JP6712253B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines by lottery whether or not to give a player a gaming advantage.

In a slot machine as a gaming machine, a lottery for a winning combination is performed and a plurality of reels with various symbols are rotated according to bet on a medal (game medium) by a player and operation of a start switch. Then, the reels are sequentially stopped according to the lottery result and the operation of the stop switch by the player, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the activated line which is the line to be paid out, a predetermined number of coins are displayed. A game profit (hereinafter, simply referred to as a game profit) such as a payout of a medal is given to the player.

Such slot machines are positioned as "electrical appliances other than specified electrical appliances" in the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (PSE method) for ensuring the safety of electrical appliances, and their products conform to the technical standards. It is necessary to confirm this by a voluntary inspection such as noise terminal voltage measurement. Under such circumstances, a technique for suppressing electromagnetic noise generated in a communication line transmitting a control signal in a slot machine has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2003-265810, A

As described above, in the slot machine, under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law, the noise level of electromagnetic noise generated in the slot machine must satisfy a predetermined noise level condition. Such electromagnetic noise is generally considered to be easily affected by a digital signal (rectangular wave). Therefore, the noise level can be suppressed as the sampling frequency of the digital signal is lower (the sampling cycle is longer) in serial communication and the like. However, if the sampling frequency is lowered carelessly, the amount of information that can be transmitted per unit time decreases, which may hinder the progress of the game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately transmitting the amount of information necessary for the progress of a game.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a presentation control means for determining the effect pattern including an illumination pattern in accordance with the progress of Yu technique, the effect lamp, and based on the illumination pattern information about the generated emission is sent to the effect lamp via the serial communication, data transmission rate of the serial communication, a load ratio is the ratio of the assignable load the effect lamp in the interrupt period, the presentation It is equal to or higher than the lower limit data transmission rate, which is the minimum data transmission rate capable of transmitting the information amount for controlling the effect lamps, which is determined based on the number of the production lamps .

The data transmission rate of the serial communication may be equal to or lower than an upper limit data transmission rate which is a maximum data transmission rate at which a noise level in noise terminal voltage measurement satisfies a predetermined noise level.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to appropriately transmit the amount of information necessary for the progress of a game.

FIG. 38 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine. FIG. 37 is an exterior diagram showing a state where the front door is open, for illustrating the schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine. It is a figure explaining the symbol arrangement|sequence of a reel, and an effective line. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is an explanatory view for explaining a winning combination. It is an explanatory view for explaining the transition of the game state. It is a figure which shows a winning combination lottery table. 7 is a flowchart showing a main process of a main control board. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the noise terminal voltage measurement. It is a block diagram for explaining a control mode of the liquid crystal display unit, the effect lamp, and the speaker in the sub control board. It is a flow chart which shows a control mode. It is explanatory drawing which showed the lower limit data transmission rate. It is explanatory drawing which showed the relationship between a data transmission rate and a noise level. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect of a ferrite bead.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted. To do.

In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, first, a mechanical configuration and an electrical configuration of a slot machine (gaming machine) that a player can play will be briefly described, and then a specific example of each board of the slot machine will be described. Processing (transition of winning combinations and game states) and processing characteristic of the present embodiment will be described, and a flowchart for realizing these will be described in detail.

(Mechanical configuration of slot machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 100 includes a housing 102 that is a substantially rectangular box body, and a front upper door that is openably and closably attached to a front opening of the housing 102. 104, a lower front door 104, which is located below the upper front door 104, is attached to the front opening of the housing 102 so as to be openable and closable, and is located below the lower front door 106. , And a tray portion 108 for storing the medals paid out from the medal discharge port 108a.

An operation section installation base 122 is formed on the upper part of the front lower door 106, and a medal insertion section 124, a bet switch 126, a start switch 128, a stop switch 130, etc. are arranged on the operation section installation base 122.

A medal insertion unit 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation base 122 accepts insertion of medals as a game medium through a medal insertion port (insertion port) 124a, and a medal selector (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front lower door 106. No) send medal. The medal selector has a blocker (not shown) that guides medals thrown outside the throwing period and medals that are out of the standard to the medal discharge port 108a, and medals that are thrown within the standard during the throwing period. The inserted medal detection unit 124b for detecting the passage of the coin is provided. Here, the medals guided to the medal discharge port 108a are discharged to the tray section 108. If the player inserts more medals than the maximum specified number (for example, 3) out of a plurality of specified numbers which is the bet number of medals necessary to start one game, the maximum specified number is exceeded. Additional medals are electrically stored (hereinafter simply referred to as credit) inside the slot machine 100 (main RAM 200c) with a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 50). The above 1 game will be described later in detail.

Further, here, a plurality of specified numbers is set from "1" to "3". It should be noted that the player can arbitrarily select the prescribed number of sheets required to execute one game from a plurality of prescribed sheet numbers, and the maximum one of the plurality of prescribed sheet numbers is called the maximum prescribed number, and the minimum number is set. It is called the minimum specified number. In the present embodiment, the maximum specified number is “3” and the minimum specified number is “1”.

The bet switch 126 is a push-type button switch for betting the maximum specified number of medals out of credited medals. When the bet switch 126 is pressed in a state where the maximum specified number of medals have been credited, the maximum specified number of medals are bet and the stored number is reduced by the maximum specified number. When the bet switch 126 is pressed while the medals of less than the maximum specified number are credited, all the stored medals are bet and the stored number is reduced to 0.

The start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation section installation base 122 is composed of a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a start operation of one game by the player. Further, the start switch 128 can be configured by a button switch that can detect a pressing operation.

A colorless and transparent symbol display window 136 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided in the lower center of the front upper door 104, and a reel is provided at a position corresponding to the symbol display window 136 in the housing 102. A unit 134 is provided. As shown in the reel symbol array of FIG. 3A, the reel unit 134 includes three reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, in each of which a plurality of types of symbols are arrayed in each region equally divided into 21, respectively. It is provided so as to be independently rotatable, and the player can visually recognize the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c through the symbol display window 136. The reel unit 134 starts the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, triggered by the operation of the start switch 128.

The stop switch 130 located in the center of the operation section installation base 122 is a button switch provided corresponding to each of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c and capable of detecting the pressing operation of the player, and the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. The stop operation of the player who tries to stop each is detected. Note that the three button switches related to the stop switch 130 are stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c in order from the left according to their positions.

In this way, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped by the stop operation through the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c, respectively. Here, an effective line is provided as shown in FIG. 3B so that the player can understand the stop mode. The number of active lines is one, and specifically, among the nine symbols (3 reels×3 stages of upper, middle, and lower) facing the symbol display window 136, it corresponds to the symbols stopped in the middle stages of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. The line connecting the positions is set as an effective line A for determining the winning of the winning combination. In addition, if the winning combination is difficult to be grasped only by the symbol combination displayed on the effective line A, the invalid line displays another symbol combination for facilitating the grasp of the winning symbol. It is a line other than the valid line A that is not used, and in this embodiment, four invalid lines B1, B2, C1, and C2 shown in FIG. 3B are assumed.

A liquid crystal display unit (image display unit) 138 that displays various images associated with the effect is provided substantially in the center of the upper portion of the front upper door 104. Further, an effect lamp 142 configured by, for example, a high-luminance light emitting diode (LED) is provided on the upper portion or the left and right of the front upper door 104.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 138 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and the left and right positions of the inner surface on the back surface of the front lower door 106, speakers that perform auditory effects such as sound effects and musical sounds 140 is provided. Furthermore, below the reel unit 134 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 264 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 108a is provided. The medal payout device 264 includes a medal storage unit 264a for storing medals, a payout control unit 264b for discharging the medals stored in the medal storage unit 264a from the medal discharge port 108a, and medals discharged from the medal discharge port 108a. And a payout medal detection unit 264c for detecting.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inside of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c corresponds to the symbol display window 136 among the symbols applied to each reel 134 (valid line A or invalid line B1). , B2, C1, C2) reel reels 144 (see FIG. 4) for individually and independently irradiating the top, middle, and bottom symbols of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c from the back surface are provided. .. Further, a reel upper light 146 that directly illuminates the front surfaces of all the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is also provided on the upper back surface of the symbol display window 136.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the operation section installation base 122, a main credit display section 152 and a main payout display section are provided on a substantially horizontal plane of a step section 122a provided between the symbol display window 136 and the stop switch 130. 154 is provided. Further, a sub-credit display section 156 and a sub-payout display section 158 are provided between the symbol display window 136 and the operation section installation base 122. The main credit display unit 152 and the sub credit display unit 156 display the number of stored coins stored internally, and the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158 display the payout number of medals. It should be noted that the sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 can also display various numerical values according to the effect.

A power switch 148 is provided at an arbitrary position inside the housing 102. The power switch 148 is configured by a switch such as a rocker switch that can detect a pressing operation, and is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100 to switch between two states of a power-off state and a power-on state. Used.

In the present embodiment, in the first game, a medal is inserted through the medal inserting section 124, a credited medal is inserted through the operation of the bet switch 126, or a replay combination is displayed on the activated line A. After either of the automatic insertion of medals based on the above, according to the operation of the start switch 128 by the player, the plurality of reels 134a, 134b, 134c are rotationally controlled and the winning combination lottery is executed to win the winning combination. The reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to the operated stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c are stopped and controlled according to the lottery result of the role lottery and the player's operation of the plurality of stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c, respectively. When the winning combination that can receive the payout is won, it means the game until the payout of the medal is executed. If the winning combination that can receive the payout of medals is non-winning or if the winning combination is not won, one game ends when all reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are stopped. However, the start of one game may be read as the operation of the start switch 128 by the player, instead of inserting the above medal or winning the replay combination. Further, the number of times that one game is repeated is defined as the number of games.

(Electrical configuration of the 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 mainly controlled by the control board. Here, as an example of the control board, a main control board 200 and a sub-control board 202 that share the functions of the control board will be described. For example, of the programs related to the progress of the game, particularly important processing such as lottery of winning combinations to be used for the game and winning thereof is executed by the main control board 200, and other processing related to, for example, effects is performed on the sub control board 202. Running in. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, transmission of an electrical signal between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is performed from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention and the like. Limited to direction only. However, if there is no such limitation, electrically two-way communication is technically possible.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs, a main RAM 200c that functions as a work area, and the like, and controls the entire slot machine 100 as a whole. To do. However, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 200c, and even when the power is turned off, the data is not erased unless the setting is changed and the main RAM 200c is initialized. Retained.

Further, the main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on a program stored in the main ROM 200b. The initializing means 300, the betting means 302, the winning lottery means 304, and the reel control means. It has functional units such as 306, a determination unit 308, a payout control unit 310, a state transition unit 312, a command determination unit 314, and a command transmission unit 316.

The initialization unit 300 executes an initialization process in the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets a medal for use in a game. Here, the bet is based on the case where the credited medal is inserted through the operation of the bet switch 126, the case where the medal is inserted through the medal inserting section 124, and the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A. Includes both cases of automatically inserting medals. The winning combination lottery means 304 selects one of a plurality of winning combinations including a small combination, a replay combination, a bonus combination, and a non-winning combination based on the bet of medals and the operation of the start switch 128. decide.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the plurality of reels 134a, 134b, 134c in response to the operation of the start switch 128, and the plurality of stop switches 130a, 130b corresponding to the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c, respectively. According to the operation of 130c, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to the operated stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c are stopped and controlled. In addition, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switch 130 in the previous game in response to the operation of the start switch 128, and then displays the lottery result of the winning combination lottery by the player. The time until the operation is validated (which is invalidated by the completion of the operation of the stop switch 130 in the previous game) is extended from the prescribed time (wait time, for example, 4.1 seconds), during which the reel 134a, There may be a case where a reel effect (freezing effect) in which the rotation control of 134b and 134c is performed in various modes is performed. Reel production does not activate any switch that should be valid for a predetermined time, suspends the process that should be originally performed for a predetermined time, or transmits or receives the signal of any switch that should be originally transmitted or received for a predetermined time. It can also be realized by not doing it.

The determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination lottery is displayed on the activated line A. Here, displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination lottery on the activated line A may be simply referred to as winning. The payout control means 310 pays out the medals corresponding to the winning combination based on that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the activated line A (winning). .. The state transition means 312 transitions the game state based on the winning of the bonus combination and the winning of the winning combination.

The command determination means 314 sequentially determines commands relating to the game accompanying the operations of the bet means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the state transition means 312, and the like. The command transmission unit 316 sequentially transmits the commands determined by the command determination unit 314 to the sub control board 202.

The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from the inserted medal detection unit 124b, the bet switch 126, the start switch 128 and the stop switch 130, and based on the received detection signals, the bet means 302 and the winning lottery means. The 304, the reel control means 306, and the determination means 308 execute the various processes described above. Further, a main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit 154 are connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control unit 310 displays the number of stored medals and the number of payouts on both the display units 152 and 154. Control.

A reel drive control unit 258 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive control unit 258 drives the stepping motor 262 based on the rotation start signal of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 128, and also the stop switch. In response to the operation signal of 130, the driving of the stepping motor 262 is stopped based on the stop signals of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c and the detection signal of the rotational position detection circuit 260, which are transmitted from the reel control means 306.

A medal payout device 264 is connected to the main control board 200. The detection signal of the payout medal detection unit 264c is input to the main control board 200, and the payout control unit 310 counts the number of paid-out medals according to the detection signal and outputs from the payout control unit 264b. Control the ejection of medals.

The main control board 200 is also provided with a random number generator 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops within a predetermined total number (for example, 65536) (0 to 65535), and generates (acquires) a random number by extracting the count value at a predetermined time point. A random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as a winning combination lottery random number) is used for determining a winning combination by a gaming profit given to the player, for example, a winning combination lottery means 304. ..

(Sub-control board 202)
The sub-control board 202, like the main control board 200, has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub-CPU 202a that is a central processing unit, a sub-ROM 202b that stores programs and the like, a sub-RAM 202c that functions as a work area, and the like. Based on the command from the main control board 200, the effect is particularly controlled. Further, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 202c as in the main RAM 200c, and even when the power is turned off, the data is retained without being erased. Note that the sub-control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator 202d like the main control board 200, and the random numbers generated by the random number generator 202d (hereinafter referred to as effect lottery random numbers) are mainly in the form of effect. Used to make a decision.

Further, the sub control board 202 functions by the sub CPU 202a working in cooperation with the sub RAM 202c based on a program stored in the sub ROM 202b, such as an initialization determining unit 330, a command receiving unit 332, and an effect control unit 334. It has a functional part.

The initialization determining unit 330 executes the initialization process in the sub control board 202. The command receiving unit 332 receives a command from another control board such as the main control board 200, and processes the command. The effect control unit 334 determines the effect of the game performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142 based on the winning combination command. Specifically, the effect control unit 334 includes the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub credit display unit 156, the sub payout display unit 158, and the like. The illumination data for the presentation through the illumination device is determined, and the audio data forming the audio to be output from the speaker 140 is determined. Then, the effect control unit 334 executes the effect of the determined game.

The effect includes an effect executed by the main control board 200 such as the reel effect described above and an effect executed by the sub control board 202. The effect executed by the sub-control board 202 is a liquid crystal display unit 138, a speaker 140, an effect lamp 142, a reel backlight 144, a reel upper light 146, a sub credit display unit 156, and a sub payout display unit as the game progresses. It is a visual and auditory expression means provided through 158 and the like, which can give a story to the game and suggest the result of the winning lottery with a more dynamic image. In such an effect, for example, an effect suggesting that the bonus game is won can be performed over a plurality of games to enhance the player's expectation. In addition, even if you have not won any winning combination, it is possible to make the player have an expectation of high dividends and prevent the player from getting tired, through the production as if he or she is also winning. It will be possible. By linking the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 described above, various game characteristics can be constructed. Hereinafter, the main game modes will be described in detail.

(Table used in main control board 200)
In the slot machine 100, a plurality of game states are provided, and the game states transit as the game progresses. Then, in the main control board 200, a plurality of winning combination lottery tables and the like corresponding to the gaming states managed by the state shifting means 312 are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning combination lottery means 304 extracts and extracts the corresponding winning combination lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current game state stored in the main RAM 200c (a game state based on the presence or absence of a bonus combination described later). Based on the winning combination lottery table and the current set value, it is determined which winning combination or non-winning prize in the winning combination lottery table the winning combination lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal of the start switch 128 corresponds to. Here, the set value indicates the ease of obtaining the game profit step by step, and the higher the numerical value of the set value, the easier the game profit is obtained. The set value is generally determined by the hall-side administrator at least at the start of the game, and the player cannot acquire or change the set value during the game.

Here, the winning combination extracted in the winning combination lottery table includes a replay combination, a small combination, and a bonus combination. The state in which the symbol combinations corresponding to such a winning combination are displayed on the activated line A is called display or winning, and the state until the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed is displayed. It will be in a winning state. When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A, the replay combination of the winning combinations is a combination in which the player can execute one game again without making a new bet on the medal. The small winning combination is a winning combination in which a symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the activated line A so that a predetermined number of medals can be paid out in accordance with the symbol combination. Further, the bonus combination is a winning combination in which the game state managed by the state transition unit 312 can be shifted to the bonus game state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the activated line A. .. The gaming profits given to the winning combinations and the players will be described below.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning combination, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a transition of a game state.

Further, in the present embodiment, as a winning combination, as shown in FIG. 5, a winning combination “replay”, “bell”, “cherry”, “watermelon”, “big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB”)” is provided. Has been. Of these, the winning combination “Replay” corresponds to the replay combination, the winning combinations “Bell”, “Cherry”, and “Watermelon” correspond to the small combinations, and the winning combination “BB” corresponds to the bonus combination.

(Role of replay)
As a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination "Replay" is won, the symbol "Replay" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, which is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Replay" shown in FIG. When the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "replay" is displayed on the activated line A, when the symbol combination is displayed on the activated line A, as described above, the player does not make a bet and one game (replay) is performed again. ) Can be performed.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the stop switch 130 is pressed by the player, when the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are on the activated line A, the reel control means 306 is used. The stop control is performed so that the symbol stops on the activated line A. Further, when the stop switch 130 is pressed, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are not on the activated line A, but in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c. When it exists within the range (drawing range) corresponding to four symbols, the reel control means 306 sets the number of symbols that are distant as the number of sliding symbols, and forms a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination. Stop control is performed so as to stop after the rotation is maintained for the number of sliding pieces so as to draw the design on the effective line A. Further, when there are a plurality of symbols corresponding to the winning combinations on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, and all are within the pull-in range of each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, according to a predetermined priority order. Which symbol is drawn on the effective line A is determined, and stop control is performed so as to stop after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding symbols so that the prioritized symbol is drawn on the effective line A. In addition, when the stop switch 130 is pressed, when the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination other than the winning combination are on the activated line A, the reel control means 306 changes the symbol. A so-called kick-off process for preventing the stop on the effective line A is also executed in parallel.

Then, on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Replay" are arranged so as to be always displayed on the activated line A by the above stop control ( (See FIGS. 3 and 5). Specifically, the symbols composing the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay” are separated from each other by only the maximum four symbols in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, so that the stop control is always performed on the effective line A. Can be displayed in. In this way, when the winning combination “Replay” is won, the symbol combinations corresponding to these winning combinations “Replay” are always displayed on the activated line A. In this way, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “Replay” is displayed on the activated line A, the next one game can be started without inserting a medal.

(Small role)
As a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination "bell" is won, the symbol "bell" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, which is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "bell", is displayed. It becomes possible to display on the active line A, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "bell" is displayed on the active line A, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination (here, 9) is given to the player. Be paid out. Here, the symbols "bells" forming the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "bell" are separated from each other by only the maximum four symbols in each reel 134a, 134b, 134c (see FIGS. 3 and 5). ), like the winning combination “Replay”, it can be always displayed on the activated line A by the above stop control.

As a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination "cherry" is won, the symbol "cherry" written on the reel 134a, which is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "cherry", can be displayed on the activated line A. When the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "cherry" is displayed on the activated line A, the number of medals (three in this case) corresponding to the winning combination is paid out to the player. In addition, "ANY" shown in the winning combination "cherry" indicates that any symbol may be stopped on the corresponding activated line A. However, on the reel 134a, the symbols "cherry" forming the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "cherry" are arranged so that they may not be displayed on the activated line A even by the above stop control ( (See FIGS. 3 and 5). Therefore, even if the winning combination "cherry" is won, a so-called missed item may occur, and the player is not always able to display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "cherry" on the activated line A.

As a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination "watermelon" is won, the symbol "watermelon" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, which is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "watermelon", is the effective line A. When the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “watermelon” is displayed on the activated line A, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination (here, 15) is paid out to the player. However, in each of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the symbol "watermelon" forming the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "watermelon" may not be displayed on the activated line A even by the above stop control. Arranged (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Therefore, even if the winning combination "watermelon" is won, a so-called missed item may occur, and the player is not always able to display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "watermelon" on the activated line A.

(Bonus part)
As a result of the winning combination lottery, when the winning combination "BB" is won, the symbol "red" written on each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, which is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" shown in FIG. 7” can be displayed on the activated line A, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” is displayed on the activated line A, the gaming state is set to the bonus gaming state and the next one game (hereinafter, After that, the game can be executed in the bonus game state until a predetermined number (for example, 297) of medals are paid out. In each reel 134a, 134b, 134c, the symbol "red 7" is arranged so that it may not be displayed on the activated line A even with the above stop control (see FIGS. 3 and 5). ). Therefore, even if the winning combination “BB” is won, the player cannot always display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” on the activated line A.

When one of the winning combinations described above is won, the internal winning flags corresponding to the respective winning combinations are established (ON), and the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are set in accordance with the establishment status of the internal winning flags. Stop control will be performed. At this time, although the winning combination is won, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination cannot be displayed on the activated line A within the one game, the internal winning flag is reached after the end of the one game. Is turned off. In other words, the winning right of the small win is limited to only one game in which the small win is won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. In addition, when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning combination "Replay" which is a replay role is established, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Replay" is always displayed on the activated line A, and the next medal is required without a medal. After the processing required for playing the game is performed, the internal winning flag is turned off. On the other hand, when the winning combination “BB” is won, the BB internal winning flag is established (ON), and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” is displayed on the activated line A. The BB internal winning flag is carried over across games.

(Transition of game state)
Here, the BB internal winning flag will be specifically described together with the transition of the game state. When the BB internal winning flag is established, the gaming state managed by the main control board 200 is a bonus winning combination, as shown in (1) of FIG. 6, depending on the establishment status of the BB internal winning flag. From the bonus non-established game state not winning "BB" to the bonus established game state corresponding to the bonus game state preparation state, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are each stopped based on the bonus established game state. At this time, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” cannot be displayed on the activated line A, the BB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game as it is (the bonus winning game state is maintained). In the next and subsequent games, it is possible to display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" on the activated line A. Then, when the player displays the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” on the activated line A, the gaming state shifts from the bonus-established gaming state to the bonus gaming state, as shown in (2) of FIG. To do. In addition, in the bonus game state, when a predetermined number (for example, 297) of medals are paid out, the game state shifts from the bonus game state to the bonus non-established game state as shown in (3) of FIG. . However, as indicated by the broken line arrow in (4) of FIG. 6, in the game in which the winning combination “BB” is established in the bonus non-established gaming state, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” is placed on the activated line A. When it is displayed, the bonus game state is directly entered without going through the bonus game state.

(Winning role lottery table)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a winning combination lottery table used when determining a winning combination lottery random number. In the winning combination lottery table, a plurality of winning regions are sectioned, and the winning combination to be selected in the lottery may differ depending on each gaming state. In FIG. 7, a winning area (winning combination) assigned to each gaming state (non-bonus winning gaming state, bonus winning gaming state, bonus gaming state) is represented by “◯”. Therefore, a winning area in which "○" is not written indicates that it is not assigned to that gaming state. Each divisional winning area is associated with a predetermined number (winning range value), which is a numerical value indicating the winning range, and a winning combination, and the number of all winning areas assigned for each gaming state. The total of the winning combination lottery random numbers (65536). Therefore, the probability that each winning combination is determined is a value obtained by dividing the number associated with the winning area by the total number of the winning combination lottery random numbers. The winning combination lottery means 304, based on the gaming state at that time, sequentially obtains the number from the one having the highest number in the plurality of winning regions in the relevant winning combination lottery table, and obtains this number as the winning combination lottery random number. When the subtracted value becomes less than 0, the winning combination associated with the winning area at that time is set as the lottery result. The procedure of the lottery can be applied to other lottery.

In addition, the winning combination targeted for the lottery differs depending on each game state. For example, in FIG. 7, when the bonus non-established gaming state and the bonus established gaming state are compared, the former draws a winning combination “BB”, whereas the latter draws a winning combination “BB”. Not not. This is because, in the latter case, since the winning combination “BB” has already been won, the winning combination “BB” cannot be repeatedly won. In the latter case, the winning probability of the winning combination “replay” is set higher than in the former case. Further, according to the bonus game state of FIG. 7, the lottery for the winning combination “BB” is not repeated, and the lottery for the winning combination “Replay” and the winning combination “Watermelon” is not performed. In addition, since the winning role "bell" is set to be won with a high probability, the expected number of coins that indicates the average number of coins that can be acquired in one game is higher than that in the non-bonus game state or the bonus game state. It's getting higher. In addition, the winning area 0 of the winning combination lottery table is associated with "unwinning", and when "unwinning" is determined by the winning combination lottery, the symbol combination corresponding to any winning combination shown in FIG. Is not displayed on the activated line A, and medals are not paid out. However, in the bonus-established gaming state (the BB internal winning flag is ON), when "unwinning" is determined by the winning combination lottery, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "BB" can be displayed on the activated line A.

Hereinafter, specific processing in the main control board 200 will be described based on a flowchart.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, along with the main processing of the main control board 200, an outline of one game after initialization will be described. Although detailed description is omitted, when each process is performed, the switches (the bet switch 126, the start switch 128, the stop switches 130a, 130b, and 130c) used in each process are activated at the start of the process. , Invalidated at the end of processing.

(Step S100)
When the slot machine 100 is powered on via the power switch 148 and becomes in the energized state, the initialization means 300 executes an initialization process in preparation for the start of a game. The initialization means 300 generates backup data as needed while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power failure occurs, it is possible to restore the state before power failure by using the retained backup data in this initialization processing. For example, even if an unexpected power failure occurs during the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are restarted after the returning operation. Therefore, in the initialization processing, basically, the main RAM 200c is not initialized (RAM clear).

(Step S200)
Further, when the bet number is changed, the command determination means 314 generates a throw command indicating the changed bet number and the stored number, and the command transmission means 316 outputs the generated throw command to the sub control board 202. Send to. The betting process S200 will be described later in detail.

(Step S300)
Next, the winning combination lottery means 304 validates the game start operation for the start switch 128 and shifts to the operation waiting state of the start switch 128. Here, the winning combination lottery means 304 operates the start switch 128 from the winning combination lottery random number updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 according to the operation of the start switch 128 by the player. The winning lottery random number of 1 is acquired. Then, the winning combination lottery means 304 determines which winning region the acquired winning combination lottery random number corresponds to, based on the winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 7 and the currently set gaming state. The winning combination or un-winning of the determined winning area is determined as the lottery result. In addition, after the lottery result is determined in response to the operation of the start switch 128, the command determination means 314 generates a winning combination command including the lottery result (winning combination or non-winning) of the winning combination lottery and the gaming state. Then, the command transmitting unit 316 transmits the generated winning combination command to the sub control board 202. In addition, the state transition means 312 shifts the gaming state from the bonus non-established gaming state to the bonus established gaming state based on winning the winning combination "BB" in the bonus non-established gaming state.

(Step S400)
When the start switch 128 is operated, the reel control means 306 drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the reels 134a, 134b, 134c. In this reel rotation processing, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the start of the rotation of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in the previous game (wait), the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in the game concerned. When the rotation is started and all the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are rotated at the constant speed, the process is moved to step S500. In addition, the reel control means 306 may execute a reel effect.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, when the reel control means 306 validates the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c and accepts the operation of the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c by the player, one of the reels 134a, 134b, 134c corresponding to the operation is received. Stop control. When any of the stop switches 130a, 130b, 130c is operated, the command determination means 314 outputs a stop command (first stop command, second stop command) indicating information on the operated stop switch 130a, 130b, 130c. A stop command, a third stop command) is generated each time the operation is performed, and the command transmission unit 316 sequentially transmits the generated stop commands to the sub control board 202.

(Step S600)
Next, the determination means 308 determines which predetermined combination the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A shown in FIG. 3(b) corresponds to, and the game state of the game state is determined according to the symbol combination. Performs various processes required for changes and replays. Further, the command determination means 314 generates a winning command including the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A and the payout number of medals when the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the activated line A. The command transmitting means 316 transmits the generated winning command to the sub control board 202. In addition, the state transition means 312 transitions the gaming state from the bonus established gaming state to the bonus gaming state based on the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” being displayed on the activated line A in the bonus established gaming state. ..

(Step S700)
Then, based on the determination result in step S600, when the symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the activated line A, the payout control unit 310 executes the payout process of the medals corresponding to the small winning combination. When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the activated line A, a process for betting the next game is automatically executed. Further, the state transition means 312 transitions the gaming state from the bonus gaming state to the bonus non-established gaming state when a predetermined number of medals are paid out in the bonus gaming state. In this way, the payout control means 310 performs various processes corresponding to the symbol combination displayed on the activated line A, and ends the one game. Further, when the payout process of the medal is performed, the command determination means 314 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been performed, and the command transmission means 316 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. After that, steps S200 to S700 are repeated.

(Noise terminal voltage measurement)
Various restrictions are imposed on the slot machine 100 in terms of both software and hardware. For example, in terms of software, a gaming machine test for determining whether the game progresses properly in the slot machine 100 and whether the payout performance is appropriate (the test machine The connection specifications (4th edition) must be met. In terms of hardware, it is necessary to confirm by inspection that the slot machine 100, which is positioned as “electrical equipment other than specified electrical equipment” in the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (PSE method), meets the technical standards. The latter test includes, among other things, noise terminal voltage measurement to determine whether electromagnetic noise leaking to the outside via the power cable meets a predetermined noise level condition.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the noise terminal voltage measurement. In the noise terminal voltage measurement, the slot machine 100 to be tested is placed in the shield room and adjusted to a predetermined height. Then, power is supplied to the slot machine 100 from the commercial power supply through the noise cut transformer 350 and the pseudo power supply network 352. In this state, the conductive noise from the slot machine 100 in the pseudo power supply network 352 is detected by the spectrum analyzer 354 and the like, and the frequency and its noise level are measured.

Specifically, in the spectrum analyzer 354, the frequency of peak noise is specified while narrowing the sweep frequency for the peak of noise level (peak noise), and the maximum noise level is measured through the quasi-peak (QP) detection function. .. If the frequency spectrum thus derived satisfies a predetermined noise level condition, for example, if it is 56 dBμV or less at 0.55 MHz to 5 MHz and 60 dBμV or less at 5 MHz to 30 MHz, then the slot machine 100 will generate the noise terminal voltage. Regarding the measurement, it means that it complies with the technical standards of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law.

Electromagnetic noise, which is a cause of such conductive noise, is generally easily affected by a digital signal (square wave). Therefore, the noise level can be reduced as the sampling frequency of the digital signal is lower (the sampling period is longer) in the harness between the boards in the slot machine 100 or the serial communication through the boards. However, if the sampling frequency is lowered carelessly, the amount of information that can be transmitted per unit time decreases, which may hinder the progress of the game. Here, first, the lower limit data transmission rate capable of properly transmitting the amount of information necessary for the progress of the game is specified, and then the upper limit data transmission rate that conforms to the technical standard in the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law is specified.

(Lower limit data transmission rate)
As described above, in the sub control board 202, the effect control unit 334 determines the effect of the game performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a control mode of the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142 on the sub-control board 202, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control mode common to them. .. The sub CPU (CPU) 202a provided on the sub control board 202 functions as the effect control unit 334 in cooperation with the programs stored in the sub ROM 202b and the sub RAM 202c. The effect control means 334 decodes the command transmitted from the main control board 200, and determines the effect pattern (content indicating a series of flow of effect) corresponding to the command. Then, the effect control unit 334 transmits a command to each device such as the image IC 360a, the music IC 362a, and the controller 364 to execute the effect based on the determined effect pattern.

Such an effect is always executed as an interrupt process while the power is on, and is completed within a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, 16.66 msec). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the performance control unit 334 waits for the arrival of a predetermined interrupt period (for example, 16.66 msec) (NO in S10), and when the predetermined interrupt period arrives (YES in S10), Image data based on the effect pattern (data corresponding to the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 in the effect indicated by the effect pattern) is determined (S11). Then, the effect control unit 334 transmits an image command capable of specifying image data to the image IC 360a (S12), and repeats the processing from step S10. The image IC 360a is also called a VDP (Video Display Processor) and reads out image data specified by an image command from the image ROM 360b to the image RAM (VRAM) 360c, and sequentially outputs the image data to the liquid crystal display unit 138. An image of some kind is always displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138. Therefore, the effect control unit 334 always determines the image data for each interrupt cycle. The image RAM 360c has different layers, and each layer can hold different image data. Then, the image IC 360a superimposes the image data held in the plurality of layers, and outputs the superposed image data to the liquid crystal display unit 138.

When the predetermined interrupt period arrives, the effect control unit 334 continues the control for the image IC 360a and, subsequently, the music data based on the effect pattern (corresponding to the music output to the speaker 140 among the effects indicated by the effect pattern. Data). Then, the effect control unit 334 transmits a music command that can specify the music data to the music IC 362a. The music piece IC 362a reads the music piece data specified by the music piece command from the music piece ROM 362b to the music piece IC 362a, and sequentially outputs the music piece data to the speaker 140. Note that some music is always output to the speaker 140. Therefore, the effect control unit 334 always determines the music data for each interrupt cycle. 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 140.

When the predetermined interrupt period arrives, the effect control unit 334 continues the control for the image IC 360a and the music piece IC362a, and subsequently, the illumination pattern based on the effect pattern (of the effect lamp 142 of the effect indicated by the effect pattern. Content indicating a series of lighting modes) is determined. Then, the effect control unit 334 transmits a command to the controller 364 based on the illumination pattern. According to the command, the controller 364 independently generates information regarding light emission (for example, luminance information) for the plurality of effect lamps (light emitting diodes) 142, and transmits the generated information regarding light emission through serial communication. .. The serial communication is used here for the purpose of suppressing the number of harnesses and simplifying the handling. In this way, the lighting of each of the plurality of effect lamps 142 is controlled independently. The effect lamp 142 is constantly turned on or off. Therefore, the effect control unit 334 always determines the illumination pattern for each interrupt cycle.

Here, a series of functional units such as the sub CPU 202a, the sub RAM 202c, the image IC 360a, the image ROM 360b, the image RAM 360c, the music IC 362a, the music ROM 362b, and the controller 364 are one integrated circuit as a SoC (System-on-a-Chip). Are collected in. However, it is possible to arbitrarily set which functional unit is integrated in the SoC.

As described above, the effect control unit 334 determines the effect pattern during the predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, 16.66 msec), and the image IC 360a, the music IC 362a, and the controller 364 through the liquid crystal display unit 138 and the speaker. 140 and the effect lamp 142 are controlled. From another perspective, the effect control unit 334 must complete the control of the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142 within a predetermined interrupt period (for example, 16.66 msec). If the control of the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker 140, and the effect lamp 142 is not completed within a predetermined interrupt cycle, the control may be interrupted by the next interrupt process or the next interrupt process may be skipped. (Unprocessed), which may give the player a feeling of strangeness in the production.

Here, focusing on the control of the effect lamp 142, a predetermined load ratio (%) in the interrupt period of 16.66 msec is allowed for the control of the effect lamp 142. The load ratio indicates the ratio of load that can be assigned to the device in the interrupt cycle. Therefore, the load allowable time, which is the time that can be allocated to the device, is derived by multiplying the interrupt period by the load ratio. For example, when the load ratio is 50%, the allowable load time 8.33 msec is derived by multiplying the interrupt period 16.66 msec by the load ratio 50% (0.5). Further, assuming that the load allowable time is used all (full time), when a plurality of effect lamps 142 are controlled in parallel, the data transmission rate in serial communication of the controller 364 is the number of effect lamps 142×unit. It can be expressed by the number of bits required for the effect lamp/allowable load time. This data transmission rate is the minimum data transmission rate that can appropriately transmit the information amount for controlling the plurality of effect lamps 142 in parallel, that is, the lower limit data transmission rate.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the lower limit data transmission rate. In FIG. 12, the horizontal axis shows the number of effect lamps 142, and the vertical axis shows the lower limit data transmission rate. As can be understood with reference to FIG. 12, the number of effect lamps 142 and the lower limit data transmission rate are in a proportional relationship, and the lower the number of effect lamps 142, the higher the lower limit data transmission rate. Further, FIG. 12 shows changes in the lower limit data transmission rate when the load ratios are 50%, 40%, and 30%, respectively. As can be understood with reference to FIG. 12, even if the number of effect lamps 142 is the same, the lower limit data transmission rate becomes lower as the load ratio becomes higher. Here, assuming a case where the load ratio is 50% and the number of effect lamps 142 is 400, the lower limit data transmission rate is 520 kHz, as shown in FIG.

Although the lower limit data transmission rate is set to 520 kHz in the above description, an appropriate divided frequency may be selected according to the internal clock of the slot machine 100. In addition, here, an example of deriving the lower limit data transmission rate as a load ratio of 50% and the number of effect lamps 400 is described, but the load ratio and the number of effect lamps 142 are different for each model of the slot machine 100. It goes without saying that it can be set arbitrarily.

(Upper limit data transmission speed)
Next, the upper limit data transmission rate that meets the technical standards of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law will be described. For example, the higher the data transmission rate of the controller 364 described above, the greater the amount of information that can be transmitted. However, if the data transmission rate is carelessly increased, the frequency spectrum cannot satisfy the predetermined noise level condition in the noise terminal voltage measurement described with reference to FIG. For example, when the noise terminal voltage is measured at a data transmission rate of 1000 kHz, it becomes 62 dBμV in the vicinity of 15.5 MHz, and it is 56 dBμV or less at 0.55 MHz to 5 MHz and 60 dBμV or less at 5 MHz to 30 MHz. Will not meet.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the data transmission rate and the noise level. Here, the horizontal axis represents the data transmission rate, and the vertical axis represents the maximum value of the difference between the noise level condition and the frequency spectrum. Higher data rates result in higher noise levels and higher overall frequency spectrum. Along with this, as can be understood with reference to FIG. 13, the maximum value of the difference between the noise level condition and the frequency spectrum (frequency spectrum-noise level condition) increases, and for example, when the data transmission rate becomes 1000 kHz, That value becomes a positive value, that is, the frequency spectrum does not satisfy the noise level condition.

Therefore, the data transmission rate satisfying the predetermined noise level is 700 kHz or less where the maximum difference between the noise level condition and the frequency spectrum is 0. The maximum value (700 kHz) satisfying the noise level condition is set as the upper limit data transmission rate.

Although the data transmission rate of the serial communication from the controller 364 has been described as an example here, the sampling frequency in the transmission of other data may be targeted. Further, it goes without saying that the upper limit data transmission rate can be set to different values depending on the model of the slot machine 100, the arrangement and positional relationship of each board, the connection mode between each board, and the like.

In this way, if the data transmission rate is from the lower limit data transmission rate to the upper limit data transmission rate, that is, any value between 520 kHz and 700 kHz, the slot concerned while appropriately transmitting the amount of information necessary for the progress of the game. The machine 100 can be adapted to technical standards.

(Countermeasures against noise)
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the upper limit data transmission rate is specified as 700 kHz in order to adapt the slot machine 100 to the technical standard without processing each substrate. However, the upper limit data transmission rate can be increased by taking measures against noise on each board. For example, a noise suppression circuit in which ferrite beads and resistors are combined with a substrate (reel slave substrate) provided with a reel drive control unit 258 that connects the power source and the sub control substrate 202 and controls the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. By applying it, the noise level can be reduced. The ferrite beads function as an inductor and lose electric energy in a high frequency region.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the effect of the ferrite beads. Referring to FIG. 14, with respect to the rectangular wave of serial communication before processing, the rectangular wave of serial communication after processing in which a ferrite bead and a resistor (51 Ω) are applied has a smoother rising and falling, and in particular, The waveforms circled in the figure before processing disappear after processing. By applying the ferrite beads in this way, a predetermined noise level condition can be satisfied even when the data transmission rate is 1000 kHz. Therefore, the upper limit data transmission rate can be increased to at least 1000 kHz.

The ferrite beads and the resistors may be located at any position as long as they are power lines or communication lines. Further, here, an example in which ferrite beads and resistors are applied to the reel slave substrate has been described, but the target substrate may be any of the substrates provided in the slot machine 100. Further, here, the example in which the ferrite beads function as the inductor has been described, but the capacitor may function as the conductor to smooth the noise.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various alterations or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. To be done.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are arranged so as to share the function part for advancing the game, but the function part of the main control board 200 is provided in the sub-control board 202. Alternatively, the functional units of the sub-control board 202 may be provided on the main control board 200, or all the functional sections may be collectively provided on one control board.

In the above-described embodiment, the bonus game has been described as the game profit, but the present invention is not limited to such a case, and the selection win type in which the game profit is large overlaps with other wins, and the stop is a stop type. The operation mode of the switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is a predetermined operation mode (correct answer operation mode) among a plurality of operation modes, that is, a predetermined operation order (tapping order), a predetermined operation timing, or a combination thereof. When the selected winning type which is set as the winning condition of the selected winning combination is determined by the winning combination lottery, the effect control means 334 provides an auxiliary effect for notifying the correct operation mode serving as the winning condition of the selected winning combination. By doing so, the symbol combination corresponding to the selected winning combination can be easily displayed on the activated line A by the player, so-called AT (assist time), an AT effect state for executing or a replay winning combination. By setting the probability to be higher than the normal game and suppressing the consumption of medals, the lottery opportunity of the winning combination for the consumption of medals is increased, RT (replay time) games and the above AT and RT games are progressed at the same time. An ART game may be provided.

Further, the respective processes performed by the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 described above do not necessarily have to be performed in time series in the order described as the flowchart, and may be performed in parallel or by a subroutine.

100 slot machines (game machines)
126 bet switch 128 start switch 130a, 130b, 130c stop switch 134a, 134b, 134c reel 302 bet means 304 winning combination lottery means 306 reel control means 334 production control means

Claims (2)

A presentation control means for determining the effect pattern including an illumination pattern in accordance with the progress of Yu technique,
A production lamp,
Equipped with
Information regarding emission generated based on the illumination pattern is sent to the effect lamp through serial communication,
The data transmission rate of the serial communication is determined based on a load ratio that is a ratio of a load that can be assigned to the effect lamp in an interrupt cycle and the number of the effect lamps, and controls the effect lamp. A gaming machine having a minimum data transmission rate, which is the minimum data transmission rate capable of transmitting the amount of information to be played, or more. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a data transmission rate of the serial communication is equal to or lower than an upper limit data transmission rate which is a maximum data transmission rate at which a noise level in noise terminal voltage measurement satisfies a predetermined noise level.

Images