JP7421205B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a gaming machine that uses a lottery to determine whether or not to award a gaming benefit to a player.

In a slot machine serving as a gaming machine, a plurality of gaming states and production states are provided that differ in the degree of advantage (gaming profit) for the player during the progress of the game. For example, some slot machines adopt a specification in which a symbol combination corresponding to a bonus combination is displayed on an active line to shift from a normal gaming state to a bonus gaming state in which the player can easily win medals.

For example, if a winning type with a large gaming profit (hereinafter referred to as a selected winning combination) overlaps with another winning combination (hereinafter referred to as a selected winning type), the winning combination of the selected winning combination may be By notifying the operation mode of the stop switch (hereinafter referred to as the correct operation mode) that results in (hereinafter, the performance that notifies the operation mode that is the winning condition for a predetermined winning combination is simply referred to as the auxiliary performance), the corresponding Some slot machines are provided with an AT performance state in which a so-called AT (assist time) is executed, in which a player can easily display a symbol combination corresponding to a selected winning combination on the active line. Furthermore, an RT (replay time) gaming state in which the probability of winning a replay combination is set to be high may be used, or a so-called ART gaming state in which the above-mentioned AT performance state and RT gaming state are progressed simultaneously may be used.

In such slot machines, the performance effect is improved by displaying images on the display section or outputting sounds according to the progress of the game (for example, as disclosed in patents Reference 1). Furthermore, a technique has been disclosed in which, by shifting to a self-check mode, the operation of devices such as a display unit and a speaker that are responsible for such production effects is checked (for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-095840 JP2017-093686A

In slot machines, in order to further enhance the performance effects, performances that appeal to the various senses of the player, such as visual, auditory, and tactile senses, are executed according to the progress of the game through various devices installed in the slot machines. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether all of these devices are operating normally. However, simply checking the operation of devices may result in complicated operations of various types of devices, and there is a risk that it may not be possible to appropriately determine their normal operation.

In view of such problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately check the operation of a device.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a plurality of reels, a plurality of stop switches (for example, the stop switch 120), and a lottery means (for example, the winning type lottery means 304) and an effect control means (for example, effect control means 334) capable of displaying an image, the effect control means capable of displaying a navigation image, and the navigation image is The navigation image is a composite image obtained by superimposing a first layer image , a second layer image, a third layer image , and a fourth layer image, and the first layer image corresponds to a first stop operation of the stop switch, the second layer image corresponds to a second stop operation of the stop switch, the third layer image corresponds to a third stop operation of the stop switch, and the second layer image corresponds to a third stop operation of the stop switch; The fourth layer image corresponds to the first stop operation of the stop switch, and in the first layer image, a numerical value indicating the first stop operation (for example, a numerical value "1") is arranged, and in the second layer image, a numeric value (for example, a numeric value "2") indicating the second stop operation is arranged at the display position corresponding to the stop switch that performs the second stop operation, and In the third layer image, a numerical value indicating the third stop operation (for example, the numerical value "3") is placed at the display position corresponding to the stop switch that performs the third stop operation , and in the fourth layer image, the first stop operation An effect (for example, an effect image) having a numerical value (for example, a numerical value of "1") indicating the first stop operation is arranged at a display position corresponding to the stop switch to be operated .

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a plurality of reels, a plurality of stop switches (for example, the stop switch 120), and a lottery means (for example, the winning type lottery means 304), an effect control means (for example, effect control means 334) capable of displaying images, a device (for example, speaker 128, effect switch 122) that executes an effect that appeals to the auditory senses, and an operation of the device. The performance control means includes a start reception means for receiving a check start command and a counter (for example, a speaker weight counter), and the performance control means is capable of displaying a navigation image, and the navigation image assists winning of the specific combination. The navigation image is a composite image obtained by superimposing a first layer image , a second layer image , a third layer image, and a fourth layer image, and the first layer image is a composite image obtained by superimposing a first layer image, a second layer image , a third layer image, and a fourth layer image. The second layer image corresponds to the first stop operation of the stop switch, the third layer image corresponds to the third stop operation of the stop switch, and the fourth layer image corresponds to the third stop operation of the stop switch. corresponds to the first stop operation of the stop switch, and in the first layer image, a numerical value (for example, a numerical value "1") indicating the first stop operation is displayed at the display position corresponding to the stop switch that performs the first stop operation. is arranged, and in the second layer image, a numerical value indicating the second stop operation (for example, the number "2") is arranged at the display position corresponding to the stop switch that performs the second stop operation, and in the third layer image In this case, a numerical value (for example, the numerical value "3") indicating the third stop operation is placed at the display position corresponding to the stop switch that performs the third stop operation, and in the fourth layer image, the stop switch that performs the first stop operation An effect (for example, an effect image) having a numerical value (for example, the numerical value "1") indicating the first stop operation is arranged at a display position corresponding to the switch, and the start receiving means receives a command to start checking the operation of the device. Once received, the counter starts counting time, and the start receiving means does not operate the device until the counter measures a predetermined time after receiving the command to start checking the operation of the device, and when the counter measures the predetermined time, Operate the device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately check the operation of a device.

FIG. 2 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of a slot machine. FIG. 2 is an external view of the slot machine with the front door opened for explaining the general mechanical configuration of the slot machine. It is a figure showing the symbol arrangement of the reels and the active line. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a slot machine. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control mode of each device managed by a sub-control board. It is a flowchart which shows the control aspect common to them. 5 is a time chart showing timing for checking the operation of a device. 3 is a time chart for explaining the execution timing of the entire operation check. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning combination. It is a figure showing a winning type lottery table. It is a figure showing a winning type lottery table. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the gaming state on the main control board. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of performance states. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on a liquid crystal display section. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining layers in which layer images are arranged. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a navigation image. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of layers in which layer images are arranged. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a navigation image. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a navigation image. It is an explanatory diagram illustrating a moving accessory. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display start timing of an index indicating the order of operations. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display start timing of an index indicating the order of operations. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display start timing of an index indicating the order of operations. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display start timing of an index indicating the order of operations. 3 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board. 3 is a flowchart showing sub-processing of the sub-control board. 5 is a flowchart showing command reception processing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and the drawings, elements with substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to omit redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from illustration. do.

(Mechanical configuration of slot machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 100 as a gaming machine includes a casing 102 with an open front, and a front surface that is rotatably arranged vertically in one end of the casing 102. An upper door 104 and a lower front door 106 are provided. A colorless and transparent symbol display window 108 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, etc. is provided at the lower center of the upper front door 104, and a symbol display window 108 is provided in the housing 102 at a position corresponding to the symbol display window 108. , three reels 110 (left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, right reel 110c) are provided so as to be rotatable independently. On the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, as shown in the symbol arrangement in FIG. Through the symbol display window 108, a total of nine consecutive symbols, three consecutive symbols on the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, located in the upper, middle, and lower rows, can be visually recognized.

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

The start switch 118 is constituted by a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, for example, and detects a game start operation by a player. The stop switches 120 (stop switch 120a, stop switch 120b, stop switch 120c) are provided corresponding to the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively, and detect the player's stop operation. Note that when the stop switch 120 can be stopped, the first stop operation by the player on any of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is referred to as a first stop operation. After the operation, stopping one of the two stop switches 120 that has not been stopped is called a second stop operation, and after the second stop operation, stopping the last remaining stop switch 120 is called a second stop operation. This is called the third stop operation. As the performance switch 122, for example, there is a chance press switch 122a which is composed of a press switch and detects a player's press operation accompanying a press command performance, or the entire panel located approximately in the center of the lower front door 106 is used as a press surface. A press-type push switch 122b is provided to detect a player's press operation accompanying a press command performance. Note that the chance press switch 122a and the push switch 122b are each provided with an actuator (solenoid or motor), and can vibrate the entire chance press switch 122a or the push switch 122b in accordance with a predetermined vibration command signal. . Therefore, the chance press switch 122a and the press switch 122b can detect the player's press operation and vibrate to perform an effect that appeals to the sense of touch.

A liquid crystal display section 124 is provided at the upper center of the front upper door 104 to display various images associated with the performance. Further, on the upper part and on the left and right sides of the front upper door 104, a production lamp 126 made of, for example, a high-intensity light emitting diode (LED) is provided. The effect lamps 126 are divided into monochrome lamps 126a, which emit light of one color, and RGB lamps 126b, which emit three colors (red, green, and blue), depending on the number of emitted colors. The monochrome lamp 126a is mainly used as a replay lamp to indicate the winning of a replay role, a backlight for a switch, etc., and the RGB lamp 126b is mainly used to indicate the result of a game or the tempo of a song on the upper part of the front upper door 104, or on the left or right sides. Used in lamps. Furthermore, speakers 128 are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display section 124 on the back surface of the upper front door 104 and at the left and right positions on the back surface of the lower front door 106, for providing auditory effects such as sound effects and musical sounds. Further, on the right side of the upper front door 104, there is provided a performance accessory device 129 that performs a visually appealing performance by moving or rotating (moving).

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

A medal dispensing device (medal hopper) 142 is provided below the reel 110 in the housing 102 for dispensing medals from the medal discharging port 140a. Furthermore, a receiving tray section 140 for storing medals dispensed from the medal ejection port 140a is provided at the lower front surface of the lower front door 106. Further, a power switch 144 is provided inside the housing 102. The power switch 144 is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100 and is used to switch between two states: a power-off state and a power-on state.

Further, inside the housing 102, a setting key and a setting change switch (not shown) are provided on a main control board 200, which will be described later. In the slot machine 100, when the power is turned on via the power switch 144 with a predetermined key (operation key) inserted into the setting key and rotated from the OFF position to the ON position, the slot machine 100 shifts to the setting change mode. , it becomes possible to change (simply referred to as setting change) the setting value (which shows the degree of advantage in stages). Then, each time the setting change switch is pressed in a state where settings can be changed, the setting value is incremented by 1, and the setting value is changed to one of the six setting values, for example, and the start switch 118 is operated. Then, the setting value is determined, and by returning the setting key to its original position (OFF position), the setting change mode ends and the game becomes possible. Note that the settings can only be changed for a certain period of time after the power switch 144 is operated and the power is turned on.

Further, the front lower door 106 is provided with a door key. In the slot machine 100, the lower front door 106 and the upper front door 104 can be opened and closed by inserting a predetermined key (operation key) into the door key and rotating it clockwise (clockwise). Further, the slot machine 100 can be reset (initialized) by inserting a predetermined key (operation key) into the door key and rotating it counterclockwise (counterclockwise) (key reset).

In the slot machine 100, when a game can be started and a prescribed number of medals are bet, the active line A becomes effective and the operation on the start switch 118 becomes effective. Here, bets can be made by inserting medals that have been credited through the operation of the bet switch 116, by inserting medals through the medal inserter 114, and by placing a replay combination, which will be described in detail later, on the active line A. This includes any case where medals are automatically inserted based on the situation. Further, the active line A is a line for determining whether or not a winning combination has been won, and in this embodiment, there is only one active line A. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the active line A is the middle row of the left reel 110a, the middle row of the middle reel 110b, and The line is set to connect the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop in the middle of the right reel 110c. The invalid line is used to determine the winning combination when it is difficult to understand the winning combination only by the symbol combination displayed on the active line A, and displays other symbol combinations that make it easier to understand the winning combination. In this embodiment, four invalid lines B1, B2, C1, and C2 shown in FIG. 3(b) are assumed.

Then, when the start switch 118 is operated by the player, the game is started, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are rotated, and a winning type lottery is executed. Thereafter, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are respectively stopped in accordance with the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Then, if a winning combination that can receive a medal payout is won based on the lottery result of the winning type lottery and the combination of symbols displayed on the active line A, a medal payout will be executed, and the winning type that can receive a medal payout will be executed. If the player does not win or wins but does not win, the game ends when the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c all stop.

In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned one game includes the insertion of medals through the medal insertion unit 114, the insertion of credited medals through the operation of the bet switch 116, or the replay combination displayed on the active line A. After one of the automatic insertions of medals is performed based on this, the rotation of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c is controlled in response to the player's operation of the start switch 118, and a winning type lottery is executed. The left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel corresponding to the operated stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are selected according to the lottery results of the winning type lottery and the operation of the plurality of stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c by the player. 110c is controlled to stop, and when a winning combination that can receive a payout of medals is won, it refers to the game until the payout of the medals is executed. In addition, if the winning type for which medals can be paid out is not won, or if the player wins but does not win, one game ends when the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c all stop. However, the start of one game may be read as the operation of the start switch 118 by the player instead of the above-mentioned insertion of medals or winning of the replay combination. Further, the number of times such one game is repeated is defined as the number of games.

(Electrical configuration of slot machine 100)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 is provided with a control board including a main control board 200 that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control board 202 that controls the performance according to the progress of the game. Further, transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 is limited to only one direction from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention and the like.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has a semiconductor integrated circuit including a main CPU 200a as a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b storing programs etc., a main RAM 200c functioning as a work area, etc., and controls the entire slot machine 100 in an integrated manner. . Note that even if the power is turned off, the data in the main RAM 200c is retained without being erased unless the settings are changed and the RAM is cleared.

The main control board 200 also includes an initialization means 300, a bet means 302, a winning type lottery means 304, and a reel control means, which function when the main CPU 200a cooperates with the main RAM 200c based on a program stored in the main ROM 200b. 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, game state control means 312, presentation state control means 314, command transmission means 316, and other functional units.

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

The initialization means 300 executes initialization processing in the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets medals for use in games. Based on the operation of the start switch 118, the winning type lottery means 304 performs a winning type lottery to determine the validity of the winning combination, more specifically, the validity of the winning type including the winning combination, as will be described in detail later.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c in response to the operation of the start switch 118, and controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively. In response to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are controlled to stop.

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

The determining means 308 determines whether the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination has been displayed on the active line A. Here, the display of a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination on the active line A may simply be called winning. The payout control means 310 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination based on the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination being displayed on the active line A (winning). Further, a medal payout device 142 is connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 dispenses medals while counting the number of medals to be paid out.

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

The command transmitting means 316 sends commands related to the game along with the operations of the betting means 302, the winning type lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the game state control means 312, the performance state control means 314, etc. are sequentially determined, and the determined commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

Further, the main control board 200 is provided with a random number generator 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops it within a predetermined numerical range, and obtains a random number by extracting the count value at a predetermined time point. The random numbers generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as winning type lottery random numbers) are used to determine the gaming profit to be given to the player, for example, the winning type lottery means 304 to determine the winning type. .

(Sub control board 202)
Further, like the main control board 200, the sub control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 202a which is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 202b in which programs etc. are stored, a sub RAM 202c which functions as a work area, etc. , particularly controls the presentation based on commands from the main control board 200. Further, like the main RAM 200c, the sub-RAM 202c is also connected to a backup power source (not shown), so that even if the power is cut off, data is retained without being erased. Note that, like the main control board 200, the sub control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator 202d, and the random numbers generated by the random number generator 202d are mainly used to determine the mode of presentation.

In addition, in the sub control board 202, the sub CPU 202a operates an initialization determining means 330, a command receiving means 332, an effect controlling means 334, etc., which function by cooperating with the sub RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub ROM 202b. It has a functional part.

The initialization determining means 330 executes initialization processing in the sub control board 202. The command receiving means 332 receives commands from other control boards, such as the main control board 200, and processes the commands. The performance control means 334 receives the detection signal from the performance switch 122 and controls the performance of the game performed on each device of the liquid crystal display section 124, the performance lamp 126, the speaker 128, and the performance accessory device 129 based on the received command. Determine. Specifically, the production control means 334 controls the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124 and the illumination for production through illumination devices such as the production lamp 126, the sub-credit display section 134, and the sub-payout display section 136. In addition to determining data and drive data for driving the performance accessory device 129, audio data constituting the audio to be output from the speaker 128 is determined. Then, the performance control means 334 executes the determined game performance. The performance also includes an auxiliary performance that notifies the operation mode of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c in the ART gaming state (AT performance state) to be described later, and assists the winning of a predetermined winning combination with a large gaming profit.

In the following, notification means managed by a board other than the main control board 200, including the sub-control board 202, such as the liquid crystal display section 124, the production lamp 126, the speaker 128, the sub-credit display section 134, and the sub-payout display section 136, will be described. is sometimes referred to as other notification means. On the other hand, notification means managed by the main control board 200, such as the main credit display section 130 and the main payout display section 132, may be referred to as main notification means.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the control mode of the liquid crystal display section 124, the effect lamp 126, the speaker 128, the effect switch 122, and the effect accessory device 129, which are managed by the sub-control board 202, and FIG. , is a flowchart showing a control mode common to them. A sub CPU (CPU) 202a provided in the sub control board 202 functions as a production control means 334 in cooperation with a program stored in a sub ROM 202b and a sub RAM 202c. The production control means 334 includes modules such as a state management section 334a that performs state management and a device section 334b that controls production devices. The state management unit 334a analyzes the command sent from the main control board 200, and determines a presentation pattern (content indicating a series of presentation flows) corresponding to the command. Then, the state management unit 334a transmits the determined performance pattern as a message to the device unit 334b. The device unit 334b sends commands to each performance device such as the image IC 360a, the music IC 362a, and the communication controller 364 to execute the performance based on the performance pattern included in the message.

Such a performance is always performed as an interrupt process while the power is turned on, and is completed within a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, 33 msec). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the state management unit 334a waits for the arrival of a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, 33 msec) (NO in S10), and when the predetermined interrupt cycle arrives (YES in S10), the production pattern Image data (data corresponding to the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 among the effects indicated by the effect pattern) based on the image data is determined (S11). Then, the state management unit 334a transmits the determined image data as a message to the device unit 334b (S12). The device unit 334b generates an image command that can identify the image data based on the transmitted image data (S13). The device unit 334b transmits an image command to the image IC 360a (S14), and repeats the processing from step S10. The image IC 360a is also called a VDP (Video Display Processor), reads image data specified by an image command from the image ROM 360b to an image RAM (VRAM) 360c, and sequentially outputs the image data to the liquid crystal display section 124. Note that the image RAM 360c has a plurality of different layers (hierarchies), and each layer can hold different image data. The image IC 360a then superimposes the image data held in the plurality of layers and outputs the superimposed image data to the liquid crystal display section 124. Layers will be explained in detail later.

In addition, when a predetermined interrupt cycle arrives (YES in S10), the state management unit 334a continues to control the image IC 360a described above and sends music data based on the performance pattern (out of the performance indicated by the performance pattern) to the speaker 128. data corresponding to the music to be output) is determined (S11). Then, the state management unit 334a transmits the determined music data as a message to the device unit 334b (S12). The device unit 334b generates a music command that can identify music data based on the transmitted music data (S13). The device unit 334b transmits a music command to the music IC 362a (S14). The music IC 362a reads music data specified by the music command from the music ROM 362b to the music IC 362a, and sequentially outputs the music data to the speaker 128. Note that the music IC 362a has a plurality of music buffers (buffers), and each music buffer can hold different music data. Then, the music IC 362a superimposes the music data held in the plurality of music buffers, and outputs the superimposed music data to the speaker 128.

Further, when a predetermined interrupt period arrives (YES in S10), the state management unit 334a controls the image IC 360a and the music IC 362a, and then controls the light emitting pattern based on the performance pattern (among the performances indicated by the performance pattern). Contents indicating a series of lighting modes of the production lamp 126 (single color lamp 126a, RGB lamp 126b), vibration pattern (of the production indicated by the production pattern, the content provided in the production switch 122 (chance press switch 122a, push switch 122b) content indicating a series of drive modes of the actuator (solenoid)), and drive pattern (content indicating a series of drive modes of the actuator (motor, solenoid, etc.) constituting the performance accessory device 129 among the performances indicated by the performance pattern) ) is determined (S11). Then, the state management unit 334a transmits the light emission pattern, vibration pattern, and drive pattern as a message to the device unit 334b (S12). The device unit 334b generates a light emission drive command based on the transmitted light emission pattern, vibration pattern, and drive pattern (S13). The device unit 334b transmits a light emission drive command to the communication controller 364 (S14). In accordance with the light emission drive command, the communication controller 364 independently transmits information regarding light emission (light emission information) and information regarding vibration (vibration information) to the plurality of production lamps 126, production switches 122, and production accessory devices 129. ), generates information (drive information) related to driving, such as the motor's rotational direction (progressing direction), rotation amount (progressing amount), and rotational speed (progressing speed), and generates luminescence information, vibration information, and drive information. is sent via serial communication. Such light emission information, vibration information, and drive information are treated as performance information that is responsible for the performance. The reason why serial communication is used here is to reduce the number of harnesses and simplify the handling. In this way, each of the plurality of performance lamps 126 is independently controlled to light (light on, blink, turn off, etc.), each of the plurality of performance switches 122 is independently controlled to vibrate, and each of the plurality of performance accessory devices 129 is independently controlled. Drive controlled.

(Operation check timing)
In the slot machine 100, through devices such as the effect lamp 126, speaker 128, effect switch 122, and effect accessory device 129, effects that appeal to the player's various senses such as visual, auditory, and tactile senses are created as the game progresses. By implementing this, the production effect is further enhanced. In addition, in order to confirm that all of these devices are operating normally, a device operation check (device check) may be performed. Specifically, the production control means 334 functions as a start reception means that receives an instruction to start an operation check, and when the production control means 334 receives an instruction to start an operation check, the production lamp 126, the speaker 128, the production switch 122, the production An operation check is performed in which each device such as the accessory device 129 is operated according to a predetermined pattern. Note that regarding the production switch 122, a check is performed to see whether or not the actuator is properly vibrated. Here, the start command for the operation check is, for example, a start command issued by a person performing the operation check during setting change or setting confirmation by selectively operating a switch provided on the sub-control board 202, or a start command issued by the power switch 144. Examples include initialization processing by the initialization determining means 330 when the device is turned on, or key reset after opening/closing the upper front door 104 and lower front door 106 or after resolving an error.

Then, when the effect control means 334 receives an instruction to complete the operation check while performing the operation check, the effect control means 334 completes (ends) the operation check. Here, the operation check completion command is, for example, a completion command issued by selectively operating a switch provided on the sub-control board 202 after a start command by the person performing the operation check, or a completion command issued when the power switch 144 is turned on. In the initialization process by the initialization determining means 330, the process ends when a prescribed operation check is completed, and the key reset ends after opening/closing the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 or after an error is resolved.

However, simply checking the operation of devices results in complicated operations of various types of devices, and it is not possible to appropriately determine their normal operation. Therefore, the device operation timing should be devised and the device operation checked appropriately.

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the timing of checking the operation of the device. When the performance control means 334 receives a start command for a motion check through a start command or the like from a person performing a motion check, the performance control means 334 starts a motion check starting from the start command. For example, the effect control means 334 starts the operation of the monochrome lamp 126a, the RGB lamp 126b, and the effect accessory device 129 immediately after the instruction to start the operation check (without any intentional waiting time). Then, the effect control means 334 turns on the single color lamp 126a for one second, and then turns it off for one second, as shown in FIG. 7(a). Then, the effect control means 334 periodically repeats a combination of two-second operation checks, which are executed in the order of "lighting on" and "lighting out", as indicated by the white arrows. Therefore, the light emission mode of the monochromatic lamp 126a repeatedly changes from "on" to "off" to "on" to "off" starting from the start command. Here, an example will be described in which the performance control means 334 starts the operations of the monochromatic lamp 126a, the RGB lamp 126b, and the performance accessory device 129 immediately after the command to start the operation check (without any intentional waiting time). As will be described, at least before the operation of the speaker 128 and the production switch 122 is started, and immediately after the command to start the operation check, the single color lamp 126a and the RGB lamp 126b are turned off for a short period of time (less than a predetermined time to be described later). , the operation of the performance accessory device 129 may be started.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7B, after receiving the command to start the operation check, the production control means 334 changes the RGB lamp 126b from "red" to "green" to "blue" every second, Then turn off the light for 1 second. Then, the performance control means 334 periodically performs a combination of 4-second operation checks shown by the white arrows, which are executed in the order of "red" → "green" → "blue" → "lights out". repeat. Therefore, starting from the start command, the RGB lamp 126b repeatedly changes its light emission mode from "red" → "green" → "blue" → "unlit" → "red" → "green" → "blue" → "unlit". Things will change.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7C, after receiving the command to start the operation check, the performance control means 334 moves the performance accessory device 129 from the initial position from "left" to "right" every 4 seconds when viewed from the front. and move it. Then, the performance control means 334 periodically repeats a combination of 8-second operation checks that are executed in the order of "left" → "right" as indicated by the white arrows. Therefore, the performance accessory device 129 repeatedly changes its light emission mode from "left" to "right" to "left" to "right" starting from the start command.

Furthermore, upon receiving the operation check start command, the effect control means 334 starts checking the operation of the speaker 128. However, the effect control means 334 makes the operation start timing of the speaker 128 different from the operation timing of the monochromatic lamp 126a and the RGB lamp 126b. Specifically, upon receiving the operation check start command, the production control means 334 first starts counting the time of the speaker weight counter immediately after receiving the start command (without any intentional waiting time). Here, the speaker weight counter is a counter for measuring the timing at which the speaker 128 starts operating, and measures a predetermined time (here, 1 second). The production control means 334 does not operate (restricts) the speaker 128 until the speaker weight counter measures a predetermined period of time. Then, when the speaker weight counter measures a predetermined time (after a predetermined time has elapsed), the effect control means 334 starts the operation of the speaker 128. Therefore, the operation check of the speaker 128 is started a predetermined time after receiving the operation check start command.

As shown in FIG. 7(d), after a predetermined period of time after receiving the operation check start command, the effect control means 334 switches the speaker 128 from "top left" (front view) to "top right" to "top right" every two seconds. Change the audio output position from "lower right" to "lower left," and then output audio from the "woofer" for 2 seconds. Then, the performance control means 334 performs a 10-second operation check that is executed in the order of "upper left" → "upper right" → "lower right" → "lower left" → "woofer", which is indicated by the white arrow. Repeat the combination periodically. Therefore, starting from the start command, the speaker 128 outputs the audio at the "top left" → "top right" → "bottom right" → "bottom left" → "woofer" → "top left" → "top right" → "bottom right." ” → “lower left” → “woofer” and so on.

In checking the operation of the speaker 128, in order to determine whether the speaker 128 is outputting an appropriate volume at an appropriate position, the output position is changed in a time-division manner, and a relatively loud sound is output. Therefore, the person performing the motion check may be surprised by the sudden sound output from an unknown location, which may affect his or her health. Here, the speaker 128 is different from the monochromatic lamp 126a and the RGB lamp 126b, which execute effects that appeal to the sense of sight, in accordance with the progress of the game, in that they execute effects that appeal to the senses of hearing as the game progresses. Hereinafter, the speaker 128 will be used as the first device in that it executes an effect that appeals to the auditory sense as the game progresses, and the monochrome lamp 126a and the RGB lamp 126b will be used as the first device in that it executes an effect that appeals to the senses as the game progresses. Distinguish it as a second device. Here, even if the start of the operation check is commanded, the operation of the speaker 128 is not immediately started, but the speaker 128 is intentionally maintained in a non-operating state, and the operation is started after a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the person performing the operation check can be prepared for the sound to be output to some extent, and the impact on health can be minimized.

In addition, upon receiving an operation check start command, the production control means 334 starts checking the operation of the production switches 122 (chance press switch 122a, press switch 122b). However, like the speaker 128, the effect control means 334 makes the operation start timing of the effect switch 122 different from the operation timing of the monochrome lamp 126a and the RGB lamp 126b. Specifically, upon receiving the operation check start command, the production control means 334 first starts counting the time of the switch wait counter immediately after receiving the start command (without any intentional waiting time). Here, the switch wait counter is a counter for measuring the operation start timing of the production switch 122, and measures a predetermined time (here, 3 seconds). The effect control means 334 does not operate (restricts) the effect switch 122 until the switch wait counter measures a predetermined period of time. Then, when the switch weight counter measures a predetermined time (after a predetermined time has elapsed), the production control means 334 starts operating the actuator of the production switch 122. Therefore, the operation check of the actuator of the production switch 122 is started a predetermined time after receiving the operation check start command.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7E, the production control means 334 limits the vibration of the actuator of the chance press switch 122a for 4 seconds 3 seconds after receiving the operation check start command, and then limits the vibration of the actuator for 3 seconds. Let it “vibrate” and then limit the vibration for 5 seconds. Then, the performance control means 334 periodically repeats the combination of 12-second operation checks shown by the white arrows, which are executed in the order of "non-vibration" → "vibration" → "non-vibration". Therefore, the actuator of the chance press switch 122a repeatedly changes from "non-vibration" → "vibration" → "non-vibration" → "non-vibration" → "vibration" → "non-vibration" starting from the start command. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 7(f), after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after receiving the command to start the operation check, the effect control means 334 sets the push switch 122b in the "pressed state" for 2 seconds, and then sets it in the "locked state" for 10 seconds. shall be. Here, in the pressed state, the locking mechanism for restricting the movement of the push switch 122b is released, and after confirming that the lock is released through the close sensor, the push switch 122b is moved from the initial position for one second. This shows a series of operations in which the actuator is moved to the pressed position and the actuator is vibrated for one second. Further, the locked state indicates a series of operations in which the push switch 122b is moved from the pressed position to the initial position and the locking mechanism is set. Then, the performance control means 334 periodically repeats a combination of operation checks for 12 seconds, which are executed in the order of "pressed state" → "locked state", as indicated by the white arrows. Therefore, the push switch 122b repeatedly changes from the start command to the "pressed state" → "locked state" → "pressed state" → "locked state".

When checking the operation of the performance switches 122 such as the chance press switch 122a and the press switch 122b, a relatively loud sound is generated due to the vibration of the actuator. Therefore, the person performing the operation check may be surprised by the sudden sound, which may affect his or her health. Here, the chance press switch 122a and the push switch 122b, like the speaker 128, execute an effect that appeals to the auditory senses according to the progress of the game. and the RGB lamp 126b. Therefore, like the speaker 128, the chance press switch 122a and the press switch 122b are treated as first devices, and are distinguished from the second device including the monochromatic lamp 126a and the RGB lamp 126b. Note that since the chance press switch 122a and the press switch 122b generate vibrations in the first place, they are different from the first device, the second device, and the third device described later in that they perform effects that appeal to the sense of touch. It can be distinguished as 4 devices. In this case, the chance press switch 122a and the push switch 122b generate vibrations and generate sound due to the vibrations, so they function as a fourth device and a first device. Here, even if the start of the operation check is commanded, the operation of the effect switch 122 is not immediately started, the state in which it is not operated is intentionally maintained, and the operation is started after a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the person performing the operation check can be prepared for the generation of noise due to vibration to some extent, and can minimize the impact on health.

Further, here, the timing of vibrating the actuator of the chance press switch 122a and the audio output of the speaker 128 are made not to overlap in time. This is because the sound may be drowned out by the loud noise caused by the vibration. Specifically, one second after receiving the command to start the operation check, a sound is output from the speaker 128, and two seconds later, the actuator of the push switch 122b vibrates. Therefore, the person performing the operation check can be prepared to some extent for the generation of sound, and can also reliably grasp the position where the sound is being output and the position where the vibration is occurring.

Moreover, here, the timing of vibrating the actuator of the chance press switch 122a and the timing of vibrating the actuator of the push switch 122b (pressed state) are made so as not to overlap. Specifically, the actuator of the push switch 122b starts vibrating three seconds after receiving the operation check start command, and the actuator of the chance push switch 122a starts vibrating four seconds later. Therefore, the person performing the operation check can be prepared to some extent for the occurrence of sound, and can also reliably grasp the location where the sound or vibration is occurring.

Also, as can be understood by comparing the white arrows in FIG. 7, the first device, which is the speaker 128 and the effect switch 122, and the second device, which is the effect lamp 126 and the effect accessory device 129, are Not only the start timing but also the repetition period of the operation are different (for example, 2 seconds, 4 seconds, 8 seconds, 10 seconds, and 12 seconds, respectively). Therefore, the changes in the operation of the speaker 128, the effect switch 122, the effect lamp 126, and the effect accessory device 129 will be different, and if any of the speaker 128, the effect switch 122, the effect lamp 126, and the effect accessory device 129 Even if one operation overlaps with another and cannot be confirmed, by waiting until the next cycle, the overlap will disappear and the operation can be confirmed reliably.

In addition, while the operation check of the first device, the speaker 128 and the effect switch 122, starts with a delay, the operation check of the second device, the effect lamp 126, starts immediately after the instruction to start the operation check (intentional waiting time). (without pinching) to start the operation check. If all devices were to start operating after a predetermined time after receiving an operation check start command, the person conducting the operation check would be unable to accept the operation check start command because the device did not move for the predetermined time. Therefore, just when it was determined that the operation check would not start, the operation check will be started after a delay. If you do so, you may still be surprised at how the device works. Here, first, by operating the effect lamp 126, it is possible to visually notify that the operation check itself has been accepted. In addition, the person performing the operation check can grasp the timing at which the operation check is accepted through the production lamp 126, so it is also possible to judge the validity of the start timing of other speakers 128 and production switches 122. .

Further, here, the effect control means 334 operates the RGB lamp 126b immediately after the command to start the operation check, and causes the RGB lamp 126b to emit "red" instead of the previous color emitted by the RGB lamp 126b. Such "red" has a visual impact and is often used for "prohibited" or "error", so it is important to notify the person performing the operation check that the start command has been received in an impressive manner. becomes possible.

Here, an example has been described in which the speaker 128 and the effect switch 122 are delayed by 1 second and 3 seconds, respectively, after receiving the operation check start command, but the speaker 128 and the effect switch 122 are not limited to the time it takes. 128 and the effect switch 122 can be set arbitrarily.

Moreover, although it has been explained here that the sound of the speaker 128 is output and the actuator of the production switch 122 is vibrated, the amount (volume, amplitude) can be set arbitrarily. Further, for example, the volume and amplitude may be changed regularly over a period of operation mode, for example, over two seconds. For example, the volume of the audio may be faded in (gradually increased) or faded out (gradually decreased) for 2 seconds while the audio is output from the upper left speaker 128.

(Execution timing of the entire operation check)
When the operation check as described above is completed normally, it is assumed that the normal operation of the device is ensured, and normal gaming becomes possible. However, if an error occurs during the operation check, the cause of the error is removed depending on the content of the error, and the operation check is performed again. The execution timing of the entire operation check will be explained below.

FIG. 8 is a time chart for explaining the execution timing of the entire operation check. The operation check shown in FIG. 8 is a summary of the operation checks of the single color lamp 126a, RGB lamp 126b, performance accessory device 129, speaker 128, chance press switch 122a, and push switch 122b explained in FIG. Or, it is a summary of the operation checks of some of them. Therefore, the operation check start command and operation check completion command in FIG. 8 correspond to the operation check start command and operation check completion command described in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), when the performance control means 334 receives an operation check start command (for example, when the power switch 144 is turned on and the initialization determining means 330 executes the initialization process, the operation check starts). As shown in FIG. 7, each device targeted for operation check starts its operation. For convenience of explanation, it is expressed here as if all the devices targeted for operation check have started operating, but as shown in FIG. 7, the first device starts operating after a predetermined period of time. Let's say it's started.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8(a), when the performance control means 334 receives an instruction to complete the operation check (for example, in the initialization processing by the initialization determination means 330 when the power switch 144 is turned on, the specified When the operation check is completed), the operation check is completed and normal gaming is possible.

Note that once the operation check is completed, even if the performance control means 334 receives the operation check start command again as shown in FIG. Even if a key reset is performed after the error has been resolved, the operation check will be limited and will not be executed, assuming that the device is still operating normally. With this configuration, even though normal operation of the device is ensured, operation checks are not performed unnecessarily, reducing operational costs and unnecessary time.

Further, while the performance control means 334 is executing the operation check after receiving the operation check start command, an abnormality is detected, for example, in an internal check during the initialization process, as shown in FIG. 8(b). An error may occur and the operation check may be interrupted due to the operation check being canceled or the person performing the operation check forcibly stopping the operation check. In this case, the effect control means 334 stops the operation of target devices such as the monochromatic lamp 126a, the RGB lamp 126b, the effect accessory device 129, the speaker 128, the chance press switch 122a, and the press switch 122b. However, since the production accessories device 129 is moved, it is not known where it is located at the time when the error occurs. Therefore, depending on the timing at which the error occurs, the performance accessory device 129 may be located on the player's side of another device. Here, the performance accessory device 129 is a second device that executes visually appealing performances as the game progresses, but it is a third device in that it executes performances that involve movement or rotation as the game progresses. be distinguished as

Therefore, if an error is interrupted during the operation check, the performance control means 334 stops the operation of the device, and also returns (returns) the performance accessory device 129 to its initial position. For example, if the performance accessory device 129 is an accessory that can be moved leftward from the initial position, it is moved from a position to the left of the initial position at the timing when the error occurs to the right and returned to the initial position. With this configuration, it is possible to return the performance accessory device 129 to the state before the start of the operation check.

Note that if the operation check is interrupted due to an error, this does not mean that the operation check has been completed normally. In this case, unlike the case of FIG. 8A, after the cause of the error has been removed depending on the content of the error, another operation check should be allowed to confirm the normal operation of the device. Therefore, after the operation check is interrupted due to an error, when the performance control means 334 receives the operation check start command again as shown in FIG. (When the key is reset after opening/closing or resolving an error), the operation check starts again.

Furthermore, if an error occurs again during such a re-operation check, it means that the cause of the error has not yet been completely eliminated. When the operation check is interrupted due to an error, the production control means 334 operates according to the operation check start command without restricting the operation check until the operation check is normally completed (until the operation check completion command is received). Run the check.

With this configuration, it is possible to repeatedly check the operation until the normal operation of the device is ensured, and it is possible to proceed with the game while the normal operation of the device is ensured.

Furthermore, when the production control means 334 receives a command to start a motion check, if the motion check has not been completed due to an error or the like, it will allow the motion check, and if the motion check has already been completed, it will restrict the motion check. Depending on the configuration, the following effects can be obtained. In other words, if the person performing the operation check is unsure whether or not the device operation check has been completed (or the operation check has not been completed, or the operation check was interrupted due to an error and has not been completed). For example, a key reset is performed after opening/closing the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 or after resolving an error. At this time, if the operation check has not yet been completed, the operation check will start; if the operation check has been completed, the operation check will not be performed. It can be confirmed. Moreover, since the operation check is executed if the operation check is not completed, it is possible to reliably execute the operation check.

(Table used in main control board 200)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the winning combination, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the winning type lottery table.

In the slot machine 100, as will be described in detail later, a plurality of types of gaming states and performance states are provided, and the gaming state and performance state are changed according to the progress of the game. In the main control board 200, a plurality of winning type lottery tables and the like corresponding to gaming states managed and controlled by the gaming state control means 312 are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning type lottery means 304 draws a corresponding winning type lottery table into the main ROM 200b according to the current setting value (indicating the ease of obtaining a gaming profit in stages) stored in the main RAM 200c and the current gaming state. Based on the extracted winning type lottery table, it is determined which winning type lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118 corresponds to which winning type in the winning type lottery table.

Here, the winning combinations constituting the winning types extracted in the winning type lottery table include a replay winning combination, a minor winning combination, and a bonus winning combination. The replay combination is a combination that allows the player to play the game again without making a new bet for medals when a symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line A. A small winning combination is a winning combination in which a symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the active line A, so that a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the symbol combination. Further, the bonus role is a role that can shift the gaming state managed by the gaming state control means 312 to the bonus gaming state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus winning combination on the active line A. .

As shown in FIG. 9, the winning combinations in this embodiment include the winning combinations "Transition Replay 1" to "Transition Replay 4", "Normal Replay 1" to "Normal Replay 3", and "Cherry Replay 1" as replay combinations. , "Cherry Replay 2," "BAR Inciting Replay," "BAR All Replay," and "Chance Replay" (hereinafter, these 12 replay roles may be simply abbreviated as winning combination "Replay"). .

In addition, as small roles, the winning role "1-card role 1" to "1-card role 16" (hereinafter, such 16 small roles may be simply abbreviated as the winning role "1-card role"), the winning role "Bell 1” to “Bell 5” (hereinafter, these five small winning combinations may be simply referred to as “Bell”), the winning combination “Cherry”, and the winning combination “Watermelon 1” to “Watermelon 4” (hereinafter, These four small winning combinations may be simply referred to as the winning combination "Watermelon"), and the winning combination "Reaching 1" to "Reaching 3" (hereinafter, these three small winnings may simply be referred to as the winning winning ``Reaching 1'' to ``Reaching 3''). ) is provided.

In addition, winning combinations "RBB1", "RBB2", "CBB1", and "CBB2" are provided as bonus combinations (hereinafter, these four bonus combinations may be simply abbreviated as "BB"). . In FIG. 9, one or more symbols constituting each winning combination are associated with each of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c. Note that "ANY" in FIG. 9 indicates that any symbol may stop on the corresponding activated line A. In addition, the winning combinations “Cherry Replay 1,” “Cherry Replay 2,” “Chance Replay,” “Cherry,” and “Watermelon” have more benefits (gaming profits) than other winning combinations except the winning combination “BB”. This is a so-called rare role that is set so that the value is high.

Here, in this embodiment, when the stop switch 120 is operated by the player, if the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination that can be won are on the active line A, the reel control means At step 306, stop control is performed so that the symbol stops on the active line A. In addition, when the stop switch 120 is operated, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination that can be won are not on the active line A, but four symbols in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the reel 110 are displayed. If the number of symbols is within the range corresponding to the winning combination (draw-in range), the reel control means 306 sets the number of symbols that are apart from each other as the number of sliding symbols, and activates the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination. Stop control is performed so that the rotation is maintained for the number of sliding frames so as to be drawn onto line A, and then stopped. In addition, if there are multiple symbols on the reels 110 that correspond to winning combinations that can be won, and all of them are within the pull-in range of the reels 110, any of the symbols will be placed on the active line A according to a predetermined priority order. It is determined whether to draw the symbol upward, and stop control is performed so that the rotation is maintained for the number of sliding pieces so as to draw the prioritized symbol onto the active line A and then stopped. Note that when the stop switch 120 is pressed and a symbol that constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination other than a winning combination that can be won is on the active line A, the reel control means 306 controls the symbol combination to A so-called kicking process is also executed in parallel to prevent the line from stopping on the effective line A. In addition, as will be described later, if the winning combination included in the winning type has an operation mode (operation order and operation timing) set as a winning condition, the reel control means 306 controls the winning combination according to the player's operation mode. Stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the symbol combination can be displayed on the active line A.

Then, for example, symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combinations "Transition Replay 1" to "Transition Replay 4", the winning combinations "Normal Replay 1" to "Normal Replay 3", and the winning combinations "Bell 1" to "Bell 5" are configured. The symbols to be played are arranged on each reel 110 so that they can always be displayed on the active line A by the above-mentioned stop control. Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB=1. On the other hand, for example, the symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination "Cherry", "Watermelon", and "BB" are not necessarily displayed on the active line A on each reel 110 due to the above stop control. Since they are not arranged as possible, so-called spillage may occur. Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB≠1.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the winning type lottery table is divided into multiple winning areas, and the winning types that are subject to the lottery differ depending on each game state, and the presence or absence of a loss (non-winning) differs depending on the game state. or In FIGS. 10 and 11, each gaming state (RT0 gaming state (RT0), RT1 gaming state (RT1), RT2 gaming state (RT2), RT3 gaming state (RT3), RT4 gaming state (RT4), internal medium gaming state (internal), bonus game state (BB1) where the winning combination “RBB1” won, bonus game state (BB2) where the winning combination “RBB2” won, bonus game state (CBB1) where the winning combination “CBB” won, The winning area (winning type) assigned to each bonus game state (CBB2) in which the winning combination "CBB2" won is represented by "○", but in reality, the winning type corresponds to each of multiple gaming states. A lottery table is stored in the main ROM 200b. In the winning type lottery table, each divided winning area is associated with a predetermined number (winning range value) that is a numerical value indicating the winning range, and the winning type. The total number of winning type lottery random numbers (65536) is obtained by summing up the numbers placed in the winning areas. The winning type lottery means 304 sequentially obtains numbers from among the plurality of winning areas in the winning type lottery table, starting from the one with the highest number, based on the gaming state at that time, and uses the numbers as a winning type lottery random number. When the subtracted value becomes less than 0, the winning type associated with the winning area at that time is determined as the lottery result of the winning type lottery.

According to the winning type lottery tables in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example, winning area 1 is associated with the winning type "Lose", and if you win this winning type, you will be eligible for any of the winning combinations shown in FIG. The corresponding symbol combination is also not displayed on the active line A, and no medals are paid out. However, as described later, if the BB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" may be displayed on the active line A due to the winning type "Lose". It becomes possible.

Furthermore, each of the winning areas 2 to 26 is associated with one replay combination or a plurality of overlapping replay combinations. If you win a winning type that includes multiple winning combinations, the winning conditions regarding which symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination will be preferentially displayed on the active line A, such as stop The order in which the switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated is set.

In the following explanation, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that stop the reels in the order of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c will be referred to as "batting order 1", and The operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to stop the reels in order is called "batting order 2", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to stop the reels in order of the middle reel 110b, left reel 110a, right reel 110c is called "batting order 2". 3", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to stop the reels in the order of the middle reel 110b, right reel 110c, and left reel 110a is "batting order 4", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is set as "batting order 4", and the reels are stopped in the order of the right reel 110c, the left reel 110a, and the middle reel 110b. The operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to stop the reels is defined as "batting order 5", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to stop the reels in the order of right reel 110c, middle reel 110b, and left reel 110a is "batting order 6". ”.

For example, in the RT1 gaming state, if the winning type "Transition Replay 1" is won and the operation according to batting order 1 is performed, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Transition Replay 2" indicating the transition to the RT2 gaming state is valid. Stop control is performed so that it is preferentially displayed on line A. Additionally, when operations are performed in batting order 2 to batting order 6, the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combinations "Transition Replay 3" and "Transition Replay 4" indicating the transition to the RT3 gaming state are prioritized on active line A. Stop control is performed as indicated.

In addition, the winning areas 28 to 39 contain winning types "batting order bell left 1" to "batting order bell right 4" (hereinafter such 12 (sometimes simply referred to as the winning type "batting order bell") are associated with each other. Note that the winning probabilities (number of numbers) of winning areas 28 to 39 are set to be equal. Since the player usually cannot know which winning type he has won, by providing the winning areas 28 to 39 as described above, it is difficult for the player to win the winning combination "Bell". Furthermore, even if the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated in a batting order in which the winning combination "1-card combination" is displayed preferentially, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "1-card combination" is not necessarily displayed on the active line A. Since it is not always displayed, depending on the operation mode, some data may be missed (PB≠1). In addition, the winning areas 40 to 42 are associated with the winning types "batting order bell middle left" to "batting order bell middle right" which include the winning combinations "Bell 2" and "Bell 3" in duplicate, respectively. ing. Note that the winning probabilities (number of numbers) of winning areas 40 to 42 are set to be equal.

Furthermore, the winning areas 50 to 53 are associated with the winning types "RBB1", "RBB2", "RBB3", and "RBB4", which include the winning combination "RBB1", and the winning areas 54 to 57 are The winning types “RBB5”, “RBB6”, “RBB7”, and “RBB8” that include the winning combination “RBB2” are associated, and the winning areas 58 to 61 include the winning types that include the winning combination “CBB1”. "CBB1", "CBB2", "CBB3", and "CBB4" are associated, and winning areas 62 to 65 include winning types "CBB5", "CBB6", and "CBB7" that include the winning combination "CBB2". ” and “CBB8” are associated with each other. In addition, the following winning types are "RBB1", "RBB2", "RBB3", "RBB4", "RBB5", "RBB6", "RBB7", "RBB8", "CBB1", "CBB2", "CBB3". , "CBB4", "CBB5", "CBB6", "CBB7", and "CBB8" may be simply abbreviated as the winning type "BB".

In addition, when winning any of the winning types mentioned above, the internal winning flag corresponding to each winning type is established (turned on), and the stop control of each reel 110 is performed according to the establishment status of this internal winning flag. The Rukoto. At this time, if you win a winning type that includes a minor winning combination, but the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combinations cannot be displayed on the active line A in the game, after the game ends. The internal election flag is turned off. In other words, the right to win a minor prize is limited only to the game in which the winning type that includes the minor prize is won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. On the other hand, if you win a winning type that includes the winning combination "BB", the BB internal winning flag is established (turned on), and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" is on the active line A. The BB internal winning flag is carried over across games until it is displayed. In addition, if the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning type that includes the winning role "Replay" which is a replay role is established, the winning role "Replay" of one of the winning roles "Replay" included in that winning type is established. The symbol combination corresponding to " is always displayed on the active line A, and the internal winning flag is turned off after the necessary processing to play the next game without requiring medals is performed.

(Transition of gaming state)
Here, the transition of gaming states including the above-mentioned bonus gaming state will be explained using FIG. 12. Here, multiple gaming states are prepared such as RT0 gaming state, RT1 gaming state, RT2 gaming state (which may become ART gaming state described later), RT3 gaming state, RT4 gaming state, internal medium gaming state, and bonus gaming state. ing. For the RT0 gaming state, RT1 gaming state, RT2 gaming state, RT3 gaming state, and RT4 gaming state, the winning probability of the replay combination was set respectively (RT0 gaming state = 1/7.3, RT1 gaming state = 1/1. 4, RT2 gaming state = 1/1.4, RT3 gaming state = 1/7.3, RT4 gaming state = 1/7.3), the so-called RT gaming state, and as described later, a predetermined winning combination is displayed on the active line A, or in connection with winning a bonus combination, the RT gaming state changes. Here, the winning probability of replay combinations in the RT1 gaming state and RT2 gaming state is set relatively high, and the player can advance the game advantageously by shifting to the RT1 gaming state or RT2 gaming state. .

The RT0 gaming state in the normal gaming state is a gaming state that corresponds to an initial state in a plurality of gaming states. In the RT0 gaming state, if the winning type "batting order bell" is won and the combination of symbols corresponding to any of the minor roles (winning role "bell", "1 card role") is not displayed on active line A. When a symbol combination corresponding to the displayed blank symbol combination is displayed on the active line A, the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state to the RT1 gaming state (1).

In addition, in the RT1 gaming state, if you win one of the winning types "Transition Replay 1" to "Transition Replay 6" and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Transition Replay 2" is displayed, the gaming state The control means 312 shifts the gaming state to the RT2 gaming state (2). In this RT2 gaming state, it is assumed that an auxiliary performance is performed under predetermined conditions, so-called AT is executed in parallel (AT performance state), and in this embodiment, in parallel with the RT2 gaming state, The state in which AT is being executed is called the ART gaming state.

In addition, in the RT2 gaming state, if you win one of the winning types "Transition Replay 13" to "Transition Replay 15" and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Transition Replay 1" is displayed, If you win the type "Bell in batting order" and the symbol combination corresponding to any of the minor roles (winning symbol "Bell", "1-card symbol") is not displayed on active line A, in other words, the symbol combination is blank. When the corresponding combination of symbols is displayed on the active line A, the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state to the RT1 gaming state (3).

In addition, in the RT1 gaming state, if you win one of the winning types "Transition Replay 1" to "Transition Replay 12", and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Transition Replay 3" or the winning combination "Transition Replay 4" is If it is displayed, the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state to the RT3 gaming state (4). In addition, in the RT0 gaming state, if you win one of the winning types "Transition Replay 7" to "Transition Replay 12", and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Transition Replay 3" or the winning combination "Transition Replay 4" is When displayed, the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state to the RT3 gaming state (5). In addition, the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state to the RT0 gaming state when a predetermined number of games (for example, 16 games) have elapsed without winning the winning type "BB" in the RT3 gaming state (6 ).

In addition, in the winning type lottery in any of the gaming states RT0 gaming state, RT1 gaming state, RT2 gaming state, RT3 gaming state, RT4 gaming state, if you win one of the winning types including a bonus role, you can win the BB internal prize. When the flag is established, the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state to an internal mid-gaming state corresponding to the preparation state of the bonus gaming state (7). At this time, if the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination cannot be displayed on the active line A, the BB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game (the internal mid-game state is maintained), and from the next game It is also possible to display the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the active line A in the game. In the internal medium game state, the winning probability of the replay combination (for example, winning type "Normal Replay 1") is set higher (for example, 1/3.0) than in the previous (immediate) game state, so the consumption of medals is higher. You can aim to display the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the active line A while suppressing the . Then, when the player displays the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the active line A, the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state from the internal medium gaming state to the bonus gaming state (8). In addition, in the bonus game state, if more than the predetermined number of medals associated with each bonus combination are paid out, the game state control means 312 controls the game state regardless of the gaming state when the winning type including the bonus combination is determined. , the gaming state is shifted from the bonus gaming state to the RT4 gaming state (9). Therefore, if you win a bonus combination, you will definitely go through the RT4 gaming state before moving to the RT0 gaming state to RT3 gaming state.

Then, in the RT4 gaming state, the winning type "batting order bell" was won, and no combination of symbols corresponding to any of the minor roles (winning roles "bell", "1 card role") was displayed on active line A. In this case, a symbol combination corresponding to the blank symbol combination is displayed on the active line A, and the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state to the RT1 gaming state (10).

(Transition of production state)
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the effect state on the main control board 200. Hereinafter, the performance states (non-AT performance state, AT performance state) that are transitioned by the performance state control means 314 in the main control board 200 will be described in detail.

(Non-AT production state)
The non-AT performance state includes a normal performance state and a chance performance state (chance zone). When the non-AT performance state is executed, the frequency of execution of the auxiliary performance is extremely lower than that of the AT performance state, and since the auxiliary performance is almost never performed, the number of medals that can be acquired is limited. The normal performance state is a gaming state corresponding to an initial state among a plurality of performance states managed by the sub-control board 202.

The production state control means 314 shifts the gaming state to a chance production state at a predetermined opportunity in the normal production state (1), and when a predetermined condition is satisfied while in the chance production state, for example, a predetermined number of games are played. Then, it returns to the normal performance state (2). Further, the performance state control means 314 can shift the performance state to the AT performance state in the normal performance state and the chance performance state (3). However, the chance performance state is set so that it is easier to shift to the AT performance state than the normal performance state. For example, in both the normal performance state and the chance performance state, whether or not to transition to the AT performance state is determined by lottery (performance state lottery) based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Furthermore, the probability of transitioning to the AT performance state associated with each winning type is higher in the chance performance state than in the normal performance state. Therefore, the player would prefer to stay in the chance performance state rather than the normal performance state. Furthermore, when a predetermined number of games are played in the non-AT performance state without shifting to the AT performance state (so-called reaching the ceiling), the performance state control means 314 shifts the gaming state to the AT performance state.

(AT performance state)
In the AT performance state, by notifying the correct operation mode through the auxiliary performance, it is possible to obtain a large number of medals while suppressing consumption of medals. Therefore, the player can advance the game more advantageously in the AT effect state than in the non-AT effect state.

Furthermore, in the AT performance state, two AT performance states are provided: a normal AT performance state and a chance AT performance state (specialized zone). In the normal AT effect state, the game progresses by managing the number of sets, with a predetermined number of consecutive games (for example, 50 games) as one set. When the performance state is set to the normal AT performance state, the performance state control means 314 subtracts 1 from the number of stored (held) sets and sets the number of continuous games to 50 games. Then, when the number of consecutive games is completed, the performance state control means 314 determines whether the number of sets is 0 (or whether the number of sets is stocked), and if the number of sets is not 0, the number of sets is stocked. The number of sets is subtracted by 1 and the normal AT performance state is continued (4). However, the number of continuous games when the normal AT performance state continues is a predetermined number of games of 30 games or more. On the other hand, if the number of stored sets is 0, the performance state control means 314 ends the normal AT performance state and shifts the performance state to the chance performance state (5). Further, the performance state control means 314 can shift the performance state to the chance AT performance state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal AT performance state (6).

The chance AT performance state continues until a predetermined number of games have elapsed, and during that time, the set number of the normal AT performance state is added. When the predetermined number of games are completed, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the normal AT performance state (7).

In addition, in both the gaming state and the performance state, if the transition condition is winning or not winning a predetermined winning combination, the transition condition is changed from the non-AT performance state to the normal AT performance via the preparation state until the transition condition is satisfied. There may be a transition from state (3), normal AT performance state to chance performance state (5)), a destination gaming state or performance state.

(Production in AT production state)
The effect control means 334 displays various images (synthetic images) on the liquid crystal display unit 124 based on the gaming state, the effect state, and the winning type determined by the winning type lottery, which are managed by the main control board 200. do. For example, when the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the AT performance state, the performance control means 334 executes an auxiliary performance according to the winning of the selected winning type, and displays an index on the liquid crystal display section 122 that allows the user to grasp the correct operation mode. to be displayed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an image displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124. For example, when the gaming state is shifted to the ART gaming state (the production state is the AT production state), the production control means 334 controls the background image 400 for the ART gaming state, the credit A credit number image 402 showing the number of medals (credit number) in the game, a payout number image 404 showing the number of medals to be paid out, a total number image 406 showing the total number of medals to be paid out since the transition to the ART gaming state, and the game. A composite image consisting of the navigation image 408 corresponding to the winning of the selected winning type is generated, and the composite image is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124.

Specifically, a background image 400, a credit number image 402, a payout number image 404, a total number image 406, and a navigation image 408 are individually stored in the sub ROM 202b. In the generation of a composite image, the concept of layer is used. A plurality of layers are set, a priority is determined for each of the plurality of layers, and a layer image corresponding to each layer is arranged in each layer. As shown in FIG. 14(b), the effect control means 334 displays layer images corresponding to each of the plurality of layers, that is, a background image 400, a credit number image 402, a payout number image 404, a total number image 406, and a navigation image. The images 408 are arranged and superimposed in a direction perpendicular to the screen to generate one composite image. In this example, the priority of the layers is set to increase in the order of background image 400, credit amount image 402, payout amount image 404, total amount image 406, and navigation image 408.

Therefore, layer images placed in layers with high priority are displayed without being lost, but layer images placed in layers with low priority overlap with layer images placed in layers with high priority. Parts are missing. For example, in FIG. 14(b), the layer images are arranged in layers in the order of increasing priority: background image 400, credit number image 402, payout number image 404, total number image 406, and navigation image 408. The navigation image 408 with the highest priority is all displayed, but part of the background image 400 is missing due to a layer image with a higher priority.

Here, after the start switch 118 is operated and before the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective, the effect control means 334 displays an index that allows the user to understand the above-mentioned correct operation mode as the navigation image 408. The indicators that can be used to determine the correct operation mode are the numerical values that indicate the order of operation, that is, the numerical value "1" indicates that the first stop operation is performed, the numerical value "2" indicates that the second stop operation is performed, and the numerical value "2" indicates that the third stop operation is performed. The display position in the image corresponding to the installation position shown in FIG. 1 where the stop switch 120a, 120b, 120c to be operated is installed (image left position, image middle position, (right position of the image) (hereinafter, the display position corresponding to the stop switch may be simply referred to as the "stop switch display position"). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14(a), an index including the number "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed is displayed at the right position of the image, which is the display position of the stop switch 120c, and is indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed. An index containing the number "2" is displayed at the middle position of the image, which is the display position of the stop switch 120b, and an index containing the number "3", which indicates the third stop operation, is displayed at the left position of the image, which is the display position of the stop switch 120a. is displayed. Therefore, the player can win the selected winning combination by visually checking the indicator that allows him to grasp the correct operation mode and operating the stop switch 120c, stop switch 120b, and stop switch 120a in this order according to the correct operation mode. .

Note that, as shown in FIG. 14, an index containing a numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed, an index containing a numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed, and an index containing the numerical value "2" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed. The area occupied on the screen is larger than the index including the number "3" indicating. Further, an index including the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed occupies a larger area on the screen than an index including the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed. Therefore, the player can grasp the correct operation mode based not only on the numerical value of the index but also on the size of the index, and can operate the stop switch 120c, stop switch 120b, and stop switch 120a in this order according to the correct operation mode. , it is possible to win the selected winning combination. Note that here, an index containing the number "1" occupies a larger area on the screen than an index containing the number "2", and an index containing the number "2" occupies a larger area on the screen than an index containing the number "3". The explanation is given using an example where the occupied area is large, but when performing the first stop operation, it is sufficient that the index containing the number "1" is larger than the other indexes, and the index containing the number "2" and the number "3" are sufficient. The indicators including the number "3" may occupy the same area on the screen, or the index including the number "3" may occupy a larger area on the screen than the index including the number "2".

Furthermore, when the first stop operation is completed, the index containing the number "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed is deleted, and the index containing the number "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed and the third stop operation are deleted. Only the index containing the numerical value "3" indicating that it is to be operated remains. In this case, the indicator including the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed occupies a larger area on the screen than the indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed. Therefore, in the second stop operation as well as in the first stop operation, the player can understand the correct operation mode based not only on the numerical value of the index but also on the size of the index, and according to the correct operation mode, the player can select the stop switch 120b. , the stop switch 120a in this order, the selected winning combination can be won.

However, it is necessary to prepare as many navigation images 408 as an index for understanding the correct operation mode for the number of combinations of operation order and stop switch display position. Furthermore, as described above, when the first stop operation is completed, the index containing the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed is deleted, and the index containing the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed is deleted. It is necessary to switch to the navigation image 408 in which only the index including the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed remains, resulting in a wide variety of display patterns. Furthermore, when suggesting the acquisition of other gaming profits, such as chance patterns, through the auxiliary effects, it is necessary to prepare even more display patterns, which leads to an increase in the area occupied by the sub-ROM 202b and a decrease in development efficiency. It happens. Here, not only a background image 400, a credit number image 402, a payout number image 404, a total number image 406, and a navigation image 408 are arranged in each layer, but also the navigation image 408 is managed by dividing it into multiple layers. By doing so, development efficiency is improved and the area occupied by the sub ROM 202b is reduced.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining layers in which layer images are arranged. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a total of 32 layers indicated by layer numbers 0 to 31 are set. However, the number of layers is not limited to 32, and various numbers such as 96 can be set. Here, the higher the layer number, the higher the priority. For example, for each layer image shown in FIG. 14, the background image 400 is associated with layer "0", the credit number image 402 is associated with layer "2", and the payout number image 404 is associated with layer "3". , the total number image 406 is associated with layer "4", and the navigation image 408 is associated with a plurality of layers "21" to "23".

Furthermore, as layer images not displayed in FIG. 14, a stage name image, an ART entry image, a special effect image, a effect image, a button image, a return image, and an addictive prevention image are stored in the sub ROM 202b, and these layer images are They are associated with layers "6", "8", "11", "14", "16", "29", and "31", respectively. Note that the stage name image is a layer image that indicates the name of the stage to which the game is transitioned in the normal gaming state. The ART entry image is a layer image indicating that the game has entered the ART gaming state. The special effect image is, for example, a layer image that is displayed across multiple games when a predetermined condition is met. The performance image is an image that suggests that there is a high possibility that some kind of gaming profit has been obtained, such as a cut-in. The button image is a layered image that prompts the player to operate the effect switch 122. The return image is a layer image that is displayed when returning to the ART gaming state. The addictive prevention image is a layered image for reminding the player to prevent becoming addicted to the game. Furthermore, layer "9" is set as a rendering buffer, and is used when processing an image in which the layer images of layers "1" to "8" are superimposed. In addition, between these layers, there are spare layers "1", "5", "7", "10", "12", "13", "15", "17" to "20", " "24" to "28" and "30" are respectively set. The preliminary layer is not associated with any layer image at the beginning of development, but when a layer image is added during development, it is possible to newly set it for the layer image to be added.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the navigation image 408. Here, the navigation image 408 is managed in three layers. Specifically, layer "23" corresponds to the stop switch 120c, and as shown in FIG. An indicator 410 indicating the order of operation of the switch 120c (first stop operation), for example, a numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed, and an effect image forming the background thereof are arranged. In addition, layer "22" corresponds to the stop switch 120b, and as shown in FIG. An index 412 indicating the order of operations (second stop operation), for example, a numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed, and an effect image forming the background thereof are arranged. Layer "21" corresponds to the stop switch 120a, and as shown in FIG. 16(c), the stop switch 120a is moved to the display position (left position of the image) corresponding to the stop switch 120a as the navigation image 408. An index 414 indicating the order of operations to be performed (third stop operation), for example, a numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed, and an effect image forming the background thereof are arranged. Then, the performance control means 334 superimposes the navigation image 408 shown in FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c), and as shown in FIG. 16(d), a background image 400, a credit number image 402, a payout number image 404, one composite image is generated together with the total number image 406, and the composite image is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124.

Here, by managing the navigation image 408 by dividing it into three layers, the following advantages arise. For example, for each of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, an effect is created in which the display pattern of indicators indicating the order of operation forms a numerical value indicating the order of operation, the shape of the numerical value, the color of the numerical value, the operation of the numerical value, and the background of the numerical value. It is assumed that there are a plurality of composite images (20 types in this case) of images, shapes of effect images, colors of effect images, motions of effect images, etc. Then, if the operation order and the display positions of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are managed in one layer, the combination of layer images is the cube of the number of indicators (here 20) regarding one stop switch 120, that is, There are 8000 types. However, by providing these for each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, it is sufficient to prepare 20 types of navigation images 408 for each layer, so for example, the number of indicators regarding one stop switch 120 (here, 20) x 3, that is, it is sufficient to prepare 60 types of navigation images 408 and appropriately select a combination thereof.

Therefore, the developer only needs to design, for example, 60 types of navigation images 408, which can improve development efficiency. Moreover, since the occupied area of the sub ROM 202b can be reduced to 60 types of navigation images 408, the occupied area of the sub ROM 202b can be freed up for other data. Furthermore, if we change the perspective and use the same occupied area as in the case of managing with one navigation image 408, it is possible to form even more display patterns, and it becomes possible to diversify the effects.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining another example of layers in which layer images are arranged. In the above description, an example has been given in which the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are respectively associated with the three layers "21" to "23". However, layers can also be managed in further subdivisions. For example, here, numerical values and effect images are managed separately in six layers "18" to "23" as indicators indicating the order of operations.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the navigation image 408. Specifically, layer "23" corresponds to the stop switch 120c, and as shown in FIG. A numerical value 410a indicating the order of operation of the switch 120c (first stop operation), for example, a numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed, is arranged. Further, layer "22" corresponds to the stop switch 120c, and as shown in FIG. 18(b), an effect image forming a numerical background at the display position corresponding to the stop switch 120b as the navigation image 408. 410b is placed. Furthermore, layer "21" corresponds to the stop switch 120b, and as shown in FIG. A numerical value 412a indicating the order of operations (second stop operation), for example, a numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed, is arranged. Furthermore, layer "20" corresponds to the stop switch 120b, and as shown in FIG. 18(d), an effect image forming a numerical background at the display position corresponding to the stop switch 120b as the navigation image 408. 412b is placed. Layer "19" corresponds to the stop switch 120a, and as shown in FIG. 18(e), the stop switch 120a is moved to the display position (left position of the image) corresponding to the stop switch 120a as the navigation image 408. A numerical value 414a indicating the order of operations to be performed (third stopping operation), for example, a numerical value "3" indicating that the third stopping operation is to be performed, is arranged. Furthermore, layer "18" corresponds to the stop switch 120a, and as shown in FIG. 18(f), an effect image forming a numerical background at the display position corresponding to the stop switch 120a as the navigation image 408. 414b is placed. Then, the effect control means 334 superimposes the navigation image 408 shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(f), and as shown in FIG. 18(g), a background image 400, a credit number image 402, a payout number image 404, one composite image is generated together with the total number image 406, and the composite image is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124.

Here, by managing the navigation image 408 by dividing it into six layers, the following advantages arise. For example, suppose that the numerical values and effect images corresponding to each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are made to stand still, but the effect images perform different operations, such as swinging left and right or up and down. In this case, by managing the numerical values and the effect images individually and independently, the numerical values can be changed individually regardless of the effect images, and the effect images can be operated periodically regardless of the numerical values. Therefore, it is possible to further improve development efficiency and further reduce the area occupied by the sub ROM 202b.

Note that although an example has been described here in which indicators for understanding correct operation modes are managed using three or six layers, the number can be arbitrarily set as long as it is three or more. For example, the navigation image 408 is associated with four layers, three layers are assigned to each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, numerical values indicating the order of operation are displayed, and a common effect image is displayed on the remaining one layer. You can also use it as

In addition, here, an example has been described in which there are six correct operation modes for the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c ("batting order 1" to "batting order 6"), but the number is not limited to six, and any number less than six can be used. You may choose to do so. For example, if there are three correct operation modes, only the stop switch to be operated for the first stop will be notified as an auxiliary effect. In this case, as the navigation image 408, in the layer corresponding to the stop switch that performs the first stop operation, a numerical value indicating the operation order (first stop operation) is displayed at the display position corresponding to the stop switch, for example, the first stop operation. A numerical value "1" indicating that the stop switch is to be executed is placed, and a symbol (for example, "-") regardless of the order of operation is placed at the display position corresponding to the stop switch in the layers corresponding to the other stop switches.

Further, the above description has been given using an example in which three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are respectively associated with three layers. However, the case is not limited to this case, and the order of operation for operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c (first stop operation, second stop operation, and third stop operation), which are correct operation modes, is associated with each of the three layers. You can. Here, as shown in FIG. 15, an example will be given in which three layers "21" to "23" are associated with three operation orders.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the navigation image 408. For example, layer "23" corresponds to the first stop operation in the operation order, and as shown in FIG. 19(a), forms the numerical value "1" indicating the operation order and its background as the navigation image 408. An indicator 410 consisting of an effect image is placed at the display position (position in the image) of the stop switch 120b that performs the first stop operation. Furthermore, layer "22" corresponds to the second stop operation in the operation order, and forms the numerical value "2" indicating the operation order and its background as the navigation image 408, as shown in FIG. 19(b). An indicator 412 consisting of an effect image is placed at the display position (image left position) of the stop switch 120a that performs the second stop operation. Furthermore, layer "21" corresponds to the third stop operation in the operation order, and forms the numerical value "3" indicating the operation order and its background as the navigation image 408, as shown in FIG. 19(c). An indicator 414 consisting of an effect image is placed at the display position (image right position) of the stop switch 120c that performs the third stop operation.

Here, three layers are associated with the order of operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are the correct operation modes, so unlike the example of FIG. 16, the layer image corresponding to each layer is , the display position where the indicator indicating the order of operations is displayed changes from side to side. For example, if the first stop operation is not the stop switch 120b but the stop switch 120c, the navigation image 408 of layer "23" consists of a numerical value "1" indicating the order of operation and an effect image forming the background thereof. An indicator 410 is placed at the display position (right position in the image) of the stop switch 120c that performs the first stop operation. In this way, although the arrangement of images changes, the following advantages arise by associating the operation orders of the correct operation modes with the three layers. That is, among layers "23" to "21", the priority is highest in the order of layer "23", layer "22", and layer "21". Then, the index containing the number ``2'' indicating the operation order will be superimposed in front of the index containing the numeric value ``3'' indicating the operation order, and the index containing the number ``2'' indicating the operation order will be superimposed in front of the index containing the numeric value ``2'' indicating the operation order. Indices containing the numerical value "1" are superimposed. Therefore, even if the numbers indicating the order of operations move left and right depending on the performance, and even if the size changes and the numbers indicating the order of operations overlap, the numbers indicating the order of operations that should be given top priority. is always displayed in the foreground, the player can appropriately view the numerical values indicating the order of operations, and can reliably perform operations according to the correct operation mode.

Note that when the player completes the first stop operation, the navigation image 408 placed in layer "23" is deleted, so the navigation image 408 placed in layer "22" corresponding to the next second stop operation is deleted. This does not obstruct the visibility of the navigation image 408.

In addition, although the explanation has been given here with an example in which there are six correct operation modes for the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c (“batting order 1” to “batting order 6”), the number is not limited to six, and any number less than six can be used. You may choose to do so. For example, if there are three correct operation modes, only the stop switch to be operated for the first stop will be notified as an auxiliary effect. In this case, as the navigation image 408, in the layer corresponding to the first stop operation, a numerical value indicating the operation order (first stop operation), for example, a numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed, is the first stop operation. In the other layers, a symbol (for example, "-") that does not matter in the order of operation is arranged at the display position corresponding to the stop switch.

Incidentally, in addition to the liquid crystal display section 124, the speaker 128, and the performance lamp 126, the slot machine 100 may employ a movable accessory such as a shutter that is physically moved by a motor, an actuator, or the like. Such moving accessories are often installed at the player's eye level because their movement conveys to the player whether there is a gaming profit or not and its suggestion with a strong impact. Also, in conjunction with the display on the liquid crystal display section 124, the moving accessory is moved while being located in front of the liquid crystal display section 124, and the image on the liquid crystal display section 124 is changed according to the position of the moving accessory. In some cases, it may be possible to do so. Note that moving the liquid crystal display unit 124 while being located in front of the liquid crystal display unit 124 means not only movement within the front face of the liquid crystal display unit 124 but also movement from outside the front face of the liquid crystal display unit 124 to inside the front face of the liquid crystal display unit 124, and movement of the liquid crystal display unit 124 Also includes movement from inside the front to outside the front.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a moving accessory. Here, it is assumed that moving accessories 420a and 420b are installed on the left and right front sides of the liquid crystal display section 124, as shown in FIG. 20(a). Then, in a predetermined game during the ART game, the production control means 334 horizontally moves the moving accessories 420a and 420b toward the liquid crystal display section 124 side, as shown in FIG. 420b is positioned in front of the liquid crystal display section 124. At this time, the effect control means 334 changes the image on the liquid crystal display unit 124 according to the positions of the moving accessories 420a, 420b, and displays the image in a reduced size on the part not covered by the moving accessories 420a, 420b. . For example, when the moving accessories 420a, 420b are moved to the front side from the liquid crystal display unit 124, the performance control means 334 causes the moving accessories 420a, 420b to visually confirm the indicators 410, 412, 414 that can visually confirm the correct operation mode. In order to avoid the problem, an image in which the display position and/or size of the indicators 410, 412, and 414 are changed (here, the indicator 410 moves to the right, As the index 414 moves to the left, the indexes 410, 412, and 414 become smaller) is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124.

With this configuration, regardless of the movement of the moving accessories 420a and 420b, the player can visually check the correct operation mode through the liquid crystal display section 124, so that the player can reliably win the selected winning combination through the operation based on the correct operation mode. can.

At this time, as described above, the three layers "21" to "23" are associated with the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, respectively, and the order of operation of the correct operation mode is associated with each index. 410, 412, and 414.

For example, if the three layers "21" to "23" are associated with the order of operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are the correct operation modes, depending on the movement of the moving accessories 420a and 420b, , the display positions of the indicators 410, 412, and 414 change, and the indicators 410, 412, and 414 overlap each other. Even in this case, the index containing the number ``2'' indicating the operation order is superimposed on top of the index containing the number ``3'' indicating the operation order, and the index containing the number ``2'' indicating the operation order is superimposed on the index containing the number ``2'' indicating the operation order. An index including the numerical value "1" indicating ``1'' is superimposed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately display indicators 410, 412, and 414 on the liquid crystal display section 124 that allow visual recognition of correct operation modes, improve development efficiency, and further reduce the area occupied by the sub-ROM 202b.

Note that the movable accessories 420a and 420b are not only physically moved by motors, actuators, etc., but also have liquid crystal displays by integrally providing devices such as other liquid crystal display parts, speakers, and performance lamps. In conjunction with section 124, it is possible to further improve the presentation effect.

In addition, here, the navigation image 408 is made to correspond to each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and is also made to correspond to each of the order of operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are correct operation modes, and is arranged in multiple layers. It was explained that by managing them separately, it is possible to improve development efficiency despite the increase in the display patterns of indicators indicating the order of operations. However, development efficiency can be improved not only by increasing the number of display patterns, but also when the display start timing of the index indicating the order of operations is different for each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c.

FIGS. 21 to 24 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the display start timing of indicators indicating the order of operations. As described above, as shown in FIG. 21(a), the effect control means 334 displays the correct answer as the navigation image 408 after the start switch 118 is operated and before the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective. Display indicators that allow you to understand the operation mode. Specifically, after operating the start switch 118, the production control means 334 includes an index including a numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed, an index containing a numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed, and , an index including the numerical value "3" indicating that a third stop operation is to be performed is simultaneously started to be displayed, and the display is completed before the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c becomes effective. At this time, as explained using FIG. 14, the index including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stopping operation is to be performed is the index containing the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stopping operation is to be performed, and An indicator that occupies a larger area on the screen than an index that includes the number "3" that indicates that the third stop operation is to be performed, and that includes the number "2" that indicates that the second stop operation is to be performed, indicates that the third stop operation is to be performed. The area occupied on the screen is larger than the index including the number "3" indicating. However, the indicator including the numerical value "2" and the indicator including the numerical value "3" may occupy the same area on the screen. Furthermore, even when there are three correct operation modes, the effect control means 334 includes a numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is performed after the start switch 118 is operated, as shown in FIG. 21(b). The display of the index and the index including a symbol (for example, "-") regardless of the stop order is started at the same time, and the display is completed before the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c becomes effective. The display may be completed at the same time. Note that at this time, an index including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed occupies a larger area on the screen than a symbol that does not care about the order of stop. Here, the start of display indicates the appearance of the indicator, and the completion of display indicates that the indicator has changed its display mode (display position and shape) and has reached its final display mode. For example, at the start of display, the index appears in a size 1/10 of the final display format, gradually increases in size as time passes, and reaches the final display format when the display is completed.

Furthermore, depending on the index, the display end timing may be made different from that of other indexes. For example, as shown in FIG. 22(a), after the start switch 118 is operated and before the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective, the effect control means 334 displays the correct operation mode as the navigation image 408. Display indicators that can be understood. Specifically, after operating the start switch 118, the production control means 334 includes an index including a numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed, an index containing a numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed, and , an index including the numerical value "3" indicating that a third stop operation is to be performed is simultaneously started to be displayed, and the display is completed before the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c becomes effective. However, in FIG. 22(a), unlike in FIG. 21(a), the production control means 334 uses the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed before the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective. '' and the index containing the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed, and then the display of the index containing the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed is completed. That is, the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed is completed displaying when the indicator including the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed and the indicator including the numerical value "2" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed. It is slower than the indicator including the number "3" is completely displayed. In addition, at this time, the index containing the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is performed is the same as the index containing the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed, and the numerical value "2" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed. The area occupied on the screen is larger than the index containing "3", and the index containing the number "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed is larger than the index containing the number "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed. , occupies a large area on the screen. However, the indicator including the numerical value "2" and the indicator including the numerical value "3" may occupy the same area on the screen.

Furthermore, when the first stop operation is completed, the index containing the number "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed is deleted, and the index containing the number "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed and the third stop operation are deleted. Only the index containing the numerical value "3" indicating that it is to be operated remains. In this case, the index containing the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stopping operation is to be performed after the first stopping operation, and the index containing the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stopping operation is to be performed, are respectively the same as those for the first stopping operation. The size of the index is changed to the size of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating that the previous first stop operation is to be performed, and the index including the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed. The effect control means 334 transforms the index including the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stopping operation is to be performed after completing the transformation of the index that includes the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stopping operation is to be performed after the first stopping operation. Complete. That is, the deformation of the index containing the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed is completed later than the transformation of the index containing the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed. Note that the indicator including the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed occupies a larger area on the screen than the indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed. Therefore, in the second stop operation as well as in the first stop operation, the player can understand the correct operation mode based not only on the numerical value of the index but also on the size of the index, and according to the correct operation mode, the player can select the stop switch 120b. , the stop switch 120a in this order, the selected winning combination can be won.

Furthermore, even in the case where there are three correct operation modes, the effect control means 334 includes a numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is performed after the start switch 118 is operated, as shown in FIG. 22(b). An indicator and an indicator including a symbol (for example, "-") that can be stopped in any order are started to be displayed simultaneously, and before the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective, a symbol that can be stopped in any order (for example, "-") is displayed. -''), then the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed is completed. Note that at this time, an index including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed occupies a larger area on the screen than a symbol that does not care about the order of stop. Here, the start of display indicates the appearance of the indicator, and the completion of display indicates that the indicator has changed its display mode (display position and shape) and has reached its final display mode. For example, at the start of display, the index appears in a size 1/10 of the final display format, gradually increases in size as time passes, and reaches the final display format when the display is completed.

In addition, after the start switch 118 is operated, the effect control means 334 displays the operation order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c as a navigation image 408 before the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective. After starting to display on the liquid crystal display section 124 an index that allows the user to understand the operation order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are operated later, it is also possible to start displaying on the liquid crystal display section 124 an index that allows the user to understand the order of operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are operated later. However, various cases can be considered for the display start timing, as shown in FIG. 23.

For example, as shown in FIG. 23(a), the production control means 334 displays the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed after completing the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed. After the display of the index including the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed is completed, the display of the index including the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed is started to be displayed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 23(b), the effect control means 334 displays a numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed at the same time as the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed is completed. It is also possible to start displaying an indicator including a numeric value ``3'' indicating that a third stop operation is to be performed, and to start displaying an indicator that includes a numeric value ``3'' indicating that a third stop operation is to be performed at the same time as the indicator that includes a numeric value ``2'' indicating that a second stop operation is to be performed is completed. can.

In this way, after the indicator including the number "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed is completed, the indicator including the number "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed is started to be displayed, By starting to display the indicator including the number ``3'' indicating the third stop operation after completing the display of the indicator including the numeric value ``2'' indicating that the player will perform the third stop operation, the player can display the numeric value indicating the order of operations. Not only that, but you can intuitively (visually) understand the order of operations (operate the one that started displaying first) based on the fact that the display started first. It is possible to avoid erroneous operations (loss of gaming profits) than when displaying the information.

However, delaying the start of displaying an index that includes the number ``2'' indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed or the display start of an indicator that includes the number ``3'' indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed is not possible at the same time. This causes a delay in the completion of the display of an index including the numerical value "2" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed or the completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed. Then, the time from the completion of the display of the index including the number "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed until the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c becomes effective is as shown in FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b). It is abbreviated as . Therefore, after understanding all the correct operation batting orders (which stop switch 120a, 120b, 120c is used for the first stop operation, second stop operation, and third stop operation, respectively), For the player who starts the operation, the time from when he or she understands all the correct operation batting orders to when the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c becomes effective is shortened, and there is a risk that preparations for the first stop operation will not be in time. . If this happens, the progress of the game will slow down as a result, and there is a possibility that the gaming profits that should have been obtained will be lost. Furthermore, if you try to forcibly start operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c earlier even though the display of the indicator including the number "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed is delayed, an erroneous operation may occur. The possibility of

On the other hand, a person (player) has very high dynamic visual acuity, and can accurately recognize even the slightest deviation in the start of display of the indicator on the liquid crystal display section 124. Therefore, after starting to display on the liquid crystal display section 124 an index that allows the user to grasp the order of operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are operated in the earlier order, the effect control means 334 displays the indicator for the stop switch 120a, which is operated later, before the display is completed. , 120b, and 120c are displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124.

For example, as shown in FIG. 23(c), the effect control means 334 may perform two stops between the time it starts displaying the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation and the time it completes the display. The indicator including the number "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed is started to be displayed, and the third stop operation is performed during the period from the start of displaying the index including the number "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed until the display is completed. It is also possible to start displaying an index including the numerical value "3". In addition, as shown in FIG. 23(d), the effect control means 334 performs two stops from the time when the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation is started to the time when the display is completed. This is the period from the start of displaying the indicator including the number "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed until the display is completed, and the first stop operation Simultaneously with the completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed, it is also possible to start displaying the index including the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 23(e), the effect control means 334 performs two stops from the start of displaying the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation until the display is completed. This is the period from the start of displaying the indicator including the number "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed until the display is completed, and the first stop operation It is also possible to start displaying the indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed before the display of the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed is completed.

In this way, after starting to display an indicator including the number ``1'' indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed, an indicator including the number ``2'' indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed may be started to be displayed. 23(a) and 23(b). Similarly, the player can intuitively (visually) understand the order of operations (operate the one that started displaying first) not only by the numbers indicating the order of operations, but also by the fact that the display started first. This makes it possible to avoid erroneous operations compared to simply displaying numerical values indicating the order of operations.

In addition, before the indicator including the number "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed starts displaying the indicator containing the number "2" indicating that the second stop operation is to be performed, or the second stop operation is performed. By starting to display the indicator including the numeric value ``3'' indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed before the indicator including the numeric value ``2'' indicating that the third stop operation is to be performed is completed, as a result, the third stop operation is not performed. Since the display of the indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation can be completed early, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c becomes effective from the completion of the display of the indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation. This will give you enough time to complete the process. In this case, even if a player starts operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c after grasping all the correct operation batting orders, the player cannot operate the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c after understanding all the correct operation batting orders. Sufficient time can be secured until the first stop operation becomes effective, making it possible to sufficiently prepare for the first stop operation and appropriately avoid erroneous operations.

Furthermore, even when there are three correct operation modes, erroneous operations can be similarly avoided. For example, as shown in FIG. 24(a), after completing the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed, the effect control means 334 may display a symbol ( For example, indicators including "-") start to be displayed at the same time. In addition, as shown in FIG. 24(b), the effect control means 334 displays a symbol regardless of the stop order regarding other stop switches at the same time as the display of the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed is completed. It is also possible to start displaying the included indicators at the same time. In addition, as shown in FIG. 24(c), the effect control means 334 controls other stop switches from the time when the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is performed until the display is completed. It is also possible to start displaying indicators including symbols regardless of the order in which they are stopped.

In this way, by starting to display the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is to be performed, and then starting to display the indicator including the symbol that does not care about the stop order regarding other stop switches, the player can: In addition to numerical values indicating the order of operations, the order of operations can be determined based on the fact that the display started first (the one that started displaying first is operated first), so simply display the numerical value indicating the order of operations. In some cases, it is possible to avoid erroneous operations (loss of gaming profits). Then, the display start and display completion of such indicators are made to correspond to each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and to each of the order of operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are correct operation modes. By dividing and managing multiple layers, it is possible to further improve development efficiency.

Hereinafter, specific processing in the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 will be explained based on a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, an outline of one game after initialization will be explained along with the main processing of the main control board 200, and then details of each processing will be explained. Further, here, processing related to the features of this embodiment will be explained in detail, and explanations of configurations unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted. Further, although a detailed explanation is omitted, when each process is executed, the switches used in each process (bet switch 116, start switch 118, stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c) are activated at the start of the process. , is invalidated at the end of processing.

(Step S100)
When the slot machine 100 is powered on via the power switch 144 and becomes energized, the initialization means 300 executes initialization processing in preparation for starting a game. The initialization means 300 generates backup data at any time while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power outage occurs, in this initialization process, the retained backup data can be used to restore the state before the power outage. For example, even if an unexpected power cut occurs while the reels 110 are rotating, each reel 110 will start rotating again after the recovery operation. Therefore, in the initialization process, the main RAM 200c is basically not initialized (RAM cleared).

In this initialization process, an instruction to start an operation check is sent as a command to the sub-control board 202, and when a prescribed operation check is completed, an instruction to complete the operation check is sent as a command to the sub-control board 202.

(Step S200)
Next, the betting means 302 bets medals through the player's operation of the bet switch 116 or the insertion of medals into the medal insertion section 114. Further, the command transmitting means 316 generates an input command indicating that the operation has been performed, and transmits the generated input command to the sub control board 202.

(Step S300)
Next, the winning type lottery means 304 validates the game start operation on the start switch 118 and shifts to a state of waiting for the start switch 118 to be operated. Here, the winning type lottery means 304 calculates the winning type lottery random number updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 in response to the player's operation of the start switch 118. 1. Obtain the winning type lottery random number. Then, the winning type lottery means 304 determines one winning type lottery table corresponding to the currently set gaming state from the winning type lottery tables shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and the obtained winning type lottery random number. It is determined which winning area corresponds to the determined winning type lottery table, and the winning type or non-winning of the determined winning area is determined as the lottery result.

In addition, after the lottery result is determined according to the operation of the start switch 118, the command transmitting means 316 transmits information about the lottery result of the winning type lottery (winning type or non-winning) and the gaming state (the lottery result of the performance state lottery). etc., and transmits the generated winning type command to the sub control board 202.

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

(Step S500)
Subsequently, the reel control means 306 activates the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and upon receiving the player's operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, the reel control means 306 activates the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel corresponding to the operation. One of the reels 110c is controlled to stop.

Further, when any one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is operated, the command transmitting means 316 sends a stop command (a first stop operation command, a first stop operation command, a 2 stop operation command, 3rd stop operation command) are generated for each operation, and the generated stop commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub control board 202.

(Step S600)
Next, the determining means 308 determines which predetermined combination the symbol combination displayed on the active line A shown in FIG. 3(b) corresponds to, and changes the gaming state according to the symbol combination. Performs various processes required for changes and replays. In addition, the command transmitting means 316 generates a winning command that includes the symbol combination displayed on the active line A, the number of medals to be paid out when a symbol combination corresponding to a minor winning combination is displayed on the active line A, etc. , sends the generated winning command to the sub control board 202.

(Step S700)
Next, based on the determination result in step S600, the payout control means 310 executes a payout process for medals corresponding to the minor win, for example, when a symbol combination corresponding to the minor win is displayed on the active line A. , when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line A, a process for placing a bet for the next game is automatically executed. Furthermore, when a predetermined number of medals are paid out in the bonus game state, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state from the bonus game state to the RT4 game state. In this way, the payout control means 310 performs various processes corresponding to the symbol combinations displayed on the active line A, and ends the one game. Further, when the medal payout process is performed, the command transmitting means 316 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been performed, and transmits the generated payout command to the sub control board 202.

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S700. Thereafter, steps S200 to S700 will be repeated.

(Sub-processing of sub-control board 202)
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing sub-processing of the sub-control board 202.

(Step S1100)
When the slot machine 100 is powered on via the power switch 144 and becomes energized, the initialization determining means 330 executes initialization processing in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization determining means 330 generates backup data at any time while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the sub-RAM 202c.

(Step S1200)
Command receiving means 332 determines whether a command from main control board 200 is being received. As a result, if the command has been received, the process moves to step S1300, and if the command has not been received, the process moves to step S1400.

(Step S1300)
If it is determined in step S1200 that a command has been received, the command receiving means 332 executes various processes based on the received command. Such command reception processing S1300 will be described in detail later.

(Step S1400)
The effect control means 334 analyzes the detection signal of the effect switch 122, and performs various processes based on the analysis results.

(Step S1500)
The production control means 334 refers to the execution information (timetable) of the various productions that have been decided to be executed, performs a time schedule management process to execute a process corresponding to the corresponding time stored in the timetable, and performs a time schedule management process in step S1200. Repeat the process from. In this process, images displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124 are inserted or switched, and various commands are sent to each device. As a result, various effects will be executed.

(Command reception process S1300)
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the command reception process in step S1300. Here, in particular, the transition of the AT effect state will be explained in detail, and the explanation of configurations unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S1301)
First, the command receiving means 332 determines whether the received command is an input command. As a result, if the received command is an input command, the process moves to step S1302, and if the received command is not an input command, the process moves to step S1303.

(Step S1302)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1301 is an input command, the performance control means 334 assumes that preparations for the start of the next game have been made, and changes the performance that has been executed up to that point under predetermined conditions. to switch or end.

(Step S1303)
Subsequently, the command receiving means 332 determines whether the received command is a winning type command. As a result, if the received command is a winning type command, it is assumed that one game has been started, and the process moves to step S1304, and if the received command is not a winning type command, the process moves to step S1306.

(Step S1304)
If it is determined in step S1303 that the received command is a winning type command, the performance control means 334 determines the game performance based on the winning type command.

(Step S1305)
Next, the effect control means 334 starts executing the determined effect. For example, the effect control means 334 reads out a plurality of layer images corresponding to the effect determined in step S1304 above from the sub ROM 202b, overlaps the read layer images based on the layer, and generates one composite image. The resulting composite image is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124.

At this time, the effect control means 334 controls the position and size of the indicators so that when the moving accessories 420a, 420b are moved to the front side from the liquid crystal display section 124, the indicators do not become invisible due to the moving accessories 420a, 420b. Change one or both of the following.

(Step S1306)
Subsequently, the command receiving means 332 determines whether the received command is a stop command. As a result, if the received command is a stop command, the process moves to step S1307, and if the received command is not a stop command, the process moves to step S1308.

(Step S1307)
If it is determined in step S1306 that the received command is a stop command, the production control means 334 determines whether the stop command is a first stop operation command, a second stop operation command, or a third stop operation command. In addition, it is determined whether the stop operation was performed by the stop switch 120a, 120b, or 120c, and based on the determination result and the content of the performance, various processes are performed and the performance mode is varied. let

(Step S1308)
Subsequently, the command receiving means 332 determines whether the received command is a winning command. As a result, if the received command is a winning command, the process moves to step S1309, and if the received command is not a winning command, the process moves to step S1310.

(Step S1309)
If it is determined in step S1308 that the received command is a winning command, the performance control means 334 sets a performance based on the winning command in the timetable.

(Step S1310)
Subsequently, the command receiving means 332 determines whether the received command is a payout command. As a result, if the received command is a payout command, the process moves to step S1311, and if the received command is not a payout command, the command reception process S1300 is ended.

(Step S1311)
If it is determined in step S1310 that the received command is a payout command, the production control means 334 sets a production based on the payout command in the timetable, and ends the command reception process S1300. Then, the numerical values in the sub-credit display section 134 and the sub-payout display section 136 are updated in accordance with the payout of medals.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can come up with various changes and modifications within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. be done.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are arranged to share the functional parts for playing the game, but the functional parts of the main control board 200 are transferred to the sub-control board 202. The functional parts of the sub-control board 202 may be arranged on the main control board 200, or all the functional parts can be arranged on one control board.

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

100 Slot machine (gaming machine)
110a, 110b, 110c Reel 116 Bet switch 118 Start switch 120 Stop switch 124 Liquid crystal display section 302 Bet means 304 Winning type lottery means 306 Reel control means 334 Performance control means

Claims (2)

multiple reels,
multiple stop switches,
a lottery means for determining the validity of winning roles including specific roles;
A production control means capable of displaying an image;
Equipped with
The effect control means is capable of displaying a navigation image,
The navigation image assists in winning the specific role,
The navigation image is a composite image in which a first layer image, a second layer image, a third layer image , and a fourth layer image are superimposed,
The first layer image corresponds to a first stop operation of a stop switch,
The second layer image corresponds to a second stop operation of a stop switch,
The third layer image corresponds to a third stop operation of a stop switch,
The fourth layer image corresponds to a first stop operation of a stop switch,
In the first layer image, a numerical value indicating the first stop operation is arranged at a display position corresponding to a stop switch that performs the first stop operation,
In the second layer image, a numerical value indicating the second stop operation is arranged at a display position corresponding to a stop switch that performs the second stop operation,
In the third layer image, a numerical value indicating the third stop operation is arranged at a display position corresponding to a stop switch that performs the third stop operation ,
In the fourth layer image, a numerical effect indicating the first stop operation is arranged at a display position corresponding to a stop switch that performs the first stop operation . multiple reels,
multiple stop switches,
a lottery means for determining the validity of winning roles including specific roles;
A production control means capable of displaying an image;
A device that performs a performance that appeals to the auditory senses,
Start reception means for receiving a command to start checking the operation of the device;
counter and
Equipped with
The effect control means is capable of displaying a navigation image,
The navigation image assists in winning the specific role,
The navigation image is a composite image in which a first layer image, a second layer image, a third layer image , and a fourth layer image are superimposed,
The first layer image corresponds to a first stop operation of a stop switch,
The second layer image corresponds to a second stop operation of a stop switch,
The third layer image corresponds to a third stop operation of a stop switch,
The fourth layer image corresponds to a first stop operation of a stop switch,
In the first layer image, a numerical value indicating the first stop operation is arranged at a display position corresponding to a stop switch that performs the first stop operation,
In the second layer image, a numerical value indicating the second stop operation is arranged at a display position corresponding to a stop switch that performs the second stop operation,
In the third layer image, a numerical value indicating the third stop operation is arranged at a display position corresponding to a stop switch that performs the third stop operation,
In the fourth layer image, a numerical effect indicating the first stop operation is arranged at a display position corresponding to a stop switch that performs the first stop operation,
When the start receiving means receives a command to start checking the operation of the device, the counter starts measuring time;
The device is not operated until the counter measures a predetermined period of time after the start reception means receives a command to start checking the operation of the device;
A gaming machine that operates the device when the counter measures a predetermined time.

Images