JP7339594B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

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

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

JP 2014-045989 A

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

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

In order to solve the above-described problems, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes pattern display means for variably displaying patterns, start operation means operated to start the variably display of patterns in the pattern display means, and the start operation. winning lottery means for executing a winning lottery process based on the operation of the means; stop operation means operated to stop the variable display of symbols in the symbol display means; A game machine comprising a response execution means for executing control corresponding to a winning combination as a prize establishment corresponding to the winning combination when a stop result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in a lottery process for the combination. a specific game state transition means having a game state including a non-advantageous state and an advantageous state, and shifting to a specific game state advantageous to the player when a specific condition is satisfied in the advantageous state; and the non-advantageous state. Advantageous state transition means for shifting to the advantageous state when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when the specific game state transition means shifts the game state to the specific game state, information corresponding to the start of the specific game state and second information setting for setting information corresponding to the end of the specific game state when the advantageous state transition means shifts the game state from the non-advantageous state to the advantageous state a means;

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

1 is a front view of a slot machine; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine showing a state in which a front door is opened; FIG. It is a figure which shows the pattern arrangement|sequence of each reel. It is a front view of a display window part. It is a figure which shows the correspondence of the combination of the design which becomes a prize, and the privilege provided when it becomes a prize. It is a figure which shows the aspect of a stop design when each prize-winning generate|occur|produces. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine 10; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining external output settings of the slot machine 10. FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen of data counter DC. 4 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing; 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing; It is a flow chart which shows lottery processing. It is a figure which shows the transition aspect of a game state. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a bonus non-internal state table; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the order in which the reels are stopped and the winning mode established. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a bonus internal state table; FIG. It is a figure which shows the lottery table for bonus states. It is a flow chart which shows information control processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing notification of reel stop order on an image display device 66; 4 is a flowchart showing reel control processing; It is a flow chart which shows winning a prize judging processing. It is a flowchart which shows the correspondence process at the time of the end of a game. 10 is a flowchart showing bonus state processing; 9 is a flowchart showing section management processing; It is a figure which shows an advantageous area transition lottery table. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing AT shift chance processing; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an AT transfer lottery table. 4 is a flowchart showing AT state processing; It is a figure which shows an example of an addition lottery table. FIG. 4 shows a state transition diagram of an AT signal; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of the data counter DC at t2; It is a figure which shows the display screen of the data counter DC in t4. It is a flow chart showing an external output setting process at the end of the game. FIG. 4 shows a state transition diagram of an AT signal; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of the data counter DC at t5; FIG. 4 shows a state transition diagram of AT and CZ signals; It is a figure which shows the display screen of the data counter DC in t3. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of the data counter DC at t5; It is a figure which shows the display screen of data counter DC.

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

<Overview>
In recent slot machines, there are models that have two types of game states, a normal section and an advantageous section, as sections that determine whether performance related to instruction functions such as so-called assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT) can be achieved. . Here, the advantageous section means a section in which the performance related to the instruction function can be obtained, and more specifically, a section in which, for example, a lottery for transition to the AT state can be executed or the player can stay in the AT state. Conversely, the normal section refers to a section that cannot have the performance related to the pointing function.

Therefore, in order to execute the lottery for transition to the AT state, which is a game state more advantageous for the player than the non-AT state, or to stay in the AT state, it is necessary to enter the lottery for transition to the AT state, for example, when staying in the normal section, for example, the advantageous section transition lottery. By satisfying the advantageous interval transition condition such as winning, the game state is first shifted to the advantageous interval.

When the AT shift lottery trigger role is won during the advantageous section, the player is shifted to the AT state which is more advantageous than the non-AT state. On the other hand, when the non-AT state reaches a predetermined ceiling G number (for example, 1000G) without entering the AT state from the start of the advantageous section, the AT state is entered. This is the so-called ceiling function.

Here, a data counter (data lamp) is installed above each slot machine, and for example, the number of ATs, the number of game executions (the number of starts), etc. are displayed. By referring to the data counter, the player can confirm the current number of games, the number of games remaining until the number of ceiling G, and the like.

When the AT state starts, the slot machine outputs an AT signal indicating that the AT state has started (entered) to the data counter (hall computer) via the external terminal board. Also, when the AT state ends, an AT signal indicating that the AT state has ended is output to the data counter (hall computer) via the external terminal board.

However, since the ceiling G number is managed by the number of game executions in the advantageous section (advantage section staying G number counter), there is a gap between the number of game executions in the advantageous section and the number of game executions on the data counter. Sometimes. For this reason, when a player plays a game while referring to the data counter expecting to shift to the AT state, for example, when the ceiling number of G is 1000 G, the AT state is reached even though the ceiling game number of the data counter reaches 1000 G. There was an unexpected situation in which the system did not transition to

Against this background, the present invention provides an external output setting that is set during the AT state in the advantageous section, and continues the signal indicating the AT state in the ON state even in the normal section that transitions after the end of the AT in the advantageous section. , and the external output setting is turned off at the timing when the normal section shifts to the advantageous section again. As a result, the data counter (hall computer) determines that the AT state has ended at this timing. can be prevented. A detailed description will be given below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A replay prize is given as a prize that gives the privilege of replaying the next game without betting medals (or virtual medals). For example, on the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is any one of "white 7" symbol, "BAR" symbol, "red 7" symbol, or "watermelon", and the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is "replay 1" symbol. 3" symbol and the stop symbol on the right reel 32R is the "white 7" symbol or the "watermelon" symbol, the replay wins.

In the case of winning a replay, as shown in FIG. 6(d), the stopped symbols of the respective reels 32L, 32M, and 32R on the middle subline SL3 are all "replay 1" symbols, "replay 2" symbols and "replay 3" symbols. be either This makes it easier for the player to recognize that the replay prize has been won.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<External output from the slot machine 10 to the hall computer HC>
Next, a configuration for external output from the slot machine 10 to the hall computer HC will be described. An external terminal board 90 is provided on the output side of the MPU 72 . The MPU 72 externally outputs various signals corresponding to the state of the slot machine 10 to the hall computer HC provided in the game hall through the external terminal board 90 .
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the external output setting of the slot machine 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen of the data counter DC.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), an island facility S is provided in the game hall, and a large number of slot machines 10 are installed for the island facility S. As shown in FIG. Also, in the island facility S, a data counter (also called a data lamp) DC is installed in correspondence with each slot machine 10 on a one-to-one basis. As shown in FIG. 9, each data counter DC is mounted above the corresponding slot machine 10, and includes at least a 0th display section DC0 for displaying, for example, the number of game executions (also referred to as the number of starts); A first display section DC1 for displaying the number of executions of a predetermined (specific) first game state, a second display section DC2 for displaying the number of executions of the second game state, and the number of executions of the third game state. A third display section DC3 for displaying is provided.

A hall computer HC is provided in the game hall as management control means for managing each slot machine 10 and each data counter DC. Hall computer HC is an electronic arithmetic device having a management program, and MPU 201 is mounted therein. The MPU 201 has a ROM 202 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 201, and temporarily stores various data and information input from the slot machine 10 when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 202. and a RAM 203, which is a memory for temporarily storing the data.

The hall computer HC is electrically connected to each slot machine 10 through an electric wiring group EL1, and is also electrically connected to each data counter DC through an electric wiring group EL2. Then, it executes a management process based on the information received from each slot machine 10, and transmits a signal according to the result of the management process to each data counter DC.

Here, the configuration for transmitting information to the hall computer HC in the slot machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8(b).

As shown in FIG. 8B, the external terminal plate 90 is provided with a plurality of external terminals 90a to 90h. A total of eight external terminals 90a to 90h are provided, and different types of information are output to the hall computer HC.

in particular,
(1) An external terminal 90a for input signals used for outputting information indicating the number of bets for each game,
(2) an external terminal 90b for a grant signal used for outputting information indicating the number of medals awarded in each game;
(3) an external terminal 90c for the first gaming state signal used for outputting information indicating that the first gaming state has started;
(4) an external terminal 90d for the second game state signal used for outputting information indicating that the second game state has started;
(5) an external terminal 90e for the third game state signal used for outputting information indicating that the third game state has started;
(6) an external terminal 90f for an abnormality signal used for outputting information indicating that the slot machine 10 has detected an occurrence of fraud such as insertion abnormality or payout abnormality;
(7) an external terminal 90g for a setting operation signal used for outputting information indicating that a setting change operation is in progress;
(8) an external terminal 90h for an open signal used to output information indicating that the front door 12 is being opened;
It is included.

The number of pulse signals corresponding to the number of bets is output from the input signal external terminal 90a. For example, when the specified number of bets is "2", the pulse signal is output twice so that the ON time and the OFF time are 50 msec each at the start of one game. When the specified number of bets is "3", at the start of one game, a pulse signal is output three times so that the ON time and the OFF time are each 50 msec. The hall computer HC determines that one game has been started by receiving a group of pulse signals from the input signal external terminal 90a.

The number of pulse signals corresponding to the number of payouts is output from the external terminal 90b for giving signals. For example, when nine medals are awarded, the pulse signal is output nine times so that the ON time and OFF time are 50 msec each at the end of one game, and when four medals are awarded. , a pulse signal is output four times so that the ON time and the OFF time are each 50 msec at the end of one game.

The external terminals 90c, 90d and 90e can freely output various status signals depending on the model of the slot machine. For example, in the case of a slot machine equipped with BB (big bonus) and RB (regular bonus), information indicating that BB has started is output from the output external terminal 90c, and information indicating that BB has started is output from the external terminal 90d. information can be output. The external terminal 90e may not be used if there is no other information to be output. In the case of a slot machine equipped with AT (assist time), CZ (chance zone), and pseudo bonus, information indicating that AT has started is output from the output external terminal 90c, and CZ is started from the external terminal 90d. Information indicating that the pseudo bonus has started can be output from the external terminal 90e.

In the present slot machine 10, which is an AT machine, the external terminal 90c for the first game state signal is used to allow the hole computer HC to recognize the number of times the AT state has been executed (the number of times of entry). Hereinafter, the first game state signal will be referred to as an AT signal, and the external terminal 90c for the first game state signal will be referred to as an AT signal external terminal 90c. The hall computer HC determines that the AT state has newly started (entered) by confirming the rise of the signal from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal. Add 1 to the display of the number of executions.

At the same time, the hall computer HC once resets the display of the number of game executions in the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC to zero. This is to newly count and display the number of times the game is executed during the AT state from the start (enter) of the AT state. As shown in FIG. 9, when the total cumulative number of games is counted and displayed on the data counter DC, the cumulative number of game executions in all states regardless of various states such as the non-AT state and the AT state. , so it is not reset.

The external terminal 90d for the second game state signal and the external terminal 90e for the third game state signal can freely output various state signals as described above. The hall computer HC confirms the rise of the signal from the external terminal 90d, thereby adding 1 to the display of the number of times of execution on the second display section DC2 of the data counter DC. Similarly, by confirming the rise of the signal from the external terminal 90e, 1 is added to the display of the number of times of execution in the third display section DC3 of the data counter DC.
The external terminal 90f for the abnormal signal, the external terminal 90g for the setting operation signal, and the external terminal 90h for the open signal are kept ON while their target events are occurring.

The external terminal 90g for the setting operation signal may output an ON signal not only during the setting change operation but also during the confirmation operation of the current setting value. Alternatively, both the abnormal signal and the setting operation signal may be output from one external terminal.

The main-side MPU 72 is electrically connected to each of the external terminals 90a to 90h of the external terminal plate 90 through the electric wiring group EL3 in a one-to-one correspondence. Output a signal.

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

"Timer interrupt processing"
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the main MPU. The timer interrupt process is activated, for example, every 1.49 msec.

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

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

When the power failure flag is not set in step S102, various processes after step S104 are performed. That is, in step S104, clearing processing of the watchdog timer for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S105, the main MPU 72 performs interrupt end declaration processing to enable setting of the next timer interrupt. In step S106, stepping motor control processing is performed to drive the respective stepping motors in order to rotate the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. In step S107, sensor monitoring processing is performed to read the states of various sensors connected to the input port and to monitor whether the read results are normal. In step S108, timer calculation processing is performed to subtract the value of each counter or timer. In step S109, counter processing for outputting the result of counting the number of bets of medals and the number of payouts to the outside is performed.

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

"Normal processing"
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing normal processing of the main MPU.

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

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

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

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

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

In step S207, an external output setting process is executed before starting the game. In the external output setting process before the start of the game, the number of pulse signals corresponding to the number of bets is output from the input signal external terminal 90a. For example, when the specified number of bets is "2", the pulse signal is output twice so that the ON time and the OFF time are 50 msec each at the start of one game. When the specified number of bets is "3", at the start of one game, a pulse signal is output three times so that the ON time and the OFF time are each 50 msec. The hall computer HC determines that one game has been started by receiving a group of pulse signals from the input signal external terminal 90a.

In step S208, a lottery process for performing a lottery for a winning combination in the current game is executed. In step S209, reel control processing for each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is executed. In the reel control process, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are started to rotate, and when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated to generate a stop command, the corresponding reels 32L, 32M and 32R are stopped. I do.

In step S210, a medal payout process is executed. In the medal payout process, when a minor winning combination has been established in the current game, a process for awarding the player with the number of medals or virtual medals corresponding to the minor winning combination is executed. Specifically, when awarding virtual medals, the value corresponding to the small win this time is added to the credit counter, and if the value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit storage number, the upper limit storage number is exceeded. The hopper device 53 is driven and controlled so that the number of medals corresponding to the number of medals is paid out to the medal tray 59.例文帳に追加

In step S211, a process for dealing with the end of the game is executed to enable the setting of the game state corresponding to the result of the current game.

Further, in step S212, an external output setting process at the end of the game for performing various settings for external output to the hall computer HC through the external terminal board 90 is executed.

Subsequently, the lottery process at step S208, the reel control process at step S209, the process for dealing with the end of the game at step S211, and the external output setting process at the end of the game at step S212 will be described in detail.

[Lottery process]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing lottery processing. The lottery process of step S208 in the normal process will be described.

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

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

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

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

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

If the process of step S306 is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S308, this means that the determination of whether the winning combination is correct has been completed. In this case, in step S309, processing for determining the content of the effect is executed. In the effect content determination process, a process for determining the general content of the effect to be executed in the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65, and the image display device 66 in the current game is executed. As the content of the outline, high expectation content, medium expectation content, and low expectation content are set so that the degree of expectation for the bonus state or AT state to occur gradually decreases. In the process of determining the contents of the effect, a lottery table corresponding to the combination of the condition of whether or not to shift to the AT state within a predetermined number of games and the condition of the winning hand in the current game is used to determine the effect. The content of the outline will be determined by lottery.

In step S310, the information corresponding to the general contents determined in the effect content determination process is set in the game start command, and the game start command is set as a transmission target to the effect side MPU82. The game start command is a command for making the production side MPU 82 recognize that a new game has started, and is for making the production side MPU 82 recognize the general content of the production decided by the main side MPU 72. It is a command, and is transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 in the command output process (step S110) in the timer interrupt process.

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

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

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

(Game state)
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a mode of transition of the game state. Here, the game states of the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

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

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

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

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

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

For this reason, in order to execute the lottery for transition to the AT state or stay in the AT state, it is necessary to satisfy the advantageous section transition conditions, such as winning the advantageous section transition lottery, during the stay in the normal section. Need to move to section. In addition, when the normal section transition condition (also referred to as the normal section fall condition) is satisfied while staying in the advantageous section, the advantageous section ends and shifts (falls) to the normal section. Normal section transition conditions are, for example, winning the normal section transition lottery, exceeding the maximum number of staying games in one advantageous section (e.g. 1500G), or the maximum net increase in the number of game media in one advantageous section (e.g. 2400 sheets), it is possible to design freely to some extent.

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

(Lottery table for bonus non-internal states)
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a bonus non-internal state table. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the order in which the reels are stopped and the winning mode established.

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

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

The index value IV=1 is set with the bell-push order winning data and the first compensation winning data. When winning with index value IV=1, as shown in FIG. 13, the left reel 32L is the first stop (the reel to which the stop command is issued first), and the second stop (the reel to which the next stop command is issued). When is the middle reel 32M, the pressing order bell win is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, and in other cases, the first compensation win is surely generated.

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

For the index value IV=2, the winning order bell winning data and the second complementary winning data are set. When winning with the index value IV=2, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first stop is the left reel 32L and the second stop is the right reel 32R, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. The winning of the pushing order bell is surely established, and in the other cases, the second compensation winning is surely established.

The index value IV=3 is set with the bell-push order winning data and the third complementary winning data. When winning with the index value IV=3, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M and the second stop is the left reel 32L, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Winning by pressing the bell is surely established, and in other cases, third compensation winning is surely established.

The index value IV=4 is set with the bell-pressing-order winning data and the fourth complementary winning data. When winning with the index value IV=3, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M and the second stop is the right reel 32R, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Winning by pressing the bell is surely established, and in other cases, third compensation winning is surely established.

The index value IV=5 is set with the bell-push order winning data and the fifth complementary winning data. When winning with index value IV=5, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first stop is the right reel 32R and the second stop is the left reel 32L, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Winning by pressing the bell is surely established, and in other cases, third compensation winning is surely established.

For the index value IV=6, the winning order bell winning data and the sixth compensation winning data are set. When winning with index value IV=6, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first stop is the right reel 32R and the second stop is the middle reel 32M, regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42-44. Winning by pressing the bell is surely established, and in other cases, third compensation winning is surely established.

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

Common bell winning data is set to index value IV=7. If the winning is achieved with the index value IV=7, as shown in FIG. 13, the common bell winning is established without fail regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42-44.

Watermelon winning data is set to index value IV=8. If a win is made with the index value IV=8, as shown in FIG. 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 timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the watermelon prize will not be established (so-called dropout).

Cherry winning data is set to the index value IV=9. If a win is made with the index value IV=9, as shown in FIG. 13, a cherry win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of the left stop button 42 with respect to the rotation position of the left reel 32L, there is a possibility that the cherry winning will not be established (so-called dropout).

If a win is made with index IV=10, 1-card winning data is set. If a win is made with the index value IV=10, as shown in FIG. 13, a single win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the single winning combination will not be established.

If a win is made with index IV=11, RBB winning data is set. If a win is made with the index value IV=11, as shown in FIG. 13, the RBB winning combination can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the RBB winning combination will not be established.

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

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

(Lottery table for bonus internal state)
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a bonus internal state table. When staying in the bonus internal state, the bonus internal state lottery table is referred to in the lottery process. This lottery table shows the point value PV when betting 3 coins.

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

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

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

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

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

(Lottery table for bonus status)
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a bonus state lottery table. As described above, in this embodiment, RBB exists as a type of bonus. When an RBB prize is won, the player stays in the RBB state (bonus state), and the lottery table for the bonus state is referred to in the lottery processing. This lottery table shows the point value PV when betting 3 coins.

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

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

The RBB state ends, for example, when a termination condition is satisfied, which is set such that the number of game media paid out after the RBB state is started is equal to or greater than the termination reference number (for example, "105"). When the RBB state ends, the game state shifts to the non-bonus state (FIG. 13).
{Notification control process}
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing notification control processing. The notification control process of step S312 in the lottery process will be described.

In step S401, it is determined whether or not the order bell has been won. Specifically, in the bonus non-internal state or the bonus internal state, it is the case that the winning is made with any of the index values IV=1 to 6 (FIGS. 12 and 14).

In step S402, it is determined whether or not the value of the AT state flag in the main RAM 74 is 1 (that is, in the AT state). In step S403, on condition that the value of the AT state flag is 1, the stop order acquisition process is executed. In the stop order acquisition process, the display correspondence table (FIG. 15) of the main ROM 73 is referenced to acquire the stop order that enables the winning of the winning order of the bell with the index value IV that was won this time.

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

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

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

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing notification of the reel stop order in the image display device 66. As shown in FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Reel control processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing reel control processing. The reel control processing of step S209 in the normal processing will be described.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here, the stop information is information for making the stop mode of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R correspond to the result of the lottery process (FIG. 12). When the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated to stop, it is possible to calculate the number of slips (specifically, "0" to "4") with respect to the arrival symbol that has reached the base position. As the stop information, slip number data indicating the correspondence between each symbol and the slip number is stored in advance in the main ROM 73 in association with each lottery result and the stop order of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sliding number data corresponding to each lottery result and the stop order of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R may be derived while the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are rotating. .

As the processing for setting the stop information, stop information first setting processing executed in step S311 of the lottery processing (FIG. 12) and stop information processing executed in step S511 of the reel control processing (FIG. 20) There is a second setting process. In the first stop information setting process, stop information is set according to the result of the lottery process.

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

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

Returning to the description of the reel control process (FIG. 20), when it is determined in step S510 that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, the winning determination process is executed in step S512, and the process proceeds to step S513. After setting a winning result command including data corresponding to the result of the winning determination process as an output target to the sub-control device 80, this reel control process ends.

{Winning Judgment Process}
FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing winning determination processing.

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

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

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

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

On the other hand, if the winning flag is set to "1", the number of medals to be paid out is reduced so that medals or virtual medals can be given in the medal payout process if the winning is a minor win. It is set in the payout object counter of the main side RAM74. On the other hand, if the winning is a replay winning, in the next step S203 in the normal processing (FIG. 11), a flag setting process is executed to enable setting of the same number of bets as the current bet number.

[Correspondence processing at the end of the game]
FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a corresponding process at the end of the game. The corresponding processing at the end of the game in step S211 in the normal processing will be described. First, referring to FIG. 22, the whole of the corresponding processing at the end of the game will be described. Then, in the corresponding processing at the end of the game, bonus processing in step S702, section management processing in step S703, and AT transition chance processing in step S706. , and the AT state processing in step S707 will be described in detail.

In the corresponding processing at the end of the game, if the bonus state is set (step S701: YES), the bonus processing is executed (step S702). In the bonus process, if the game is in the state of winning a bonus combination, the game state is shifted to a bonus state by setting "1" to a bonus state flag provided in the main side RAM 74 because a bonus prize has been won in the current game. As a result, the bonus state lottery table (FIG. 17) is referred to in the lottery processing in the next and subsequent games. In addition, by transmitting a command indicating the transition to the bonus state to the effect side MPU 82, the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65 and the image display device 66 are caused to start the effect for the bonus state. In addition, when the bonus state is shifted to, bonus winning data is erased from the main side RAM 74, thereby canceling the bonus winning state.

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

Subsequently, in S703, it is determined whether or not the advantageous section flag is 1. If the advantageous section flag is 1, the process proceeds to the process indicated by the AT state flag (step S705). When the AT state flag indicates 0, it indicates the non-AT state, and when the AT state flag indicates 2, it indicates the AT state.

If the AT state flag indicates 0, the process proceeds to AT transition chance processing in step S706. If the AT state flag indicates 1, the process advances to AT state processing in step S707.

Finally, after executing the bonus processing (step S702), if the advantageous section flag is not 1 (step S704), after executing the AT transition chance processing (step S706), the AT state processing (step S707) was executed. After that, a game end command is set as an object to be transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 (step S708). The game end command is a command for making the effect side MPU 82 recognize that one game has ended, and the command is transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 in the command output process (step S110) in the timer interrupt process.

{Bonus processing}
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing bonus state processing. In step S702 of FIG. 22, if the bonus state is set, bonus state processing is executed as bonus processing.

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

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

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

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

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

{Section management processing}
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing section management processing. In step S703 of FIG. 22, section management processing is executed for mutual sections of normal sections and advantageous sections. As described above, the advantageous section refers to a section in which performance (for example, AT) related to the indicating function can be provided.

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

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

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an advantageous section transition lottery table. An advantageous zone transition lottery table is referred to, and an advantageous zone transition lottery process is executed.

According to this advantageous section transition lottery table, during the stay in the normal section, in the current game, for example, pressing order bells with index values IV = 1 to 6 and 1st to 6th compensation, common bells with index value IV = 7, index Watermelon with value IV = 8, Cherry with index value IV = 9, Single hand with index value IV = 10, RBB with index value IV = 11, Replay with index value IV = 12, 100% probability Win the advantageous section transfer lottery.

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

Refer to FIG. 24 again. If the advantageous section transition lottery process wins (step S903: YES), the advantageous section flag is set to "1" (step S904). As a result, the normal section shifts to the advantageous section having performance related to the instruction function.

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

If the player is staying in the advantageous section, 1 is added to the advantageous section stay G number counter (step S905). This is for counting stays G during the advantageous section. Also, the number of net increase obtained or decreased in the current game is added or subtracted to the net increase number counter (step S906). This is for counting the number of net increases in the advantageous section. It should be noted that even if the game media could not be acquired in the current game, the minus amount of the net increase is subtracted.

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

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

{AT shift chance processing}
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing AT transfer chance processing. The AT shift chance process (step S706) will be described. The AT shift chance process is executed when the advantageous interval flag indicates 1 and the AT state flag indicates 0, that is, during the advantageous interval, during the non-bonus period, and in the non-AT state.

First, in the current game, it is determined whether or not the AT shift lottery opportunity has been won (step S1001). The AT transition lottery trigger combination corresponds to, for example, watermelon, cherry, single combination, and the like. If the AT shift lottery trigger role is won (step S1001: YES), AT shift lottery processing is executed (step S1002). Even if the winning of the AT shift lottery opportunity is not established, if the AT shift lottery opportunity is won, the AT shift lottery process is executed. However, it is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that the AT transition lottery process is executed on the condition that the corresponding prize is established.

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

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of an AT transfer lottery table. In the advantageous section, in the non-bonus state and in the non-AT state, when the AT shift lottery trigger role is won, the AT shift lottery process is executed based on this AT shift lottery table.

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

According to this AT transition lottery table, when a watermelon with an index value IV=8 is won, the AT transition lottery process is executed with a winning probability of 10%, which is common to all set values, as the AT transition lottery probability. Also, when a cherry with an index value of IV=9 is won, the AT transition lottery process is executed with a winning probability of 25%, which is common to all set values, as the AT transition lottery probability. In addition, when the win is won in the one-card combination with the index value IV=10, the AT shift lottery process is executed with the winning probability of 20%, which is common to all set values, as the AT shift lottery probability.

Returning to the description of FIG. 26 again. When the AT transition lottery process to the AT state is won (step S1003: YES), the initial AT continuous game number setting process is executed (step S1004). In the process of setting the number of initial AT continuation games, the AT game number counter provided in the main RAM 74 is set to, for example, "50" G as the number of initial AT continuation games.

The number of initial AT continuation games may be set to a uniformly fixed value (for example, "50"), or may be determined by lottery. For example, one of the specified values 30, 50, and 100G can be selectively set by lottery. Furthermore, it is also possible to determine the number of initial AT continuation games by lottery in the specialized zone.

After setting the number of initial AT continuous games (step S1004), the AT state flag of the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1005). By setting the AT state flag to "1", the notification control processing (step S312) is performed in the next processing round in the lottery processing, and the AT state processing (step S707) in the next processing round in the corresponding processing at the end of the game. is executed.

On the other hand, if the AT transition lottery trigger role is not won (step S1001: NO), if AT transition lottery processing is not won in the AT state transition lottery process (step S1003: NO), the advantageous section stay G number counter ≧ 1000 is satisfied (step S1006). This is the so-called ceiling determination. That is, when the non-AT state reaches a predetermined ceiling G number (for example, 1000 G) without entering the AT state from the start of the advantageous section, the vehicle shifts to the AT state. If the advantageous section staying G number counter≧1000 is satisfied (step S1006: YES), the process proceeds to S1004 in order to win AT transition.

{AT state processing}
FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing AT state processing. AT state processing (step S707) will be described. The AT state process is executed when the advantageous section flag indicates 1 and the AT state flag indicates 1, that is, during the advantageous section, during the non-bonus, and in the AT state.

First, in the current game, it is determined whether or not the number of AT games (also referred to as the number of AT continuation games) has been won in the additional lottery opportunity (step S1101). The additional lottery opportunity combination includes, for example, watermelon, cherry, and single combination. If the additional lottery trigger role is won (step S1101: YES), the additional lottery process is executed (step S1102). Even if the winning of the additional lottery opportunity is not established, if the additional lottery opportunity is won, the 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 that is periodically updated (for example, every 2 msec) is read from the main RAM 74, and the value of the lottery counter is read as above. Match against a table.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an additional lottery table. In the advantage section, in the non-bonus state and in the AT state, when winning the additional lottery opportunity, the additional lottery processing is executed based on this additional lottery table.

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

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

Returning to the description of FIG. 28 again. If an additional lottery process results in an additional winning (step S1103: YES), an additional process for adding the number of AT games is executed (step S1104). In the AT game number addition process, for example, "30" G is added to the AT game number counter provided in the main side RAM 74 as the number of winning extra games.

It should be noted that the number of additional games may be set to a uniformly fixed value (for example, "30") or determined by lottery. For example, one of the specified values 30, 50, and 100G can be selectively added by lottery.

Next, when the AT game number addition lottery opportunity is not won (step S1101: NO) or after execution of the addition process (step S1104), the value of the AT game number counter is subtracted by 1 (step S1105). After the subtraction, it is determined whether or not the AT game number counter=0 (step S1106). As described above, the AT game number counter is set to, for example, "50" as the number of initial AT continuation games. The case where the AT game number counter is set to 0 means that one set of AT games, for example, 50 games, has been completed in the AT state when there is no increase in the number of AT games.

AT game number counter = 0, that is, when the AT game is finished (step S1106: YES), the AT state flag and the advantageous section flag are set to "0" (step S1107), the AT state is ended, and the advantageous section is set. Terminate it and fall to the normal section. Also, the advantageous section stay G number counter and the net increase number counter are reset to 0 (step S1108). Incidentally, in the present slot machine 10, one of the normal section transition conditions is the end of the AT state. That is, when the AT state ends, the advantageous section ends and the vehicle temporarily falls to the normal section.

Also, the AT end command is set as a transmission target to the effect side MPU 82 (step S1109). The AT end command is a command for making the production side MPU 82 recognize that the AT state has ended, and the command is transmitted to the production side MPU 82 in the command output process (step S110) in the timer interrupt process.

When the AT end command is received, the production side MPU 82 puts the advantageous section resettable state in, for example, the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65, and the image display device 66 for a predetermined number of games (for example, 50G) in which the advantageous section resettable state is enabled. When the player performs a specific reset operation, it notifies that the advantageous section can be reset, the reset operation method, and the like.

[External output setting process at the end of the game]
The external output setting process at the end of the game in step S212 in the normal process will be described. As described above, the MPU 72 outputs various signals corresponding to the state of the slot machine 10 through the external terminal board 90 to the hall computer HC provided in the game hall.

In the present slot machine 10, which is an AT machine, the external terminal 90c for the first game state signal is used to allow the hole computer HC to recognize the number of times the AT state has been executed (the number of times of entry). The hall computer HC determines that the AT state has newly started (entered) by confirming the rise of the AT signal from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal, and the AT state in the first display section DC1 of the data counter DC. 1 is added to the display of the execution count of .

FIG. 30 shows a state transition diagram of the AT signal. FIG. 30(a) shows the state transition of the AT signal according to this embodiment. On the other hand, FIG. 30(b) shows the state transition of the AT signal according to the conventional example. t in the figure indicates the dividing line between the normal section and the advantageous section, and the dividing line between the non-AT state and the AT state within the advantageous section. The game status of each section is as follows.
t0-t1: Normal section t1-t2: Advantageous section, non-AT state t2-t3: Advantageous section, AT state t3-t4: Normal section t4-t5: Advantageous section, non-AT state

Referring to the AT signal in FIG. 30(a), at t2, when the AT state is entered during the advantageous period, the AT signal is set to the ON state and output from the AT signal external terminal 90c.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the display screen of the data counter DC at t2. As shown in FIG. 31, the hall computer HC determines that the AT state has newly started (entered), and adds 1 to the display of the number of AT state executions in the first display section DC1 of the data counter DC.

In addition, the hall computer HC once resets the display of the number of game executions in the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC to 0 when the ON/OFF of the AT signal is changed. This is to newly count and display the number of times the game is executed during the AT state from the start (enter) of the AT state. When the total number of games played is displayed on the data counter DC, the total number of game executions in all states is displayed regardless of various states such as non-AT state and AT state, so the total total is reset. not.

At t3, the AT state ends, the advantageous section ends, and the normal section shifts. However, in this embodiment, at t3, the AT signal is not set to be output from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal in the OFF state. That is, the AT signal is maintained in the ON state.

At t4, the AT signal is set to the OFF state and output from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal along with the start of the advantageous interval. That is, the AT signal is changed to the OFF state. In addition, the hall computer HC once resets the display of the number of game executions in the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC to 0 when the ON/OFF of the AT signal is changed. This is to newly count and display the number of times the game is executed during the non-AT state from the start of the non-AT state in the advantageous section.

On the other hand, referring to the conventional AT signal shown in FIG. 30(b), at t3, the AT signal is output from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal in the OFF state upon completion of the AT state. That is, the AT signal is changed to the OFF state.

FIG. 32 shows the display screen of the data counter DC at t4. FIG. 32(a) shows the display screen of the data counter DC according to this embodiment. On the other hand, FIG. 32(b) shows the display screen of the conventional data counter DC.

In the case of this embodiment, the number of game executions indicated by the 0th display section DC0 at t4 is zero. That is, since the data counter DC becomes 0 at the start of the advantageous interval, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) and the number of non-AT state game executions from the start of the advantageous interval. matches.

For this reason, for example, when the non-AT state reaches the ceiling number of games 1000G without entering the AT state from the start of the advantageous section, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) reaches 1000G. It shifts to the AT state at the indicated timing. This allows the player to accurately trust the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0).

On the other hand, in the case of the conventional example, the number of game executions indicated by the 0th display section DC0 at t4 is one. This is because at t3, the AT signal is output from the AT signal external terminal 90c in the OFF state at the end of the advantageous section, and the number of games executed in the normal section from t3 to t4 is included in the count.

For this reason, for example, when the non-AT state reaches the ceiling number of games 1000G without entering the AT state from the start of the advantageous section, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) reaches 1001G. It shifts to the AT state at the indicated timing. In other words, since the data counter DC is not 0 at the start of the advantageous interval, the number of times the game has been executed indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) and the execution of the game in the non-AT state from the start of the advantageous interval do not match the number of times. When the player plays the game expecting to shift to the AT state at 1000G, an unexpected situation occurs in which the AT state does not shift even though the number of games reaches the ceiling number of 1000G.

Further, according to the above-described advantageous zone transition lottery table of FIG. 25, the advantageous zone transition lottery is won with an advantageous zone transition winning probability of 100% regardless of which role is won while staying in the normal zone. Therefore, the number of staying games in the normal section is one. However, if the probability of winning the advantageous section transition lottery is such that it is difficult to win the advantageous section transition lottery, the number of staying games in the normal section increases, and the number of times the game is executed in the normal section from t3 to t4 increases accordingly. The difference between the number of games played indicated by the counter DC (0th display section DC0) and the number of games played during the non-AT state from the start of the advantageous interval increases. Even if 1020G, or even 1050G, for example, has passed on the data counter DC, it may lead to a situation in which the AT state is not entered.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the external output setting that is set during the AT state in the advantageous interval continues the signal indicating the AT state in the ON state even in the normal interval that shifts after the end of the AT in the advantageous interval. The external output setting is turned off at the timing when the normal section shifts to the advantageous section again. As a result, the hall computer HC determines that the AT state has ended at this timing. It is possible to prevent mismatch (deviation).

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the external output setting process at the end of the game. The external output setting process at the end of the game in step S212 in the normal process will be described.

First, it is determined whether or not the AT state flag of the main RAM 74 is 1 (that is, in the AT state) (step S1201). If the AT state flag is 1 (step S1201: YES), it is determined whether or not the AT signal is ON (step S1202).

If the AT signal is not in the ON state (step S1202: NO), it means that the game has entered the AT state, so the AT signal is set to the ON state (step S1203). On the other hand, if the AT signal is in the ON state (step S1202: YES), the AT signal is maintained in the ON state because the AT state has been entered before this game.

On the other hand, if the AT state flag is not 1 (step S1201: NO), it is determined whether or not the advantageous section flag is 1 (step S1204). If the AT state flag is not 1 and the advantageous section flag is not 1 (step S1204: NO), the vehicle is staying in the normal section. If this normal section is a normal section corresponding to the case where the game is started from the normal section at the game start time, the ON/OFF state of the AT signal is not set (for example, t0 in FIG. 30). Further, even if this normal section is a normal section corresponding to the case where the AT state ends and shifts to the normal section, as described above, in the present embodiment, the AT signal is not set to the OFF state (for example, t3) in FIG. In other words, the external output setting that is set during the AT state in the advantageous interval is set so that the signal indicating the AT state continues to be in the ON state even in the normal interval after the end of the advantageous interval.

On the other hand, if the AT state flag is not 1 and the advantageous section flag is 1 (step S1204: YES), the AT signal is set to the OFF state at the timing of transition from the normal section to the advantageous section (for example, t4 in FIG. 30). ). By turning off the AT signal at the timing when the advantageous section starts, the hall computer HC determines that the AT state has ended. As a result, the number of game executions indicated by the 0th display section DC0 at the start of the advantageous section becomes 0, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0), and the non-AT state from the start of the advantageous section. Matches the number of executions of the middle game.

After step S1203 or step S1206, the number of pulse signals corresponding to the number of payouts is output from the external terminal 90b for the award signal (step S1207). For example, when nine medals are awarded, the pulse signal is output nine times so that the ON time and the OFF time are each 50 msec at the end of one game. As a result, the number of medals paid out by the slot machine 10 is managed on the hall computer HC side. Also, if there is a display such as the number of obtained coins on the data counter DC, it can be reflected in the display.

<Embodiment 2>
The slot machine 10 according to this embodiment has a CZ (chance zone) that continues for a predetermined number of games (for example, 30G) after the end of the AT state. In the CZ, an AT transition lottery table (not shown) set so that the AT transition winning probability is higher than the AT transition lottery table (for example, FIG. 27) referenced in the non-CZ is referenced. Therefore, there is a high expectation that the AT state will be entered again from the CZ after the AT state ends. On the other hand, one of the normal section transition conditions is the end of CZ. If the AT state cannot be entered again during the predetermined number of games of CZ, the advantageous section ends and the player falls to the normal section.

FIG. 34 shows a state transition diagram of the AT signal. Comparing with FIG. 30, CZ is shown after the AT state. t in the figure indicates the dividing line between the normal section and the advantageous section, and the dividing line between the non-AT state, the AT state, and the CZ within the advantageous section. The game status of each section is as follows.
t0-t1: Normal section t1-t2: Advantageous section, non-AT state t2-t3: Advantageous section, AT state t3-t4: Advantageous section, CZ
t4-t5: Normal section t5-t6: Advantageous section, non-AT state t6-t7: Advantageous section, AT state t7-t8: Advantageous section, CZ
t8-t9: Advantageous section, AT state

Referring to the AT signal in FIG. 34, at t2, when the AT state is entered during the advantageous interval, the AT signal is set to the ON state and output from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal. The hall computer HC determines that the AT state has newly started (entered), and adds 1 to the display of the number of AT state executions in the first display section DC1 of the data counter DC.

In addition, the hall computer HC once resets the display of the number of game executions in the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC to 0 when the ON/OFF of the AT signal is changed. This is to newly count and display the number of times the game is executed during the AT state from the start (enter) of the AT state.

At t3, the AT state ends and the state shifts to CZ. In the case of this embodiment, the AT signal is not set to the OFF state and output from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal at t3 assuming that the CZ is also treated as part of the AT state. That is, the AT signal is maintained in the ON state.

At t4, the AT state ends, the advantageous section ends, and the normal section shifts. In the case of this embodiment, at t4, the AT signal is not output from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal in the OFF state. That is, the AT signal is maintained in the ON state.

At t5, the AT signal is set to the OFF state and output from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal along with the start of the advantageous interval. That is, the AT signal is changed to the OFF state. In addition, the hall computer HC once resets the display of the number of game executions in the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC to 0 when the ON/OFF of the AT signal is changed. This is to newly count and display the number of times the game is executed during the non-AT state from the start of the non-AT state in the advantageous section.

FIG. 35 shows the display screen of the data counter DC at t5. FIG. 35(a) shows the display screen of the data counter DC according to this embodiment. On the other hand, FIG. 35(b) shows the display screen of the conventional data counter DC.

In the case of this embodiment, the number of game executions indicated by the 0th display section DC0 at t5 is zero. That is, since the data counter DC becomes 0 at the start of the advantageous interval, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) and the number of non-AT state game executions from the start of the advantageous interval. matches.

For this reason, for example, when the non-AT state reaches the ceiling number of games 1000G without entering the AT state from the start of the advantageous section, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) reaches 1000G. It shifts to the AT state at the indicated timing. This allows the player to accurately trust the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0).

On the other hand, in the case of the conventional example, the number of game executions indicated by the 0th display section DC0 at t5 is one. This is because at t4, the AT signal is output from the AT signal external terminal 90c in the OFF state at the end of the advantageous section, and the number of game executions in the normal section from t4 to t5 is included in the count.

For this reason, for example, when the non-AT state reaches the ceiling number of games 1000G without entering the AT state from the start of the advantageous section, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) reaches 1001G. It shifts to the AT state at the indicated timing. In other words, since the data counter DC is not 0 at the start of the advantageous interval, the number of times the game has been executed indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) and the execution of the game in the non-AT state from the start of the advantageous interval do not match the number of times. When the player plays the game expecting to shift to the AT state at 1000G, the state does not shift to the AT state even though the number of games reaches the ceiling number of 1000G. Furthermore, the greater the number of times games are executed in the normal section from t4 to t5, the greater the range of the number of mismatched games.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the external output setting that is set during the AT state in the advantageous interval continues the signal indicating the AT state in the ON state even in the normal interval that transitions after AT and CZ in the advantageous interval. , and the external output setting is turned off at the timing when the normal section shifts to the advantageous section again. As a result, the hall computer HC determines that the AT state has ended at this timing. It is possible to prevent mismatch (deviation).

<Embodiment 3>
As in the second embodiment described above, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a CZ (chance zone) that continues for a predetermined number of games after the end of the AT state. The CZ is entered after the end of the AT state. If the AT state cannot be entered again within the predetermined number of games of CZ, the advantageous section ends and the player falls to the normal section.

However, in the present embodiment, CZ is not treated as part of the AT state, unlike the above-described second embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, information indicating that CZ has started is output using the external terminal 90d for the second game state signal. That is, in the present slot machine 10 equipped with CZ, the external terminal 90d for the second game state signal is used to enable the hall computer HC to recognize the number of executions of the CZ state (the number of times of entry). The second game state signal is called the CZ signal, and the external terminal 90d for the second game state signal is called the external terminal 90d for the CZ signal. The hall computer HC determines that the CZ state has newly started (entered) by confirming the rising edge of the signal from the external terminal 90d for the CZ signal. Add 1 to the display of the number of executions.

FIG. 36 shows a state transition diagram of AT and CZ signals. t in the figure indicates the dividing line between the normal section and the advantageous section, and the dividing line between the non-AT state, the AT state, and the CZ within the advantageous section. The game status of each section is as follows.
t0-t1: Normal section t1-t2: Advantageous section, non-AT state t2-t3: Advantageous section, AT state t3-t4: Advantageous section, CZ
t4-t5: Normal section t5-t6: Advantageous section, non-AT state t6-t7: Advantageous section, AT state t7-t8: Advantageous section, CZ
t8-t9: Advantageous section, AT state

Referring to the AT signal in FIG. 36, at t2, when the AT state is entered during the advantageous interval, the AT signal is set to the ON state and output from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal. The hall computer HC determines that the AT state has newly started (entered), and adds 1 to the display of the number of AT state executions in the first display section DC1 of the data counter DC.

In addition, the hall computer HC once resets the display of the number of game executions in the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC to 0 when the ON/OFF of the AT signal is changed. This is to newly count and display the number of times the game is executed during the AT state from the start (enter) of the AT state.

At t3, the AT state ends and the state shifts to CZ. At the end of the AT state, the AT signal is set to the OFF state and output from the external terminal 90c for the AT signal. Further, with the start of CZ, the CZ signal is set to the ON state and output from the external terminal 90d for the CZ signal.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the display screen of the data counter DC at t3. As shown in FIG. 37, the hall computer HC determines that the CZ state has newly started (entered), and adds 1 to the display of the number of times the CZ state has been executed in the second display section DC2 of the data counter DC.
In addition, the hall computer HC once resets the display of the number of game executions in the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC to 0 when the ON/OFF of the AT signal is changed. This is to newly count and display the number of times the game is executed during the CZ state from the start (enter) of the CZ state. It should be noted that if the number of games executed during the CZ state continues to be included in the count of the number of games executed during the AT state, the reset may not be performed.

At t4, as CZ ends, the advantageous section ends and shifts to the normal section. In the case of this embodiment, at t4, the CZ signal is not output from the external terminal 90d for the CZ signal in the OFF state. That is, the CZ signal is maintained in the ON state.

At t5, the CZ signal is set to the OFF state and output from the external terminal 90d for the CZ signal along with the start of the advantageous section. That is, the CZ signal is changed to the OFF state. At the same time, the hall computer HC once resets the display of the number of game executions in the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC to 0 when the CZ signal is turned ON/OFF. This is to newly count and display the number of times the game is executed during the non-AT state from the start (enter) of the non-AT state.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing the display screen of the data counter DC at t5. FIG. 38(a) shows the display screen of the data counter DC according to this embodiment. On the other hand, FIG. 38(b) shows the display screen of the conventional data counter DC.

In the case of this embodiment, the number of game executions indicated by the 0th display section DC0 at t5 is zero. That is, since the data counter DC becomes 0 at the start of the advantageous interval, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) and the number of non-AT state game executions from the start of the advantageous interval. matches.

For this reason, for example, when the non-AT state reaches the ceiling number of games 1000G without entering the AT state from the start of the advantageous section, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) reaches 1000G. It shifts to the AT state at the indicated timing. This allows the player to accurately trust the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0).

On the other hand, in the case of the conventional example, the number of game executions indicated by the 0th display section DC0 at t5 is one. This is because at t4, the CZ signal is output from the external terminal 90d for the CZ signal in the OFF state along with the end of the advantageous section, and the number of game executions in the normal section from t4 to t5 is counted.

For this reason, for example, when the non-AT state reaches the ceiling number of games 1000G without entering the AT state from the start of the advantageous section, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) reaches 1001G. It shifts to the AT state at the indicated timing. In other words, since the data counter DC is not 0 at the start of the advantageous interval, the number of times the game has been executed indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) and the execution of the game in the non-AT state from the start of the advantageous interval do not match the number of times. When the player plays the game expecting to shift to the AT state at 1000G, the state does not shift to the AT state even though the number of games reaches the ceiling number of 1000G. Furthermore, the greater the number of times games are executed in the normal section from t4 to t5, the greater the range of the number of mismatched games.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the external output setting that is set during the CZ state in the advantageous section continues to keep the signal indicating the CZ state in the ON state even in the normal section that shifts after the CZ state in the advantageous section ends. The external output setting is turned off at the timing when the normal section shifts to the advantageous section again. As a result, the hall computer HC determines that the CZ state has ended at this timing. It is possible to prevent mismatch (deviation).

<Embodiment 4>
Regarding the prescribed number of bets for medals in the slot machine 10, even if the prescribed number is, for example, one bet, two bets, or three bets, even if the game can be played, the AT machine has an instruction function during the advantageous interval. In many machines, such processing is only possible with one bet number. For example, in the case of an AT machine in which the number of bets for which the processing related to the instruction function is effective is 3 coins, even if one bet or two coins are betted during the advantageous section, the processing related to the instruction function is not executed. For this reason, when the non-AT state reaches a predetermined ceiling G number (for example, 1000 G) without entering the AT state from the start of the advantageous section, the ceiling judgment to shift to the AT state can also be made with one bet or two. Even if you place a bet, it doesn't count.

Note that even if one bet or two bets are made, the advantageous section staying G number counter is counted. A maximum of 1500 G can be played during one advantageous interval, and when the advantageous interval staying G number counter>1500 is satisfied, the advantageous interval ends.

Further, with respect to the external terminal 90a for the input signal described above, the number of pulse signals corresponding to the number of bets is output from the external terminal 90a for the input signal. For example, when the specified number of bets is "2", the pulse signal is output twice at the start of one game. When the specified number of bets is "3", the pulse signal is output three times at the start of one game. Here, the hall computer HC is designed to determine that one game has started by receiving the pulse signal "every three" from the external terminal 90a for the input signal. That is, for example, when the number of bets is "2", the pulse signal is output twice at the start of one game. However, since the hall computer HC receives only two pulse signals, the display of the number of game executions in the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC remains 0 without adding 1 to it. In the next game, when the number of bets is "1", a pulse signal is output once at the start of one game, and the total number of pulse signals reaches three, and the hall computer HC determines that one game has started, 1 is added to the display of the number of game executions in the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC.

In such a case, if a game with two bets is executed during the advantageous section, it is not counted in the ceiling judgment for shifting to the AT state, and the hall computer HC will display the 0th display section DC0 of the data counter DC The display of the number of game executions remains 0 without adding 1 to it. Based on such factors, a situation may occur in which the display on the first display unit DC1 is shifted to the AT state even though the display is less than the predetermined ceiling G number (for example, 1000G).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the number of bets (for example, 3 bets) is valid for the processing related to the instruction function while staying in the advantageous section, the processing related to the instruction function is valid from the output external terminal 90e. Output information indicating that one game has started. In the hall computer HC, by confirming the rise of the signal from the external terminal 90e for the ceiling count signal, it is determined that one game in which the processing related to the instruction function is effective has started (entered), and the data counter DC 1 is added to the display of the number of game executions on the display section DC3. Therefore, at the timing when the display of the third display section DC3 reaches a predetermined ceiling G number (for example, 1000G), the state is shifted to the AT state.

When the player plays the game expecting to shift to the AT state at a predetermined ceiling G number (for example, 1000 G), by confirming the display of the number of game executions on the third display section DC3 of the data counter DC, the predetermined It is possible to accurately grasp the count up to the ceiling G number.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a display screen of the data counter DC. As shown in FIG. 39, although the number of game executions on the first display section DC1 of the data counter DC is less than 1000, when the number of game executions on the third display section DC3 of the data counter DC reaches 1000, Move to AT state.
As a result, when the player plays the game expecting to shift to the AT state at 1000 G, by confirming the display of the number of game executions in the third display section DC3 of the data counter DC, the player can reach the predetermined ceiling G number. It is possible to accurately grasp the count. That is, it is possible to prevent a mismatch (deviation) between the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) in the advantageous section and the number of game executions in the advantageous section.

In addition, the following forms are also mentioned in this embodiment.
・On the side of the slot machine 10, only when the number of bets is valid for processing related to the instruction function while staying in the advantageous section (for example, three bets), the number of bets is output from the above-mentioned external terminal 90a for input signal. It is also possible to output a pulse signal corresponding to (three sheets). On the other hand, if the processing related to the instruction function is not a valid number of bets (for example, two bets), the aforementioned input signal external terminal 90a does not output a pulse signal corresponding to the number of bets (two). As a result, at the timing when the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (the 0th display section DC0) indicates 1000 G, the state is shifted to the AT state. That is, since the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (the 0th display section DC0) in the advantageous section matches the number of game executions in the advantageous section, it is possible to prevent these discrepancies.

On the slot machine 10 side, the number of pulse signals corresponding to the number of bets is output from the input signal external terminal 90a as in the conventional case. For example, when the specified number of bets is "2", the pulse signal is output twice at the start of one game. When the specified number of bets is "3", the pulse signal is output three times at the start of one game. On the other hand, the hall computer HC determines that one game has started only when it receives the pulse signal "every three" from the external terminal 90a for the input signal. In other words, for example, when the number of bets is "2", the pulse signal is output twice at the start of one game. ignore. As a result, in the hole computer HC, only when the number of bets is valid for the process related to the instruction function (for example, bet 3) while staying in the advantageous section, the game indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) is displayed. , that is, the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) in the advantageous section matches the number of game executions in the advantageous section. can be prevented.

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

(Feature A1)
Symbol display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying symbols;
a start operation means (start lever 41) operated to start the variable display of symbols in the symbol display means;
a winning lottery means (a function of executing the process of step S208 in the main MPU 72) for executing a winning lottery process based on the operation of the start operation means;
stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to stop the variable display of the symbols in the symbol display means;
After the symbol variation display, when the stop result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in the lottery process for the combination, the winning combination is considered to be winning and the control corresponding to the winning combination is executed. means (a function of executing the processing of step S211 in the main MPU 72),
Has a game state including a non-advantageous state (normal section) and an advantageous state (advantageous section),
a specific advantageous state transition means for transferring to a specific advantageous state (AT or CZ) advantageous to the player when a specific condition is satisfied in the advantageous state;
a non-advantageous state transition means for shifting to the non-advantageous state after the end of the specific advantageous state;
Advantageous state transition means for transitioning to the advantageous state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the non-advantageous state;
a first external output setting means for setting information corresponding to the start of the specific game state (AT or CZ) when the specific advantageous state transition means shifts the game state to the specific game state (AT or CZ); , (external output setting process at the end of the game in FIG. 33, step S1203)
When the advantageous state transition means shifts the game state from the non-advantageous state (normal section) to the advantageous state (advantageous section), the information corresponding to the end of the specific game state (AT or CZ) is set. 2 external output setting means, (external output setting process at the end of the game in FIG. 33, step S1206)
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to this feature, the external output setting that is set during the AT or CZ state in the advantageous section (advantageous state) can be changed even in the normal section (non-advantageous state) that transitions after AT or CZ during the advantageous section (advantageous state). The signal indicating the AT or CZ state is continuously set in the ON state, and the external output setting is turned OFF at the timing when the normal section (non-advantageous state) shifts again to the advantageous section (advantageous state). As a result, the hall computer HC can determine that the AT state has ended at the timing of shifting to the advantageous section (advantageous state), and the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) indicates It is possible to prevent a mismatch (deviation) between the number of game executions and the number of game executions in the advantageous section (advantageous state).

(Feature A2)
When the gaming state is the advantageous state, transition lottery means for performing a transition lottery to the specific gaming state (AT), (AT transition chance process of FIG. 26)
Counting means for counting the number of games played during the advantageous state, (advantage section staying G number counter)
Transition means for transitioning to the specific game state when the transition lottery is won or when the number of games is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of games; (Step S1006: YES)
The gaming machine according to feature A1, comprising:

By preventing a discrepancy between the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) in the advantageous section and the number of game executions in the advantageous section, the player can reach a predetermined ceiling G number (for example, 1000G). ) while expecting to shift to the AT state, by checking the display of the number of game executions on the third display section DC3 of the data counter DC, the count up to the predetermined ceiling G number can be accurately grasped. Is possible.

(Feature A3)
Symbol display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying symbols;
a start operation means (start lever 41) operated to start the variable display of symbols in the symbol display means;
a winning lottery means (a function of executing the process of step S208 in the main MPU 72) for executing a winning lottery process based on the operation of the start operation means;
stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to stop the variable display of the symbols in the symbol display means;
After the symbol variation display, when the stop result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in the lottery process for the combination, the winning combination is considered to be winning and the control corresponding to the winning combination is executed. means (a function of executing the processing of step S211 in the main MPU 72),
Has a game state including a non-advantageous state (normal section) and an advantageous state (advantageous section),
a first specific advantageous state transition means for shifting to a first specific advantageous state (AT) advantageous to the player when a specific condition is satisfied in the advantageous state;
second specific advantageous state transition means for shifting to a second specific advantageous state (CZ) advantageous to the player after the first specific advantageous state ends;
a non-advantageous state transition means for shifting to the non-advantageous state after the end of the second specific advantageous state;
Advantageous state transition means for transitioning to the advantageous state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the non-advantageous state;
When the first specific advantageous state transition means shifts the game state to the first specific game state (AT), the first for setting information corresponding to the start of the first specific game state (AT) external output setting means; (t2 in FIG. 34)
When the advantageous state transition means shifts the game state from the non-advantageous state (normal section) to the advantageous state (advantageous section), information corresponding to the end of the first specific game state (AT) is set. a second external output setting means; (t5 in FIG. 34)
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to this feature, the external output setting set during AT and CZ state that transitions after AT in an advantageous section (advantageous state) is changed to a normal section (non-advantageous state) that transitions after CZ ends during an advantageous section (advantageous state) Also, the signals indicating the AT and CZ states are set to the ON state, and the external output setting is turned OFF at the timing when the normal section (non-advantageous state) shifts again to the advantageous section (advantageous state). As a result, the hall computer HC can determine that the AT state has ended at the timing of shifting to the advantageous section (advantageous state), and the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) indicates It is possible to prevent a mismatch (deviation) between the number of game executions and the number of game executions in the advantageous section (advantageous state).

(Feature A4)
Symbol display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying symbols;
a start operation means (start lever 41) operated to start the variable display of symbols in the symbol display means;
a winning lottery means (a function of executing the process of step S208 in the main MPU 72) for executing a winning lottery process based on the operation of the start operation means;
stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to stop the variable display of the symbols in the symbol display means;
After the symbol variation display, when the stop result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in the lottery process for the combination, the winning combination is considered to be winning and the control corresponding to the winning combination is executed. means (a function of executing the processing of step S211 in the main MPU 72),
Has a game state including a non-advantageous state (normal section) and an advantageous state (advantageous section),
a first specific advantageous state transition means for shifting to a first specific advantageous state (AT) advantageous to the player when a specific condition is satisfied in the advantageous state;
second specific advantageous state transition means for shifting to a second specific advantageous state (CZ) advantageous to the player after the first specific advantageous state ends;
a non-advantageous state transition means for shifting to the non-advantageous state after the end of the second specific advantageous state;
Advantageous state transition means for transitioning to the advantageous state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the non-advantageous state;
When the first specific advantageous state transition means shifts the game state to the first specific game state (AT), the first for setting information corresponding to the start of the first specific game state (AT) external output setting means; (t2 in FIG. 36)
Second external output setting means for setting information corresponding to the end of the first specific game state (AT) after the end of the first specific advantageous state (t3 in FIG. 36)
When the second specific advantageous state transition means shifts the game state to the second specific game state (CZ), the third for setting information corresponding to the start of the second specific game state (CZ) external output setting means; (t3 in FIG. 36)
When the advantageous state transition means shifts the game state from the non-advantageous state (normal section) to the advantageous state (advantageous section), information corresponding to the end of the second specific game state (CZ) is set. a fourth external output setting means; (t5 in FIG. 36)
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to this feature, the external output setting that is set during the CZ state that transitions after AT in the advantageous section (advantageous state) can also be set in the normal section (non-advantageous state) that transitions after the end of CZ during the advantageous section (advantageous state). The signal indicating the CZ state is set to the ON state continuously, and the external output setting is turned OFF at the timing when the normal section (non-advantageous state) shifts again to the advantageous section (advantageous state). As a result, the hall computer HC can determine that the AT state has ended at the timing of shifting to the advantageous section (advantageous state), and the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) indicates It is possible to prevent a mismatch (deviation) between the number of game executions and the number of game executions in the advantageous section (advantageous state).

(Feature A5)
When the gaming state is the advantageous state, transition lottery means for performing a transition lottery to the first specific gaming state (AT), (AT transition chance process of FIG. 26)
Counting means for counting the number of games played during the advantageous state, (advantage section staying G number counter)
When the transition lottery is won or when the number of games is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of games, transition means for transitioning to the first specific game state (step S1006: YES)
The gaming machine according to feature A3 or 4, characterized by comprising:

By preventing a discrepancy between the number of game executions indicated by the data counter DC (0th display section DC0) in the advantageous section and the number of game executions in the advantageous section, the player can reach a predetermined ceiling G number (for example, 1000G). ) while expecting to shift to the AT state, by checking the display of the number of game executions on the third display section DC3 of the data counter DC, the count up to the predetermined ceiling G number can be accurately grasped. Is possible.

(Feature B1)
Symbol display means (reel unit 31) for variably displaying symbols;
a start operation means (start lever 41) operated to start the variable display of symbols in the symbol display means;
a winning lottery means (a function of executing the process of step S208 in the main MPU 72) for executing a winning lottery process based on the operation of the start operation means;
stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to stop the variable display of the symbols in the symbol display means;
After the symbol variation display, when the stop result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in the lottery process for the combination, the winning combination is considered to be winning and the control corresponding to the winning combination is executed. means (a function of executing the processing of step S211 in the main MPU 72),
Has a game state including a non-advantageous state (normal section) and an advantageous state (advantageous section),
a specific advantageous state transition means for transferring to a specific advantageous state (AT or CZ) advantageous to the player when a specific condition is satisfied in the advantageous state;
a non-advantageous state transition means for shifting to the non-advantageous state after the end of the specific advantageous state;
Advantageous state transition means for transitioning to the advantageous state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the non-advantageous state;
When the game state is the advantageous state and the game is executed with the number of bets for which the processing related to the instruction function is valid (for example, three bets), an external device for setting information corresponding to the number of bets being valid. output setting means; (external terminal 90e for ceiling count signal)
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to this feature, when the number of bets related to the instruction function is valid (for example, 3 bets) during the stay in the advantageous section, the processing related to the instruction function is valid from the output external terminal 90e. Outputs information indicating that the game has started. In the hall computer HC, by confirming the rise of the signal from the external terminal 90e for the ceiling count signal, it is determined that one game in which the processing related to the instruction function is effective has started (entered), and the data counter DC 1 is added to the display of the number of game executions on the display section DC3. Therefore, at the timing when the display of the third display section DC3 reaches a predetermined ceiling G number (for example, 1000G), the state is shifted to the AT state.

(Feature B2)
When the gaming state is the advantageous state, transition lottery means for performing a transition lottery to the specific gaming state (AT), (AT transition chance process of FIG. 26)
Counting means for counting the number of games played during the advantageous state, (advantage section staying G number counter)
Transition means for transitioning to the specific game state when the transition lottery is won or when the number of games is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of games; (Step S1006: YES)
The gaming machine according to feature B2, comprising:

When the player plays the game expecting to shift to the AT state at a predetermined ceiling G number (for example, 1000 G), by confirming the display of the number of game executions on the third display section DC3 of the data counter DC, the predetermined It is possible to accurately grasp the count up to the ceiling G number.

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

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

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

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

10... slot machine, 31... reel unit, 32L, 32M, 32R... reel, 4
1... Start lever, 42 to 44... Stop button, 66... Image display device, 72... Main side M
PU, 82 ... MPU on the production side

Claims (1)

a pattern display means for variably displaying patterns;
a start operation means operated to start the variable display of symbols in the symbol display means;
a combination lottery means for executing a combination lottery process based on the operation of the start operation means;
a stop operation means operated to stop the variable display of the symbols in the symbol display means;
After the symbol variation display, when the stop result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in the lottery process for the combination, the winning combination is considered to be winning and the control corresponding to the winning combination is executed. A gaming machine comprising means,
Having a game state including a non-advantageous state and an advantageous state,
specific game state transition means for transferring to a specific game state advantageous to the player when a specific condition is satisfied in the advantageous state;
Advantageous state transition means for transitioning to the advantageous state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the non-advantageous state;
a first information setting means for setting information corresponding to the start of the specific game state when the specific game state transition means shifts the game state to the specific game state;
a second information setting means for setting information corresponding to the end of the specific game state when the advantageous state transition means shifts the game state from the non-advantageous state to the advantageous state;
A game machine characterized by comprising: