in step S1119 in the step number monitoring process (FIG. 31).

In the stop start process, first, it is determined whether or not stop control is being performed in which four-phase excitation is being performed (step S1201). It is determined whether or not the target flag is set to "1". If the braking target flag is set to "1" (step S1202: YES), it means that the operation of the effective stop buttons 42 to 44 with respect to the rotating target reel is detected, so steps S1203 and Determination processing in step S1204 is executed.

In step S1203, it is determined whether or not the stop permission flag 74c in the main RAM 74 is set to "1", and if the stop permission flag 74c is set to "1" (step S1203: YES), In step S1204, it is determined whether or not the current symbol to be managed is a symbol positioned one position downstream of the symbol to be stopped. If a negative determination is made in step S1203 or if a negative determination is made in step S1204, it is not time to start the stop control, so the stop start process is terminated.

On the other hand, if affirmative determinations are made in steps S1203 and S1204, the possible stop range SRn of the symbol positioned one downstream of the stop target symbol in the state where the braking target flag is set to "1" is used as the reference. It means that the state of existing at positions 39L, 39M, and 39R has been met and the conditions for starting the stop control have been satisfied. If the possible stop positions HPn of the symbols to be stopped have not reached the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected, the possible stop positions HPn of the symbols to be stopped have reached the reference positions 39L, 39M, By reaching 39R, the start condition of the stop control is satisfied. Further, when the stop button 42-44 operation is detected, if there is a possible stop range SRn of the symbol located one downstream of the stop target symbol at the reference position 39L, 39M, 39R, the stop button 42-44 is detected. is detected, the conditions for starting the stop control are met.

If the conditions for starting stop control are satisfied (step S1203: YES, step S1204: YES), the stop execution flag provided in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1205). The stop execution flag is a flag that enables the main MPU 72 to specify that it is time to start stop control for executing four-phase excitation. By setting the stop execution flag to "1", the process (steps S1301 to S1304) for starting the stop control of the target reel in the stop control process (FIG. 33) to be described later is executed. .

When the stop execution flag is set to "1" in step S1205, the stop information update flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1206). As already described, setting the stop information update flag to "1" causes the second stop information setting process to be executed in step S514 of the reel control process (FIG. 23). As a result, the stop information corresponds to the stop result of the stop control started this time.

When the affirmative determination is made in step S1201, when the negative determination is made in any of steps S1202 to S1204, or when the process of step S1206 is executed, the design update flag in the main side RAM74 is "1". is set (step S1207), and if the symbol update flag is not set to "1" (step S1207: NO), the stop start process is terminated. On the other hand, if the symbol update flag is set to "1" (step S1207: YES), the stop permission flag 74c is cleared to "0" (step S1208), the symbol update flag is cleared to "0" ( Step S1209), this stop start processing is terminated.

As already explained, the symbol update flag is set to "1" when the symbol to be managed is updated in the step number monitoring process (FIG. 31). Assuming that the stop permission flag 74c is cleared to "0" after the symbol to be managed is updated and before the stop start process (FIG. 32) is executed, it is executed at the timing when the symbol to be managed is updated. A negative determination is made in step S1203 of the stop start process (FIG. 32), and the stop execution flag cannot be set to "1". On the other hand, in this embodiment, after the symbol to be managed is updated, the symbol update flag is set to "1", the processing of steps S1201 to S1206 of the stop start processing is executed, and then the symbol update flag is executed. is set to "1", the stop permission flag 74c is cleared to "0". As a result, it is possible to set the stop execution flag to "1" even in the stop start process (FIG. 32) that is executed at the timing when the symbol to be managed is updated. ) and the non-stoppable range NRn of the symbol to be stopped exists at the reference position 39L, 39M, 39R, the reels 32L, 32M. , 32R can be started.

Next, the stop control process executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As already described, the stop control process is executed in step S1008 when it is time to start stop control in the motor control process (FIG. 28) or when stop control is in progress.

In the stop control process, first, it is determined whether or not the stop execution flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1301). If the stop execution flag is set to "1" (step S1301: YES), the stop execution flag is cleared to "0" (step S1302), and the stop table is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74. As already explained, 100 steps are set in the stop table as the number of execution steps for four-phase excitation.

When the stop table is read in step S1303, "100" is set to the stop counter in the main RAM 74 based on the stop table (step S1304). A stop counter is provided in one-to-one correspondence with each of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R. Each stop counter is decremented by 1 each time four-phase excitation is executed for one interrupt time, and stop control is performed until the value of the stop counter becomes "0".

If a negative determination is made in step S1301, or if the process of step S1304 is performed, the excitation data for four-phase excitation is set in the main RAM 74 as the excitation data to be output to the motor driver 96 (step S1305), 1 is subtracted from the value of the stop counter (step S1306). After that, if the value of the stop counter after the subtraction of 1 is not "0" (step S1307: NO), the stop control process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the stop counter is "0" (step S1307: YES), it means that the stop control of the target reel has ended, so the braking target flag is cleared to "0" (step S1308). , terminates this stop control process.

Next, the maximum required time required from the start of the operation of the left stop button 42 to the start of the stop control of the left reel 32L when the stop control of one-frame sliding is performed will be described in detail.

As already described, in the CB state, the second reel stop control is performed to start the stop control of the left reel 32L within the second specified time (75 msec) after the operation of the left stop button 42 is started. will be In addition, as already explained, in the configuration in which the possible stop position HPn is defective, the maximum required time for stop control for one-frame skidding exceeds the second specified time (75 msec). In order to shorten the maximum required time for the stop control, each symbol is provided with a stop possible position HPn.

As the specific example has been described with reference to FIGS. 30(a) and 30(c), the symbol to be managed at the timing when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected is the n-th symbol, and the one-frame sliding stop control is performed. is performed, the stop control is started at the timing when the possible stop position HP(n+2) of the (n+2)th symbol positioned two upstream of the nth symbol reaches the left reference position 39L, and the left reference area 38L is reached. (n+2) The design stops. In this case, after the operation of the left stop button 42 is started and before the stop control of the left reel 32L is started, the left stop detection in the detection state storage area of the main side RAM 74 after the operation of the left stop button 42 is started. The left reference is the detection period (detection period TA (FIG. 34) described later) until the detection data of the sensor 42a changes to the operation corresponding state (LOW state→HI state) and the symbol correspondence range REn of the n-th symbol of the 0th frame. The first period (the first period TB (FIG. 34) described later) during which the position 39L is passed and the non-stop range NRn of the (n+1)th symbol of the first frame (the symbol located one upstream of the nth symbol) are A second period (second period TC (FIG. 34) to be described later) during which the left reference position 39L is passed is required.

The detection data of the left stop detection sensor 42a in the detection state storage area of the main RAM 74 is the first sensor monitoring process after the operation of the left stop button 42 is started and the detection signal of the left stop detection sensor 42a becomes HI. (Step S207 of the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 9)), the operation corresponding state (LOW state→HI state) is entered. Therefore, the detection period is one interruption time at the longest regardless of the symbol to be managed when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected.

In the first period, the left stop button 42 is operated at the timing when the number of steps assigned to the n-th symbol of the 0th frame is the maximum and the symbol to be managed switches from the (n-1)th symbol to the n-th symbol. is the longest when is detected. Specifically, when n=0, 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 15, 18, the number of steps assigned to the n-th pattern of the 0th frame is the maximum "26". In addition, during the second period, the number of steps assigned to the unstoppable range NRn of each symbol on the left reel 32L is fixed at "22". It is 22 interrupt time regardless of the symbol being played.

With reference to the time chart of FIG. 34, the maximum required time for the stop control of one-frame skidding when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected at the timing when the symbol to be managed switches from the 19th symbol to the 0th symbol. explain.

34(a) shows the start timing of the stop control of the left reel 32L, FIG. 34(b) shows the detection signal of the left stop detection sensor 42a, and FIG. 34(c) shows the timing at which the excitation data is output. 34(d) shows the timing at which the symbol to be managed is updated, FIG. 34(e) shows the state of the stop permission flag 74c, and FIG. 34(f) shows the symbol to be stopped on the left reel 32L. 34(g) shows the state of the stop execution flag corresponding to the left reel 32L, and FIG. 34(h) shows the detection data of the left stop detection sensor 42a in the detection state storage area of the main side RAM 74 corresponding to the operation. It shows the timing of changing the state (LOW state→HI state). In the following, the step number monitoring process (FIG. 31) executed at the timing when the symbol to be managed switches to the nth symbol (n is 0 to 19) will be referred to as the first step number monitoring process of the nth symbol. , the excitation data output m-th time (m is an integer from 1 to 26) after the n-th symbol becomes a managed symbol is referred to as the m-th excitation data of the n-th symbol.

As shown in FIG. 34(c), the stepping motor control process (FIG. 27) is executed at the timing of t1, and the 24th excitation data of the 19th symbol is output to the motor driver 96. As shown in FIG. As already explained, 24 steps are assigned to the 19th symbol. Therefore, by rotating the left reel 32L based on the excitation data output this time, the non-stoppable range NR0 of the 0th symbol exists from the state in which the stoppable range SR19 of the 19th symbol exists at the reference position 39L. switch to the state of

After that, when the left stop button 42 is operated at the timing t2, the detection signal of the left stop detection sensor 42a rises from the LOW state to the HI state as shown in FIG. 34(b). After that, at the timing of t3, the first step number monitoring process (FIG. 31) for the 0th symbol is executed, so that the symbol to be managed changes from the 19th symbol to the 0th symbol as shown in FIG. Updated. Then, by executing the stop start process (FIG. 32) at the timing t4, the stop permission flag 74c is cleared to "0" as shown in FIG. 34(e). Thereafter, the stepping motor control process (FIG. 27) is executed at the timing of t5, thereby outputting the first excitation data of the 0th pattern as shown in FIG. 34(c). Then, at timing t6, the first sensor monitoring process (step S207 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9)) after the start of operation of the left stop button 42 is executed, and as shown in FIG. The most recent two detection data stored in the detection state storage area of the side RAM 74 are in an operation corresponding state (LOW state→HI state).

After the timing t6 when the detection data of the left stop detection sensor 42a becomes the state corresponding to the operation, the reel control process (FIG. 23) is executed at the timing t7, thereby stopping as shown in FIG. 34(f). A target pattern is determined. Since the symbol to be managed at the timing t7 is the 0th symbol, when the number of slides is "1", the second symbol is determined as the symbol to be stopped, and the symbol data of the second symbol is the main side. It is set in the stop symbol information area of the RAM74.

After that, at the timing of t8, the first step number monitoring process (FIG. 31) for the first symbol is executed, and as shown in FIG. Updated. Further, the stop permission flag 74c is cleared to "0" as shown in FIG. Then, by executing the stepping motor control process (FIG. 27) at the timing of t10, the first excitation data of the first pattern is output as shown in FIG. 34(c).

Thereafter, the stepping motor control process (FIG. 27) is executed at the timing of t11, thereby outputting the 22nd excitation data of the first symbol to the motor driver 96 as shown in FIG. 34(c). As already explained, 22 steps are assigned to the unstoppable range NRn of each symbol. Therefore, by rotating the left reel 32L based on the excitation data, the stoppable range SR1 of the first symbol exists from the state where the non-stoppable range NR1 of the first symbol exists at the reference position 39L. switch to state.

Thereafter, at the timing of t12, the 23rd number-of-steps monitoring process (FIG. 31) for the first symbol is executed, thereby setting the stop permission flag 74c to "1" as shown in FIG. 34(e). . Then, when the stop start process (FIG. 32) is executed at the timing of t13, the symbol to be managed is the symbol (first symbol) positioned one downstream of the symbol to be stopped (second symbol), and the stop is permitted. Since "1" is set in the flag 74c, "1" is set in the stop execution flag of the left reel 32L as shown in FIG. 34(g). As a result, the excitation data for four-phase excitation is set as the excitation data to be output to the motor driver 96 in the stop control process (FIG. 33) executed thereafter, and at the timing of t14, as shown in FIG. , the excitation data of the set four-phase excitation is output. Therefore, at the timing of t14, as shown in FIG. 34(a), the stop control of the left reel 32L is started.

As described above, when one-frame skid stop control is performed, the detection period TA from when the operation of the left stop button 42 is started until the detection data of the left stop detection sensor 42a in the detection state storage area becomes the operation corresponding state. (Period from t2 to t6) is one interrupt time at maximum. In addition, the first period TB (t6 The period from t10 to t10) corresponds to the number of steps ("26") assigned to the 0th symbol, and is specifically 26 interrupt times. The second period TC (period from t10 to t14) required for the unstoppable range NR1 of the first symbol (first symbol) to pass through the left reference position 39L is within the unstoppable range NR1 of the first symbol. It corresponds to the assigned number of steps (“22”), specifically 22 interrupt times. Therefore, the maximum required time (TA+TB+TC) required from the operation of the left stop button 42 to the start of the stop control of the left reel 42L is 1+26+22=49 interruption times (approximately 73.0 msec). does not exceed the second specified time (75 msec).

FIG. 35(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time in stop control for one frame skid. As already explained, the 20 symbols on the left reel 32L are set with the first step pattern in which the patterns of 26 steps, 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, and 24 steps are repeated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 35(a), the maximum required time is 49 when the symbols to be managed when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected are the 0th, 5th, 10th and 15th symbols. The interrupt time (73.0 msec) is common, and the maximum required time is 48 when the symbols to be managed when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected are the 1st, 6th, 11th and 16th symbols. The interrupt time (approximately 71.5 msec) is common, and the maximum required time when the symbols to be managed when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected are the 2nd, 7th, 12th and 17th symbols. 48 interrupt time (approximately 71.5 msec) is common, and the maximum required time when the symbols to be managed when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected are the 3rd, 8th, 13th and 18th symbols. is common for 49 interrupt times (73.0 msec), and the maximum required time when the symbols to be managed when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected are the 4th, 9th, 14th and 19th symbols. is common for 47 interrupt times (approximately 70.0 msec).

As described above, the maximum required time for stop control of one-frame skidding is less than the second specified time (75 msec) regardless of the symbol to be managed when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected. By providing a stoppable position HPn for each pattern on the left reel 32L and shortening the maximum required time in the stop control of one-frame sliding, the maximum required time is prevented from exceeding the second specified time (75 msec). It is As a result, in the left reel 32L in the CB state, the stop control of one-frame sliding is performed within the second specified time (75 msec) after the operation of the left stop button 42 regardless of the operation timing of the left stop button 42. is possible.

Next, when the stop control of the four-frame sliding is executed, the maximum required time required from the start of the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 to the start of the stop control of the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, 32R will be explained. FIG. 35(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time in the stop control of the four-frame skid. As already explained, the four-frame skid stop control is performed when any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated in the non-CB state, and when the middle stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 is operated in the CB state. executed.

The four-frame slide stop control is different from the one-frame slide stop control described above in that the number of symbol corresponding ranges REn that pass through the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R in the first period TB is four. For example, if the symbol to be managed when detecting the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is the 0th symbol, the symbols to be passed through the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R in the first period TB are the 0th to 3rd symbols. be. In this case, the first period TB includes 26 steps assigned to the 0th symbol, 25 steps assigned to the 1st symbol, 25 steps assigned to the 2nd symbol, and 25 steps assigned to the 3rd symbol. There are 102 interrupt times corresponding to a total of 102 steps of the 26 steps involved.

As shown in FIG. 35(b), the first period TB is 26+25+25+26 when the symbol to be managed at the detection of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is the 0th symbol, the 5th symbol, the 10th symbol or the 15th symbol. = 102 interruption times, and when the symbols to be managed at the detection of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 are the 1st, 6th, 11th or 16th symbols, 25 + 25 + 26 + 24 = 100 interruptions, 25 + 26 + 24 + 26 = 101 interruption time when the symbol to be managed when the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 is detected is the 2nd symbol, the 7th symbol, the 12th symbol or the 17th symbol, and the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 is detected. 26 + 24 + 26 + 25 = 101 interruption times when the symbol to be managed at the time is the 3rd, 8th, 13th or 18th symbol, and the symbol to be managed at the time of detecting the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is the 4th 24+26+25+25=100 interruption times in the case of the symbol, the 9th symbol, the 14th symbol or the 19th symbol.

The detection period TA in the stop control of the four-frame slide is the same as in the case of the stop control of the one-frame slide. be. In addition, the second period TC in the stop control of the four-frame slide is the same as in the case of the stop control of the one-frame slide. time.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 35(b), the maximum required time (TA+TB+TC) in the stop control of the four-frame sliding is that when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected, the symbols to be managed are the 0th symbol, the 5th symbol, and the 5th symbol. 125 interruption time (approximately 186.3 msec) in the case of the 10th or 15th pattern, and the pattern to be managed at the time of detection of the operation is the 1st pattern, the 6th pattern, the 11th pattern or the 16th pattern. In this case, the maximum required time is 123 interrupt time (approximately 183.3 msec), and the maximum required time when the symbol to be managed at the time of detection of the operation is the 2nd symbol, 7th symbol, 12th symbol or 17th symbol is 124 interrupt time (approximately 184.8 msec), and the maximum required time when the symbol to be managed at the time of detection of the operation is the 3rd, 8th, 13th or 18th symbol is 124 interrupt time (184.8 msec), and the maximum required time is 123 interrupt times (approximately 183.3 msec).

As described above, the maximum required time is less than the first prescribed time (190 msec) regardless of the symbols to be managed when the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 is detected. Therefore, in the slot machine 10, when any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated in the non-CB state, and when the middle stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 is operated in the CB state, Regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, the stop control of the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be started within the first specified time (190 msec) after the operation of the stop buttons 42-44. can.

Next, the details of the symbol stop position will be described. FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the positional relationship between the symbol range RDn and the symbol corresponding range REn in the 19th and 0th symbols, and FIGS. 37(a) and 37. (b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the design range RDn and the design corresponding range REn in the first design and the second design, and FIGS. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the symbol range RDn and the symbol corresponding range REn in the fourth symbol.

As shown in FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b), in the symbol corresponding range REn, the lower end of the stoppable range SR19 of the 19th symbol (stoppable position HP0 of the 0th symbol) is the symbol range RD0 of the 0th symbol. is provided in a manner coinciding with the lower end LE0 of the . Hereinafter, in this specification, the deviation width between the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol (n is an integer of 0 to 19) and the lower end of the stop possible range SR (n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol is denoted as the first deviation width WAn of the n-th symbol, and the deviation width between the lower end LEn of the n-th symbol symbol range RDn and the upper end of the (n-1)th symbol stop possible range SR (n-1) It is written as the second deviation width WBn of the n-th symbol. FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the first deviation width WAn and the second deviation width WBn.

First, the positional relationship between the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol (n is an integer from 0 to 19) and the lower end of the possible stop range SR(n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol will be described. As described above, since the possible stop position HP0 of the 0th symbol and the lower end LE0 of the symbol range RD0 of the 0th symbol match, as shown in FIG. ”. Further, as shown in FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b), the lower end LE1 of the symbol range RD1 of the first symbol is the lower end of the stoppable range SR0 of the 0th symbol (stoppable position HP1 of the first symbol). is shifted upward by a first displacement width WA1. As shown in FIG. 39, the first deviation width WA1 of the first symbol is 1.2 steps.

As shown in FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b), the lower end LE2 of the symbol range RD2 of the second symbol is higher than the lower end of the possible stop range SR1 of the first symbol (the possible stop position HP2 of the second symbol). It is shifted upward by a first shift width WA2. As shown in FIG. 39, the first deviation width WA2 of the second symbol is 0.4 steps. Further, as shown in FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b), the lower end LE3 of the symbol range RD3 of the third symbol is the lower end of the stoppable range SR2 of the second symbol (the stoppable position HP3 of the third symbol). , and is shifted upward by a first displacement width WA3. As shown in FIG. 39, the first deviation width WA3 of the third pattern is 0.6 steps.

As shown in FIGS. 38(a) and 38(b), the lower end LE4 of the symbol range RD4 of the fourth symbol is higher than the lower end of the possible stop range SR3 of the third symbol (the possible stop position HP4 of the fourth symbol). It is shifted upward by a first shift width WA4. As shown in FIG. 39, the first deviation width WA4 of the fourth pattern is 0.8 steps.

As already explained, in the first step pattern set for all 20 symbols of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, the same pattern (26 steps, 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, 24 steps) is performed every 5 symbols. is repeated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 39, the first deviation width WAn and the deviation direction for n=5, 10 and 15 are the same as those for n=0, and the first deviation width WAn for n=6, 11 and 16 are the same as those for n=0. The first deviation width WAn and the deviation direction are the same as in the case of n=1, and the first deviation width WAn and the deviation direction in the cases of n=7, 12, and 17 are the same as in the case of n=2, and n=8. , 13 and 18 are the same as the first deviation width WAn and the deviation direction when n=3, and the first deviation width WAn and the deviation direction when n=9, 14 and 19 are the same as when n=4. is identical to

As described above, when n=0, 5, 10, 15, the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol is the lower end of the stop possible range SR (n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol (n-th symbol (Possible stop HPn), and at n=1 to 4, 6 to 9, 11 to 14, 16 to 19, the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol is the (n-1)th symbol. It exists above the lower end of the stoppable range SR(n−1) (stoppable position HPn of the n-th symbol).

Next, the positional relationship between the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol (n is an integer from 0 to 19) and the upper end of the stoppable range SR(n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol will be described. As shown in FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b), the lower end LE0 of the symbol range RD0 of the 0th symbol is displaced downward by a second displacement width WB0 from the upper end of the stoppable range SR19 of the 19th symbol. Existing. As shown in FIG. 39, the second deviation width WB0 of the 0th symbol is 2.0 steps. Further, as shown in FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b), the lower end LE1 of the symbol range RD1 of the 1st symbol is positioned below the upper end of the stoppable range SR0 of the 0th symbol by a second deviation width WB1. exist apart from each other. As shown in FIG. 39, the second deviation width WB1 of the first symbol is 2.8 steps.

As shown in FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b), the lower end LE2 of the pattern range RD2 of the second pattern is shifted downward by a second displacement width WB2 from the upper end of the stoppable range SR1 of the first pattern. Existing. As shown in FIG. 39, the second deviation width WB2 of the second symbol is 2.6 steps. Further, as shown in FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b), the lower end LE3 of the pattern range RD3 of the third pattern is positioned below the upper end of the stoppable range SR2 of the second pattern by a second deviation width WB3. exist apart from each other. As shown in FIG. 39, the second deviation width WB3 of the third symbol is 2.4 steps.

As shown in FIGS. 38(a) and 38(b), the lower end LE4 of the symbol range RD4 of the fourth symbol is shifted downward by a second deviation width WB4 from the upper end of the stoppable range SR3 of the third symbol. Existing. As shown in FIG. 39, the second deviation width WB4 of the fourth symbol is 3.2 steps.

As already explained, in the first step pattern set for all 20 symbols of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, the same pattern (26 steps, 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, 24 steps) is performed every 5 symbols. is repeated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 39, the second displacement width WBn and the displacement direction for n=5, 10 and 15 are the same as those for n=0, and the second displacement width WBn for n=6, 11 and 16 are the same as those for n=0. 2 The deviation width WBn and the deviation direction are the same as when n=1, and the second deviation width WBn and the deviation direction when n=7, 12 and 17 are the same as when n=2 and n=8. , 13 and 18 are the same as the second deviation width WBn and the deviation direction when n=3, and the second deviation width WBn and the deviation direction when n=9, 14 and 19 are the same as when n=4. is identical to

As described above, for all n (n=0 to 19), the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol is lower than the upper end of the stoppable range SR (n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol. exist apart from each other.

When the stop control is started in a state where the lower end LEn (n is an integer of 0 to 19) of the pattern range RDn of the relevant pattern exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R, the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R (Fig. 22(a)) is set to stop at the center. Since 2 steps to 4 steps are assigned to the stoppable range SRn of each symbol, the stoppable range SRn of the symbol positioned one downstream of the target symbol to be stopped exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. The stop start possible period, which is a period, has a predetermined width (2 steps to 4 steps). Therefore, the stop position of the symbol to be stopped shifts up and down according to the timing at which the stop control is started within the stop start possible period. Specifically, when the stop control is started in a state where the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the symbol to be stopped exists above the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R, the n-th symbol is placed in the reference areas 38L, 38M. , 38R, and the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the symbol to be stopped is located below the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. The n-th pattern shifts below the center of the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R and stops.

When the stop control is started at the stop possible start timing which is the start timing of the stop start possible period, the stop position of the stop target pattern is shifted to the uppermost position. In FIGS. 40(a) and 40(b), stop control is executed at the stop possible start timing with the n-th symbol (n=1 to 4, 6 to 9, 11 to 14, 16 to 19) as the symbol to be stopped. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol and the possible stop range SR(n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol in the case.

As shown in FIGS. 40(a) and 40(b), at the stoppable start timing, the lower end of the (n-1)th symbol stoppable range SR(n-1) (nth symbol stoppable position HPn ) are present at the reference positions 39L, 39M and 39R. As described above, when n=1 to 4, 6 to 9, 11 to 14, 16 to 19, the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol is the stoppable range SR (n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol. Since it exists above the lower end (stoppable position HPn of the n-th symbol), the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol is positioned at the first position from the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R at the stoppable start timing. It is shifted upward by a shift width WAn. Therefore, in n=1 to 4, 6 to 9, 11 to 14, 16 to 19, when the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is started at the stop possible start timing, the pattern to be stopped is the reference area 38L. , 38M, and 38R.

On the other hand, although illustration is omitted, as described above, when n=0, 5, 10, 15, the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol is the stoppable range SR (n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol. Since it coincides with the lower end (stoppable position HPn of the n-th symbol), the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R at the stoppable start timing. Therefore, when n=0, 5, 10, 15, when the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is started at the stop possible start timing, the symbols to be stopped are stopped in the center of the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R. do.

Further, when the stop control is started at the stop possible end timing which is the end timing of the stop start possible period, the stop position of the stop target pattern is shifted to the lowest side. FIGS. 40(c) and 40(d) show the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol and the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol (n=0 to 19) when stop control is executed at the stop possible end timing with the n-th symbol (n=0 to 19) as the symbol to be stopped. n−1) It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the symbol and the possible stop range SR(n−1).

As shown in FIGS. 40(c) and 40(d), at the stoppable end timing, the upper end of the stoppable range SR(n-1) of the (n-1)th symbol is at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. Existing. Then, the lower end LEn of the design range RDn of the n-th design is shifted downward by the second displacement width WBn from the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. Therefore, for all n (n=0 to 19), when the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is started at the stop possible start timing, the symbols to be stopped are positioned from the center of the reference areas 38L, 38M, and 38R. also deviates downward and stops.

As shown in FIG. 39, the maximum value of the first upward deviation width WAn is 1.2 steps when n=1, 6, 11, and 16. There is no n where the lower end LEn of the design range RDn of the n-th design deviates downward from the reference position, and the minimum value of the upward first deviation width WAn is "0 ”. Therefore, the maximum difference between the patterns in the first deviation width WAn is 1.2, which is the maximum value ("1.2") of the first deviation width WAn minus the minimum value ("0") of the first deviation width WAn. 2 steps. Also, as shown in FIG. 39, the maximum value of the second deviation width WBn is 3.2 steps when n=3, 8, 13, and 18.

FIG. 41 shows the maximum difference between patterns in the first shift width WAn in all step patterns in which a pattern in which two 26 steps, two 25 steps, and one 24 steps are allocated for every five patterns is repeated four times, and the second FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum value of the deviation width WBn;

As shown in FIG. 41, the maximum difference between symbols in the first deviation width WAn is two 26 steps, two 25 steps, and one 24 step for every five symbols when the first step pattern is set. It is the smallest among the maximum differences among all the step patterns that repeat the assigned pattern four times.

Therefore, in the present embodiment in which the first step pattern is set, when the stop control is started at the stop possible start timing, the maximum difference in the stop position deviation of the stop target pattern caused by the type of the stop target pattern is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing a sense of incongruity due to a difference in stop position deviation depending on the type of stop target symbol.

Also, as shown in FIG. 41, the maximum value of the second deviation width WBn is determined by assigning two 26 steps, two 25 steps, and one 24 steps to every five symbols when the first step pattern is set. WBn is the smallest among the maximum values of the second deviation width WBn in all the step patterns in which the pattern is repeated four times.

Therefore, in the present embodiment in which the first step pattern is set, when the stop control is started at the stop possible end timing, the stop position of the pattern to be stopped is separated from the center of the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R. is suppressed, and the possibility of causing a sense of incongruity with respect to the stop position of the pattern is reduced.

As described above, by setting the first step pattern for the 20 symbols attached to each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, two 26 steps, two 25 steps, and one 24 step are performed for every five symbols. It is possible to minimize both the maximum difference in the first deviation width WAn between patterns and the maximum value in the second deviation width WBn among all the step patterns that repeat the assigned pattern four times. This reduces the possibility that the stop position of the symbol will cause a sense of incompatibility.

Next, the notification control process executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the notification control process is executed in step S411 of the winning lottery process (FIG. 11).

In the notification control process, first, it is determined whether or not the lottery process (FIG. 11) for a winning combination executed in the non-CB state has been won with index values IV=1 to 3 (step S1401). As already explained, the index values IV=1 to 3 are set with the bell winning data and any of the compensation winning data (first compensation winning data to ninth compensation winning data). If the index value IV=1 to 3 is won (step S1401: YES), it is determined whether it is in either the ready state or the ART state (step S1402). If not (step S1402: NO), the notification control process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is in either the preparation state or the ART state (step S1402: YES), a stop order grasping process for bell winning is executed (step S1403). In the stopping order grasping process, information on the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables the establishment of a bell prize is grasped according to the index value IV won in the winning lottery process (FIG. 11). Thereafter, a bell winning command is set as a transmission target to the effect side MPU 82 (step S1404), and this notification control process is terminated. The bell winning command is a command that enables the effect-side MPU 82 to specify the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables establishment of a bell winning in this game. The production side MPU 82 that has received the bell winning command executes display control of the image display device 63 and also executes sound output control of the speaker 62 in order to execute the bell winning stop order notification.

If the player has not won the index value IV=1 to 3 in step S1401, it is determined whether or not any promotion replay (first RT replay or second RT replay) has been won (step S1405). If any promotion replay has been won (step S1405: YES), it is determined whether it is in either the preparation state or the ART state (step S1406), and it is neither the preparation state nor the ART state. If so (step S1406: NO), the notification control process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is in either the preparation state or the ART state in step S1406, a stop order grasping process for promotion replay is executed (step S1407). In the stopping order grasping process for the promotion replay, the stopping order information of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables establishment of the first RT replay prize or the second RT replay prize corresponding to the winning result of this time is grasped. After that, a command for promotion is set as a transmission target to the effect side MPU 82 (step S1408), and this notification control process is terminated. The promotion command is a command that enables the production-side MPU 82 to specify the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables establishment of RT replay winning (first RT replay winning or second RT replay winning) in this game. is. The production side MPU 82 that has received the promotion command executes display control of the image display device 63 and also executes sound output control of the speaker 62 in order to execute the stop order notification for promotion.

If the promotion replay has not been won in step S1405, it is determined whether or not any fall replay (first fall replay or second fall replay) has been won (step S1409). If the player has not won the replay (step S1409: NO), the notification control process is terminated. Also, if one of the fall replays is won in step S1409, it is determined whether or not it is in the ART state (step S1410), and if it is not in the ART state (step S1410: NO), this End the notification control process.

On the other hand, if it is in the ART state (step S1410: YES), stop order grasping processing for avoiding fall replay is executed (step S1411). In the fall replay avoidance stopping order grasping process, information on the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that can avoid establishment of the first fall replay winning prize or the second falling replay winning prize corresponding to the winning result of this time is grasped. do. After that, a fall avoidance command is set as a transmission target to the effect-side MPU 82 (step S1412), and this notification control process is terminated. The fall avoidance command specifies the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables avoidance of the falling replay winning (first falling replay winning or second falling replay winning) in this game by the production side MPU 82. It is a command that enables The production-side MPU 82 that has received the fall avoidance command executes the display control of the image display device 63 and the sound output control of the speaker 62 in order to execute the fall avoidance stop order notification.

Although the detailed explanation is omitted, when the game state is the preparation state, the index value IV=11 to 16 of the lottery table for the first RT mode (FIG. 14) in the winning lottery process (FIG. 11). In the case of winning, a process for notifying the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that makes it possible to avoid establishment of the first falling replay winning is executed. On the other hand, when the game state is in the ready state, even if the lottery process (FIG. 11) wins the index value IV=7 to 12 of the lottery table for the second RT mode (FIG. 16), the second drop replay is performed. The stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that makes it possible to avoid winning a prize is not reported. Since the transition condition from the preparation state to the ART state is the establishment of the second RT replay prize, if the transition to the preparation state occurs in the second RT mode, the establishment of the second fall replay prize is not avoided, so that the first RT It is possible to give an opportunity to establish the second RT replay prize by temporarily falling into the mode.

Next, referring to the flow chart of FIG. 43, a description will be given of the handling process at the end of the game executed by the main MPU 72. FIG. It should be noted that the corresponding processing at the end of the game is executed in step S309 in the normal processing (FIG. 10) after all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R have stopped rotating.

In the corresponding processing at the end of the game, when the CB winning data is set or the CB state (step S1501: YES), the CB processing is executed (step S1502). FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing CB processing.

In the CB processing, first, it is determined whether or not it is in the CB state (step S1601). As described above, this CB process is a process that is executed when any of the CB winning data is set or in the CB state. , means that any CB winning data is set in the main side RAM 74 . In this case, it is determined whether or not CB winning has occurred in the current game (step S1602). is set to "1" to shift the game state to the CB state (step S1603). As a result, the CB lottery table is referred to in the lottery processing (FIG. 11) in the next and subsequent games.

After that, by setting a CB transition command indicating that the state has transitioned to the CB state as a transmission target to the effect control device 80, the upper lamp 61, the speaker 62 and the image display device 63 start the effect for the CB state (step S1604). Then, the CB winning data set in the main RAM 74 is deleted (step S1605), and this CB process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S1601 that it is in the CB state, CB state processing is executed (step S1606), and this CB processing ends. In the CB state processing, the subtraction processing of the CB counter provided in the main side RAM 74 is executed on the condition that the game medium is awarded in the current game. The CB counter is a counter for the main MPU 72 to determine whether or not the total number of game media awarded since the CB state was started has reached or exceeded the end reference number. When the CB state is started, "350", which is the end reference number, is set in the CB counter. In the CB counter subtraction process, the number of game media provided in the current game is subtracted from the value of the CB counter. Then, if the value of the CB counter after the subtraction is not "0", this CB state processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the value of the CB counter after the subtraction is "0", CB termination processing for terminating the CB state is executed, and this CB state processing ends. In the CB end processing, the CB state is ended by clearing the CB state flag of the main RAM 74 to "0". Also, by transmitting a command indicating that the CB state has ended to the effect control device 80, the effect for the CB state in the upper lamp 61, the speaker 62 and the image display device 63 is ended. When the CB state ends, the lottery mode becomes the normal mode regardless of which mode the lottery mode was before the CB state started. Also, if the CB state is started in the AT state, after the end of the CB state, regardless of the state before the start of the CB state, the ART preparation state processing described later (step S1508 in the corresponding processing at the end of the game (FIG. 43)) is executed.

Returning to the description of the corresponding processing at the end of the game (FIG. 43), if neither the winning state of the CB role nor the CB state (step S1501: NO) and the AT state (step S1503: NO), RT mode Transition processing (step S1504), game count release management processing (step S1505), and transition chance management processing (step S1506) are executed.

In RT mode transition processing (step S1504), if it is specified that the first RT replay winning has occurred in the current game, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode, and if the second RT replay winning has occurred in the current game When it is specified that the device is in the second RT mode, the mode is shifted to the second RT mode. In addition, in the RT mode transition processing, when it is specified that the second fall replay win has occurred in the current game, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode, and if the first fall replay win has occurred in the current game. If it is identified that the

In the number-of-games release management process (step S1505), when the number of games for which the number of games to be released set when the AT state was terminated last time has been completed without causing a new transition to the AT state, the state is shifted to the AT state. Execute the process to make it possible. That is, every time one game ends, the value of the number of unlocked games is decremented by 1, and when the value of the remaining number of unlocked games becomes "0", the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is set to "1". . The main-side RAM 74 is provided with an AT state counter that makes it possible to specify whether or not it is in the AT state, and to specify the staying mode of the AT state if it is in the AT state. Numerical information of "0" to "3" is set in the AT state counter according to the game state. Specifically, the AT state counter is set to "0" in the non-AT state, "1" in the ART preparation state, "2" in the ART state, and "3" in the ART end branch state. ” is set. By setting "1" to the AT state counter in step S1505, the ART preparation state processing (step S1508) described later will be executed in the next processing round of the corresponding processing at the end of the game.

In the shift chance management process (step S1506), when the game is played in the non-CB state and non-AT state and the game is won with the index value IV=5, a lottery process for shifting to the AT state is executed. do. Only the watermelon winning data is set to the index value IV=5 in the non-CB state, as already explained. Even if the watermelon win is won with the index value IV=5, there is a possibility that the watermelon prize will not be established depending on the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, but even if the watermelon prize is not established, the prize will be won with the index value IV=5. If so, a lottery process for shifting to the AT state is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lottery process for shifting to the AT state may be executed on the condition that the corresponding prize is established.

In the AT state transition lottery process, the AT transition lottery table during non-CB is read from the main ROM 73, and the value of the lottery counter updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) is read from the main RAM 74, and the lottery counter is read. is checked against the AT transition lottery table in the non-CB read above. In the AT transition lottery table in the non-CB, the AT transition is won with a probability of 1/2.

When an AT transition lottery process to the AT state is won, the ART game number counter provided in the main side RAM 74 is set to "50" as the number of initial continuous games, and the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is set. is set to "1". By setting "1" to the AT state counter, the ART preparation state processing (step S1508), which will be described later, will be executed in the next processing round of the corresponding processing at the end of the game (FIG. 43).

Returning to the description of the corresponding processing at the end of the game (FIG. 43), if the value of the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is 1 or more, it means that it is in the AT state, so an affirmative determination is made in step S1503. Then, the process advances to step S1507. In step S1507, the value of the AT state counter is grasped, and processing corresponding to the grasped value is executed. Specifically, if the AT state counter value is "1", ART preparation state processing is executed (step S1508), and if the AT state counter value is "2", ART state processing is executed (step S1509). ), and if the value of the AT state counter is "3", ART end branch processing is executed (step S1510). When the process of step S1502 is executed, when the process of step S1506 is executed, or when the process of one of steps S1508 to S1510 is executed, the game end command is set as a transmission target to the effect control device 80. (Step S1511), the corresponding processing at the end of the game ends. The game end command is a command for making the effect control device 80 recognize that one game has ended. sent. Each process of steps S1508 to S1510 will be described below.

First, ART preparation state processing (step S1508) will be described. The ART preparation state is a state in which the player stays before transitioning to the ART state when a condition enabling transition to the ART state is satisfied. As already explained, in the ART preparation state, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is notified in order to enable establishment of a bell prize when winning with any of the index values IV=1 to 3. . Also, as already explained, in the ART preparation state, either the index value IV = 7 to 10 in the normal mode lottery table (Fig. 12) or the 1st RT mode lottery table (Fig. 14) (hereinafter also referred to as the role to be promoted) ), the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R for establishing the first RT replay winning prize or the second RT replay winning prize (stopping order for generating promotion) is notified. The transition to the ART state is achieved by winning the promotion target role in the 1st RT mode and stopping the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in the stop order for promotion occurrence in the situation where the ART preparation state processing or the ART end branch processing is being executed. It occurs when the lottery mode is changed to the second RT mode.

In the ART preparation state process, when the index value IV=5 in the non-CB state is won in the current game, the addition lottery process is executed. As already explained, only the watermelon winning data is set to the index value IV=5 in the non-CB state. Even if a prize is won with the index value IV=5, there is a possibility that the watermelon prize will not be established depending on the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, but even if the corresponding prize is not established, the index value IV=5. If the lottery is won, an additional lottery process is executed. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the additional lottery process may be executed on the condition that the corresponding prize is established. In the additional lottery process, the additional lottery table is read from the main ROM 73, the value of the lottery counter updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) is read from the main RAM 74, and the value of the lottery counter is read as above. Match against a table. In the add-on lottery table, the add-on win is made with a probability of 1/2. When an additional lottery is won in the additional lottery process, an additional process of adding "50" to the ART game number counter of the main side RAM 74 as the number of additional games is executed. As a result, the number of games to be continued in one execution in the ART state after shifting to the ART state is increased.

In the ART preparation state process, when it is specified that the second RT replay winning has occurred in the current game, the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is set to "2". As a result, the main MPU 72 executes the ART state processing (step S1509) in the next processing in the processing for dealing with the end of the game (FIG. 43), and the game state shifts from the ART preparation state to the ART state. Also, in order to set the lottery mode to the second RT mode, the data setting of the main side RAM 74 is performed. Thereafter, on condition that the value of the ART game number counter of the main side RAM 74 is "0", the value of the ART game number counter of the main side RAM 74 is incremented by 20. As a result, when the state is shifted to the CB state at the timing when the number of remaining games in the ART state becomes "0", the CB state ends even if the ART game number counter is not increased in the CB state. It is possible to ensure that the ART state is executed to some extent later.

In the ART preparation state processing, other RT mode transition processing is executed. In other RT mode transition processing, when it is specified that the first RT replay winning has occurred, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode, and when it is specified that the first fall replay winning has occurred, the mode is shifted to the normal mode. , when it is specified that the second fall replay winning has occurred, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode.

Next, the ART state processing (step S1509) in the corresponding processing (FIG. 43) at the end of the game will be described. In the ART state processing, if the index value IV=5 in the non-CB state is won in the current game, the same additional lottery processing as the additional lottery processing in the ART preparation state processing (step S1508) is executed. As already explained, in the additional lottery process, the additional lottery is won with a probability of 1/2. In the case of an additional winning, "50" is added to the number of ART games counter of the main side RAM 74 as the number of additional games. As a result, the number of games to be continued in one execution in the ART state is increased.

In the ART state process, 1 is subtracted from the value of the ART game number counter in the main RAM 74 . Then, if the value of the ART game number counter after subtracting 1 is "0", it is determined whether or not the game is in the normal mode. If it is not the normal mode, the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is set to "3". As a result, the main MPU 72 executes the ART end branching process (step S1510) in the next process in the game end corresponding process (FIG. 43), and the game state shifts from the ART state to the ART end branching state. . On the other hand, in the normal mode, the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is cleared to "0". This ends the AT state.

In the ART state processing, RT mode transition processing is executed. In the RT mode transition processing, when it is specified that the first RT replay win has occurred, the mode is switched to the first RT mode, and when it is specified that the second RT replay win has occurred, the process is switched to the second RT mode. When it is specified that the first fall replay win has occurred, the mode is shifted to the normal mode, and when it is specified that the second fall replay win has occurred, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode.

Next, the ART end branching process (step S1510) in the corresponding process at the end of the game (FIG. 43) will be described. The ART end branch state is a game state in which the game stays when one execution of the ART state is completed. As already explained, in the ART end branch state, the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is notified in order to enable establishment of the bell prize when winning with any of the index values IV=1 to 3. be. On the other hand, in the ART end branch state, even if a winning combination that enables the occurrence of the first fall replay prize or the second fall replay prize is won, the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to avoid the occurrence of the fall replay prize. is not reported. Then, when the first fall replay winning occurs in the ART end branch state and the game shifts to the normal mode, the value of the AT state counter is cleared to "0". This ends the AT state.

According to this embodiment detailed above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

The stoppable position HPn of the pattern is set at a position where the pattern range RDn of each pattern reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R at an earlier timing than the pattern range RDn reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. When the position HPn reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R, it becomes possible to perform the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. As a result, the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be started earlier than the symbol range RDn of the symbols to be stopped reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R.

Since the stoppable range SRn in which 2 steps to 4 steps are assigned is set upstream of the pattern corresponding range REn of each symbol, the second period TC is extended by the number of steps assigned to the stoppable range SRn. shortened. As a result, the maximum value of the maximum required time (detection period TA+first period TB+second period TC) in stop control for one-frame sliding and stop control for four-frame sliding is shortened.

For each symbol on the left reel 32L, the possible stop position HPn is set so that the maximum required time for stopping control of one-frame sliding is 49 interrupt times (approximately 73.0 msec) or less. As a result, the left reel 32L in the CB state can be controlled to stop one frame slip within the second specified time (75 msec) after the left stop button 42 is operated.

Each pattern of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is assigned one of 24 steps to 26 steps. The number of steps ("504") required to rotate the stepping motor 33 once for each symbol is the number of symbols ("20") attached to the reel tape 97 of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. By allocating the number of steps close to the solution ("25.2") in the case of division, it is configured such that the stop position does not greatly deviate between symbols.

A pattern in which 26 steps, 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, and 24 steps are assigned to every 5 symbols for 20 symbols attached on the reel tape 97 of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is repeated four times. A step pattern is set. If a step pattern in which four 25 steps and one 26 step are assigned to every five symbols is repeated four times, the number of steps increases by one in only one of the consecutive five symbols. On the other hand, by setting the first step pattern formed by combining three types of step numbers, it is possible to disperse the deviation of the step numbers assigned to the consecutive five symbols.

Two 26 steps, two 25 steps, and one 24 step are assigned to every 5 symbols by setting the first step pattern for 20 symbols attached to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. Among all the step patterns that repeat the pattern four times, both the maximum difference between the symbols in the first deviation width WAn and the maximum value of the second deviation width WBn can be minimized. As a result, there is a possibility of creating a sense of incongruity about the stop position of the pattern when the possible stop position HPn of the pattern to be stopped does not reach the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected, and the stop button. This reduces both the possibility of creating a sense of incongruity about the stop positions of the symbols when the possible stop positions HPn of the symbols to be stopped have reached the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R when the operations of 42 to 44 are detected.

The number of steps assigned to the unstoppable range NRn of each symbol is fixed at "22". As a result, the storage capacity of data for allowing the main MPU 72 to specify the number of steps assigned to the non-stop range NRn of each symbol in the main RAM 74 is reduced.

<Another form of the first embodiment>
- It may be determined that the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated when the state of the detection signal of the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a changes from LOW state to HI state to HI state. Specifically, in the detection state storage area of the main-side RAM 74, the states of the detection signals for the last three times of the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a are stored. In this configuration, even if the states of the detection signals of the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a change from LOW state to LOW state to HI state, the stop buttons 42 to 44 cannot be operated in step S704 of the valid operation determination process (FIG. 25). Not detected. After about one interrupt time, the detection state of the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a becomes HI state, and when the latest three states change from LOW state to HI state to HI state, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected. be. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the possibility that the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is started due to electrical noise that causes the detection signals of the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a to rise to the HI state only for one processing. . In this configuration, the detection period from when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated to when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected is longer than the detection period TA (one interrupt time) in the first embodiment. is also 2 interrupt times longer than 1 interrupt time. In this configuration, the maximum required time for stop control of one-frame skidding is maximized because of n=0, 5, 10, 15, as in the case of the first embodiment (see FIG. 35(a)). and n=3, 8, 13, 18, and the maximum required time in this case is the detection period TA (“2”)+first period TB (“26”)+second period TC (“22 ”)=50 interrupt times (approximately 74.5 msec). Since the maximum value of the maximum required time in stop control for one-frame sliding does not exceed the second specified time (75 msec), the number of slips is set to "1" within the second specified time after the left stop button 42 is operated, and the left reel 32L stop control can be initiated. Further, in this configuration, the maximum required time for stop control of four-frame skidding is maximized when n=0, 5, 10, as in the case of the first embodiment (see FIG. 35(b)). , 15, and the maximum required time in this case is: detection period TA (“2”)+first period TB (“26+25+25+24”)+second period TC (“22”)=126 interrupt times (approximately 187.7 msec). Since the maximum value of the maximum required time for the stop control of the four-frame slide does not exceed the first specified time (190 msec), the number of slides is set to "4" within the first specified time after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. , the stop control of the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be started.

・The stoppable range SRn is defective, and the reel 32L at the timing when the stoppable position HPn of the stop target symbol reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R and the timing when the lower end of the symbol correspondence range REn of the stop target symbol reaches , 32M, and 32R may be configured to be executable. In this configuration, if the possible stop position HPn of the pattern to be stopped does not reach the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected, the possible stop position HPn reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. Stop control can be executed at the timing of arrival. Further, if the possible stop position HPn of the stop target pattern passes through the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected, the lower end of the pattern corresponding range REn of the stop target pattern is positioned at the reference position 39L. , 39M and 39R, stop control can be executed. In this configuration as well, the maximum required time for stop control of one-frame sliding can be set to the same time as the maximum required time for one-frame sliding in the first embodiment, and the maximum required time for stop control of four-frame sliding The time can be the same as the maximum required time for the four-frame slide in the first embodiment.

・The maximum required time from when the left stop button 42 is operated until the start of the stop control of the left reel 32L with the number of slides set to "1" is shortened to within the second specified time (75 msec). The design is not limited to the configuration in which the stoppable range of the symbol is set on the upstream side of the symbol corresponding range REn of the relevant symbol. The possible stop range of each symbol may be set downstream of the symbol corresponding range REn of the symbol. Specifically, a pattern in which 24 steps, 26 steps, 25 steps, 25 steps, and 26 steps are assigned every 5 symbols from the 0th symbol is repeated four times in all 20 symbols of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. A step pattern is set. The number of steps (2 steps to 4 steps) obtained by subtracting 22 steps from the number of steps assigned to the symbol is assigned to the stoppable range SRn of each symbol, and 22 steps are assigned to the non-stoppable range NRn of each symbol. steps are assigned. In this configuration, when the p-th symbol (p is an integer of 0 to 19) is set as the symbol to be stopped, the stop possible range SRp of the p-th symbol exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R. Based on this, the stop control for stopping the p-th symbol in the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R can be started.

From the state in which the non-stop range NRn of the n-th pattern (n is an integer of 0 to 19) exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R to the state in which the possible stop range SRn of the n-th pattern exists in the reference position. The maximum required time for the stop control of one-frame sliding when the operation of the left stop button 42 is detected at the switching timing is the same detection period TA (one interrupt time) as the detection period TA in the first embodiment. A first period TB required for the non-stop range NRn of the n-th symbol to pass through the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R, and a symbol corresponding range RE(n+1) of the (n+1)-th symbol located one upstream of the n-th symbol ) passes through the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R.

As described above, since the number of steps assigned to the non-stop range NRn is fixed at "22" regardless of the symbol number, the first period TB in this configuration is constant. It's time. Therefore, the maximum required time for stop control for one-frame skidding is maximized when the second period TC is maximized. Specifically, when n=0, 5, 10, 15, the number of steps assigned to the (n+1)th symbol becomes the maximum ("26"), and the second period TC is the maximum of 26 interrupts. It's time. The maximum required time in this case is the detection period TA ("1") + first period TB ("22") + second period TC ("26") = 49 interrupt times (approximately 73.0 msec). Do not exceed the second specified time (75 msec).

In this way, by providing the stop possible range SRn on the downstream side of the symbol corresponding range REn of each symbol, and shortening the first period TB to shorten the maximum required time in the stop control of one-frame sliding, the left The stop control of the left reel 32L can be started with the number of slides set to "1" within the second specified time (75 msec) after the stop button 42 is operated.

<Second embodiment>
In this embodiment, the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is started on condition that the two-phase excitation has been executed for one interruption. The configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described below. Note that the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

The stop start processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As already described in the first embodiment, the stop start process is executed in step S1119 in the step number monitoring process (FIG. 31).

In the stop start process in this embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not the stop preparation flag provided in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1701). The stop preparation flag is a flag that enables the main side MPU 72 to specify that the stop control should be started after executing the two-phase excitation over one interrupt. The stop preparation flag indicates that the stop possible range SRn of the symbol located one downstream of the target symbol to be stopped is in the state of existing at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R, and the immediately preceding excitation phase is 2. "1" is set when it is phase excitation.

If it is determined in step S1701 that the stop preparation flag is not set to "1", steps S1702 to S1705 are performed in steps S1201 to S1204 in the stop start process (FIG. 32) of the first embodiment. Execute the same process. Specifically, when stop control is not being performed (step S1702: NO) and the braking target flag is set to "1" (step S1703: YES), the stop permission flag 74c is set to "1". It is determined whether or not there is (step S1704). Then, when "1" is set in the stop permission flag 74c (step S1704: YES), and when the current design to be managed is a design positioned one downstream of the design to be stopped (step S1705: YES), the process advances to step S1706.

In step S1706, it is determined whether or not two-phase excitation has been performed for one interrupt. At step S1706, an affirmative determination is made when the excitation data output to the motor driver 96 of the target reel in the previous stepping motor control process (FIG. 27) is excitation data for two-phase excitation.

If the two-phase excitation has been executed over one interrupt (step S1706: YES), then in steps S1707 and S1708, steps S1205 and S1205 in the stop start process (FIG. 32) of the first embodiment are performed. The same processing as the processing in step S1206 is executed. Specifically, the stop execution flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1707), and the stop information update flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1708). By setting the stop execution flag to "1", the excitation data for the four-phase excitation is output to the motor driver 96, and the stop control is started.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1706 that it is not after two-phase excitation has been executed over one interrupt, the stop preparation flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1709). When the stop preparation flag is set to "1", excitation data for constant speed rotation is output to the motor driver 96 in step S906 of the stepping motor control process (FIG. 27). In this case, since the excitation data output to the motor driver 96 in the previous stepping motor control process (FIG. 27) is the excitation data for 1-phase excitation, the excitation data for 2-phase excitation is output in the current stepping motor control process. The Rukoto.

If it is determined in step S1701 that the stop preparation flag is set to "1", the stop preparation flag is set to "1" in the previous stop start processing, and the subsequent stepping motor control processing (see FIG. 27). ) means that the excitation data of the two-phase excitation is output. In this case, the stop preparation flag is cleared to "0" (step S1710). Thereafter, the stop execution flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1707), and the stop information update flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1708).

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1702, if a negative determination is made in any of steps S1703 to S1705, if the process of step S1708 is performed, or if the process of step S1709 is performed, steps S1711 to In step S1713, the same processing as steps S1207 to S1209 of the stop start processing (FIG. 32) in the first embodiment is executed. Specifically, when the symbol update flag is set to "1" (step S1711: YES), the stop permission flag 74c is cleared to "0" (step S1712), and the symbol update flag is cleared to "0". (step S1713), and the stop start process ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the stop execution flag is set to "1" after the two-phase excitation is executed over one interrupt, and then the excitation data for the four-phase excitation is output to cause the reels 32L, 32M, 32R stop control is started. Only the second acceleration table (FIG. 20) in the first embodiment is set in the main ROM 73 as the acceleration table for the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. As already described in the first embodiment, the second acceleration table is set to 1-phase excitation as the initial excitation. Acceleration control of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R is performed using only the second acceleration table in which 1-phase excitation is set as the initial excitation by fixing the excitation phase immediately before executing stop control to 2-phase excitation. can be started. By reducing the types of acceleration tables that need to be stored in advance, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity of the acceleration tables in the main ROM 73 .

Next, the maximum required time for stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in this embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, even if the possible stop position HPn of the pattern to be stopped reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R after detecting the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the two-phase excitation is executed over one interruption. Otherwise, 2-phase excitation is performed over one interrupt before 4-phase excitation is performed. Therefore, there is a case where the second period TC for passing through the non-stoppable range NRn of the symbol positioned one downstream of the stop target symbol is extended by one interruption.

FIG. 46(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time when the one-frame skid stop control is performed, and FIG. 46(b) is the maximum required time when the four-frame skid stop control is performed. It is an explanatory view for explaining. As shown in FIGS. 46(a) and 46(b), in this embodiment, the second period from when the symbol to be managed is updated to the symbol one downstream of the symbol to be stopped to when the stop control is started. TC is longer than the second period TC in the first embodiment by one interrupt time. The second period TC is specifically 23 interrupt times.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 46(a), the maximum required time for the stop control of one-frame sliding is the 0th, 5th, 10th, and 15th symbols to be managed when the stop operation is detected. In some cases, the interrupt time is 50 (approximately 74.5 msec), and when the symbols to be managed when the stop operation is detected are the 1st, 6th, 11th and 16th symbols, the interrupt time is 49 (approximately 73.0 msec), and when the symbols to be managed at the time of detection of the stop operation are the 2nd, 7th, 12th and 17th symbols, the interrupt time is 49 (about 73.0 msec), and the stop operation When the symbols to be managed at the time of detection are the 3rd, 8th, 13th and 18th symbols, the interrupt time is 50 (about 74.5 msec), and the symbol to be managed at the time of detection of the stop operation is the 4th. It is 48 interrupt times (about 71.5 msec) in the case of the pattern, the 9th pattern, the 14th pattern and the 19th pattern.

All of the above maximum required times are less than the second specified time (75 msec). Therefore, even if the stop control is started after the two-phase excitation, the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is started before the second specified time (75 msec) elapses after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. It is possible to

Also, as shown in FIG. 46(b), the maximum required time in the stop control of the four-frame sliding is that the symbols to be managed when the stop operation is detected are the 0th, 5th, 10th and 15th symbols. 126 interrupt time (approximately 187.7 msec) in the case, and 124 interrupt time (approximately 184 .8 msec), and when the symbols to be managed when the stop operation is detected are the 2nd, 7th, 12th and 17th symbols, the interrupt time is 125 (about 183.3 msec), and the stop operation is detected. 125 interruption time (approximately 186.3 msec) when the symbols to be managed at time are the 3rd, 8th, 13th and 18th symbols, and the symbol to be managed at the time of detection of the stop operation is the 4th symbol. , 9th pattern, 14th pattern and 19th pattern, the interruption time is 124 (approximately 184.8 msec).

All of the above maximum required times are less than the first specified time (190 msec). Therefore, even if the stop control is started after the two-phase excitation, the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is started before the first specified time (190 msec) elapses after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. It is possible to

According to this embodiment detailed above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

The excitation phases before the start of stop control are unified to 2-phase excitation, and the initial excitation in acceleration control is unified to 1-phase excitation. Therefore, acceleration control of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R can be executed using one type of acceleration table. This makes it possible to reduce the storage capacity of the acceleration table in the main ROM 73 .

The stoppable range of each symbol is the number of steps that makes the time required for the next managed symbol to reach the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R from the update of the managed symbol to within 49 interrupt times. SRn. Therefore, by executing one-phase excitation over one interruption, the possible stop position HPn reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R, and stop control is started after two-phase excitation is executed over one interruption. Even in this case, the stop control can be started within the second specified time (75 msec) after the stop buttons 42-44 are operated.

The time required for the stop possible range SRn of the symbol positioned four upstream of the updated managed symbol to reach the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R after the updated managed symbol is within 125 interrupt times. The number of steps to be performed is set in the possible stop range SRn of each symbol. Therefore, by executing the one-phase excitation over one interruption, the possible stop position HPn of the pattern to be stopped reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, and 39R, and after the two-phase excitation is executed over one interruption, Even when the stop control is started, it is possible to start the stop control within the first specified time (190 msec) after the stop buttons 42-44 are operated.

<Third Embodiment>
The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first deviation width WAn is reduced by allocating a different number of steps to the non-stop range NRn according to the symbol number. The configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described below. Note that the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

FIG. 47(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the number of steps assigned to the stop possible range SRn of the n-th symbol in this embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the width WBn; As shown in FIG. 47(a), the same first step pattern as in the first embodiment is set for the 20 symbols of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in this embodiment, and the symbol of the 0th symbol is set. The position of each symbol corresponding range REn with respect to the lower end LE0 (see FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b)) of the range RD0 is the same as in the first embodiment.

First, the n-th pattern where n=0, 5, 10, 15, n=2, 7, 12, 17, and n=3, 8, 13, 18 will be described. As shown in FIG. 47(a), the possible stop range SRn of the n-th symbol (n=0, 5, 10, 15, n=2, 7, 12, 17, and n=3, 8, 13, 18) is assigned a number of steps that is one less than the number of steps assigned to the stoppable range SRn of these symbols in the first embodiment, and the non-stoppable range NRn of these symbols is assigned to the above-described number of steps. In one embodiment, 23 steps, which is one more than the number of steps ("22") assigned to the unstoppable range NRn of these symbols, are assigned. Thereby, as shown in FIG. For the (n+1)th symbol located one upstream, the first deviation width WAn is smaller than in the first embodiment. Specifically, in FIG. 47(b), when n=1, 6, 11, 16, the first deviation width WAn is 0.2 steps (upward), and n=3, 8, 13, In 18, the first deviation width WAn is 0.4 steps (downward), and in n=4, 9, 14, and 19, the first deviation width WAn is 0.2 steps (downward). there is

In the configuration in which the position of each symbol corresponding range REn with respect to the lower end LE0 of the symbol range RD0 of the 0th symbol is the same as in the first embodiment, the nth symbol (n=0, 5, 10, 15, n=2, 7, 12, 17, and n = 3, 8, 13, 18), the number of steps allocated to the possible stop range SRn is decreased by 1, so that the n-th symbol located one upstream The possible stop position HP(n+1) of the (n+1) symbol is moved upstream by one step as compared with the first embodiment. The (n+1)th symbol (n+1 = 1, 6, 11, 16, n = 3, 8, 13, 18, and n = 4, 9, 14, 19) is the upward The symbol has a one-shift width WA(n+1) of "0.6" or more. Further, as already explained in the first embodiment, the first deviation width WA(n+1) of the (n+1)th symbol is the stoppable position HP(n+1) of the (n+1)th symbol at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. ) exists, the width of deviation between the lower end LE (n+1) of the symbol range RD (n+1) of the (n+1)-th symbol and the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R, and the symbol range RD of the (n+1)-th symbol It is also the gap width between the (n+1) lower end LE (n+1) and the stop possible position HP (n+1) of the (n+1)th symbol (see FIGS. 40(a) to 40(d)). Therefore, by moving the stop possible position HP(n+1) by one step upstream for the (n+1)th symbol having the upward first deviation width WA(n+1) of "0.6" or more, the first deviation is The width WA(n+1) is reduced.

Next, n-th symbols with n=1, 6, 11, 16 and n=4, 9, 14, 19 will be described. As shown in FIG. 47(a), in the stop possible range SRn of the n-th symbol (n=1, 6, 11, 16 and n=4, 9, 14, 19), in the first embodiment, The same number of steps as the number of steps assigned to the stoppable range SRn of these symbols is assigned, and the non-stoppable range NRn of these symbols is the stop of these symbols in the first embodiment. 22 steps, which are the same as the number of steps ("22") assigned to the impossibility range NRn, are assigned. Therefore, the first deviation width WA(n+1) in the (n+1)th symbol located one upstream of the nth symbol is the same as the first deviation width WA(n+1) in the first embodiment. there is Specifically, as shown in FIG. 47(b), when n=2, 7, 12, and 17, the first deviation width WAn is 0.4 steps (upward), and n=0, In 5, 10 and 15, the first deviation width WAn is "0".

As shown in FIG. 47(b), the maximum value of the first upward deviation width WAn is 0.4 steps when n=2, 7, 12, and 17. On the other hand, the maximum value of the first downward displacement width WAn is 0.4 steps when n=3, 8, 13, and 18. Therefore, the maximum difference between the patterns in the first displacement width WAn is the maximum value of the first upward displacement width WAn (“0.4”) and the maximum value of the first downward displacement width WAn (0.4). is 0.8 steps added.

As described above, in each of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R, the number of steps assigned to the unstoppable range NRn of each symbol differs according to the symbol number. In the main ROM 73, the number of steps (22 steps to 23 steps) allocated to the non-stop range NRn of the symbol corresponding to the symbol order information is set in association with the symbol order information. A step number table is stored. When the symbol to be managed is updated, the main MPU 72 refers to the step number table for the non-stoppable range to set the step number counter to "22" or "22" in step S1112 of the step number monitoring process (FIG. Set the numerical information of "23".

As already explained, the position of each symbol corresponding range REn with respect to the lower end LE0 of the symbol range RD0 of the 0th symbol is the same as in the first embodiment. The second deviation width WBn in the n-th pattern (n=0 to 19) is the same as the second deviation width WBn in the first embodiment.

Next, the maximum required time for stop control for one-frame skid and the maximum required time for stop control for four-frame skid in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 48(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time when the one-frame skid stop control is performed, and FIG. 48(b) is the maximum required time when the four-frame skid stop control is performed. It is an explanatory view for explaining.

As shown in FIG. 48(a), the maximum required time in the case where the one-frame sliding stop control is performed is when the symbols to be managed at the detection of the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 are the 0th to 3rd symbols. 49 interrupt time (approximately 73.0 msec), and 48 interrupt time (approximately 71.5 msec) when the symbol to be managed at the time of detection of the operation is the fourth symbol. Since the maximum required time for these is less than the second specified time (75 msec), it is possible to perform stop control for one-frame skidding within the second specified time after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. ing.

As shown in FIG. 48(b), the maximum required time in the case where the stop control of the 4-frame slide is performed is when the symbol to be managed when detecting the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is the 0th symbol or the 3rd symbol. 125 interrupt time (about 186.3 msec), and 124 interrupt time (184.8 msec) when the design to be managed at the time of detecting the operation is the first design, the second design, or the fourth design. . Since the maximum required time is less than the first specified time (190 msec), it is possible to execute the stop control of the four-frame slide within the first specified time after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. ing.

According to this embodiment detailed above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

For all n, the number of steps that makes the first deviation width WAn equal to or less than "0.5" is set in the stoppable range SRn. is 0.5 steps or less. As a result, the amount of deviation of the pattern from the center of the reference areas 38L, 38M, 38R when the stop control is started at the stop possible start timing is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing a sense of incongruity with respect to the stop position of the symbol.

The number of steps for setting the first deviation width WAn set in the stoppable range SRn to 0.5 or less is set to 49 interrupt times (approximately 73.0 msec) or less for the maximum required time in stop control for one-frame skidding. Also the number of steps. As a result, for the left reel 32L in the CB state, it is possible to perform stop control of one frame slip within the second specified time (75 msec) after the operation of the left stop button 42, and the first deviation width It is possible to suppress the maximum difference between the patterns of WAn.

<Another form of the third embodiment>
- In the above-described third embodiment, 3 steps may be assigned to the possible stop range SRn of the n-th symbol (n=2, 7, 12, 17). In this configuration, the first deviation width WAn at n=3, 8, 13, 18 is 0.6 steps (upward). In this case, the maximum value of the upward first deviation width WAn is 0.6 steps when n=3, 8, 13, and 18. On the other hand, the maximum value of the first downward displacement width WAn is 0.2 steps when n=4, 9, 14, and 19. Therefore, the maximum difference between the patterns in the first width of deviation WAn is the maximum value of the first width of deviation WAn upward (“0.6”) and the maximum value of the first width of deviation WAn downward (0.2). is added to 0.8 steps. In this way, even with a configuration in which three steps are assigned to the possible stop range SRn of the n-th symbol (n=2, 7, 12, 17), the maximum difference between symbols in the first deviation width WAn is set to the third As the maximum difference is the same as the maximum difference in the embodiment of 1, it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing discomfort about the stop position of the symbol.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In this embodiment, a step pattern capable of reducing the second deviation width WBn is set for 20 symbols of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated with respect to each stoppable range SRn. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the minimum number of steps is assigned so that the stop control can be started within the second specified time after the start. The configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described below. Note that the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

As already described in the first embodiment, by providing each symbol with a stoppable range SRn, the symbols to be stopped are stopped at an earlier timing than the lower end of the symbol corresponding range REn reaches the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. Control can be initiated. On the other hand, the wider the possible stop range SRn, the longer the possible stop start period in which the stop possible range SRn exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R, and the more the stop possible start timing (the start timing of the stop start possible period). The difference between the stop position of the pattern to be stopped when control is started and the stop position of the pattern to be stopped when the stop control is started at the stop possible end timing (the end timing of the stop start possible period) becomes large.

FIG. 49(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the number of steps assigned to the stop possible range SRn of the n-th symbol in this embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the width WBn; The 20 symbols of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are set with a second step pattern in which a pattern in which 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, 25 steps, and 25 steps are allocated for every 5 symbols is repeated four times.

As shown in FIG. 49(a), the n-th pattern (n = 0, 5, 10, 15, n = 1, 6, 11, 16, n = 3, 8, 13, 18, and n = 4, 9 , 14, 19) are assigned 25 steps, and 1 step is assigned to the possible stop range SRn of the n-th symbol. In addition, 26 steps are assigned to the n-th symbol (n=2, 7, 12, 17), and 2 steps are assigned to the possible stop range SRn of the n-th symbol.

In this manner, the number of steps assigned to the unstoppable range NRn of each symbol differs according to the symbol number in each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. In the main ROM 73, the number of steps (23 steps to 24 steps) assigned to the non-stop range NRn of the symbol corresponding to the symbol order information is set in association with the symbol order information. A step number table is stored. When the symbol to be managed is updated, the main MPU 72 refers to the step number table for the non-stoppable range to set the step number counter to "23" or "23" in step S1112 of the step number monitoring process (FIG. Set the numerical information of "24".

As shown in FIG. 49(b), when n=1 to 4, 6 to 9, 11 to 14, 16 to 19, the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol is positioned at the reference position 39L at the stop possible start timing. , 39M, and 39R. On the other hand, when n=0, 5, 10, 15, the lower end of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol is present at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R at the stop possible start timing.

As shown in FIG. 49(b), the first deviation width WAn is "0" when n=0, 5, 10, 15, and 0.2 when n=1, 6, 11, 16. 0.4 steps when n=2, 7, 12, 17, 0.6 steps when n=3, 8, 13, 18, n=4 , 9, 14, and 19, it is 0.8 steps.

The maximum value of the upward first deviation width WAn is 0.8 steps when n=4, 9, 14, and 19. There is no n where the lower end LEn of the design range RDn of the n-th design deviates downward from the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R, and the minimum value of the upward first deviation width WAn is n=0, 5, 10, 15. is "0" in the case of Therefore, the maximum difference between symbols in the first deviation width WAn is 0.8, which is obtained by subtracting the minimum value ("0") of the first deviation width WAn from the maximum value ("0.8") of the first deviation width WAn. 8 steps.

As shown in FIG. 49(b), even if n is any of 0 to 19, at the stop possible end timing of the n-th symbol, the lower end LEn of the symbol range RDn of the n-th symbol is positioned at the reference position 39L, 39M, 39R. It is located below the The second deviation width WBn is 1.0 steps when n=0, 5, 10, 15, 0.8 steps when n=1, 6, 11, 16, and n = 2, 7, 12, 17, 0.6 steps, n = 3, 8, 13, 18, 1.4 steps, n = 4, 9, 14, 19. , it is 1.2 steps. The maximum value of the second deviation width WBn is 1.4 steps when n=3, 8, 13, and 18.

As described above, the second step pattern is set to 20 symbols of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, and each stoppable range SRn is set within the second specified time (75msec) after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. By allocating the minimum number of steps that can start the stop control to , both the maximum difference between the patterns of the first deviation width WAn and the maximum value of the second deviation width WBn can be reduced. can.

Next, the maximum required time for stop control for one-frame skid and the maximum required time for stop control for four-frame skid in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 50(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the maximum required time when the one-frame skid stop control is performed, and FIG. 50(b) is the maximum required time when the four-frame skid stop control is performed. It is an explanatory view for explaining.

As shown in FIG. 50(a), the maximum required time in the case where one-frame sliding stop control is performed is 50 interrupts regardless of the symbol to be managed when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected. time (about 74.5 msec), and the maximum required time is less than the second specified time (75 msec). For this reason, it is possible to perform stop control for one-frame sliding within the second specified time after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated.

As shown in FIG. 50(b), the maximum required time in the case where the stop control of the four-frame sliding is performed is any of the 0th to 2nd symbols that are the symbols to be managed when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is detected. is 125 interrupt time (about 186.3 msec), and 124 interrupt time (184.8 msec) when the symbol to be managed at the time of detection of the operation is the third symbol or the fourth symbol. Since the maximum required time is less than the first specified time (190 msec), it is possible to execute the stop control of the four-frame slide within the first specified time after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. ing.

According to this embodiment detailed above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

The 20 symbols of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are set with a second step pattern in which a pattern in which 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, 25 steps, and 25 steps are allocated for every 5 symbols is repeated four times. As a result, the second deviation width WBn in each pattern is reduced, and the maximum value of the second deviation width WBn is reduced. In this configuration, the minimum number of steps is assigned to each possible stop range SRn so that the stop control can be started within the second specified time (75 msec) after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. As a result, for the left reel 32L in the CB state, it is possible to perform stop control of one frame slip within the second specified time (75 msec) after the operation of the left stop button 42, and the first deviation width Both the maximum difference between symbols of WAn and the maximum value of the second deviation width WBn can be reduced.

<Other embodiments>
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it may be changed as follows. Incidentally, the configurations of the following different forms may be applied individually or in combination with the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

(1) The step pattern set for the 20 symbols of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is not limited to a predetermined step pattern in which a predetermined step pattern is assigned to every five symbols and repeated four times. For example, 26 steps, 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, and 24 steps are assigned to the 5 designs of the first group and the 5 designs of the 3rd group, and the 5 designs of the 2nd group and the 5 designs of the 4th group A step pattern in which 25 steps, 25 steps, 26 steps, 25 steps, and 25 steps are allocated may be set.

(2) The configuration is not limited to executing stop control using the stoppable range SRn and the stoppable position HPn for all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the non-CB state and the CB state. For example, for all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the non-CB state, and the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R in the CB state, the stop control that does not use the stoppable range SRn and the stoppable position HPn is executed, and the left reel in the CB state is executed. The configuration may be such that the stop control using the stoppable range SRn and the stoppable position HPn is executed only for the reel 32L.

(3) The stop order for establishing the 1st RT replay winning prize when the index value IV=7 to 10 of the lottery table for normal mode (FIG. 12) is won is the stop order and the first stop with the left reel 32L as the first stop. is not limited to the stop order of the middle reel 32M. For example, if the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M in the index value IV=7-10, the respective stop buttons 42-44 1RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of , and in other cases, the normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44 Index value IV and the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the first RT replay winning is surely established, In other cases, the index value IV may be set so that the normal replay winning is established without fail regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42-44.

(4) In the case of winning the index value IV=7 to 10 in the lottery table for the 1st RT mode (FIG. 14), the stop order for establishing the 2nd RT replay prize is the stop order in which the 1st stop is the left reel 32L and the 1st stop. The stop order is not limited to the right reel 32R being stopped. For example, if the index value IV is 7 to 10, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R. The second RT replay winning is surely achieved regardless of the operation timing of , and in other cases, the normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and the first stop. is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the second RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, In other cases, the index value IV may be set so that the normal replay winning is established without fail regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42-44.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the possible stop position HPn and the possible stop range SRn are set for all symbols of all reels 32L, 32M, 32R. For example, in the above-described first embodiment, for only a combination of two symbols in which the total number of steps assigned to two consecutive symbols is 50 steps or more, A possible stop position HPn and a possible stop range SRn may be set. As a result, if the stoppable position HPn and the stoppable range SRn are defective, the second specified time (75 msec) is required from the operation of the left stop button 42 to the start of the stop control with the sliding number set to "1". is exceeded, the stop control using the possible stop position HPn and the possible stop range SRn is executed, and the maximum required time in the stop control for one frame slip is within the second specified time (75 msec). can do.

(6) In each of the above embodiments, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may be configured to rotate in reverse. The stop button 42-44 is not the trigger for stopping the reels 32L, 32M, 32R rotating in the reverse direction in the effect. In the effect, the reels 32L, 32M, 32R rotate in reverse for a period preset in the design stage. The stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R rotating in the reverse direction is performed not only when the stop possible range SRn exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R, but also when the stop impossible range NRn exists at the reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R. can be started even if the

(7) The target for setting the possible stop position HPn and the possible stop range SRn is not limited to the configuration in which step update is performed to rotate the revolving body. On the other hand, a configuration in which a stoppable position and a stoppable range are set may be employed. Specifically, on the display surface, a symbol variation display is performed in which a plurality of types of symbol images move in a predetermined direction. The symbol variation display is stopped based on the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 42-44. A corresponding pattern image correspondence range is set for each of the pattern images. In addition, in each pattern image corresponding range, when reaching a predetermined reference position on the display surface, the display stop control for stopping the pattern image corresponding to the pattern image corresponding range in the predetermined reference area on the display surface can be started. A possible position is set. Further, for each symbol image, a possible stop range corresponding to the symbol image is set over a range from the possible stop position corresponding to the symbol image to the symbol image corresponding range corresponding to the symbol video. When the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated, the symbol variation display can start the display stop control when the stop possible position corresponding to the symbol image to be stopped reaches a predetermined reference position. By setting the stoppable position and the stoppable range, the time required from when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated until the display stop control of the symbol variation display can be started can be shortened.

(8) In each of the above embodiments, the number of steps assigned to the symbol range RDn corresponding to each symbol attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is not limited to 25.2 steps. For example, the same number of steps as the number of steps assigned to the symbol corresponding range REn of each symbol may be set to the symbol range RDn of the symbol. In this configuration as well, by performing stop control using the stoppable position HPn and the stoppable range SRn, stop control of the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is started after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. You can shorten the time it takes to

(9) The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the effective line is only one main line ML, and the configuration may be such that the effective line is two, three, or four or more. In this case, the number of activated lines may increase as the number of betted game media increases, or the maximum number of activated lines may be set regardless of the number of betted game media.

(10) The type of information transmitted from the main side MPU 72 to the effect side MPU 82 is not limited to those in each of the above embodiments. Information on the number of game media played may be transmitted from the main side MPU 72 to the effect side MPU 82 . In this case, the information on the number of game media to be provided by winning can be notified on the image display device 63 or the like. Further, even if all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not stopped, if the rotation of some of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is stopped or stopped, the information corresponding to that is sent to the main side. It may be configured to be transmitted from the MPU 72 to the effect side MPU 82 . In this case, the image display device 63 or the like can perform an effect corresponding to the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

(11) In each of the above embodiments, the configuration is such that the privilege of paying out medals is given when a minor win is established, but the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which some privilege is given to the player. If it is For example, it may be configured such that prizes other than medals are paid out when a minor win is established. In addition, in a slot machine that does not have actual medal insertion and medal payout functions and that manages the medals owned by the player as credits, an increase in the number of credited medals corresponds to the granting of benefits.

(12) The present invention may be applied to a so-called B-type slot machine, a C-type, a combination of A and C types, a combination of B and C types, as well as RT games, CT games or AT machines. The present invention may be applied to any slot machine, such as a type equipped with games.

(13) The symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are not limited to pictures, numbers, letters, etc., and may be geometric lines, figures, and the like. Also, it is possible to compose a pattern with light, color, etc., and a pattern can be configured with a three-dimensional shape, etc., or a composite of these can compose a pattern. In other words, the pattern may be anything as long as it functions as identifiable information.

(14) In each of the above embodiments, a specific example of the slot machine 10 has been shown, but the present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine in which games are played using game balls as game media. You may apply it to the game machine of the form which fused with the machine.

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

<Characteristic group A>
Feature A1. a pattern display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying a plurality of types of patterns in a predetermined direction;
stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to stop the variable display of the pattern;
After starting the variable display of the pattern, the pattern display control means for stopping the variable display of the pattern based on the operation of the stop operation means (the function of executing the processing of steps S1201 to S1206 in the main MPU 72, the main a function of executing the processing of steps S1301 to S1308 in the side MPU 72;
with
The pattern display control means is an update control means (a function of executing the processing of steps S1001 to S1008 in the main MPU 72) that causes the pattern display to change by executing update control on the pattern display means. ),
The pattern display means does not execute stop control for stopping at predetermined stop reference positions (reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R) corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns. an area (non-stoppable range NRn), a target area (stoppable range SRn) that is within the execution target of stop control for stopping at a predetermined stop reference position (reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R); is set and
The target inner region is set so as to require the update control to be executed a plurality of times by the update control means until the target inner region starts passing through the stop reference position and ends. A game machine characterized by

According to feature A1, since the target area is set over a range that requires multiple executions of update control from the start of passage through the stop reference position until the end, for each pattern, Compared to a configuration in which the stop control can be started only once the update control is executed, the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control can be shortened.

Feature A2. The pattern display control means controls a state in which a pattern to be stopped (a pattern to be stopped) among the plurality of kinds of patterns is present at a position corresponding to the reference position for stopping, and the target pattern corresponding to the pattern to be stopped is located at a position corresponding to the stop reference position. When the stop operation means is operated in a state where the region exists at the stop reference position, stop control is started even if any position in the target region exists at the stop reference position. The game machine according to feature A1, characterized in that

According to feature A2, at the timing when the stop operation means is operated, even if the leading position in the predetermined direction of the target area corresponding to the predetermined pattern passes through the stop reference position, the target area is stopped. If it exists at the stop reference position, it is possible to start the stop control with the predetermined pattern as the stop target pattern.

Feature A3. The picture display control means corresponds to a stop target picture (stop target picture) among the plurality of types of pictures when the stop operation means is operated in a situation where the non-target area exists at the stop reference position. The gaming machine according to feature A1 or A2, wherein the stop control is started when a leading position in the predetermined direction in the target area to be played reaches the stop reference position.

According to the feature A3, when the stop control means is operated in a situation where the non-target area exists at the stop reference position, the inside target area corresponding to the stop target pattern exists at the stop reference position. Stop control cannot be started until The timing at which the top position in the predetermined direction of the target area corresponding to the stop target pattern reaches the stop reference position is the first timing at which the stop control can be started. By adopting a configuration in which the stop control is started at the first timing, it is possible to shorten the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control.

Feature A4. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A3, wherein the in-target area and the non-target area are set so as to alternately exist in the predetermined direction.

According to feature A4, it is avoided that two or more non-target areas continuously pass through the stop reference position, so that continuous periods during which stop control cannot be started are prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent a large difference in the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control depending on the type of pattern to be stopped.

Feature A5. The non-target area is set so as to require the update control means to execute the update control a plurality of times from the time when the non-target area starts to pass through the stop reference position to when it ends. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A4, characterized in that

According to feature A5, the non-target area is set over a range that requires multiple executions of update control to pass through the stop reference position. can be In addition, by setting a wide non-target area and limiting the in-target area, it is possible to limit the range in which the stop control can be started. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of deviation when the stop position of the picture deviates depending on the operation timing of the stop operation means.

Feature A6. The target inner region set in correspondence with the one picture pattern is such that the number of executions of the update control required from the start of the target inner region to the end of passing the stop reference position is The non-target area set corresponding to the pattern is set so as to be less than the number of executions of the update control required from the start to the end of passing through the stop reference position. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A5, characterized by:

According to feature A6, in a configuration in which an area that requires multiple executions of update control to pass through the stop reference position is set as the target area corresponding to one picture, the one picture By setting a wider area than the target area as the non-target area corresponding to the stop operation means It is possible to reduce the amount of deviation in the case where the stop position of the pattern deviates due to the operation timing of .

Feature A7. Of the pattern corresponding ranges (symbol corresponding ranges REn) corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns, at least the predetermined pattern corresponding range corresponding to the predetermined pattern is within the object whose head position in the predetermined direction corresponds to the predetermined pattern. The game machine according to any one of features A1 to A6, wherein the game machine is located in the middle of the area in the predetermined direction.

According to feature A7, for a predetermined pattern, the target area corresponding to the predetermined pattern reaches the stop reference position at an earlier timing than the predetermined pattern corresponding range reaches the stop reference position. Stop control can be started at an earlier timing than reaching the stop reference position. For a pattern that takes longer than other patterns for the corresponding pattern corresponding range to reach the stop reference position after the stop operation means is operated when it becomes a pattern to be stopped, the pattern corresponding range of the pattern is By configuring the target area corresponding to the pattern to reach the stop reference position at an earlier timing than reaching the stop reference position, the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control is shortened. It is possible to reduce the maximum value.

Feature A8. Of the pattern corresponding ranges (symbol corresponding ranges REn) corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns, the predetermined pattern corresponding range corresponding to the predetermined pattern ends after the predetermined pattern corresponding range starts passing through the stop reference position. The number of executions of the updating control by the updating control means required until the specific pattern corresponding range corresponding to the specific pattern starts passing through the stop reference position and ends. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A7, wherein the number of executions of the update control by the update control means is different.

According to feature A8, even if the number of executions of the update control required to rotate the pattern on the pattern display means is not divisible by the number of patterns displayed on the pattern display means, the target range It is possible to shorten the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control.

Feature A9. The non-target area set corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns is the number of executions of the update control required from the start of the non-target area to the end of passing the stop reference position. is set to be constant, and
A part of the target inner region set corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns is required from the time when the target inner region starts to pass through the stop reference position until the end. The game machine according to any one of features A1 to A8, wherein the number of executions of the update control is set to be different from that of other target areas.

According to the feature A9, the number of executions of the update control required from the time when the non-target area corresponding to each pattern starts to the end until it finishes passing through the stop reference position is constant. It is possible to reduce the storage capacity of data that needs to be stored in advance in order to specify the range of the non-target area corresponding to .

Further, in the configuration, the number of executions of update control required from the start of passing through the stop reference position to the end of the target region corresponding to a part of the pattern is determined by the other target regions at the stop reference position. By setting it to be different from the number of executions of update control required to pass through, the number of executions of update control necessary for causing the picture to make one turn on the picture display means is displayed on the picture display means. Even if the number is not divisible by the number of patterns to be displayed, it is possible to shorten the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control by setting the target range.

Feature A10. A partial non-target area of the non-target area set corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns is required until the non-target area starts passing through the stop reference position and ends. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A8, wherein the number of executions of the update control is set to be different from that of other non-target areas.

According to the feature A10, when the pattern to be stopped is a pattern that requires a longer time from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control than other patterns, the pattern is stopped. The number of executions of update control necessary for the non-target area passing the stop reference position to pass the stop reference position until it becomes the target picture and the stop control is started. It can be less than the number of update control executions required to pass the position. As a result, it is possible to reduce the maximum value of the time required from when the stop operation means is operated to when the stop control is started.

Feature A11. A part of the target inner region set corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns is required from the time when the target inner region starts to pass through the stop reference position until the end. The gaming machine according to feature A10, wherein the number of executions of the update control is set to be different from that of other target areas.

According to the feature A11, while shortening the time required from setting the target region and operating the stop operation means to starting the stop control, after the target region starts passing through the stop reference position By suppressing the number of executions of the update control required until completion, it is possible to reduce the amount of deviation in the case where the stop position of the pattern deviates according to the operation timing of the stop operation means.

Note that any one or more of features A1 to A11, features B1 to B4, and features C1 to C8 may be applied to the features A1 to A11. As a result, it is possible to obtain a synergistic effect due to the combined configuration.

According to the invention according to the characteristic group A, the following problems can be solved.

A slot machine, for example, is an example of a gaming machine that utilizes a revolving body. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof, and has a configuration in which a part of the symbols attached to each reel can be visually recognized through the display section. When the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, the reels start rotating, and after the reels start rotating, the reels are sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that medals are inserted and a start lever is operated, and the symbols in which the lottery result is winning and the player wins on the preset effective line are stopped. A predetermined number of medals are paid out, or a predetermined game advantageous to the player is played, etc., on the condition that the game is played.

In addition, as a game machine using reels as a revolving body as described above, it is possible to play the same game as the above slot machine by using game balls instead of medals as a game medium other than the slot machine. Game machines are mentioned. Also, there is a pachinko machine that utilizes the above-mentioned revolving body in order to provide a player with an effect according to the result of a lottery.

A stepping motor is generally used as a driving means for rotating the revolving body as described above. In this case, when the circulation start condition is satisfied, the driving by the stepping motor is started, and the acceleration period is followed by the constant speed period. After the constant speed period continues for a predetermined period, the rotation is stopped based on the satisfaction of the circulation stop condition.

Here, in the gaming machines such as those exemplified above, it is necessary to appropriately perform stop control of the variable display of patterns, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

<Characteristic group B>
Feature B1. a pattern display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying a plurality of types of patterns in a predetermined direction;
stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to stop the variable display of the pattern;
After starting the variable display of the pattern, the pattern display control means for stopping the variable display of the pattern based on the operation of the stop operation means (the function of executing the processing of steps S1201 to S1206 in the main MPU 72, the main a function of executing the processing of steps S1301 to S1308 in the side MPU 72;
with
When at least a predetermined pattern among the plurality of types of patterns is a stop target pattern, the pattern display control means controls the downstream side of the pattern corresponding range (symbol corresponding range REn) corresponding to the predetermined pattern in the predetermined direction. A first stop control means (step S1201 to step A game machine characterized by comprising a function of executing the processing of S1206 and a function of executing the processing of steps S1301 to S1308 in the main side MPU 72).

According to feature B1, when a predetermined pattern is a pattern to be stopped, the predetermined corresponding position reaches the stop reference position at an earlier timing than the pattern correspondence range corresponding to the predetermined pattern reaches the stop reference position. stop control can be started. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required from when the stop operation means is operated until the stop control is started.

Feature B2. In the plurality of types of patterns, a first pattern having a first predetermined amount of deviation between the pattern corresponding range and the predetermined corresponding position, and a second pattern having a deviation amount between the pattern corresponding range and the predetermined corresponding position. The gaming machine according to feature B1, wherein the game machine includes a second pattern that is a fixed quantity.

According to feature B2, when the amount of deviation between the pattern corresponding range and the predetermined corresponding position is constant for all patterns, the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control is For a pattern that is longer than the pattern, the amount of deviation between the pattern corresponding range and the predetermined corresponding position can be made larger than the other patterns. As a result, it is possible to reduce the maximum value of the time required from when the stop operation means is operated until the stop control is started.

Feature B3. When the predetermined pattern is the stop target pattern, the pattern display control means starts stop control when the pattern corresponding range corresponding to the predetermined pattern reaches the stop reference position. Feature B1 or The gaming machine described in B2.

According to feature B3, when the corresponding pattern corresponding range has reached the reference position, the time required from the time when the stop operation means is operated by starting the stop control to the time when the stop control is started is specified. For a pattern within the time limit, the stop control can be started when the pattern correspondence range corresponding to the pattern reaches the stop reference position.

Feature B4. The pattern display control means is an update control means (a function of executing the processing of steps S1001 to S1008 in the main MPU 72) that causes the pattern display to change by executing update control on the pattern display means. ),
The second stop control means controls that a predetermined range (stoppable range SRn) extending from a leading position to an intermediate position in the predetermined direction in the pattern corresponding range corresponding to the predetermined pattern is positioned at the stop reference position. The stop control is started when the
The predetermined range is set so as to require the updating control means to execute the updating control a plurality of times from the start of passing through the stop reference position to the end of the predetermined range. The gaming machine according to feature B3, characterized by:

According to feature B4, the predetermined range is set over a range that requires multiple executions of update control from the start to the end of passage through the stop reference position. It is possible to shorten the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control compared to a configuration in which the stop control can be started only once.

Note that any one or more of the features A1 to A11, the features B1 to B4, and the features C1 to C8 may be applied to the features B1 to B4. As a result, it is possible to obtain a synergistic effect due to the combined configuration.

According to the invention according to the characteristic group B, the following problems can be solved.

A slot machine, for example, is an example of a gaming machine that utilizes a revolving body. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof, and has a configuration in which a part of the symbols attached to each reel can be visually recognized through the display section. When the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, the reels start rotating, and after the reels start rotating, the reels are sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that medals are inserted and a start lever is operated, and the symbols in which the lottery result is winning and the player wins on the preset effective line are stopped. A predetermined number of medals are paid out, or a predetermined game advantageous to the player is played, etc., on the condition that the game is played.

In addition, as a game machine using reels as a revolving body as described above, it is possible to play the same game as the above slot machine by using game balls instead of medals as a game medium other than the slot machine. Game machines are mentioned. Also, there is a pachinko machine that utilizes the above-mentioned revolving body in order to provide a player with an effect according to the result of a lottery.

A stepping motor is generally used as a driving means for rotating the revolving body as described above. In this case, when the circulation start condition is satisfied, the driving by the stepping motor is started, and the acceleration period is followed by the constant speed period. After the constant speed period continues for a predetermined period, the rotation is stopped based on the satisfaction of the circulation stop condition.

Here, in the gaming machines such as those exemplified above, it is necessary to appropriately perform stop control of the variable display of patterns, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

<Characteristic group C>
Feature C1. a pattern display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying a plurality of types of patterns in a predetermined direction;
stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to stop the variable display of the pattern;
After starting the variable display of the pattern, the pattern display control means for stopping the variable display of the pattern based on the operation of the stop operation means (the function of executing the processing of steps S1201 to S1206 in the main MPU 72, the main a function of executing the processing of steps S1301 to S1308 in the side MPU 72;
with
The pattern display control means is an update control means (a function of executing the processing of steps S1001 to S1008 in the main MPU 72) that causes the pattern display to change by executing update control on the pattern display means. ),
The pattern display means does not execute stop control for stopping at predetermined stop reference positions (reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R) corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns. an area (non-stoppable range NRn), a target area (stoppable range SRn) that is within the execution target of stop control for stopping at a predetermined stop reference position (reference positions 39L, 39M, 39R); is set and
The target inner region is set so as to require the update control to be executed a plurality of times by the update control means until the target inner region starts passing through the stop reference position and ends. cage,
The non-target area is set so as to require the update control means to execute the update control a plurality of times from the time when the non-target area starts to pass through the stop reference position to when it ends. cage,
A partial non-target area of the non-target area set corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns is required until the non-target area starts passing through the stop reference position and ends. A gaming machine, wherein the number of executions of the update control is set to be different from that of other non-target areas.

According to the feature C1, the target internal region is set over a range that requires multiple executions of update control from the start to the end of passing through the stop reference position, Compared to a configuration in which the stop control can be started only once the update control is executed for each pattern, the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control can be shortened. In addition, since the non-target area is set over a range that requires updating control to be executed multiple times from the start to the end of passing the stop reference position, the difference in the stop position of each pattern can be clarified. Furthermore, by setting a wide non-target region and limiting the target region, it is possible to limit the range in which stop control can be started. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of deviation when the stop position of the picture deviates depending on the operation timing of the stop operation means.

In addition, in a configuration in which the target area is set over a range that requires multiple executions of update control from the start to the end of passing through the stop reference position, the picture becomes the stop target. In this case, for a pattern that requires a longer time from when the stop operation means is operated until the stop control is started compared to other patterns, until the pattern becomes a pattern to be stopped and the stop control is started. The number of update control executions necessary for the non-target area passing the stop reference position to pass the stop reference position is the number of update control necessary for other non-target areas to pass the stop reference position. By making it smaller than the number of times of execution, it is possible to reduce the maximum value of the time required from when the stop operation means is operated until the stop control is started.

Feature C2. A part of the target inner region set corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns is required from the time when the target inner region starts to pass through the stop reference position until the end. The gaming machine according to feature C1, wherein the number of executions of the update control is set to be different from that of other target areas.

According to feature C2, while shortening the time required from setting the target region and operating the stop operation means to starting the stop control, after the target region starts passing through the stop reference position By suppressing the number of executions of the update control required until completion, it is possible to reduce the amount of deviation in the case where the stop position of the pattern deviates according to the operation timing of the stop operation means.

Feature C3. The pattern display control means controls a state in which a pattern to be stopped (a pattern to be stopped) among the plurality of kinds of patterns is present at a position corresponding to the reference position for stopping, and the target pattern corresponding to the pattern to be stopped is located at a position corresponding to the stop reference position. When the stop operation means is operated in a state where the region exists at the stop reference position, stop control is started even if any position in the target region exists at the stop reference position. The game machine according to feature C1 or C2, characterized in that

According to feature C3, at the timing when the stop operation means is operated, even if the leading position in the predetermined direction of the target area corresponding to the predetermined pattern passes through the stop reference position, the target area is stopped. If it exists at the stop reference position, it is possible to start the stop control with the predetermined pattern as the stop target pattern.

Feature C4. The picture display control means corresponds to a stop target picture (stop target picture) among the plurality of types of pictures when the stop operation means is operated in a situation where the non-target area exists at the stop reference position. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C3, wherein stop control is started when a leading position in the predetermined direction in the target area to be played reaches the stop reference position.

According to the feature C4, when the stop control means is operated in a situation where the non-target area exists at the stop reference position, the inside target area corresponding to the stop target pattern exists at the stop reference position. Stop control cannot be started until The timing at which the top position in the predetermined direction of the target area corresponding to the stop target pattern reaches the stop reference position is the first timing at which the stop control can be started. By adopting a configuration in which the stop control is started at the first timing, it is possible to shorten the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control.

Feature C5. The gaming machine according to any one of the features C1 to C4, wherein the in-target area and the non-target area are set so as to alternately exist in the predetermined direction.

According to the feature C5, two or more non-target areas are prevented from continuously passing through the stop reference position, thereby preventing consecutive periods during which the stop control cannot be started. As a result, it is possible to prevent a large difference in the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control depending on the type of pattern to be stopped.

Feature C6. The target inner region set in correspondence with the one picture pattern is such that the number of executions of the update control required from the start of the target inner region to the end of passing the stop reference position is The non-target area set corresponding to the pattern is set so as to be less than the number of executions of the update control required from the start to the end of passing through the stop reference position. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C5, characterized by:

According to feature C6, in a configuration in which an area that requires multiple executions of update control to pass through the stop reference position is set as the target area corresponding to one picture, the one picture By setting a wider area than the target area as the non-target area corresponding to the stop operation means It is possible to reduce the amount of deviation in the case where the stop position of the pattern deviates due to the operation timing of .

Feature C7. Of the pattern corresponding ranges (symbol corresponding ranges REn) corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns, at least the predetermined pattern corresponding range corresponding to the predetermined pattern is within the object whose head position in the predetermined direction corresponds to the predetermined pattern. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C6, wherein the game machine is present in the middle of the region in the predetermined direction.

According to feature C7, for the predetermined pattern, the target area corresponding to the predetermined pattern reaches the stop reference position at an earlier timing than the predetermined pattern corresponding range reaches the stop reference position. Stop control can be started at an earlier timing than reaching the stop reference position. For a pattern that takes longer than other patterns for the corresponding pattern corresponding range to reach the stop reference position after the stop operation means is operated when it becomes a pattern to be stopped, the pattern corresponding range of the pattern is By configuring the target area corresponding to the pattern to reach the stop reference position at an earlier timing than reaching the stop reference position, the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control is shortened. It is possible to reduce the maximum value.

Feature C8. Of the pattern corresponding ranges (symbol corresponding ranges REn) corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns, the predetermined pattern corresponding range corresponding to the predetermined pattern ends after the predetermined pattern corresponding range starts passing through the stop reference position. The number of executions of the updating control by the updating control means required until the specific pattern corresponding range corresponding to the specific pattern starts passing through the stop reference position and ends. The game machine according to any one of features C1 to C7, wherein the number of executions of the update control by the update control means is different.

According to the feature C8, even if the number of executions of the update control required to rotate the pattern on the pattern display means is not divisible by the number of patterns displayed on the pattern display means, the target range It is possible to shorten the time required from the operation of the stop operation means to the start of the stop control.

Note that any one or more of the features A1 to A11, the features B1 to B4, and the features C1 to C8 may be applied to the features C1 to C8. As a result, it is possible to obtain a synergistic effect due to the combined configuration.

According to the invention according to the characteristic group C, the following problems can be solved.

A slot machine, for example, is an example of a gaming machine that utilizes a revolving body. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof, and has a configuration in which a part of the symbols attached to each reel can be visually recognized through the display section. When the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, the reels start rotating, and after the reels start rotating, the reels are sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that medals are inserted and the start lever is operated, and the symbols in which the lottery result is winning and the player wins on the preset effective line are stopped. On the condition that the game is played, a predetermined number of medals are paid out, and special benefits such as the occurrence of a predetermined game advantageous to the player are provided.

In addition, as a game machine using reels as a revolving body as described above, it is possible to play the same game as the above slot machine by using game balls instead of medals as a game medium other than the slot machine. Game machines are mentioned. Also, there is a pachinko machine that utilizes the above-mentioned revolving body in order to provide a player with an effect according to the result of a lottery.

A stepping motor is generally used as a driving means for rotating the revolving body as described above. In this case, when the circulation start condition is satisfied, the driving by the stepping motor is started, and the acceleration period is followed by the constant speed period. After the constant speed period continues for a predetermined period, the rotation is stopped based on the satisfaction of the circulation stop condition.

Here, in the gaming machines such as those exemplified above, it is necessary to appropriately perform stop control of the variable display of patterns, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

The basic configuration of a gaming machine to which each of the above features can be applied or to which each feature is applied is shown below.

Pachinko machine: an operation means operated by a player, a game ball shooting means for shooting game balls based on the operation of the operation means, a ball passage for guiding the shot game balls to a predetermined game area, and a game This game machine is provided with game parts arranged in an area, and gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passing part of the game parts.

A game machine such as a slot machine: equipped with a pattern display device for variably displaying a plurality of patterns, the variable display of the plurality of patterns is started by the operation of the start operation means, and the operation of the stop operation means is caused by the operation of the stop operation means. The game machine stops the variable display of the plurality of pictures after a predetermined period of time has passed, and gives a privilege to the player according to the pictures after the stop.

10... slot machine, 31... reel unit, 39L, 39M, 39R... reference position, 42 to 44... stop button, 72... main side MPU, HPn... stop possible position, NRn... non-stop range, REn... symbol correspondence range, SRn: Stoppable range.

Claims (1)

a pattern display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of patterns in a predetermined direction;
a stop operation means operated to stop the variable display of the pattern;
a pattern display control means for stopping the variable display of the pattern based on the operation of the stop operation means after starting the variable display of the pattern;
with
The pattern display means has an out-of-target area and a predetermined stop reference, which are excluded from execution of stop control for stopping at a predetermined stop reference position corresponding to each of the plurality of types of patterns. A target area within the execution target of the stop control for stopping at the position is set,
The position where each of the plurality of types of patterns can be stopped and started is set in the pattern corresponding range of the downstream side pattern located downstream by one pattern in the predetermined direction with respect to the one pattern,
The target area of the downstream design is set over a range from the upstream end of the downstream design in the predetermined direction to the stop start possible position corresponding to the one design,
The non-target area of the downstream design is set over a range from the stop start possible position corresponding to the one design to the downstream end of the downstream design in the predetermined direction,
The picture display control means is arranged such that, when the stop operation means is operated, the picture to be managed whose stop reference position is included in the picture corresponding range is the picture on the downstream side with respect to the picture to be stopped, means for starting the stop control when the stop reference position is included in the target area of the picture to be managed;
Among the plurality of kinds of patterns, a first pattern in which a shift amount between the pattern corresponding range and the possible stop start position is a first predetermined amount, and a shift amount between the pattern corresponding range and the stop start possible position is a first pattern. 2. A gaming machine characterized by including a predetermined amount of second patterns .

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