JP6929612B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is provided with a variable display unit capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each, and after the variable display unit is variable-displayed, the variable display of the variable display unit is stopped to derive a display result. , The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of generating a prize according to the display result.

A slot machine generally has a variable display unit having reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn as identification information on the outer peripheral portion, and a start switch is operated in a state where a predetermined bet number is set. When the reel starts to rotate and the stop switch is operated to stop the rotation of the reel, a predetermined symbol combination (for example, 7-7-7, hereinafter symbol combination is displayed as a combination of display results, or a combination) on the winning line. A prize is generated by deriving (also referred to as).

The types of roles include small roles, special roles, and replay roles. Here, when the display result corresponding to the small winning combination is derived on the winning line, the number of medals determined for each type of small winning combination is paid out. When the display result corresponding to the special role is derived on the winning line, the gaming state can be shifted to a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player, such as a regular bonus or a big bonus. When the display result corresponding to the replay combination is derived on the winning line, the next game can be played without consuming a new medal for setting the bet number.

In such a slot machine, a series of game sounds are continuously output from the speaker over a plurality of games during the bonus, and the time elapsed without operating the first stop switch after the operation of the start switch is predetermined. The game output from the speaker when the game sound stop time of is reached, or when the elapsed time elapsed without operating the next stop switch after operating one of the stop switches reaches the game sound stop time. There was a slot machine that reduced the volume of sound (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 5502264

Further, in the field of slot machines, a technique for executing delay control such as freeze that delays the progress of a game over a delay time is known. Such delay control may be performed, for example, when the start switch is operated, or when any stop switch is operated. However, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the execution of such delay control.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine capable of reducing the volume of a game sound at a suitable timing even when delay control is executed. Is.

(A) A variable display unit capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information, each of which can be identified, is provided.
In a slot machine in which a display result can be derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit after the variable display unit is displayed in a variable manner and a prize can be generated according to the display result.
A start operation means operated to start the variable display of the variable display unit, and
Derivation operation means operated by the player to derive the display result,
A delay control means capable of executing delay control that delays the progress of the game over a delay time,
Equipped with a game sound output means capable of outputting a game sound at a predetermined volume,
The delay control means can execute the delay control when making a suggestion regarding a privilege.
The game sound output means
If the delay control is not executed when the start operation of the start operation means is detected, the volume reduction counter is set at the timing related to the detection of the start operation, counting is started, and the volume reduction is performed. When the counter reaches a specific value, the volume of the game sound being output is reduced.
When the delay control is executed when the start operation of the start operation means is detected, the volume reduction counter is set at a timing related to the end of the delay control, counting is started, and the volume reduction is performed. When the counter reaches the specific value, the volume of the game sound being output is reduced.
After reducing the volume of the game sound being output, the volume of the game sound that was lowered when the derivation operation means is operated is restored.

(1) A variable display unit capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information, each of which can be identified, is provided, and after the variable display unit is variable-displayed, the variable display of the variable display unit is stopped to derive a display result. Then, in a slot machine (for example, slot machine 1) in which a prize can be generated according to the display result, a derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) operated by the player to derive the display result. A delay control means capable of executing a delay control for delaying the progress of the game over a delay time (for example, a process of executing the freeze by the main control unit 41) and a promotion notification for prompting the operation of the derivation operation means are executed. It is provided with possible promotion notification means (for example, operation promotion processing by the sub-control unit 91 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19), and the promotion notification means has a predetermined operation (for example, operation of the start switch 7 or stop switches 8L, 8C). , 8R operation) is detected and the delay control is not executed, the time elapsed without operating the derivation operation means after the detection of the predetermined operation reaches a predetermined time (for example, 95 seconds). When the promotion notification is executed (for example, the process of executing S27, S34, S41, S51, S58 by the sub-control unit 91 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19; see FIG. 20), and the predetermined operation is detected. When the delay control is executed, the promotion notification is executed when the elapsed time without operating the derivation operation means after the elapse of the delay time reaches a specific time (for example, 89 seconds) (for example, 89 seconds). , The process of executing S23, S29, S42, S44, S52, S59 by the sub-control unit 91 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 (see FIG. 20).

According to such a configuration, when the delay control is executed when the predetermined operation means is operated, the delay time is taken into consideration and the derived operation means is promoted by the elapsed time without being operated after the delay time elapses. Whether or not to execute the notification is determined. As a result, it is possible to prevent the promotion notification from being executed during the delay control, and even when the delay control is executed, the promotion notification can be executed at an appropriate timing.

(2) In the slot machine of the above (1), the specific time is the same time as the predetermined time (for example, refer to the column of [About the first notification counter and the second notification counter] of the modified example).

According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to change the criterion for determining the time elapsed without the derivation operation means being operated depending on whether or not the delay control is executed, so that the processing can be simplified. Further, it is not necessary to set in advance a dedicated determination standard to be used when the delay control is executed.

(3) In the slot machine of the above (1), the specific time is shorter than the predetermined time (for example, the specific time is 89 seconds while the predetermined time is 95 seconds).

According to such a configuration, even when the delay control is executed, it is possible to prevent the time until the promotion notification is executed becomes too long as compared with the case where the delay control is not executed.

(4) In any of the slot machines (1) to (3) above, the delay control means executes the delay control over a delay time selected from a plurality of types of delay times (for example,). , The process of executing the freeze lottery by the main control unit 41 shown in FIG. 16), the delay time of at least one of the plurality of types of delay times is longer than the predetermined time (for example, 130 as shown in FIG. 16). Freeze over seconds may be selected).

According to such a configuration, the time elapsed without operating the derivation operation means may reach a predetermined time during the delay time, but when the delay control is executed, the derivation operation is performed after the delay time elapses. Since it is determined whether or not to execute the promotion notification based on the time elapsed without the means being operated, it is possible to prevent the promotion notification from being executed during the delay control.

(5) In any of the slot machines (1) to (4) above, an acceleration means (for example, main control) that executes an acceleration process for accelerating the fluctuation speed of the fluctuation display of the variable display unit after the delay control is completed. The acceleration notification means is provided with the reel acceleration process by the unit 41), and when the delay control is executed when the predetermined operation is detected, the acceleration processing is executed at the timing when the acceleration process is executed after the lapse of the delay time. The measurement of the time elapsed without the derivation operating means being operated is started (see, for example, FIG. 20).

According to such a configuration, the timing of starting the measurement of the time elapsed without operating the derivation operation means is the same as the timing of executing the acceleration process after the lapse of the delay time, so that the measurement start timing is recognized. It can be made easier.

(6) In any of the slot machines (1) to (5) above, the game sound is output from the game sound output means (for example, the speakers 53 and 54 by the sub control unit 91) capable of outputting the game sound at a predetermined volume. The game sound output means further comprises a process of causing the game sound to be generated, and at the same time that the promotion notification is executed by the promotion notification means, the volume of the game sound being output is reduced (for example, the sub-control unit 91 shown in FIG. 19). Processing to execute S34 and S44 according to).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the surrounding players from being dissatisfied because the volume of the game sound is not lowered even though the derivation operation means is not operated.

(7) In the slot machine of the above (6), the game sound output means lowers the volume of the game sound being output, and then raises the volume of the game sound when the derivation operation means is operated. (For example, the process of executing S54 by the sub-control unit 91 shown in FIG. 18).

According to such a configuration, the volume of the game sound that has decreased when the derivation operation means is operated increases, so that the volume of the game sound remains decreased even though the derivation operation means is operated. It is possible to prevent the interest from being lowered.

(8) In the slot machine of the above (6), when the next game starts after the derivation operation means is operated after the game sound output means reduces the volume of the game sound being output. Increase the volume of the game sound (for example, see the [About the decrease in game sound] column of the modified example).

According to such a configuration, the volume of the reduced game sound increases when the next game is started after the derivation operation means is operated, so that the game sound is produced even though the derivation operation means is operated. It is possible to prevent the interest of the game from being lowered while the volume is lowered. Further, since the volume of the reduced game sound is increased when the next game is started, not when the derivation operation means is operated, the process for increasing the volume can be simplified.

It is a front view of the slot machine of the embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement of a reel. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the type of a small role, a special role, the symbol combination of a small role, a special role, and technical matters related to a small role, a special role. It is a figure for demonstrating the type of the re-game combination, the symbol combination of the re-game combination, and the technical matter related to the re-game combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the symbol combination of the transition roll, and the technical matter related to the transition roll. It is a figure for demonstrating the transition of a game state. It is a figure which shows the outline of the game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination of the lottery target combination read out as the lottery target combination for each game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination of the lottery target combination read out as the lottery target combination for each game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination of the combination which a prize is allowed by the lottery target combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the reel control at the time of winning a push order lip. It is a figure for demonstrating the reel control at the time of winning a push order bell. It is a figure for demonstrating the AT lottery table. It is a figure for demonstrating the freeze lottery table. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the timer interrupt process executed by a sub-control unit. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation promotion processing which a sub-control unit executes. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation promotion processing which a sub-control unit executes. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the measurement by the notification counter.

A mode for carrying out the slot machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples. In the following embodiments, an example will be described when the present invention is applied to a slot machine.

[Structure of Slot Machine] The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is composed of a housing 1a having an open front surface and a front door 1b rotatably pivotally supported at a side end of the housing 1a. ..

As shown in FIG. 3, reels 2L, 2C, 2R (hereinafter, left reel, middle reel, right) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer circumference are inside the housing 1a of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment. (Also referred to as reels) are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and as shown in FIG. 1, three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged on these reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are provided on the front door 1b. It is arranged so that it can be seen from 3. A liquid crystal display 51 is provided at the upper center of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a display area 51a, and the transmission area 51b corresponding to the perspective window 3 can be transmitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, 20 different types of symbols that can be distinguished from each other are drawn on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R in a predetermined order. The patterns drawn on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed in the upper, middle, and lower three stages in the see-through window 3 provided at substantially the center of the reel panel 1c of the front door 1b.

Each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is provided correspondingly and is rotated by reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 4), so that the symbols of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R are continuously provided in the perspective window 3. The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are displayed while changing, and the rotation of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, so that three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the perspective window 3 as a display result.

Inside the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, there are reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R that detect the reference position for each of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and a reel LED 55 that irradiates the reels 2L, 2C, 2R from the back. Is provided. The reel LED 55 is composed of 12 LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols of reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and each symbol can be independently irradiated.

A horizontally long rectangular see-through window 3 is provided at a position corresponding to each reel 2L, 2C, 2R on the front door 1b so that the reels 2L, 2C, 2R can be seen through from the front side. Each reel 2L, 2C, 2R can be visually recognized from the player side through the reel.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 1b has a medal insertion section 4 into which medals can be inserted, a medal payout exit 9 from which medals are paid out, and credits (the number of medals stored as a player-owned game value). MAXBET switch 6 operated when setting the maximum number of medals (3 in any gaming state in this embodiment) among the specified number of medals determined according to the gaming state within the range. , Settlement switch 10, which is operated when the medals stored as credits and the medals used for setting the number of bets are settled (the medals used for setting the credits and the number of bets are returned), and the game is started. The start switch 7 operated at the time, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R operated when stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and the effect switch 56 for use in the effect can be operated by the player. Each is provided.

In the present embodiment, of the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that have started rotation, the reel that stops first is referred to as the first stop reel, and the stop is referred to as the first stop or the first stop operation. .. Similarly, the reel that stops second is called the second stop reel, the stop is called the second stop or the second stop operation, the reel that stops third is called the third stop reel, and the stop is called the third stop reel. It is called 3 stop or 3rd stop operation. The first stop of the left reel 2L is referred to as a left first stop, the second stop of the left reel 2L is referred to as a left second stop, and the third stop of the left reel 2L is referred to as a left third stop. The first stop of the middle reel 2C is referred to as a middle first stop, the second stop of the middle reel 2C is referred to as a middle second stop, and the third stop of the middle reel 2C is referred to as a middle third stop. The first stop of the right reel 2R is referred to as a right first stop, the second stop of the right reel 2R is referred to as a right second stop, and the third stop of the right reel 2R is referred to as a right third stop.

In the present embodiment, the procedure for the player to operate the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R (also referred to as push order, stop operation order, and operation procedure) includes forward push, forward pinch push, middle left push, and middle right push. , Reverse pinch push, and reverse push are included. The forward push means a push order in which the middle reel 2C is secondly stopped after the left reel 2L is first stopped. The forward pinching push means a pushing order in which the left reel 2L is first stopped and then the right reel 2R is secondly stopped. The middle left push means a push order in which the middle reel 2C is first stopped and then the left reel 2L is secondly stopped. The middle right push means a push order in which the right reel 2R is secondly stopped after the middle reel 2C is first stopped. The reverse pinching push means a pushing order in which the right reel 2R is first stopped and then the left reel 2L is secondly stopped. The reverse push means a push order in which the right reel 2R is first stopped and then the middle reel 2C is secondly stopped.

The front door 1b is provided with a game display unit 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the game display unit 13 shows a credit display 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, the number of medals paid out due to the occurrence of a prize, and the contents when an error occurs. Game auxiliary display 12 that displays an error code, etc., 1BETLED14 that notifies by lighting that the number of bets is set to 1, 2BETLED15 that notifies by lighting that the number of bets is set to 2, and 3 settings to the number of bets. 3BETLED16 that notifies by lighting that the game is being inserted, insertion request LED17 that notifies by lighting that a medal can be inserted, and start effective LED18 that notifies by lighting that the game start operation by operating the start switch 7 is effective. , Waiting LED19 to notify by lighting that the wait (a state of waiting for the start of rotation of the reel because a certain period of time has not passed since the previous game start) is in progress, and lighting to indicate that the replay game is in progress. An LED 20 is provided during replay to notify. A replay game is a game started after the number of bets is automatically set.

Inside the MAXBET switch 6, a BET switch effective LED 21 (see FIG. 4) is provided to notify by lighting that the betting number setting operation by operating the MAXBET switch 6 is effective. Inside the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the left, middle, and right stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R (Fig.) Notify by lighting that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is effective. 4) are provided respectively.

Inside the front door 1b, there is a reset switch 23 that detects a reset operation to release an error state and a stop state (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until the reset operation is performed) by key operation, and a set value. A setting value display 24 that displays the setting value at that time while changing or checking the setting value, and a stop function that controls the stop state (the state in which the progress of the game is restricted until the reset operation is performed). Stop switch 36a for selecting valid / invalid, automatic settlement for selecting valid / invalid of the automatic settlement function that automatically setstles (returns) medals stored as credits regardless of the player's operation. To selectively switch the flow path of medals inserted from the switch 36b and the medal insertion unit 4 to either the hopper tank 34a (see FIG. 3) side provided inside the housing 1a or the medal payout outlet 9 side. 2. (See FIG. 4) is provided.

The inserted medal sensor 31 includes a plurality of sensors (for example, three) capable of detecting medals, so that the inserted medals can be detected in a predetermined order (in order from the upstream sensor). It is configured in. The main control unit 41 finds that the detection results of these plurality of sensors are the detection results (also referred to as proper detection results) when the medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are detected in a predetermined order. It is determined that the inserted medal sensor 31 detects the inserted medal or the passage of the inserted medal.

Further, inside the front door 1b, a stop switch 36a for selecting whether to enable / disable the stop function for controlling the stop state at the end of the AT (Assist Time) is provided. The AT is a period in which a navigation effect is executed in which the operation procedure of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is notified to the player in order to generate a predetermined prize. The AT is controlled on the condition that it has the navigation stock that is the right to AT control. The AT is controlled over a predetermined period based on the number of navigation stocks held. That is, the number of navigation stocks indicates the number of rights controlled by the AT, and the more the number of navigation stocks is held, the longer the number of navigation stocks is controlled by the AT. In the present embodiment, each time one Navistock is digested, the AT is controlled for 50 games. Further, the medal payout rate per game during AT is 1 or more. Therefore, it can be said that the navigation stock, which is the right to AT control, is an advantageous privilege for the player. The navigation stock is given when the player wins the AT lottery performed by the main control unit 41.

Inside the housing 1a, an external output board 1000 (see FIG. 4) for outputting a predetermined signal to an external device such as a reel unit 2 and a data display provided outside the slot machine 1, and a medal are inserted. The hopper tank 34a for storing the medals inserted from the unit 4, the hopper motor 34b for paying out the medals stored in the hopper tank 34a from the medal payout outlet 9 (see FIG. 4), and the hopper motor 34b are driven to pay out. A hopper unit 34 and a power supply box 100 including a payout sensor 34c (see FIG. 4) for detecting a medal are provided. The reel unit 2 includes reels 2L, 2C, 2R, reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 4), and reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R (see FIG. 4), which can detect the reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, respectively. (See FIG. 4) is provided.

An overflow tank 35 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper tank 34a is provided on the side of the hopper unit 34. Inside the overflow tank 35, a full tank sensor 35a (see FIG. 4) composed of a pair of conductive members separated to the left and right provided at a height at which a predetermined amount of stored medals can be detected is provided. When the conductive member conducts by contacting through the medals stored in the overflow tank 35, the amount of medals stored inside exceeds a predetermined amount, that is, the overflow tank is full. Is detected.

As shown in FIG. 4, the front surface of the power supply box 100 functions as a setting key switch 37 for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, and a reset switch for canceling an error state or a stop state in a normal state. However, in the setting change state, the reset / setting switch 38 that functions as a setting switch for changing the set value of the winning probability (ball output rate) of the internal lottery, and the power switch 39 that is operated when the power is turned on / off. Is provided.

The stop switch 36a, the automatic settlement switch 36b, the setting key switch 37, the reset / setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 inside the housing 1a cannot be operated unless the front door 1b is opened by key operation. Therefore, those switches inside the housing 1a can be operated only by the clerk of the amusement park, and cannot be operated by the player.

When playing a game on the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 4, or the number of bets is set using credits. To use the credit, operate the MAXBET switch 6. When the specified number of bets determined according to the game state is set, the winning line LN (see FIG. 1) becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, that is, the game can be started. Become. In the present embodiment, three bets are set as the specified number of bets, and when the specified number of bets is set, the winning line LN becomes valid. If more than the maximum number of medals are inserted out of the specified number corresponding to the gaming state, that amount will be added to the credit.

The winning line is a line set to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed on the see-through window 3 of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is a combination of symbols such as a small winning combination or a replay combination. In the present embodiment, these combinations are also referred to as "winning combination" or "winning combination", and the combination of symbols constituting either combination stops on the winning line to win a prize. Also called to do. For example, when a symbol combination constituting a re-game combination is derived on the winning line, a replay game is activated in which the player can play the next game without setting the number of bets using medals. Derivation of the symbol combinations that make up the re-game combination on the winning line is also referred to as the occurrence of re-game winning (replay winning).

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, only the winning line LN set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the middle stage of the reel 2L, the middle stage of the reel 2C, and the middle stage of the reel 2R, that is, the middle stage is the winning line. It is defined as. In the present embodiment, only one winning line is applied, but a plurality of winning lines may be applied.

In the present embodiment, invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are set separately from the winning line LN in order to make it easy to recognize that the winning line LN has a combination of symbols constituting the winning. The invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are not determined to win by the combination of the symbols aligned with the invalid lines LM1 to LM4. When the winning line LN has a combination of symbols that make up a specific winning, if any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 has the winning line LN, the winning combination of symbols (for example, bell-bell-bell) ) Are aligned, so that it is easy to recognize that the winning line LN has a combination of symbols constituting a specific winning.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the invalid lines LM1 and reel 2L set across the symbols arranged horizontally on the upper stage of the reel 2L, the upper stage of the reel 2C, and the upper stage of the reel 2R, that is, the upper stage, Lower, lower reel 2C, lower reel 2R, that is, invalid line LM2 set across the symbols arranged horizontally in the lower row, upper reel 2L, middle reel 2C, lower reel 2R, that is, downward to the right. There are four types of invalid lines: the invalid line LM3 set across the arranged symbols, the lower row of the reel 2L, the middle row of the reel 2C, and the upper row of the reel 2R, that is, the invalid line LM4 set across the symbols lined up to the right. It is defined as LM.

When the start switch 7 is operated while the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R change continuously. When any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the perspective window 3.

One game ends when all reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, and a predetermined combination of symbols (hereinafter, also referred to as a combination) on the winning line LN is a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. If it stops as, a prize will be generated. When a prize is awarded, a fixed number of credits will be added according to the prize. When the maximum number of credits (50 in this embodiment) is reached, medals are paid out from the medal payout exit 9 (see FIG. 1). When the combination of symbols that accompanies the transition of the gaming state stops on the winning line LN, the game state shifts to the gaming state according to the combination of symbols.

In the present embodiment, a configuration using three reels is illustrated, but a configuration using only one reel, a configuration using two reels, and a configuration using four or more reels are also possible. Often, in a configuration using two or more reels, a configuration may be used in which the winning is determined based on the combination of the display results derived on all the two or more reels. In the present embodiment, the variable display device is configured by a physical reel, but the variable display device may be configured by an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.

In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated after the game is started and the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate and the symbol changes start. In addition, the rotation of the reels corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is stopped, and the symbol is stopped and displayed. The maximum stop delay time from the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R to the stop of the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is 190 ms (milliseconds).

The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate 80 times per minute and change the symbol of 80 x 21 (the number of symbol frames per reel) = 1680 frames, so that a maximum of 4 frames can be drawn in 190 ms. be able to. That is, the symbols that can be selected as the stop symbols are the symbols that are displayed when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, and the symbols that are up to 4 frames ahead of them, for a total of 5 frames.

Therefore, for example, when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is operated, when the symbol displayed at the bottom of the reel corresponding to the stop switch is used as a reference, the symbol is up to 4 frames ahead. Since the symbol can be displayed in the lower row, it is displayed in the middle row of the reel corresponding to the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R when any of the stop switches 8L, 8C and 8R is operated in each of the reels 2L, 2C and 2R. It is possible to display the symbols arranged within 5 frames including the existing symbols on the winning line.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40, an effect control board 90, and a power supply board 101. The game control board 40 controls the game state, and the effect control board 90 controls the game state. The effect is controlled according to the above, and the power supply board 101 generates a drive power source for the electric components constituting the slot machine 1 and supplies the drive power source to each part.

An AC100V power supply is supplied to the power supply board 101 from the outside, and a DC voltage required for driving the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated from the AC100V power supply, so that the game control board 40 and the game control board 40 are generated. It is supplied to the effect control board 90 connected via. The power supply line that supplies power to the effect control board is directly connected from the power supply board 101 to the effect control board 90 without going through the game control board 40, and the power supply board 101 directly supplies power to the effect control board 90. May be supplied.

A hopper motor 34b, a payout sensor 34c, a full tank sensor 35a, a setting key switch 37, a reset / setting switch 38, and a power switch 39 are connected to the power supply board 101.

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

The game control board 40 includes a credit display 11, a game auxiliary display 12, 1-3 BETLEDs 14 to 16, input request LED 17, start effective LED 18, wait LED 19, replay LED 20, BET switch effective LED 21, left, middle, right. The stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R, the set value display 24, the flow path switching solenoid 30, the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are connected, and the hopper motor 34b is connected via the power supply board 101. The electrical components are driven under the control of the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40.

The game control board 40 is equipped with a main control unit 41 that controls the game. The main control unit 41 includes a main CPU 41a, a ROM 41b, a RAM 41c, and a microcomputer provided with an I / O port 41d. The game control board 40 includes a random number circuit 42 that generates random numbers in a predetermined range (0 to 65535 in the present embodiment), a pulse oscillator 43 that supplies a clock signal of a constant frequency to the random number circuit 42, and a game control board 40. The switch detection circuit 44 that detects the detection signal input from the switches connected directly to or via the power supply board 101, the motor drive circuit 45 that controls the drive of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, and the flow path switching. The solenoid drive circuit 46 that controls the drive of the solenoid 30, the LED drive circuit 47 that controls the drive of various indicators and LEDs connected to the game control board 40, and the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1 are monitored. When a voltage drop is detected, a power failure detection circuit 48 that outputs a voltage drop signal to that effect to the main control unit 41, and the main CPU 41a when the power is turned on or when an initialization command from the main CPU 41a is not input. A reset circuit 49 that gives a reset signal to the device and various other devices and circuits are mounted on the circuit.

The main CPU 41a is provided with an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibit function) such as a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt, executes a program stored in the ROM 41b to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and the game control board 40. It controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the device directly or indirectly. The ROM 41b stores fixed data such as a program executed by the main CPU 41a and various tables. The RAM 41c is used as a work area or the like when the main CPU 41a executes a program. The I / O port 41d inputs / outputs a control signal to / from each circuit connected via a signal input / output terminal included in the main control unit 41.

The backup power supply is supplied to the main control unit 41 even during a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 41c is held while the backup power supply is being supplied.

As a basic process, the main CPU 41a repeatedly loops the process according to the control state until the detection state of the various switches connected to the game control board 40 changes, and gradually loops the process according to the change in the detection state of the various switches. Execute the process of migrating to. The main CPU 41a is provided with an interrupt function so that the interrupt process can be executed by interrupting the basic process when the interrupt occurs, and responds to the input of the voltage drop signal output from the power failure detection circuit 48. The power interruption process (main) is executed, and the timer interrupt process (main) is executed at regular time intervals. The execution interval of the timer interrupt process (main) is set to be longer than the total time of the time in which the process repeated according to the control state in the basic process completes and the execution time of the timer interrupt process (main). The process that repeats according to the control state always completes at least one cycle between this time and the next timer interrupt process (main).

In the power interruption process, the execution of other interrupt processes is prohibited at the start of the process. Then, a process of saving all the registers that may be used in the RAM 41c is performed. This makes it possible to return to the original processing when the power failure is restored. Next, after initializing all the output ports, the RAM parity is calculated based on all the data stored in the RAM 41c and set in a predetermined parity storage area to prohibit RAM access. Then, it enters a loop process that does not perform any process. That is, if the voltage drops as it is, the operation is stopped internally. Therefore, the operation of the main control unit 41 is surely stopped when the power is cut off. In this way, in the power interruption process, the RAM parity at that time is calculated and stored in the parity storage area, and by comparing with the RAM parity calculated at the next startup, whether the data stored in the RAM 41c is normal or not. Can be confirmed.

The reset circuit 49 outputs a reset signal to the main control unit 41 when the voltage rises to a level at which the main control unit 41 can be started when the power is turned on, and activates the main control unit 41. The reset circuit 49 is main when the value of the reset counter is not cleared and counts up based on the signal periodically output from the main control unit 41, that is, when the main control unit 41 does not operate for a certain period of time. This is a circuit that outputs a reset signal to the control unit 41 and restarts the main control unit 41.

The main CPU 41a transmits various commands to the effect control board 90 via the I / O port 41d. Here, from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90, for example, using a unidirectional circuit such as a diode or a transistor, only in one direction (direction from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90). It is configured so that the signal cannot pass through. Therefore, the command transmitted from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is transmitted in only one direction, and the command is not transmitted from the effect control board 90 to the game control board 40. The command transmission from the game control board 40 to the effect control board 90 is performed by serial communication. The game control board 40 and the effect control board 90 are not limited to the configuration in which they are directly connected, and may be configured to be connected via, for example, a relay board.

An effect switch 56 is connected to the effect control board 90, and a detection signal of the effect switch 56 is input.

The effect control board 90 is connected to an effect device such as a liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 2), an effect LED 52, speakers 53, 54, and a reel LED 55 arranged on the front door 1b of the slot machine 1. The effect device is driven based on the control by the sub control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90.

In the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 controls the output of the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53, 54, and the reel LED 55. , An output control unit that directly controls the output of the effect device is mounted on the effect control board 90 or another board separately from the sub control unit 91, and the sub control unit 91 produces the effect based on a command from the main control unit 41. The output pattern of the device may be determined, and the output control unit may perform output control of the effect device based on the output pattern determined by the sub control unit 91. In such a configuration, the sub control unit 91 and the output control unit may be used. The output of the production device is controlled by both of the above.

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53, 54, and the reel LED 55 are exemplified as the effect device, but the effect device is not limited to this, and the effect device is not limited to this, and the display device or machine that is mechanically driven is not limited to this. You may apply a role thing or the like to drive as a directing device.

The effect control board 90 controls the drive of the sub control unit 91 that controls the effect, the display control circuit 92 that controls the display of the liquid crystal display 51 connected to the effect control board 90, the effect LED 52, and the reel LED 55. The LED drive circuit 93, the audio output circuit 94 that controls the audio output from the speakers 53, 54, the reset circuit 95 that gives a reset signal to the sub CPU 91a when the power is turned on or when the initialization command from the sub CPU 91a is not input for a certain period of time, A switch detection circuit 96 that detects a detection signal input from an effect switch 56 connected to an effect control board 90, a clock device 97 that outputs time information including date information and time information, and a power supply supplied to the slot machine 1. When the voltage is monitored and a voltage drop is detected, a power failure detection circuit 98 or the like that outputs a voltage drop signal to that effect to the sub CPU 91a is installed. The sub control unit 91 is composed of a microcomputer provided with a sub CPU 91a, a ROM 91b, a RAM 91c, and an I / O port 91d. The sub CPU 91a receives a command transmitted from the game control board 40 to perform various controls for performing the effect, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90. ..

Like the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 has an interrupt function, generates an interrupt when receiving a command from the main control unit 41, and acquires a command transmitted from the main control unit 41. , Executes command reception interrupt processing to be stored in the buffer. The sub control unit 91 generates an interrupt every time the number of input of the system clock reaches a certain number, that is, at regular intervals, and executes the timer interrupt process (sub) shown in FIG. 17 described later.

Unlike the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 interrupts the command when an interrupt occurs based on the reception of the command, even if the timer interrupt process (sub) is being executed. The reception interrupt process is executed, and even if interrupts that trigger the timer interrupt process (sub) occur at the same time, the command reception interrupt process is executed with the highest priority.

The backup power supply is also supplied to the sub control unit 91 at the time of a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 91c is held while the backup power supply is supplied.

[Set value] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the medal payout rate (the ratio between the total number of medals used for setting the number of bets and the total number of medals paid out by winning) changes according to the set value. .. Specifically, the medal payout rate changes by using the winning probability according to the set value in the internal lottery or the like. The set value is composed of 6 stages from 1 to 6, with 6 having the highest payout rate, and the smaller the value in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 the lower the payout rate. That is, from the point of view of the payout rate, when 6 is set as the set value, the player has the highest advantage, and as the value decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, the advantage decreases stepwise. Become.

In order to change the set value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the slot machine 1 after turning on the setting key switch 37. When the power is turned on with the setting key switch 37 in the ON state, the setting value read from the RAM 41c is displayed as a display value on the setting value display 24, and the setting value can be changed by operating the reset / setting switch 38. Move to the setting change state. When the reset / setting switch 38 is operated in the setting change state, the display value displayed on the setting value display 24 is updated one by one (when further operation is performed from setting 6, the setting returns to setting 1). .. Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is fixed as the set value. When the setting key switch 37 is turned off, the confirmed display value (set value) is stored in the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41, and the game shifts to a state in which the game can proceed.

The setting may be changed on the condition of "power ON" + "setting key ON" + "front door open detection". As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal setting change when the front door 1b is not opened. Furthermore, once the setting change state is entered, the setting change state is maintained regardless of the open / closed state of the front door 1b until the end condition for ending the setting change state (the setting key is turned off after the setting value is confirmed) is satisfied. You may try to do it. As a result, even if the front door 1b is closed during the setting change state, the setting change state is not terminated, so that it is possible to prevent the trouble of shifting to the setting change state again.

In order to confirm the set value, the setting key switch 37 may be turned on after the game is finished and the bet number is not set. When the setting key switch 37 is turned on in such a situation, the setting value display 24 displays the setting value read from the RAM 41c, so that the setting value can be confirmed. In the setting confirmation state, the progress of the game is impossible, and by turning off the setting key switch 37, the setting confirmation state ends and the game returns to a state in which the progress is possible.

The setting confirmation state may be entered on the condition that "setting key ON" + "front door open detection". As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal setting confirmation when the front door 1b is not opened. Furthermore, once the setting confirmation state is entered, the setting confirmation state is maintained regardless of the open / closed state of the front door 1b until the end condition (setting key is OFF operation) for ending the setting confirmation state is satisfied. May be good. As a result, even if the front door 1b is closed during the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is not terminated, so that it is possible to prevent the trouble of shifting to the setting confirmation state again.

[Power failure processing] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, is the voltage drop signal from the power failure detection circuit 48 detected every time the main control unit 41 executes the timer interrupt processing (main)? When a power failure determination process for determining whether or not a power failure is performed and it is determined that a voltage drop signal is detected in the power failure determination process, the data for determining whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the next return is set. Executes the disconnection process (main).

The main control unit 41 returns the processing state of the main control unit 41 to the state before the power failure based on the data stored in the RAM 41c, provided that the data in the RAM 41c is normal at the time of its activation. If the RAM data is not normal, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, the RAM abnormality error code is set in the register to control the RAM abnormality error state, and the progress of the game is disabled.

The sub-control unit 91 also determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power failure detection circuit 98 is detected, and if it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected, whether or not the data in the RAM 91c is normal at the next recovery. Executes a power failure process (sub) that sets data for determining whether or not.

The sub-control unit 91 returns the processing state of the sub-control unit 91 to the state before the power failure based on the data stored in the RAM 91c, provided that the data in the RAM 91c is normal at the time of its activation. If the data in the RAM 91c is not normal, it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, and the RAM 91c is initialized. In this case, unlike the main control unit 41, the RAM 91c is only initialized, and the execution of the effect is not disabled.

Even if the data in the RAM 91c is determined to be normal at the time of its activation, the sub-control unit 91 receives a setting command indicating that the setting has been changed from the main control unit 41 for a certain period of time after the activation. The RAM 91c is initialized even when neither the return command nor the setting command indicating that the control state of the main control unit 41 has been restored is received even after the elapse has passed. In this case as well, only the RAM 91c is initialized, and the execution of the effect is not disabled.

[Initialization] Next, initialization of the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 will be described. The storage area of the RAM 41c is divided into an important work, a special work, a non-preserved work, a general work, an unused area, and a stack area.

In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 starts with the setting key switch 37 and the reset / setting switch 38 both ON when a RAM abnormality error occurs, and the setting key switch 37 is ON and the reset / setting switch 38 is ON. When the data in the RAM 41c is not destroyed when the setting key switch 37 is started in the OFF state, or when the initialization condition consisting of five at the end of one game is satisfied. Five types of initialization with different regions to be initialized are performed according to each initialization condition.

Initialization 0 is initialization performed at startup when both the setting key switch 37 and the reset / setting switch 38 are ON when a RAM abnormality error occurs. In initialization 0, all areas of RAM 41c are initialized. NS. Initialization 1 is an initialization performed before the setting key switch 37 is ON and the reset / setting switch 38 is OFF at the time of startup, and the state shifts to the setting change state. In the initialization 1, the RAM 41c Areas other than important work and special work are initialized in the storage area of. In initialization 2, the general work, the unused area, and the unused stack area in the storage area of the RAM 41c are initialized. The initialization 3 is an initialization performed when the setting key switch 37 is in the OFF state at the time of startup and the data in the RAM 41c is not destroyed. In the initialization 3, the unsaved work, the unused area, and the unused area are not destroyed. The used stack area is initialized. The initialization 4 is an initialization performed at the end of one game. In the initialization 4, an unused area and an unused stack area in the storage area of the RAM 41c are initialized.

In the present embodiment, initialization 1 is performed before the transition of the setting change state, but it is performed at the end of the setting change state, or at both the time before the transition of the setting change state and the end of the setting change state. You may.

[Internal lottery] When all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment wins a prize when a combination of symbols called a combination is aligned on the activated winning line. The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols. The types of winning roles are roughly divided into special roles that involve a transition to a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player, small roles that involve paying out medals, and the next game without medals being used by the player. There is a re-gaming role in which the number of bets that can be played is set. Small roles and replay roles are also collectively referred to as general roles.

In order for each winning combination determined according to the game state to be won, it is necessary to win the internal lottery and set the winning flag of the winning combination in the RAM 41c.

The winning flags for the small win and the replay win are valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and are invalid in the next game. The winning flag of the special combination is valid until the combinations of the combinations allowed by the flag are complete, and is invalid in the game in which the combinations of the allowed combinations are complete. That is, once the winning flag of the special combination is won, even if the combination of combinations allowed by the flag cannot be arranged, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game.

The internal lottery determines whether or not to allow a prize for each winning combination before the display results of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived and displayed (actually, when the start switch 7 is detected). Is. In the internal lottery, first, a random number value (an integer of 0 to 65535) for the internal lottery is acquired when the start switch 7 is detected. For each winning combination determined according to the game state (RT type), the numerical data stored in the lottery work, the current game state (RT type), the number of bets, and the set value are determined. An internal lottery is held according to the number of judgment values of each combination.

In the internal lottery, the number of judgment values determined according to the winning combination, the current game state (current RT type), and the set value to be the target of the internal lottery is stored in the random number value for the internal lottery (lottery work). The numerical data) is sequentially added, and when the result of the addition overflows, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. Therefore, the winning combination is won with a probability (number of judgment values / 65536) according to the magnitude of the number of judgment values.

When the winning of any of the winning combinations is determined, the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the internal winning flag storage work assigned to the RAM 41c.

[Reel stop control] Stop control of reels 2L, 2C, 2R will be described. The main control unit 41 refers to the table index and the table creation data stored in the ROM 41b when the reel starts to rotate and when the reel stops and the reel that is still rotating remains. , Create a stop control table for each spinning reel. Then, when any operation corresponding to the rotating reel is effectively detected among the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the stop control table of the corresponding reel is referred to, and the referenced stop control table is slipped. Based on the number of frames, control is performed to stop the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R corresponding to the operated stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R.

The stop control table is data that can specify the number of slip frames for each timing when the stop operation is performed. In the present embodiment, a stepping motor that makes one revolution in a cycle of 336 steps (0 to 335) is used for the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R. That is, by driving the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R in 336 steps, the reels 2L, 2C, 2R make one revolution. Twenty-one areas (frames) divided into 16 steps (the number of steps in which one symbol moves) are defined for one round of the reel, and area numbers 0 to 20 from the reel reference position are defined in these areas. Assigned. On the other hand, the number of symbols arranged on one reel is also 21, and since symbol numbers 0 to 20 are assigned to the symbols of each reel from the reel reference position, the symbols 0 to 20 are assigned. , 0 to 20 area numbers are assigned in order. The number of sliding frames for each area number is compressed and stored in the stop control table according to a predetermined rule, and the number of sliding frames for each area number can be obtained by expanding the stop control table.

Next, regarding the control when the main control unit 41 effectively detects any operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R corresponding to the rotating reel, and causes the corresponding reel to derive the display result. Explaining, when the operation corresponding to the rotating reel is effectively detected among the stop switches 8L, 8C and 8R, the stop operation position is based on the number of steps from the reel reference position at the time when the stop operation is detected. The area number of the specified stop operation is specified, the stop control table of the reel in which the stop operation is detected is referred to, and the number of sliding frames corresponding to the area number of the specified stop operation position is acquired. Then, from the number of steps from the reel reference position at the time when the stop operation is detected, the number of steps until the acquired number of sliding frames is pulled in and stopped is calculated, and the reel is rotated and stopped by the calculated number of steps. .. As a result, the area corresponding to the area number corresponding to the stop position several minutes ahead of the area number of the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected is the stop reference position (in the present embodiment, the perspective window 3). Stop at the lower symbol area).

In the table index of the present embodiment, only one address is stored as index data corresponding to one internal winning state in one gaming state, and further, one reel is stored in one table creation data. Only one address is stored as the address of the storage area of the stop control table corresponding to the stop status (and the stop position of the stopped reel). That is, the table creation data corresponding to one internal winning state in one gaming state (RT type) and the stop control table corresponding to the reel stop status (and the stop position of the stopped reel) are uniquely defined. The stop control table created with reference to these is also unique to one internal winning state in one gaming state and the reel stop status (and the stop position of the stopped reel). Therefore, when the game state (RT type), the internal winning state, and the reel stop state (and the stop position of the stopped reel) all have the same conditions, the same stop control table, that is, the same control Reel stop control is performed based on the pattern.

In the present embodiment, a value of 0 to 4 is set as the number of sliding frames, and it is possible to pull in a maximum of 4 frames after detecting the stop operation to stop the reel. That is, the stop position of the symbol can be specified from a range of up to 5 frames including the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected. Since it is necessary to move one frame to move the reel for one symbol, it is possible to pull in up to four symbols to stop the reel after detecting the stop operation, and the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected. The stop position of the symbol can be specified from the range of up to 5 symbols including.

In the present embodiment, if any of the winning combinations is won, the winning winning combination is drawn to the winning line as much as possible within a range of 4 frames, and the unwinning winning combination is drawn so as not to be aligned on the winning line. A stop control table with a fixed number of sliding frames is created to control the stop of the reels. On the other hand, if neither combination is won, the stop control with a specified number of sliding frames is not available. Create a table and control the reel stop. As a result, when the stop operation is performed, if the winning combinations can be aligned and stopped on the winning line within the pull-in range of up to 4 frames, control is performed to align and stop the winning combination, and the winning combination is won. The winning combination is controlled to be stopped without being aligned within the pull-in range of a maximum of 4 frames.

When a special role and a small role are won at the same time, such as when a small role is won while the special role has been carried over from before the previous game, control is performed to align the small role on the winning line rather than the special role. It is possible to win a special role only when priority is given and a small role cannot be drawn. If the special role and the small role can be drawn in at the same time, only the small role is drawn in, and the small role is not aligned on the winning line at the same time as the special role.

If the special role and the small role are won at the same time, the control to align the special role on the winning line is prioritized over the small role, and only when the special role cannot be drawn in, the small role is placed on the winning line. Alignment control may be performed.

If the special role and the re-game role are won at the same time, such as when the special role is carried over from before the previous game and the re-game role is won, when the stop operation is performed, it will be on the winning line. It controls to align and stop the symbols of the re-game combination within the pull-in range of up to 4 frames. In this case, the symbols constituting the re-game combination or the symbols constituting the re-game combination to be elected at the same time are arranged within 5 symbols, that is, within 4 frames for all of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and 4 Since it can always be stopped at any position within the pull-in range of the frame, if the special combination and the re-game combination are won at the same time, regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R by the player. , Be sure to win a prize with all the reels. That is, in such a case, the control of aligning the re-game combination on the winning line is prioritized over the special combination, and the re-game combination always wins the prize. If the special role and the re-game role can be drawn in at the same time, only the re-game role is drawn in, and the special role is not aligned on the winning line at the same time as the re-game role.

After the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R starts, the main control unit 41 continues the rotation of the reel for which the stop operation has not been detected until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected, and stops. On condition that the operation of the switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected, the corresponding reel is controlled to stop the display result. Even if the reel rotation is temporarily stopped due to the occurrence of a reel rotation error, the stop operation is still detected after the reel rotation is restarted until the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected. The rotation of the reels that have not been used is continued, and on the condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected, the corresponding reel is controlled to stop the display result.

In the present embodiment, the display result is stopped on the corresponding reel on condition that the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is detected, but it is determined in advance after the reel rotation starts. Even if the reel stop operation is not performed when the automatic stop time has elapsed, automatic stop control may be performed to automatically stop each reel on the assumption that the stop operation has been performed. In this case, since the reels are stopped without the operation of the player, it is preferable to derive a display result that does not constitute any of the winning combinations even if any of the winning combinations is won.

After the start of the game, the main control unit 41 measures the game time, which is the time elapsed from the time when the rotation of the reel is started, that is, the time when the rotation of the reel is started, and one game. After the end of, when the specified number of bets is set by inserting medals, etc., and the game start operation is performed with the game start operation enabled, the time is counted from the reel rotation start time of the previous game. If the started game time is equal to or longer than the predetermined regulation time (4.1 seconds in the present embodiment), that is, if the predetermined regulation time has elapsed from the start of reel rotation of the previous game, the relevant time is reached. Start the rotation of the reel in the game.

On the other hand, after the end of one game, a specified number of bets are set by inserting medals, etc., and when the game start operation is performed with the game start operation enabled, the reel rotation of the previous game starts. If the game time at which the time counting is started from the time point is less than the predetermined regulation time, that is, if the predetermined regulation time has not elapsed from the reel rotation start time of the previous game, the reel rotation is not started at that time. The game waits until the game time at which counting starts from the start of reel rotation of the previous game reaches a predetermined regulation time, and when the predetermined regulation time is reached, the rotation of the reel in the game is started.

That is, when the predetermined regulation time has not elapsed from the start of rotation of the reel in the previous game, the main control unit 41 regulates the progress of the game until the predetermined regulation time elapses, and the shortest time in one game. The progress of the game is regulated so that the time exceeds the predetermined regulation time.

In the present embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped due to the stop operation, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the winning combination is aligned on the activated winning line. If it is determined that all the winning combinations corresponding to any of the winnings are available, the control at the time of winning is performed. For example, when the small wins are complete, the control is performed to give medals according to the small wins, and when the replay wins are complete, the replay game is given.

[Command] A command transmitted by the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91 will be described. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 gives the sub control unit 91 a BET command, a credit command, an internal winning command, a freeze command (freeze command at start, freeze command at stop), a reel rotation start command, and a reel acceleration. Command, reel stop command, winning judgment command, payout start command, payout end command, game status command, standby command, stop command, error command, return command, setting command, setting confirmation command, door command, operation detection command, navigation Sends multiple types of commands, including commands, AT winning commands, and CZ winning commands.

These commands consist of 1-byte type data indicating the type of the command and 1-byte extended data indicating the contents of the command. The sub-control unit 91 determines the type of command based on the type data.

The BET command is a command that can specify the number of medals to be inserted, that is, the number of medals used to set the number of bets. The BET command is a state from the end of the game (after changing the setting) to the start of the game, and in a state where the specified number of bets is not set, a medal is inserted or the MAXBET switch 6 is operated to bet the number of bets. Is sent when is set. Since the BET command is transmitted when the bet number setting operation is performed, the sub-control unit 91 can identify that the bet number setting operation has been performed by receiving the BET command.

The credit command is a command that can specify the number of medals stored as credits. The credit command is a state from the end of the game (after the setting is changed) to the start of the game, and is transmitted when a medal is inserted and credits are added in a state where a predetermined number of bets are set.

The internal winning command is a command that can specify the result of the internal lottery. The internal winning command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game. The sub-control unit 91 can specify the operation of the start switch 7 and the result of the internal lottery by receiving the internal winning command.

A freeze command is a command that can specify the execution of a freeze, the type of freeze, and the freeze time. The freeze command is sent when the freeze is executed. Freeze is a control that delays the progress of the game over a predetermined delay time (freeze time). During the freeze, the freeze acceleration table is referred to by the main control unit 41, and a reel effect of rotating the reel based on the freeze acceleration table is executed. For example, during freezing, after the reel starts to rotate, it stops temporarily and trembles in the vertical direction, the reel rotates in the reverse direction, and once it stops, there are 7 combinations of symbols as a display result that has nothing to do with the payout of medals. A reel effect such as stopping is performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the types of freeze include a start freeze that is executed when the start switch 7 is operated and the reel starts to rotate, and a first stop or a first freeze that is executed when any of the stop switches is operated. 2 There is a stop freeze that is executed when stopped. For example, in the start freeze, the reel effect is executed when the start operation is performed, and the reel is automatically temporarily stopped regardless of the stop operation. After that, the reel starts rotating again regardless of the start operation. Such a start freeze is executed for a predetermined freeze time. When the freeze time elapses, it returns to the normal game. Further, in the freeze at stop, the reel effect is executed when the first stop operation or the second stop operation is performed, and the reel is automatically temporarily stopped regardless of the stop operation. After that, regardless of the start operation, the reel starts rotating again and returns to the original stopped state. Such a stop freeze is executed for a predetermined freeze time. When the freeze time elapses, it returns to the normal game.

Whether or not to execute the freeze, the type of freeze (freeze at start, freeze at stop), and freeze time are determined by the main control unit 41 in the freeze lottery shown in FIG. 16 described later. When it is decided to execute the start freeze in the freeze lottery, the start freeze command among the freeze commands is transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91, and the stop freeze can be executed in the freeze lottery. When determined, the stop freeze command among the freeze commands is transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91.

The reel rotation start command is a command for notifying the start of reel rotation. The reel rotation start command is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R.

The reel acceleration command is a command for notifying that the reel acceleration process has been executed. The reel acceleration process is executed by the main control unit 41 after freezing, and is a process for returning the reel rotation speed changed from the normal time by the freeze to the normal rotation speed (constant speed). Specifically, the main control unit 41 changes the rotation speed of the reel by the reel effect with reference to the acceleration table at the time of freezing during the freeze. Then, when the freeze is completed, the main control unit 41 executes the reel acceleration process while referring to the normal acceleration table, and accelerates the reels in order to return the changed reel rotation speed to the normal rotation speed. As a result, the rotation speed of the reel changed during the freeze shifts to the normal rotation speed (constant speed). The reel acceleration command is transmitted at the timing of executing the reel acceleration process with reference to the normal acceleration table.

The reel stop command can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, or the right reel 2R, the area number of the stop operation position of the corresponding reel, and the area number of the stop position of the corresponding reel. Command. The reel stop command is transmitted each time the stop control associated with the stop operation of each reel is performed. The sub-control unit 91 can identify that the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R have been operated by receiving the reel stop command.

The winning determination command is a command that can specify the combination of symbols aligned on the winning line LN, the presence or absence of winning, the type of winning, and the number of medals to be paid out at the time of winning. The winning determination command is transmitted after all reels have stopped and the winning determination has been made.

The payout start command is a command for notifying the start of payout of medals. The payout start command is sent when the payout of medals by winning a prize or settlement of credits (including the medal used for setting the bet number) is started. The payout end command is a command for notifying the end of payout of medals. The payout end command is sent when the payout of medals by winning and credit settlement is completed.

The game state command is a command that can specify the game state of the next game, the type of RT, and the number of remaining games of RT. The game status command is sent at the end of the game.

The standby command is a command indicating the transition to the standby state. The standby command ends the payout of medals by settlement of credits (including the medals used to set the number of bets) when a certain period of time elapses without setting the number of bets after the end of one game and the state shifts to the standby state. And it is sent after the payout end command is sent.

The stop command is a command indicating the occurrence or release of the stop state. When controlled to the stopped state, a stop command indicating the occurrence of the stopped state is transmitted, and when the reset operation is performed and the stopped state is released, a stop command indicating the release of the stopped state is transmitted. Will be done.

An error command is a command that indicates the occurrence or cancellation of an error state and the type of error state. When an error is determined and controlled to an error state, an error command indicating the occurrence of the error state and its type is sent, and when the reset operation is performed and the error state is released, an error command indicating the release of the error state is sent. Is sent.

The return command is a command indicating that the main control unit 41 has returned to the control state before the power failure. The return command is transmitted when the main control unit 41 is activated and returns to the control state before the power failure.

The setting command is a command that indicates the start or end of the setting change state and the setting value after the setting change. A setting command indicating the start of the setting change state is sent at the time of transition to the setting change state, and a setting command indicating the end of the setting change state and the setting value after the setting change is sent at the end of the setting change state. Since the sub-control unit 91 initializes the control state of the main control unit 41 with the transition to the setting change state, the control state of the main control unit 41 has been initialized by the setting command indicating the start of the setting. It can be identified.

The setting confirmation command is a command indicating the start or end of the setting confirmation state. A setting confirmation command indicating the start of setting confirmation is sent when shifting to the setting confirmation state, and a setting confirmation command indicating the end of setting confirmation is sent at the end of the setting confirmation state.

The door command is a command indicating the detection state of the door open detection switch 25, that is, ON (open state) / OFF (closed state). The door command changes the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 (from ON to OFF) when the power is turned on, when one game ends (after the game ends and before the setting of the bet number for the next game can be started). , OFF to ON), it is transmitted.

The operation detection command is a switch whose detection state (ON / OFF) has changed among the operation switches (MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R), and whether the detection state has changed from OFF to ON. This command indicates whether the switch has changed from to OFF and the detection status (ON / OFF) of other switches. The operation detection command is transmitted when the detection state of any of these operation switches changes.

The navigation command is a command that can specify the corresponding operation procedure described later. The navigation command is transmitted when the navigation target combination described later is won during AT.

The AT winning command is a command that can specify the result of the AT lottery and the start timing of the AT. The AT lottery is a lottery for deciding whether or not to grant the navigation stock that is the right to the AT control, and is performed by the main control unit 41. When winning in the AT lottery, Navistock is granted as a right to AT control. Winning in the AT lottery is also referred to as AT winning. The AT winning command is transmitted when the AT lottery is performed. By receiving the AT winning command, the sub-control unit 91 can specify the execution of the AT lottery and the result of the AT lottery (the result of whether or not the AT has been won).

[Control by Sub-Control Unit 91 at the Time of Command Reception] The control of the effect executed by the sub-control unit 91 based on the command will be described. When the sub control unit 91 receives a command from the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 executes a command reception interrupt process. In the command reception interrupt process, the command acquired from the command transmission line is stored in the reception buffer provided in the RAM 91c.

The reception buffer is provided with an area capable of storing up to 16 commands, and can store a plurality of commands.

In the timer interrupt processing (sub), the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not an unprocessed command is stored in the reception buffer, and if an unprocessed command is stored, the earliest of them. The control pattern table stored in the ROM 91b is referred to based on the command received in the step, and the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53, 54, the reel LED 55, etc. are referred to based on the control contents registered in the control pattern table. Controls the output of various production devices.

In the control pattern table, the display pattern of the liquid crystal display 51 corresponding to the type of command, the lighting mode of the effect effect LED 52, the output mode of the speakers 53 and 54, the lighting mode of the reel LED, etc. are displayed for each of the plurality of types of effect patterns. The control patterns of these effect devices are registered, and when the sub-control unit 91 receives the command, the sub-control unit 91 of the control patterns registered corresponding to the effect patterns set in the RAM 91c in the game of the control pattern table. Among them, the control pattern corresponding to the type of the received command is referred to, and the output control of the effect device is performed based on the control pattern. As a result, the effect according to the effect pattern and the progress of the game is executed.

For example, the sub control unit 91 executes freeze execution, freeze type (start freeze, stop freeze), and freeze based on the freeze command (start freeze command, stop freeze command) received from the main control unit 41. The time is specified, and based on this information, the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53, 54, and the reel LED 55 are controlled.

Further, the sub control unit 91 identifies that the start switch 7 has been operated to start one game based on the reel rotation start command received from the main control unit 41. Further, the sub control unit 91 identifies that the reel acceleration process has been executed after the freeze by the main control unit 41 based on the reel acceleration command received from the main control unit 41. Further, the sub control unit 91 operates the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R for stopping any of the left reel 2L, the middle reel 2C, and the right reel 2R based on the reel stop command received from the main control unit 41. Identify that there was. Then, the sub control unit 91 is based on the specified information.
The operation promotion process shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 described later is executed.

[Winning combination] FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the types of winning combination, the symbol combination of the winning combination, and the technical matters related to the winning combination. The name column shows the name of the winning combination, and the symbol combination column shows the combination of symbols for which the winning combination is a winning combination. Further, in the combination of symbols aligned with the invalid line, a combination of symbols that stops at the invalid line when the combination of the winning symbols stops at the winning line and is easy for the player to recognize is shown. There is. In the payout number column, the value given at the time of winning (medal payout, replay grant) is shown.

BB1 and BB2 are winning roles with a transition to the advantageous state of bonus. In the payout number column of BB1 and BB2, the end condition of the bonus transferred by winning is shown. Each bonus ends when more than a predetermined number of medals are paid out. For example, a bonus controlled by winning / winning BB1 ends in a game in which the number of medals paid out during the bonus is 351 or more.

Further, the game state column of FIG. 6 shows the game state to be transferred at the time of winning. "/" Indicates "or". For example, for the fall replay of FIG. 6, the combination of symbols is "bell-replay-bell", which is controlled by RT1 at the time of winning, and the value given is the replay grant. In addition, when the combination of the fall replay symbols stops on the winning line, "replay / plum-replay-replay / plum" stops on the invalid line. Further, when the combination of the special replay symbols is stopped on the winning line, "black BAR / white BAR-black BAR / white BAR-black BAR / white BAR" is stopped on the invalid line. "Black BAR / White BAR-Black BAR / White BAR-Black BAR / White BAR" can be stopped on the invalid line only when the special replay is won, and eventually when the special replay is not won. It is a combination of symbols that are not stopped on the line of.

[Transitional roll] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a symbol combination of the transition roll. As for the transition result, any of the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4, and the right bells 1 to 4 shown in FIG. If the upper bell is stopped and the winning upper bell is missed, the result will be aligned with the winning line LN. When the transition roll stops on the winning line LN during RT0, RT2, and RT3, the transition to RT1 is performed.

[Transition of the gaming state] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the gaming state controlled by the main control unit 41, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of the gaming state and RT. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, RT0 to RT4 in which the replay is won with a predetermined winning probability (see the numerical value in the replay combination column in the upper figure of FIG. 9) and RT0 to RT4 in which the winning probability of the small winning combination is RT0 to RT4. It is controlled to one of the corresponding game states from the time when the start condition is satisfied to the time when the end condition is satisfied (indicated along the arrow in FIG. 8) among a plurality of types of game states including a bonus that is improved more than the time. Refer to the winning combination or the outcome, and refer to the start condition / end condition column in the upper figure of FIG. 9).

When either BB1 or BB2 is won, it is controlled by RT4. The winning flag set when either BB1 or BB2 is won is carried over until the winning BB wins. In addition, RT4 is also continuously controlled from BB winning to BB winning. In RT4, the replay is won with a higher probability than in RT1 and RT3 and lower than in RT0 and RT2 (see the numerical value in the replay combination column in the upper figure of FIG. 9). The replay probability in RT4 is set to the probability that the payout rate does not exceed 1 even if the winning small winning combination can be won without being missed. In other words, the replay probability in RT4 is the total number of medals paid out when winning a small winning combination during RT4 without failing, and the total number of medals that used medals or credits to set the number of bets during RT4. It is set to a probability that the number of medals will not be exceeded and the number of medals will not increase. When a BB prize is generated during RT4, it is controlled by a bonus, and when the number of medals or more described in FIG. 5 is paid out, the bonus ends and the bonus is controlled to RT3. The type of replay to be drawn internally is determined for each type of RT (the circle in the lower figure of FIG. 9 indicates the replay to be drawn).

[Lottery Target Combinations] FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing combinations of lottery target combinations that are read out as lottery target combinations (hereinafter, also referred to as winning combinations) for each game state. In the lottery target combination column, the name is shown, and in the game status column, for each type of RT, the lottery target combination is indicated by a circle, and the numerical value under the circle indicates the winning probability. The number of judgment values involved is shown. For example, the bell is a lottery target winning combination of 360/65536 in any of RT0 to RT3. During RT4, the bonus lottery is not done, but the winning combination that can be won at the same time as the bonus (hereinafter also referred to as the simultaneous winning combination) has the same probability as during other RTs. For weak watermelons, an internal lottery is performed based on the number of judgment values shown in parentheses.

As shown in FIG. 11, the special replay is set to be a lottery target combination only when controlled by RT2. Further, in the bonus, for example, the middle bell is set as a lottery target combination, and it is set to win with an extremely high probability (64000/65536). In addition, the middle bell is a role that can generate a prize regardless of the operation timing. Therefore, during the bonus, the middle bell prize can be generated with an extremely high probability regardless of the operation timing and the operation procedure, and the number of medals can be efficiently increased. Therefore, the bonus is in an advantageous state for the player.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a combination of winning combinations included in the winning combination included in the lottery target combination. For example, weak cherries include lower cherries. Weak watermelons include downward-sloping watermelons, upper watermelons, and middle watermelons. Therefore, when the weak watermelon is won in the internal lottery, the right-down watermelon, the upper watermelon, and the middle watermelon are won.

Among the lottery target combinations, bonuses 1 to 12 are combinations in which BB1 or BB2 and a predetermined winning combination such as a weak cherry or a bell can be read out at the same time and won. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the bonus 1 to the bonus 12 have different numbers of determination values. For this reason, it is an advantage for the player, and the ratio of BB1 or BB2 actually winning at the same time when winning the simultaneous winning combination (hereinafter, also referred to as reliability) becomes bonus 6 or bonus 12. The number of judgment values is determined so that the middle cherry contained is the highest, followed by the strong cherry, the strong watermelon, the weak cherry, and the weak watermelon, and the bell (hereinafter, also referred to as the middle bell) is the lowest. ..

[Reel control at the time of winning the push order rip] In the present embodiment, a predetermined re-game combination is placed on the winning line within a pull-in range of up to 4 frames according to the type of the winning push order rip and the stop operation order. Control is performed to align and stop. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining reel control at the time of winning the push order lip.

For example, if replay GR1 (normal replay + promotion replay 1) is won and is operated in the order of left, middle, and right, the combination of promotion replay 1 among the winning replays is aligned with the winning line LN and stopped. When the control is performed and the operations are performed in an order other than the left, middle, and right, the control is performed so that the combination of normal replays is aligned with the winning line LN and stopped.

As for other push-order rips, as shown in FIG. 13, predetermined re-game combinations are arranged on the winning line within a pull-in range of up to 4 frames according to the type of the winning push-order rip and the stop operation order. Control to stop is performed.

The push order rips (Replay GR1-6, Replay GR11-13, Replay GR21-23) shown in FIG. 13 are also referred to as navigation target roles because the navigation effect can be executed when the player is elected during AT. When the push order lip is won, the navigation effect notifies the player of an operation procedure that is advantageous to the player, so that the game can be advanced in an advantageous state in the transition of the game state. For example, when any of Replay GR1 to GR1 is won, the push order in which the promotion replay wins is notified by the navigation effect, and when any of Replay GR11 to 13 is won, the push order in which the normal replay wins by the navigation effect is notified. Is notified, and when any of the replay GR21 to 23 is won, the push order in which the special replay wins is notified by the navigation effect.

[Reel control at the time of winning the push order bell] In the present embodiment, predetermined small wins are arranged on the winning line within a pull-in range of up to 4 frames according to the type of the winning push order bell and the stop operation order. Is controlled to stop. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining reel control when the push order bell is won.

For example, if the middle bell 1 (middle bell + upper bell 2 + upper bell 5) is won and is operated at the middle first stop, the combination of the middle bells among the winning small wins is aligned with the winning line LN and stopped. When the left first stop or the right first stop is operated, any combination of the upper bell 2, the upper bell 5, and the transition result is aligned with the winning line LN and stopped. Will be done.

As for the other push order bells, as shown in FIG. 14, a predetermined small winning combination is aligned on the winning line within a pull-in range of up to 4 frames and stopped according to the type of the winning push order bell and the stop operation order. Control is performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when any of the push order bells is won, the middle bell or the downward-sloping bell is always won when the player is operated in a specific operation mode according to the type of winning combination. On the other hand, when the game is operated in an operation mode other than a specific operation mode according to the type of winning combination, the upper bells are aligned, but the upper bells are not aligned and a transition roll is made (depending on the winning combination, a missed roll). May be available.

Therefore, when the push order bell is won, the expected value of the number of medals to be paid out can be changed depending on whether or not the medals are operated in a specific operation mode according to the type of winning combination. That is, even if one of the push order bells is won, it is not possible to intentionally select a specific operation mode unless the type is known, so that the right-down bell or the middle bell cannot be won, and the bell is surely won. I can't win a medal.

Hereinafter, the operation procedure corresponding to each winning combination (result of the internal lottery) is also referred to as "corresponding operation procedure", and the operation procedure different from the corresponding operation procedure is also referred to as "non-correspondence operation procedure". For example, the corresponding operation procedure of the middle bell 1 to the middle bell 4 is the middle first stop. Furthermore, when the push order bell is won, the small winning combination that is derived when operated by the corresponding operating procedure is called the "leading role", and the small winning combination that can be derived when operated by the non-corresponding operating procedure is called the "secondary role". It's called a role. For example, the protagonist of the left bell 1 to the left bell 4 is the "right-down bell", and the protagonists of the middle bell 1 to the middle bell 4 and the right bell 1 to the right bell 4 are the "middle bell".

The push order bells (left bells 1 to 4, middle bells 1 to 4, right bells 1 to 4) shown in FIG. 14 are also referred to as navigation target roles because the navigation effect can be executed when the player is elected during AT. When the push order bell is won, the corresponding operation procedure is notified by the navigation effect. Therefore, the leading role can be won, and the medal payout rate exceeds 1, and the game can be promoted advantageously.

[Reel control at the time of winning other simultaneous winning combinations] When other simultaneous winning combinations are won, reel control different from that when the simultaneous winning combination is not won may be performed. For example, when a weak watermelon is won, a reel control is performed in which the lower right watermelon or the upper watermelon is prioritized over the middle watermelon and pulled into the winning line, whereas when a strong watermelon is won, the lower right watermelon is performed. Reel control is performed to prioritize the middle watermelon over either the watermelon or the upper watermelon and pull it onto the winning line. When a weak cherry or a strong cherry is won, reel control is performed to pull the lower cherry onto the winning line. Furthermore, when the weak cherry is won, the "black BAR-bell-bell" of the lower cherries is derived, whereas when the strong cherry is won, the "black BAR" of the lower cherries is derived. -Black BAR-Bell" or "Black BAR-White BAR-Bell" is derived. Therefore, when the black BAR or the white BAR is derived to the middle stage of the middle reel 2C when the lower cherry is won, the player can be made to recognize that the strong cherry has been won. When the middle cherry is won, reel control is performed to pull the middle cherry onto the winning line. This makes it possible to estimate whether the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are cherry or watermelon, weak or strong, or middle-tier cherry or not from the combination of symbols when the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped. Expectations can be different.

The "game" in the slot machine 1 means, in a narrow sense, from the operation of the start switch 7 to the stop of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, but the number of bets before the operation of the start switch 7 when playing a game. Since the setting, the payout of medals and the transition of the game state are also performed after the reels 2L, 2C and 2R are stopped, these incidental processes are also included in the "game" in a broad sense.

[Game processing] The main control unit 41 performs game control processing to control one game. In the game control process, first, the bet number setting and the BET process for credit settlement and bet number settlement are performed.

When the start switch 7 is operated after setting the number of bets, a random number value is extracted from a predetermined random number circuit, and it is determined (internal lottery) whether or not to allow the generation of a prize based on the extracted random number value. The internal lottery process (see FIGS. 10 to 12 and the like) is performed. The random number circuit updates the numerical value in the predetermined numerical range (0 to 65535) according to the predetermined update rule. The main control unit 41 extracts a numerical value updated by the random number circuit as a random number value when the start switch 7 is operated. When the lottery target combination is won in the internal lottery, the winning flag of the winning combination included in the lottery target combination is set in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c. For example, when the BB1 is won, the BB1 winning flag is set, and when the strong cherry is won, the winning flag of the lower cherry and the winning flag of the one-card combination are set. The winning flags of BB1 and BB2 are carried over until the winning BB is won, while the winning flags corresponding to the winning combinations other than BB1 and BB2 are when the winning game ends regardless of whether or not a winning is generated. Will be erased.

When the internal lottery process is completed, the reel rotation process is performed. In the reel rotation process, after starting the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the reel rotation of the previous game, the stop switches 8L, 8C , 8R is enabled and the rotation of the reel is stopped according to the stop operation (see FIGS. 13 and 14). In the reel rotation process, when a predetermined freeze condition is satisfied, a freeze effect is executed to delay the progress of the game for a predetermined period (delay the activation of each stop operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R). After executing the freeze effect processing for the game, the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are enabled to shift to the normal game.

When the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped and the reel rotation process is completed, the winning determination process (see FIGS. 5 to 7) for determining whether or not a winning or the like has occurred based on the symbol combination on the winning line is performed. Will be done. In addition, the state shown in FIG. 8 is controlled according to the combination of symbols on the winning line.

When the winning determination process is completed, the payout process is performed. In the payout process, medals are paid out or credits are added according to the occurrence of winning, various processes not related to winning (for example, processing related to counting the number of medals paid out in the bonus and controlling the end of the bonus, and winning without carry-over). A flag (erasing the winning flag of the small winning combination / replaying combination, etc.) is performed. When it is determined that either BB1 or BB2 has been won, the winning flag of the winning BB is deleted. Processing at the end of the game Then, the process of setting the game state in preparation for the next game (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is executed. As a result, the game control process for one game is completed, and the game control process for the next one game is completed. Starts.

[Processing related to AT] The main control unit 41 can control the AT in addition to advantageous states such as bonus and RT2. The main control unit 41 executes an AT lottery relating to the granting of navigation stock, which is the right to control the AT. Specifically, the main control unit 41 determines by AT lottery whether or not to grant the navigation stock and the number of grants (the number of navigation stocks) when the navigation stock is granted. In addition, the main control unit 41 controls the AT when it is determined to grant the navigation stock in the AT lottery, and specifies the operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the symbol combination advantageous to the player on the winning line LN. Execute the process for executing the possible navigation effect.

During non-AT, the main control unit 41 is assigned to AT when a specific lottery target combination (in this embodiment, weak watermelon, weak cherry, strong watermelon, strong cherry, middle cherry) is won. A process (also referred to as an AT lottery process) for executing an AT lottery for determining whether or not to control is performed. The AT lottery process may be executed after the internal lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, for example, as long as it is executed at a predetermined timing in the progress of one game.

In the AT lottery process, whether or not to grant the navigation stock and the number of navigation stocks when the navigation stock is granted are determined. In the present embodiment, the number of navigation stocks given and the number of games that can be controlled by the converted AT (the number of AT games) are controlled by the AT for 50 games per navigation stock in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c. It will be remembered. In addition, the main control unit 41 draws a lottery for the timing to start the AT. The main control unit 41 determines, for example, to start AT (timing to start AT) 0 to 32 games after the AT winning game by drawing a random number. On the other hand, the sub-control unit 91 executes a suggestion effect suggesting to the player whether or not to grant the navigation stock between the AT winning game and the start of the AT.

The sub-control unit 91 specifies that a specific lottery target combination has been won, AT winning or non-winning, and AT start timing by the internal winning command and the AT winning command. The predetermined timing for executing the suggestion effect is a game before the AT start timing determined by the lottery for the timing to start the AT (the lottery for starting the AT 0 to 32 games after the AT winning game). For example, if the AT start timing is determined to be after 32 games have elapsed, the sub-control unit 91 executes the suggestion effect for a predetermined period during the 32 games.

The main control unit 41 sets the AT flag and controls the AT when the AT start timing comes when the AT is won without winning the BB. On the other hand, when the AT is won together with the BB winning, the main control unit 41 sets the AT flag when the BB winning and the bonus ends, and controls the AT from the next game after the bonus ends. Here, the control to the AT may be controlled at the timing when the AT start timing is determined to be 10 games, for example, when the 10 games become 0 games, or the AT starts at 0 games. It may be controlled at the timing of the next game.

The AT flag is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 41c and is cleared when the number of AT games reaches 0. The main control unit 41 identifies whether or not AT is in progress based on the AT flag. During AT, as a result of executing the navigation effect, it becomes possible to control to RT2. The subtraction of the number of AT games after the start of AT starts from the next game in which the special replay is won (the opportunity to start subtraction is established) at RT0, for example. The same applies to the AT started after the end of BB. As a result, the main control unit 41 can control AT + RT2 over the determined number of AT games.

During AT, the main control unit 41 performs an additional lottery to determine whether or not to add the number of AT games when a special lottery target combination (special replay in this embodiment) is won. The additional lottery may be executed after the internal lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, for example, as long as it is executed at a predetermined timing in the progress of one game.

In the additional lottery, it is decided whether or not to add the number of AT games, and when it is decided to add, the number of AT games is added to the number of AT games from a plurality of types of games (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300). Determine the number of games. The determined number of additional games is added to the number of AT games stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 41c. As a result, the main control unit 41 adds the number of games to be controlled to the AT.

When the additional lottery is performed, the sub-control unit 91 performs a process for executing the additional suggestion effect suggesting whether or not the additional lottery has been won at a predetermined timing. The additional suggestion effect may be any effect such as displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display 51.

[Game Flow] Here, FIGS. 8 and 9 will be referred to again, and the game flow will be collectively described. First, the flow of the game in RT0 to RT3 other than RT4 and the bonus will be described. In RTs 0 to 3, the flow of the game is as described below, depending on whether or not AT is in progress. First, the flow of the game during non-AT will be described.

It is controlled by RT3 after the setting change state is completed. Since it becomes non-AT by being controlled to the setting change state, it is not controlled by AT in RT3, and the navigation effect is not executed. In this way, since the navigation effect is not executed in RT3, if one of the bells such as left bells 1 to 4 is won in RT3, a transition result is obtained depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop. Is derived (see FIG. 14). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience such that the transition result is not derived and the transition to RT1 is not performed forever.

In RT1, by winning the promotion replay, it shifts to RT0. In order to win the promotion replay, as shown in FIG. 13, it is necessary to win the replay GR1 to 6 and stop the operation according to the operation procedure for winning the promotion replay.

Further, even when the control is performed by RT0, it is set so that it is difficult to maintain the control to the RT0. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, in RT0, there is a possibility that the replays GR11 to 13 are won, and at this time, the fall replay wins a prize with a probability of 2/3 and falls to RT1.

Further, when any of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won at RT0, the first stop is performed except for the predetermined reel (the reel for winning the right-down bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14). Occasionally, depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop, a shift result is derived and the reel falls to RT1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, in RT0, there is a possibility that the replay GR21 to 23 will be won, and at this time, a predetermined reel (reel for winning the special replay shown in FIG. 13) is used. When the first stop, there is a possibility that a special replay will win and be controlled by RT2. However, even when controlled by RT2, when any of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won, a reel other than the predetermined reel (the reel for winning the right-down bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14) is used. When the first stop is made, a shift result is derived depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop, and the reel falls to RT1. As a result, most of the games during non-AT will be digested at RT1.

Next, the flow of the game during AT will be described. RT1
Then, when any of the replays GR1 to GR6 is won, a navigation effect for specifying the operation procedure for winning the promotion replay can be executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to shift to RT0 by winning the promotion replay. In RT0, when any of the replays GR11 to 13 is won, a navigation effect for specifying the operation procedure for winning the normal replay can be executed. Therefore, RT0 can be maintained by the normal replay winning by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect. Further, in RT0, in order to specify the operation procedure for winning the right-down bell or the middle bell when any of the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4, and the right bells 1 to 4 is won. Navigation production is executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to avoid the derivation of the transition result and maintain RT0. Further, in RT0, when any of the replays GR21 to 23 is won, a navigation effect for specifying the operation procedure for winning the special replay can be executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to shift to RT2 by winning a special replay.

In RT2, when one of the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4, and the right bells 1 to 4 is won, the navigation for specifying the operation procedure for winning the right-down bell or the middle bell. The production is executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to avoid the derivation of the transition result and maintain RT2.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the AT is in progress, the navigation effect is executed so as to be controlled by the RT2 and the RT2 is maintained, so that the slot machine 1 is in the AT. Most of the games will be digested at RT2. The AT ends when the number of AT games reaches 0. The number of AT games can be controlled to RT2 + AT (in the present embodiment, the state of being controlled by AT in RT2, which is advantageous for the player, is particularly referred to as assist replay time (hereinafter referred to as ART)). The count starts from the next game of the game that has become, that is, the next game of the game in which one of the replays GR21 to 23 is won at RT0 and the special replay can be won. As a result, the AT ends when the number of AT games is consumed by the ART. Then, the ART ends when the AT ends.

After the ART is finished, the navigation effect is not executed, but the control to the RT2 is maintained until the transition result is derived. However, during RT2 after the end of ART, since it is non-AT, as described above, the reels other than the predetermined reels (the reels for winning the right-down bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14) are first stopped. NS. As a result, during RT2 after the end of ART, the transition to RT1 is performed by stopping the transition roll at an extremely early stage after the end of ART.

Next, the flow of the game after winning BB1 or BB2 will be described. Regardless of which RT is controlled, when BB1 or BB2 is won, it is controlled to RT4 as shown in FIG. In addition, the suggestion effect may be executed in the next game after the end of the BB winning game to notify that the BB winning game has been won. As a result, the player can know that he / she has won BB1 or BB2. When the BB prize is generated, the bonus is transferred to the corresponding bonus, and when the predetermined number of finished cards is paid out, the bonus is transferred to RT3.

[AT lottery] Next, the AT lottery executed by the main control unit 41 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the AT lottery.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the AT lottery condition is satisfied when any one of the weak watermelon, the weak cherry, the strong watermelon, the strong cherry, and the middle cherry is won. When the AT lottery condition is satisfied, the main control unit 41 executes the AT lottery based on the AT lottery table shown in FIG. 15 stored in the RAM 41c.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the AT lottery table, information (data) capable of specifying the winning probability corresponding to the number of navigation stocks including 0 is stored. For example, in the AT lottery when a weak watermelon is won, it is determined that the number of navigation stocks is 0 with a 90% winning probability, that is, no navigation stock is given, and 1 navigation stock is given with a 5% winning probability. It is determined that 2 Navistock will be awarded with a 3% winning probability, and 2 Navistock will be awarded with a 2% winning probability. Even when other AT lottery conditions are satisfied, whether or not to grant the navigation stock and the number of navigation stocks to be granted are determined based on the AT lottery table shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the AT lottery, the navigation stock is given in the order of the middle cherry, the strong cherry, the strong watermelon, the weak cherry, and the weak watermelon with a high probability, and the number of navigation stocks when the navigation stock is given increases. The winning probability is set as follows. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the winning probability in the internal lottery is low in the order of middle cherry, strong cherry, strong watermelon, weak cherry, and weak watermelon. Therefore, when a strong cherry or a strong watermelon, which is difficult to win in the internal lottery, is won, the player can be expected to win the AT more than when a weak cherry or a weak watermelon, which is easy to win in the internal lottery, is won. In addition, when the middle cherry, which is very difficult to win in the internal lottery, is won, the player can be expected to win the AT more than when the weak cherry or weak watermelon, or the strong cherry or strong watermelon is won in the internal lottery. .. For example, when the middle cherry is won, the cherry symbol may stop at the middle of the left reel 2L. Therefore, the player can strongly expect that the navigation stock will be given when the cherry symbol is confirmed to be stopped.

[Freeze lottery] Next, the freeze lottery executed by the main control unit 41 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the freeze lottery. The freeze lottery is executed when the internal lottery is performed when the start switch 7 is operated.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, the freeze lottery condition is satisfied when any of the weak watermelon, the weak cherry, the strong watermelon, the strong cherry, and the middle cherry is won, as in the AT lottery condition. .. When the freeze lottery condition is satisfied, the main control unit 41 executes the freeze lottery based on the freeze lottery table shown in FIG. 16 stored in the RAM 41c.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the freeze lottery table, information (data) capable of specifying the winning probability is stored corresponding to each of the freeze times of no freeze, start freeze, and stop freeze. For example, in the freeze lottery when a weak watermelon is won, it is determined that there is no freeze with an 80% winning probability, and it is determined that a 60-second start freeze is executed with a 5% winning probability, and a 3% winning. It is determined that a 95-second start freeze will be executed with a probability of 95 seconds, a 130-second start freeze will be executed with a 2% winning probability, and a 60-second stop freeze will be executed with a 5% winning probability. It is determined that the freeze will be executed for 95 seconds with a winning probability of 3%, and the freeze for 130 seconds will be executed with a winning probability of 2%. Even when other freeze lottery conditions are satisfied, whether or not to execute the freeze based on the freeze lottery table shown in FIG. 16, the type of freeze (freeze at start, freeze at stop), and freeze time are determined.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the freeze lottery, the freeze is executed in the order of the middle cherry, the strong cherry, the strong watermelon, the weak cherry, and the weak watermelon, and the winning probability is set so that the freeze time becomes longer. ing. Here, as shown in FIG. 15, the probability of winning the AT is high in the order of middle cherry, strong cherry, strong watermelon, weak cherry, and weak watermelon. Therefore, the longer the freeze is executed and the longer the freeze time is, the more the player can expect the player to win the AT.

[Timer interrupt lottery] Next, the timer interrupt process executed by the sub-control unit 91 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the timer interrupt process executed by the sub-control unit 91.

As shown in FIG. 17, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the command received from the main control unit 41 is stored in the reception buffer provided in the RAM 91c (S10). When the command is not stored in the buffer (NO in S10), the sub-control unit 91 shifts to the process of S13.

On the other hand, when the command is stored in the buffer (YES in S10), the sub-control unit 91 acquires the command from the buffer (S11). After that, the sub-control unit 91 executes an effect control process for controlling the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 51, the effect LED 52, the speakers 53, 54, and the reel LED 55, based on the acquired command (S12).

After the processing of S10 or S12, the sub-control unit 91 executes the operation promotion processing shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 described later (S13). After that, the sub-control unit 91 executes a counter update process for updating the random number counter of the RAM 91c and the like (S14). In particular, in the present embodiment, the counter update process updates the first notification counter and the second notification counter referred to in the operation promotion processing of FIGS. 18 and 19.

[Operation Promotion Lottery] Next, the operation promotion process executed by the sub-control unit 91 will be described. 18 and 19 are flowcharts for explaining the operation promotion process executed by the sub-control unit 91.

The operation promotion process is a predetermined time (95 seconds in the present embodiment) that elapses after the start switch 7 is operated and the reel starts to rotate without the first stop switch being operated when the freeze is not executed. Is reached, or when the time elapsed without operating the next stop switch after one of the stop switches is operated and the first stop or the second stop is reached reaches a predetermined time (95 seconds), the stop is stopped. This is a process for executing a promotion notification for prompting the operation of the switch and reducing the volume of the game sound (all sounds output from the speakers 53 and 54) being output from the speakers 53 and 54.

Further, the operation promotion process means that when the freeze is executed, the time elapsed after the start switch 7 is operated and the reel starts to rotate without the first stop switch being operated is a specific time (in the present embodiment). When it reaches a specific time (89 seconds), or when one of the stop switches is operated and the time elapsed after the first stop or the second stop is not operated and the next stop switch is not operated reaches a specific time (89 seconds). In addition, it is a process for executing a promotion notification for prompting the operation of the stop switch, and for reducing the volume of the game sound being output from the speakers 53 and 54.

When the promotion notification is executed, for example, a character image such as "Please stop the reel" is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 51. As a result, the player can be prompted to operate the stop switch. Further, when the volume of the game sound being output from the speakers 53 and 54 is lowered, the player can feel a sense of discomfort, which also prompts the player to operate the stop switch. Further, since the volume of the game sound being output from the speakers 53 and 54 is lowered, it is possible to prevent the surrounding players from being dissatisfied because the volume of the game sound is not lowered even though the stop switch is not operated. be able to.

As shown in FIG. 18, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the freeze has ended (S20). Here, since the sub control unit 91 can specify the freeze time based on the freeze command received from the main control unit 41, it is possible to determine whether or not the freeze has ended based on this information.

When the freeze is not completed or the freeze is not executed (NO in S20), the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the reel is changing (S24). Here, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the reel is changing based on whether or not the reel changing flag that can identify that the reel is changing, which will be described later, is set in the RAM 91c.

When the reel is not changing (NO in S24), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a new reel rotation start command has been acquired (S25). That is, the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the start switch 7 has been operated. If the sub-control unit 91 has not newly acquired the reel rotation start command (NO in S25), the sub-control unit 91 ends this process.

On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the reel rotation start command (YES in S25), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the start freeze command is newly acquired (S26). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the freeze at the start is executed.

When the start freeze command is not newly acquired (NO in S26), the sub-control unit 91 sets a predetermined time (95 seconds) in the first notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S27). When the freeze is not executed, the first notification counter determines whether or not the time elapsed after the start operation and the reel starts to rotate without the first stop switch being operated reaches a predetermined time. Alternatively, a counter for determining whether or not the time elapsed after one of the stop switches is operated and the first stop operation or the second stop operation is performed and the next stop switch is not operated reaches a predetermined time. It is updated by the counter update process of S14 shown in FIG.

After that, the sub-control unit 91 sets the reel changing flag in the RAM 91c (S28), and ends this process.

On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the freeze command at the start (YES in S26), the sub-control unit 91 makes a reservation to set a specific time (89 seconds) in the second notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S28). .. When the freeze is executed, the second notification counter determines whether or not the time elapsed after the start operation is performed and the reel starts to rotate without the first stop switch being operated reaches a specific time. Or, for determining whether or not the time elapsed after one of the stop switches is operated and the first stop operation or the second stop operation is performed and the next stop switch is not operated reaches a specific time. It is a counter, and is updated by the counter update process of S14 shown in FIG. In the process of S29, only the set reservation of the second notification counter is made, and the time measurement is not started yet.

After that, the sub-control unit 91 sets the reel changing flag in the RAM 91c (S30), and ends this process.

When the sub-control unit 91 determines in the process of S20 that the freeze has ended (YES in S20), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a new reel acceleration command has been acquired (S21). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not it is the timing when the reel acceleration process is executed after the freeze is completed.

When the sub-control unit 91 has not newly acquired the reel acceleration command (NO in S21), the sub-control unit 91 repeats the process of S21 until a new reel acceleration command is acquired.

On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the reel acceleration command (YES in S21), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the set reservation of the second notification counter is made (S22). When the set reservation of the second notification counter is made (YES in S22), the sub control unit 91 sets a specific time (89 seconds) in the second notification counter (S23). The sub-control unit 91 shifts to the processing of S24 after the determination of NO in S22 and the processing of S23.

When the sub-control unit 91 determines in the processing of S24 that the reel is fluctuating (YES in S24), whether or not the promotion notification is being executed and whether or not the volume of the game sound is decreasing. (S31).

When the promotion notification is being executed and the volume of the game sound is not decreasing (NO in S31), the sub-control unit 91 shifts to the process of S32 shown in FIG.

In the process of S32 shown in FIG. 19, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a predetermined time is set in the first notification counter (S32). When the predetermined time is set in the first notification counter (YES in S32), the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the count value of the first notification counter has become 0 (S33). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the elapsed time after setting the predetermined time in the first notification counter has reached the predetermined time.

When the count value of the first notification counter becomes 0 (YES in S33), the sub-control unit 91 executes the promotion notification and lowers the volume of the game sound (S34). After that, the sub-control unit 91 clears the first notification counter (S35) and ends this process.

On the other hand, when the count value of the first notification counter is not 0 (NO in S33), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the reel stop command is newly acquired (S36). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not any of the stop switches has been operated in order to stop the changing reel.

If the sub-control unit 91 has not newly acquired the reel stop command (NO in S36), the sub-control unit 91 ends this process. On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the reel stop command (YES in S36), the sub-control unit 91 clears the first notification counter (S37). That is, since the stop switch is operated before the count value of the first notification counter becomes 0, the sub control unit 91 clears the first notification counter.

The sub control unit 91 determines whether or not all the reels have stopped (S38). When all the reels are stopped (YES in S38), the sub-control unit 91 clears the reel changing flag (S39), and ends this process.

On the other hand, when all the reels are not stopped (NO in S38), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a new stop freeze command has been acquired (S40). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the freeze at the time of stopping is executed.

When the sub-control unit 91 has not newly acquired the freeze command at the time of stop (NO in S40), the sub-control unit 91 sets a predetermined time (95 seconds) in the first notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S41), and performs this process. To finish.

On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the freeze command at the time of stop (YES in S40), the sub-control unit 91 makes a reservation to set a specific time (89 seconds) in the second notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S29). , End this process.

On the other hand, in the process of S32, when the predetermined time is not set in the first notification counter (NO in S32), the sub control unit 91 determines whether or not the count value of the second notification counter has become 0. (S43). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the elapsed time from setting the specific time in the second notification counter has reached the specific time.

When the count value of the second notification counter becomes 0 (YES in S43), the sub-control unit 91 executes the promotion notification and lowers the volume of the game sound (S44). After that, the sub control unit 91 clears the second notification counter (S45), and ends this process.

On the other hand, when the count value of the second notification counter is not 0 (NO in S43), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the reel stop command is newly acquired (S46). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not any of the stop switches has been operated in order to stop the changing reel.

If the sub-control unit 91 has not newly acquired the reel stop command (NO in S46), the sub-control unit 91 ends this process. On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the reel stop command (YES in S46), the sub-control unit 91 clears the second notification counter (S47). That is, since the stop switch is operated before the count value of the second notification counter becomes 0, the sub control unit 91 clears the second notification counter.

The sub control unit 91 determines whether or not all the reels have stopped (S48). When all the reels are stopped (YES in S48), the sub-control unit 91 clears the reel changing flag (S49), and ends this process.

On the other hand, when all the reels are not stopped (NO in S48), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a new freeze command at the time of stopping has been acquired (S50). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the freeze at the time of stopping is executed.

When the sub-control unit 91 has not newly acquired the freeze command at the time of stop (NO in S50), the sub-control unit 91 sets a predetermined time (95 seconds) in the first notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S51), and performs this process. To finish.

On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the freeze command at the time of stop (YES in S50), the sub-control unit 91 makes a reservation to set a specific time (89 seconds) in the second notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S52). , End this process.

In the process of S31 of FIG. 18, when the promotion notification is being executed and the volume of the game sound is decreasing (YES in S31), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a new reel stop command has been acquired. (S53). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not any of the stop switches has been operated in order to stop the changing reel. If the sub-control unit 91 has not newly acquired the reel stop command (NO in S53), the sub-control unit 91 ends this process.

On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the reel stop command (YES in S53), the sub-control unit 91 ends the promotion notification during execution and raises the volume of the decreasing game sound (S54).

The sub control unit 91 determines whether or not all the reels have stopped (S55). When all the reels are stopped (S55YES), the sub-control unit 91 clears the reel changing flag (S56), and ends this process.

On the other hand, when all the reels are not stopped (NO in S55), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not a new stop freeze command has been acquired (S57). That is, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the freeze at the time of stopping is executed.

When the sub-control unit 91 has not newly acquired the freeze command at the time of stop (NO in S57), the sub-control unit 91 sets a predetermined time (95 seconds) in the first notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S58), and performs this process. To finish.

On the other hand, when the sub-control unit 91 newly acquires the freeze command at the time of stop (YES in S57), the sub-control unit 91 makes a reservation to set a specific time (89 seconds) in the second notification counter stored in the RAM 91c (S59). , End this process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the start freeze is not executed when the start switch 7 is operated, a predetermined time (95 seconds) is set in the first notification counter in S27. Then, when the elapsed time without operating the first stop switch reaches a predetermined time (95 seconds), the promotion notification is executed in S34 and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the start operation is detected and the start freeze is not executed, the time elapsed without operating the stop switch after the detection of the start operation is a predetermined time ( When it reaches (95 seconds), the promotion notification is executed and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced.

On the other hand, when the start freeze is executed when the start switch 7 is operated, a specific time (89 seconds) is setly reserved in the second notification counter in S29, and the start freeze freeze time elapses. Then, when the reel acceleration process is executed after the end of the freeze at the start, a specific time (89 seconds) is set in the second notification counter in S23. Then, when the elapsed time without operating the first stop switch reaches a specific time (89 seconds), the promotion notification is executed in S44 and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the start freeze is executed when the start operation is detected, the stop switch has not been operated after the freeze time (130 seconds in this example) has elapsed. When the time reaches a specific time (89 seconds), the promotion notification is executed and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the stop freeze is not executed when any of the stop switches is operated to perform the first stop or the second stop, the first notification counter is set to S41, S51, or S58. Is set to a predetermined time (95 seconds). Then, when the elapsed time without operating the next stop switch reaches a predetermined time (95 seconds), the promotion notification is executed in S34 and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the stop freeze is not executed when the first stop operation or the second stop operation is detected, the stop switch is not operated after the stop operation is detected. When the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time (95 seconds), the promotion notification is executed and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced.

On the other hand, when a stop freeze is executed when any of the stop switches is operated to perform the first stop or the second stop, the second notification counter is set to the specific time (89) in S42, S52, or S59. Seconds) is reserved, and when the freeze time of the stop freeze elapses and the reel acceleration process is executed after the end of the stop freeze, a specific time (89 seconds) is set in the second notification counter in S23. .. Then, when the elapsed time without operating the next stop switch reaches a specific time (89 seconds), the promotion notification is executed in S44 and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the stop freeze is executed when the first stop operation or the second stop operation is detected, the following freeze time (130 seconds in this example) elapses. When the elapsed time without operating the stop switch reaches a specific time (89 seconds), the promotion notification is executed and the volume of the game sound being output is reduced.

As a result, when the freeze is executed when the stop operation or the stop operation is performed, whether the promotion notification is executed according to the time elapsed when the stop switch is not operated after the freeze time has elapsed in consideration of the freeze time. It is determined whether or not, and whether or not to reduce the volume of the game sound being output. As a result, it is possible to prevent the promotion notification from being executed during the freeze and the volume of the game sound being output during the freeze from being lowered, which is preferable even when the freeze is executed. It is possible to execute the promotion notification at the timing and reduce the volume of the game sound.

Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined time measured by the first notification counter is 89 seconds, whereas the specific time measured by the second notification counter is 95 seconds, and the specific time is The time is shorter than the predetermined time.

As a result, even if the specific time is measured by the second notification counter after the freeze is completed when the freeze is executed, the promotion notification is executed and the output game sound is output as compared with the case where the freeze is not executed. It is possible to prevent the time until the volume is lowered from becoming too long.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the freeze is executed over one freeze time selected from a plurality of types of freeze times regardless of whether the freeze is at the start or at the stop. Will be done. Further, the plurality of types of freeze times include 130 seconds longer than a predetermined time (95 seconds).

When a freeze time longer than a predetermined time (95 seconds) such as 130 seconds is selected, the elapsed time without operating the stop switch reaches the predetermined time (95 seconds) during the freeze time. There is. However, in the present embodiment, when the freeze is executed, whether or not the promotion notification is executed according to the time elapsed after the freeze time has elapsed without operating the stop switch, and the output. Since it is determined whether or not to reduce the volume of the game sound inside, it is possible to prevent the promotion notification from being executed during the freeze and the volume of the game sound being output during the freeze from being lowered. be able to.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the freeze is executed, when the reel acceleration command transmitted when the reel acceleration process is executed after the lapse of the freeze time is acquired, the second in S23 shown in FIG. A specific time (89 seconds) is set in the notification counter.

As a result, the timing at which the measurement of the elapsed time (specific time) without the stop switch is started is the same as the timing at which the reel acceleration process is executed after the freeze time elapses, so that the measurement start timing is recognized. Can be made easier.

Further, in the present embodiment, the volume of the game sound is reduced at the same time as the promotion notification is executed.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the surrounding players from being dissatisfied because the volume of the game sound does not decrease even though the stop switch is not operated, and further, the volume of the game sound being output decreases. In addition to this, the promotion notification is executed, so that the operation of the stop switch can be prompted.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the stop switch is operated during the execution of the promotion notification and the volume reduction of the game sound, the promotion notification ends and the volume of the game sound increases in S54 shown in FIG.

As a result, when the stop switch is operated, the promotion notification during execution ends and the volume of the reduced game sound increases, so that the promotion notification remains executed even though the stop switch is operated. In addition, it is possible to prevent the interest of the game from being lowered because the volume of the game sound remains low.

[Modifications] Although the main embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[About the first notification counter and the second notification counter] In the present embodiment, the predetermined time measured by the first notification counter is 89 seconds, whereas it is measured by the second notification counter. The specific time was 95 seconds, and the specific time was shorter than the predetermined time, but the specific time is not limited to this.

For example, the specific time measured by the second notification counter may be the same as the predetermined time measured by the first notification counter. In this way, it is not necessary to change the criteria for determining the elapsed time without operating the stop switch depending on whether or not the freeze has been executed, so that the process can be simplified and the freeze is executed. It is not necessary to preliminarily set a dedicated judgment standard to be used when the judgment is made.

The specific time measured by the second notification counter may be longer than the predetermined time measured by the first notification counter.

[About promotion notification] In the present embodiment, the promotion notification is executed by displaying the character image of "Please stop the reel" on the screen of the liquid crystal display 51, but this is another aspect. You may. For example, the promotion notification may be executed by blinking the reel LED 55.

In the present embodiment, the promotion notification ends when the stop switch is operated during the execution of the promotion notification, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the first stop operation or the second stop operation is performed during the execution of the promotion notification, the promotion notification is continued as it is without ending, and then the promotion is performed when the third stop operation is performed and the game (1 game) is completed. It may end the notification. In this way, since the promotion notification ends when the third stop operation is performed and the game ends, the interest of the game is lowered while the promotion notification is still executed even though the stop switch is operated. Can be prevented. Further, since the promotion notification ends when the game ends after the third stop operation, not when the first stop operation or the second stop operation is performed, it is possible to simplify the process when the promotion notification ends. can.

[Reduction of game sound] In the present embodiment, the volume of all game sounds output from the speakers 53 and 54 is reduced, but the volume of the game sound being output is erased (not limited to this). It may be muted).

In addition, the volume of all game sounds output during the game may be lowered (or erased), or a specific game sound (for example, a game sound during a bonus, a game sound suggesting a bonus winning or an AT winning, etc. ) May be reduced (or erased) only. Further, only the volume of a specific game sound may be lowered, and the volume of other game sounds may be erased.

In the present embodiment, the volume of the game sound is increased when the stop switch is operated while the volume of the game sound is decreasing, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the first stop operation, the second stop operation, or the third stop operation is performed while the volume of the game sound is lowered, the volume of the game sound is lowered as it is without being restored, and then the next game is started. The volume of the game sound may be restored when the operation is performed and the next game (1 game) is started. In this way, the volume of the reduced game sound increases when the start operation for starting the next game is performed and the next game (1 game) is started, so that the stop switch is operated even though the stop switch is operated. It is possible to prevent the interest of the game from being lowered while the volume of the game sound is lowered. Further, since the volume of the reduced game sound increases when the next game starts, not when the first stop operation, the second stop operation, or the third stop operation is performed, the process for increasing the volume is performed. It can be simplified.

[About Freeze] In the present embodiment, as the types of freeze, a start freeze that is executed when a start operation is performed and a stop freeze that is executed when a stop operation is performed are provided. However, other types of freezes may be provided.

For example, a bet number setting freeze that is executed when a bet number setting operation is performed may be executed. Then, even when the freeze at the time of setting the bet number is executed, the specific time may be measured by the second notification counter after the freeze at the time of setting the bet number is completed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, there is only one type of freeze time longer than the predetermined time measured by the first notification counter for 130 seconds, but for example, 100 seconds or 120 seconds, etc. , A plurality of types may be provided, and the freeze time can be set as appropriate.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, it is a condition of the freeze lottery that any one of the weak watermelon, the weak cherry, the strong watermelon, the strong cherry, and the middle cherry is won, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other conditions may be set as the freeze lottery conditions, such as the number of bell winnings and the number of games reaching the maximum number of times.

[About AT lottery] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, it is a condition of AT lottery that any one of weak watermelon, weak cherry, strong watermelon, strong cherry, and middle cherry is won. Not limited to. Other conditions may be set in the AT lottery conditions, such as the number of winning bells and the number of games reaching the upper limit.

Further, the AT lottery condition may be satisfied when the freeze is executed.
Then, the degree of expectation of AT winning may be different depending on the type of freeze executed and the freeze time. In this way, it is possible to draw attention to the player regarding whether or not the freeze is executed and the freeze time, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Regarding Control Related to AT] In the present embodiment, an example in which the main control unit 41 executes the AT lottery has been described, but the sub control unit 91 may execute the AT lottery. For example, the sub control unit 91 may execute the AT lottery when a predetermined combination is won based on the result of the internal lottery that can be specified from the internal lottery command received from the main control unit 41. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, the execution management of the AT is also executed by the main control unit 41, but may be executed by the sub control unit 91. For example, the sub-control unit 91 identifies whether or not the navigation stock is assigned based on the AT winning command, and stores the AT flag indicating the AT and the number of navigation stocks in a predetermined area of the RAM 91c based on the result. You may. Then, the sub control unit 91 controls the AT when the AT flag is set, and executes the navigation effect when the winning of the navigation target combination is specified from the internal winning command received from the main control unit 41. It may be.

[Other Modifications] In the above-described embodiment, a variable display device having three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is provided, and one game ends when all the reels are stopped, and the display is derived to the three reels. The slot machine in which a prize is generated according to the combination of results has been described. That is, a variable display device capable of deriving a display result in each of a plurality of variable display areas capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each is provided, and a game value is used for one game. The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets, and one game is ended by deriving the display result to all of the plurality of variable display areas, and as a result of one game, the plurality of games are completed. The slot machine in which a prize can be generated according to the combination of the display results derived in each of the variable display areas of the above has been described. However, one game ends when the display result is derived to a variable display device capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each, and a prize is awarded according to the display result derived to the variable display device. A slot machine that can be generated is not limited to a slot machine having a variable display device having three reels, but a slot machine having only one reel or a slot machine having a variable display device having a plurality of reels other than three. It may be.

In the above embodiment, a slot machine for setting a bet number using medals and credits is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the bet number is set using a game ball as a game value. It may be a slot machine to be set, or a fully credit type slot machine in which the number of bets is set by using only credits as a game value. When the game ball is used as the game value, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls, and when the bet number is set to 3 in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are used. Corresponds to setting the number of bets using. Further, the value is not limited to one using only one of a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls, and for example, a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls can be used together. It may be. That is, it is possible to set the number of bets and play a game by using any of a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls, and a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls are obtained by winning a prize. It may be a slot machine capable of paying out any of the above.

As an embodiment of the present embodiment, a slot machine that pays out a game medium to a player's hand when a prize is generated has been described, but the game medium is enclosed and the game medium is paid to the player's hand when a prize is generated. An enclosed slot machine that adds game points (scores) without giving out may be adopted. The base and the drum can be distributed, and the housing is common, and only the base or the base and the drum are called a gaming machine.

In the present embodiment, the "ratio (ratio, probability)" is illustrated, but the "ratio (ratio, probability)" is not limited to this, and is, for example, among the values in the range of 0% to 100%. It may be a value including 0%, a value including 100%, and a value not including 0% and 100%.

It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are examples in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims are included.

1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reel, 6 MAXBET switch, 7 start switch, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 32L, 32C, 32R reel motor, 41 main control unit, 51 liquid crystal display, 53, 54 speaker, 91 Sub control unit.

Claims (1)

Equipped with a variable display unit that can variablely display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each
In a slot machine in which a display result can be derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit after the variable display unit is displayed in a variable manner and a prize can be generated according to the display result.
A start operation means operated to start the variable display of the variable display unit, and
Derivation operation means operated by the player to derive the display result,
A delay control means capable of executing delay control that delays the progress of the game over a delay time,
Equipped with a game sound output means capable of outputting a game sound at a predetermined volume,
The delay control means can execute the delay control when making a suggestion regarding a privilege.
The game sound output means
If the delay control is not executed when the start operation of the start operation means is detected, the volume reduction counter is set at the timing related to the detection of the start operation, counting is started, and the volume reduction is performed. When the counter reaches a specific value, the volume of the game sound being output is reduced.
When the delay control is executed when the start operation of the start operation means is detected, the volume reduction counter is set at a timing related to the end of the delay control, counting is started, and the volume reduction is performed. When the counter reaches the specific value, the volume of the game sound being output is reduced.
A slot machine that reduces the volume of the game sound being output and then restores the reduced volume of the game sound when the derivation operation means is operated.

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