JP6944006B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a slot machine that plays a game.

A slot machine is generally equipped with a variable display device having a plurality of (usually three) reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn as identification information on the outer periphery thereof, and a bet is first set by a player's bet number setting operation. By setting the number and starting the operation with the specified number of bets set, the reels start to rotate, and the stop button as the derivation operation means provided corresponding to each reel is operated. Stop the rotation. In a normal game, when the rotation of all reels is stopped, a predetermined combination of winning symbols (for example, 7-7-7, hereinafter also referred to as a combination of symbols) is derived on the winning line. A prize will be awarded. That is, the game progresses by the operation of the player.

These prize-winning roles include special roles that accompany the transition to a special game state that is advantageous to the player, small roles that accompany the addition of game value such as medals, and replay that allows the game to be played without using the game value. There is a re-game role that accompanies the granting of a game. In general, these winning combinations can be won on the condition that they have won the internal lottery that is performed at the same time as the start operation.

As a slot machine of this type, a machine that raises the player's expectation by controlling the precursor state according to the numerical value set in the latency counter before shifting to the gaming state that is advantageous to the player has been proposed. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-12159

However, there is room for improvement in slot machines as described in Patent Document 1.

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 improving the interest of a game.

The slot machine of the present invention
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 is derived after variable display of the variable display unit and a prize can be generated according to the display result.
A game control means that controls the progress of the game,
It is equipped with a production control means that controls the execution of the production.
The game control means
The first privilege granting means for granting the first privilege and
The second privilege granting means for granting the second privilege and
When the first privilege is granted by the first privilege granting means, a period setting means for setting a special period and
Including the period setting information transmitting means for transmitting the period setting information that can specify that the special period is set.
The effect control means
While controlling the production according to the period setting information,
When it is specified that the special period is set, the execution of the effect is controlled in a different execution mode from that when the special period is not set.
Setting means between before SL period, can be set to the special period in one of a plurality of lengths,
The second privilege granting means grants the second privilege so that the degree of advantage differs between when the special period is not set and when the special period is set.
The game control means
At least a storage means to store the program
Includes a microcomputer that performs processing according to a program stored in the storage means.
The storage means has an address storage means for storing the address of the interrupt program.
The microcomputer
An interrupt processing execution means that executes a program from an address stored in the address storage means as an interrupt processing based on the interrupt.
A determination means for determining whether or not the address stored in the address storage means is within a predetermined range when the microcomputer is started, and a determination means.
The address storage means includes a start prohibition means for prohibiting the start of the microcomputer when the determination means determines that the address stored in the address storage means is not within a predetermined range.
Also, as another form of slot machine,
(1) A variable display unit (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R) 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 variablely displayed, a display result is derived, and the display result is derived. In a slot machine (for example, slot machine 1) in which a prize can be generated according to the display result.
Until the end condition is satisfied (for example, until the number of remaining AT games becomes 0), advantageous control that is advantageous to the player is performed (for example, to stop the symbol combination that is advantageous to the player on the winning line LN). Advantageous control means (for example, main control unit 41, sub control unit 91) for controlling an advantageous state (for example, AT state) (for executing an effect for specifying an operation procedure (pushing order)),
When the special condition is satisfied in the advantageous state (for example, when the additional special zone is won), the privilege granting means (for example, the main control unit 41) for granting the privilege (for example, the additional special zone) is used.
A special period setting means (for example, a main control) that sets a special period (for example, a period for executing a precursor effect and a notification effect with an additional special zone) when the privilege is granted by the privilege granting means in the advantageous state. Part 41) and
When the special period is set, the effect is executed in an execution mode different from that when the special period is not set (for example, the precursor effect is executed). The special period effect executing means (for example, the sub-control unit 91). )When,
A special period elapse determination means (for example, the main control unit 41) for determining whether the special period has elapsed, and
With
The special period setting means sets the special period without referring to the remaining period until the end condition is satisfied.
The privilege granting means grants the privilege based on the determination by the special period elapsed determination means that the special period has elapsed.
The slot machine is characterized in that, when the end condition is satisfied while the special period is set, the special period elapsed determination means determines that the special period has elapsed.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the fun of the game while simplifying the process.

(2) In the slot machine described in (1) above,
An effect control means (for example, a sub control unit 91) that controls the execution of the effect,
A counter that measures the special period (for example, a precursor effect counter) and
When the end condition is satisfied, the value is determined to indicate that the special period has elapsed (for example, when the number of remaining AT games becomes 0, the precursor effect and the additional special zone notification effect end. , The counter rewriting means (for example, the main control unit 41) that rewrites the counter, so that the precursor effect counter becomes 1 when the number of AT remaining games is 2.
With
The special period elapse determination means may determine that the special period has elapsed based on the value of the counter.

According to such a configuration, it can be determined that the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone has ended by a simple process.

(3) In the slot machine described in (1) or (2) above,
Production control means for controlling the execution of production (for example, sub-control unit 91)
With
The special period setting means provides specific period setting information (for example, a command indicating that the game state is a precursor effect state or a notification effect state) that can specify that the special period is set. Notify to
The effect control means may control the execution of the effect according to the specific period setting information (for example, when the special period is set, the effect precursor effect is not executed).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute an effect according to whether or not a special period is set, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

(4) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above.
False special period setting means (for example, sub-control unit 91) that sets a false special period (precursor period) when the privilege is not granted.
With
The false precursor period setting means may refer to the remaining period until the end condition is satisfied, and set the false special period so as not to straddle the establishment of the end condition.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to draw more attention to the player with respect to the length of the false special period, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

(5) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above.
The special period setting means may set the special period in any of a plurality of lengths (for example, 5 games, 10 games, and 20 games).

According to such a configuration, the player can pay attention to how much the special period is set, and the interest of the game can be improved.

(6) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above.
A special period counter (for example, a precursor effect counter) that measures the special period,
At the start of the game, the special period counter is updated (for example, before the reel control process of Sc7, the state counter is processed by Sc6b to update the precursor effect counter). 41) and
At the end of the game, the game state after the end of the special period is set based on the special period counter (for example, after the reel control process of Sc7, the state control process is performed by Sc8 to set the game state). Setting means (for example, main control unit 41) and
May be provided.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the game from being controlled by an unintended gaming state.

(7) A variable display unit (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R) 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 variablely displayed, a display result is derived, and the display result is derived. In a slot machine (for example, slot machine 1) in which a prize can be generated according to the display result.
A storage area (vector table area) in which a program address to be executed by the microcomputer (main control unit 41) is set when an interrupt occurs is provided.
When the microcomputer is started, it is determined whether the program address set in the storage area is within a predetermined range, and if it is not within the predetermined range, the start of the microcomputer is restricted (set in the vector table area). The value is 0000h (value set in the unused vector table area), or indicates the area of the address set in 8000h to HPRGEND, that is, the area of the program area in which the program or the like is actually stored. It may be determined whether it is a value, and if the value set in the vector table area is neither 0000h nor the value indicating the area of the address set in 8000h to HPRGEND, it may not be started).

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the execution of an unintended interrupt process in advance.

(8) A variable display unit (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R) capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information, each of which can be identified, is provided, and the display result is derived after the variable display unit is variablely displayed. In a slot machine (for example, slot machine 1) in which a prize can be generated according to the display result.
It has a microcomputer (main control unit 41) that starts execution of a user program (initial setting process) after the internal state is set (start-up setting).
In addition to setting interrupt prohibition in the internal state setting,
In the user program, the interrupt prohibition is set at the start of execution of the user program (the main control unit 41 is started in the interrupt prohibited state, but in Sa1, interrupt is prohibited again. ) May be done.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unintended interrupt process from being executed.

(9) A variable display unit (for example, reels 2L, 2C, 2R) 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 variablely displayed, a display result is derived, and the display result is derived. In a slot machine (for example, slot machine 1) in which a prize can be generated according to the display result.
It has multiple timers for different purposes and has multiple timers.
The plurality of timer values (multiple types of timer counter values) are stored in consecutive addresses of the RAM (set in an area to which continuous addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule of the RAM 41c), and are common while transitioning the target addresses. The specified address for the area where multiple types of timer counter values are stored is set by adding a constant to the current specified address in the process of updating the timer value stored in the specified address. It is also possible to update a plurality of types of timer values by repeatedly executing the timer values while changing the values.

According to such a configuration, the timer value update process can be executed without increasing the processing content.

It is a front view which shows the whole structure of the slot machine which concerns on this embodiment. 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 block diagram which shows the structure of the main control part. It is a figure which shows the memory map of the RAM mounted on the main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the initial setting process which a main control part executes. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the setting change processing executed by the main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the main process executed by the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interrupt process (main) executed by the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interrupt process (main) executed by the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the power failure process (main) executed by the main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control content when the main control part determines the value of a timer counter in a main process. It is a figure which shows the storage area of the timer counter in RAM. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the time counter update process executed by the main control part. It is a figure which showed the relationship between the special period and the number of AT remaining games. It is a figure which showed the example of the production screen in the case where the precursor effect is started when the special period is less than the number of AT remaining games. It is a figure which showed the example of the production screen in the case where the precursor effect is started when the special period is longer than the number of AT remaining games. It is a figure which showed the example of the production screen at the time when the ghost precursor production is started. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the state counter processing which the main control part executes during the main processing. It is a figure which showed the precursor production game number distribution table. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the state control process which the main control part executes during the game end setting process of the main process. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the timer interrupt process (sub) which a sub-control unit executes at regular intervals. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the effect execution process which a sub-control unit executes in a timer interrupt process (sub). It is a figure which showed the BIG bonus winning probability table.

A mode for carrying out a slot machine, which is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, will be described below.

[Slot machine configuration]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a housing 1a having an open front surface and a front door 1b rotatably pivotally supported at a side end of the housing 1a. ing.

As shown in FIG. 3, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter, left reel, middle reel, and 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. The reels) are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and as shown in FIG. 1, three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are provided from the see-through window 3 provided on the front door 1b. It is arranged so that it can be seen.

On the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, a predetermined number of symbols (identification information) that can be distinguished from each other are drawn in a predetermined order. The symbols 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 front door 1b. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a symbol arrangement of each reel. A plurality of types of symbols, each of which can be identified, are arranged in a predetermined order on the reels 2L to 2R.

Each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is rotated by the corresponding reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 4), so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuous with the perspective window 3. While the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped rotating, three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the perspective window 3 as a display result.

Inside the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, there are reel sensors 33L, 33C and 33R that detect the reference position for each of the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, and a reel LED 55 that irradiates the reels 2L, 2C and 2R from the back. , Are provided. Further, 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 display area 51a of the liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1) is arranged at a position on the front side (player side) of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a liquid crystal panel that has transparency in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element, and passes through the transmission region 51b and the perspective window 3 corresponding to the perspective window 3 of the display region 51a. The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R can be visually recognized from the player side.

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, which is operated when setting the maximum number of bets among the specified number of bets determined according to the gaming state within that range, and the setting of medals and bets stored as credits. Settlement switch 10, which is operated when the medals used for the above are settled (the medals used for setting the credit and the number of bets are returned), the start switch 7, which is operated when the game is started, reels 2L, 2C. The stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, which are operated when the rotation of the 2Rs is stopped, are provided so as to be operable by the player.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front door 1b 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 the 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 that the replay game is in progress, which will be described later. A game display unit 13 is provided with an LED 20 during replay to be notified by.

Inside the MAXBET switch 6, a BET switch effective LED21 (see FIG. 4) is provided to notify by lighting that the betting number setting operation by operating the MAXBET switch 6 is effective, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, Inside the 8R, left, middle, and right stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C, and 22R (see FIG. 4) are provided to notify by lighting that the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is effective. Has been done.

Inside the front door 1b, as shown in FIG. 3, a reset switch 23 for detecting an error state described later and a reset operation for canceling a stop state described later by a predetermined key operation, and a change of a setting value described later. A setting value display 24 that displays the setting value at that time while checking the middle or setting value, and a hit that controls the stop state (a state in which the progress of the game is restricted until the reset operation is performed) at a predetermined trigger. Stop switch 36a for selecting enable / disable of the stop function, automatic control to automatic settlement processing (processing to settle (return) medals stored as credits regardless of the player's operation) at a predetermined trigger The automatic settlement switch 36b for selecting the enable / disable of the settlement function and the flow path of the medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are provided on the side of the hopper tank 34a (see FIG. 3) described later provided inside the housing 1a. Alternatively, a flow path switching solenoid 30 for selectively switching to either one of the medal payout outlet 9 sides, a medal insertion unit 31 for detecting medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 and flowing down to the hopper tank 34a side, and an insertion medal sensor. A medal selector 29 having a slot sensor 26 for detecting the insertion of foreign matter on the upstream side of 31 and a door open detection switch 25 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the open state of the front door 1b are provided.

Inside the housing 1a, as shown in FIG. 3, the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R (see FIG. 4), and the reel reference positions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, respectively, are located. Reel unit 2 composed of detectable reel sensors 33L, 33C, 33R (see FIG. 4), external output board 1000 for outputting an external output signal (see FIG. 4), and medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 are stored. The hopper tank 34a, 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 payout sensor 34c for detecting the medal paid out by driving the hopper motor 34b (see FIG. 4). A hopper unit 34 and a power supply box 100 (see FIG. 4) are 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) for detecting that the stored medals are full is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, 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 setting value of the winning probability (ball output rate) of the internal lottery, which will be described later, and the power supply that is operated when the power is turned on / off. A switch 39 is provided.

Since the power supply box 100 is provided inside the housing 1a and the front door 1b can be opened by a predetermined key operation possessed by a clerk or the like, the power supply box 100 is provided on the front surface of the power supply box 100. The setting key switch 37, the reset / setting switch 38, and the power switch 39 can be operated only by a person such as a clerk who has the key, and cannot be operated by the player. The same applies to the reset switch 23 detected by a predetermined key operation. In particular, since the setting key switch 37 requires further key operation after opening the front door 1b by key operation, only the clerk who has the key to operate the setting key switch 37 among the clerk of the amusement park. It is possible to operate.

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. 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 perspective windows 3 of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is a combination of winning symbols. 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.

Further, in the present embodiment, 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 4 are set separately from the winning line LN. The invalid lines LM1 to LM1 to 4 are not determined to win by the combination of the symbols aligned with the invalid lines LM1 to 4, but are invalid lines when the winning line LN has a combination of symbols constituting a specific winning. By configuring the combination of symbols (for example, bell-bell-bell) that will be awarded when the winning line LN is aligned with any of LM1 to LM4, the symbols constituting the winning line LN are the symbols that constitute a specific winning. This makes it easier to recognize that the combinations are complete.

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, and 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the perspective window 3.

When all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped, one game ends, and a predetermined combination of symbols (hereinafter, also referred to as a combination) on the winning line LN is displayed on each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. If the game is stopped as a result, a prize will be generated, and a number of medals determined according to the prize will be given to the player and added to the credit. Further, when the maximum number of credits (50 in the present embodiment) is reached, the medals are directly paid out from the medal payout outlet 9 (see FIG. 1). Further, when the combination of symbols accompanied by the transition of the gaming state stops on the winning line LN as the display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, the combination of symbols is shifted to the gaming state according to the combination of symbols. ..

In the present embodiment, the game starts when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected while the operation of the start switch 7 is valid, and the game ends when all the reels are stopped. In addition, one unit of control for executing the game (game control) starts when all the controls associated with the end of the previous game are completed, and when all the controls associated with the end of the game are completed. finish.

Further, 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. Well, in the configuration using two or more reels, the winning configuration may be determined based on the combination of the display results derived to all the two or more reels. Further, 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.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the game is started and the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated to start the fluctuation of the symbol, any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are set. When operated, the rotation of the reels corresponding to the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is stopped, and the symbol is displayed as stopped. 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. You will be able to do it. 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, the symbol displayed in the middle row of the reel corresponding to the stop switch when any of the stop switches 8L and 8R is operated in each of the reels 2L, 2C and 2R. Designs arranged within 5 frames including the above can be displayed on the winning line.

In the following, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R may be simply referred to as reels when it is not necessary to distinguish them. Further, the reel 2L may be referred to as a left reel, the reel 2C may be referred to as a middle reel, and the reel 2R may be referred to as a right reel. Further, the operation of stopping the reels 2L, 2C and 2R by operating the stop switches 8L, 8C and 8R may be referred to as a stop operation.

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 drive power supply for the electric components constituting the slot machine 1 is generated by the power supply board 101 and supplied 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 effect control board 90 are generated. It is supposed to be supplied to. Further, the above-mentioned hopper motor 34b, payout sensor 34c, full tank sensor 35a, setting key switch 37, reset / setting switch 38, and power switch 39 are connected to the power supply board 101.

The game control board 40 includes the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R, the settlement switch 10, the reset switch 23, the stop switch 36a, the automatic settlement switch 36b, the input medal sensor 31, and the door opening. The detection switch 25, the reel sensors 33L, 33C, and 33R are connected, and the payout sensor 34c, the full tank sensor 35a, the setting key switch 37, and the reset / setting switch 38 described above are connected via the power supply board 101. The detection signals of these connected switches are input. Further, on the game control board 40, the above-mentioned credit display 11, game auxiliary display 12, 1-3 BETLED 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 stop effective LEDs 22L, 22C, 22R, set value display 24, flow path switching solenoid 30, reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R are connected, and the hopper motor 34b described above is connected via the power supply board 101. These electrical components are connected and are driven based on the control of the main control unit 41, which will be described later, mounted on the game control board 40.

The game control board 40 is composed of a main control unit 41 that performs processing related to the progress of the game, a control clock generation circuit 42 that generates a control clock CCLK, a random clock generation circuit 43 that generates a random clock RCLK, and switches. The switch detection circuit 44 that takes in the input detection signal and transmits it to the main control unit 41, the motor drive circuit 45 that transmits the motor drive signal (phase signal of the stepping motor) to the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, and the solenoid drive signal. A solenoid drive circuit 46 that transmits to the flow path switching solenoid 30, an LED drive circuit 47 that transmits LED drive signals to various indicators and LEDs, and a voltage drop signal indicating that when a voltage drop is detected is sent to the main control unit 41. A power failure detection circuit 48 that outputs to the main control unit 41 and a reset circuit 49 that gives a system reset signal to the main control unit 41 in a state where the power supply is unstable such as when the power is turned on or when the power is cut off are mounted.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40. The main controller 41 shown in FIG. 5 is a one-chip microcomputer, which includes an external bus interface 501, a clock circuit 502, a collation block 503, a unique information storage circuit 504, an arithmetic circuit 505, and a reset / interrupt. Controller 506, CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41a, ROM (Read Only Memory) 41b, RAM (Random)
Access Memory) 41c, free run counter circuit 507, random number circuits 508a, 508b, timer circuit 509, interrupt controller 510, parallel input port 511, serial communication circuit 512, parallel output port 513, and address. It is configured to include a decoding circuit 514. The reset / interrupt controller 506 includes an out-of-designated area travel prohibition (IAT) circuit 506a and a watchdog timer (WDT) 506b.

The reset / interrupt controller 506 is for controlling various resets and interrupt requests that occur inside or outside the main control unit 41. The reset / interrupt controller 506 includes an out-of-designated area travel prohibition (IAT) circuit 506a and a watchdog timer (WDT) 506b. The IAT circuit 506a is a circuit that monitors whether or not the user program is correctly executed in the designated area, and has a function of outputting an IAT generation signal when it detects that the user program has been executed outside the designated area. Further, the watchdog timer 506b has a function of generating a timeout signal for each set period.

The external bus interface 501 is a bus interface having an interface function between the external bus and the internal bus of the chip constituting the main control unit 41, a direction control function for the address bus, the data bus, and each control signal, and the like. The clock circuit 502 is a circuit that generates the internal system clock SCLK by dividing the control clock CCLK by two or the like. The collation block 503 has a function of connecting to an external collation machine and collating chips. The unique information storage circuit 504 is a circuit that stores a plurality of types of unique information that is internal information of the main control unit 41. The arithmetic circuit 505 is a circuit that performs multiplication and division.

The CPU 41a is a control CPU that executes game control in the slot machine 1 by executing a user program (game control processing program for game control) based on the control code read from the ROM 41b. When such game control is executed, the CPU 41a reads the fixed data from the ROM 41b, the fixed data read operation, the CPU 41a writes various variable data to the RAM 41c and temporarily stores the variable data, and the CPU 41a is temporarily stored in the RAM 41c. Variable data read operation to read various variable data, CPU 41a receives input of various signals from the outside of the main control unit 41 via the external bus interface 501, parallel input port 511, serial communication circuit 512, etc., CPU 41a Is also used to output various signals to the outside of the main control unit 41 via the external bus interface 501, the serial communication circuit 512, the parallel output port 513, and the like.

The ROM 41b stores a control code indicating a user program (game control processing program for game control), fixed data, and the like. The RAM 41c provides a work area for game control. Here, at least a part of the RAM 41c may be a backup RAM backed up by a backup power supply. That is, even if the power supply to the slot machine 1 is stopped, at least a part of the contents of the RAM 41c is stored for a predetermined period.

An 8-bit free run counter is mounted as the free run counter circuit 507. The random number circuits 508a and 508b are circuits that generate numerical data such as 8-bit random numbers and 16-bit random numbers, which are random number values having a predetermined update range. In the present embodiment, the hardware random number generated by the 16-bit random number circuit 508b out of the random number circuits 508a and 508b is used as a random number for internal lottery described later. The timer circuit 509 is a 16-bit programmable timer, which counts down the set timer value based on the input of the control clock CCLK, and outputs an interrupt request signal to the interrupt controller when it reaches 0000 h. In the present embodiment, it is possible to perform periodic interrupt request and time measurement by using the timer circuit 509.

The interrupt controller 510 is a circuit that controls an external interrupt request from the interrupt terminal and an interrupt request from a built-in peripheral circuit (for example, serial communication circuit 512, random number circuits 508a, 508b, timer circuit 509). .. The parallel input port 511 has a built-in 8-bit wide input-only port. Further, the parallel output port 513 included in the main control unit 41 shown in FIG. 5 has a built-in 11-bit wide output dedicated port. The serial communication circuit 512 is a circuit that performs asynchronous serial communication in input / output to the outside.

The address decoding circuit 514 is a circuit for decoding each functional block inside the main control unit 41 and decoding a chip select signal which is a decoding signal for an external device. The chip select signal enables the internal circuit of the main control unit 41 or an external device serving as a peripheral device to be selectively and effectively operated to be accessed from the CPU 41a.

FIG. 6 is an address map of the memory area used by the main control unit 41. As shown in FIG. 6, the memory area used by the main control unit 41 includes a memory area (0000h to 7FFFh) allocated to the RAM 41c and a memory area (8000h to FFFFh) allocated to the ROM 41b.

The memory area of the RAM 41c is an internal function register area (1000h to 1000h) in which a usable area (0000h to 01FFh) that can be used as a work and a register group for controlling each function mounted on the main control unit 41 are stored. 1080h) and unused areas (0200h to 0FFFh, A800h to FFFFh) whose access is prohibited.

The memory area of the ROM 41b includes a program / data area (8000h to A6FFh) in which a program and fixed data are stored, a ROM comment area (A700h to A7FFh) in which arbitrary data such as a program title and version can be set, and a CALLV. The vector table area (A780h to A7A7h) where the start address of the instruction subroutine and the start address of the interrupt processing are set, and the HW parameter where the parameters for setting the internal functions of the main control unit 41 in terms of hardware are set. The area (addresses A7A8h to A7FFh) and an unused area (A800h to FFFFh) whose access is prohibited are included.

The parameters set in the HW parameter area include the final address (HPRGEND) of the ROM area used in the program / data area, the start address (HRAMSTAT) and the final address (HRAMEND) of the RAM area for which access is prohibited.

Then, when the main control unit 41 accesses the area between the address set in HPRGEND and A6FFh, that is, the area of the program / data area in which the program or the like is not stored, the address set in HRAMSTAT When there is access to the area between the addresses set in HRAMEND, that is, the area where access prohibition is set among the available areas, when there is access to the ROM comment area, access to the HW parameter area When there is, it is judged as unauthorized access and an illegal access reset is generated. When an illegal access reset occurs, it is controlled to a special error state described later, the progress of the game is disabled, the setting shifts to the setting change state, and the setting value is not released until a new setting value is set.

In this way, the main control unit 41 accesses the program / data area in which the program or the like is not stored, or the available area in which access prohibition is set. That is, since the progress of the game is disabled by generating an illegal access reset when there is an access to a memory area that is not accessed in normal operation, it is not related to the unused area or operation of ROM 41b. Even when an invalid program is stored in an area, an unused area of the RAM 41c, or the like, it is possible to prevent the illegal program from being executed.

Further, the main control unit 41 is activated when a system reset by inputting a system reset signal, a WDT reset by WDT506b, and the above-mentioned illegal access reset occur. At this time, the value set in the vector table area is set. Is 0000h (value set in the unused vector table area), or is an area of the address set in 8000h to HPRGEND, that is, a value indicating the area in which the program or the like is actually stored in the program area. If it is determined whether or not the system exists, and the value set in the vector table area is neither 0000h nor the value indicating the area of the address set in 8000h to HPRGEND, the system is not activated.

In this way, the main control unit 41 is activated when the value set in the vector table area, that is, the start address of the subroutine of the CALLV instruction and the start address of the interrupt process are values indicating outside the area in which the program is set. By not doing so, it is possible to prevent in advance that an unintended process is executed due to an interruption or the like.

The main control unit 41 transmits various commands to the sub control unit 91 via the parallel output port 513. The command transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub control unit 91 is sent in only one direction, and the command is not sent from the sub control unit 91 to the main control unit 41. Further, in the present embodiment, the command is transmitted to the sub control unit 91 via the parallel output port 513, that is, the command is transmitted as a parallel signal, but the command is transmitted via the serial communication circuit 512. The command may be transmitted to the sub control unit 91, that is, the command may be transmitted as a serial signal.

Further, the main control unit 41 inputs the detection states of various switches connected to the game control board 40 from the parallel input port 511. Then, the main control unit 41 executes a basic process of gradually shifting according to the detection states of the various switches input from the parallel input ports 511. Further, the main control unit 41 can interrupt the basic process and execute the interrupt process when the interrupt occurs. In the present embodiment, a time-out has occurred in the timer circuit 509, that is, the timer interrupt process (main) described later is executed at regular time intervals (about 0.56 ms in the present embodiment). Further, the main control unit 41 is set to prohibit other interrupts during the execution of the interrupt process, and when a plurality of interrupts occur at the same time, priority is given according to a predetermined order. The interrupt to be executed is set. If another interrupt factor occurs during the execution of the interrupt process and the interrupt factor continues even after the interrupt process ends, a new interrupt will occur at that point. It will be.

As a basic process, the main control unit 41 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 responds to the change in the detection state of the various switches. Execute the process of gradual migration. Further, the main control unit 41 executes the timer interrupt process (main) at regular time intervals (about 0.56 ms in the present embodiment). 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). Therefore, the process of repeating according to the control state always completes at least one cycle between this time and the next timer interrupt process (main).

A liquid crystal display 51, an effect LED 52, speakers 53, 54, a reel LED 55, and other effect devices are connected to the effect control board 90, and these effect devices are sub-controls described later mounted on the effect control board 90. It is driven based on the control by the unit 91. 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. However, apart from the sub control unit 91, an output control unit that directly controls the output of the effect device is mounted on the effect control board 90 or another board, and the sub control unit 91 is based on a command from the main control unit 41. The output pattern of the effect device may be determined, and the output control unit may control the output 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 may be used. The output control of the effect device is performed by both of the control units. Further, 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 these, and is mechanically driven, for example. A display device, a mechanically driven accessory, or the like may be applied as the effect device.

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

In the game control board 40, the reset circuit 95 has a lower voltage for releasing the reset signal than the reset circuit 49 that gives the system reset signal to the main control unit 41, and the sub control unit 91 controls the main control when the power is turned on. It is designed to start at an earlier stage than the unit 41. On the other hand, the power failure detection circuit 98 is set to have a lower voltage for outputting the voltage drop signal than the power failure detection circuit 48 for outputting the voltage drop signal to the main control unit 41 on the game control board 40, and is set to have a lower voltage when the power is cut. The sub control unit 91 detects a power failure at a stage later than that of the main control unit 41, and performs a power failure process (sub) described later.

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. Further, the sub control unit 91 generates an interrupt every time the number of input of the system clock reaches a certain number, that is, every fixed time interval (about 2 ms), and executes a timer interrupt process (sub) described later. Further, unlike the main control unit 41, the sub control unit 91 interrupts the process when an interrupt occurs based on the reception of a command, even if the timer interrupt process (sub) is being executed. The command reception interrupt process is executed in, and even if the interrupt that triggers the timer interrupt process (sub) occurs at the same time, the command reception interrupt process is executed with the highest priority. Further, 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.

In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the medal payout rate changes according to the set value. More specifically, the medal payout rate is changed by using the winning probability according to the set value in the lottery that affects the advantage to the player such as the internal lottery, the navigation stock lottery, and the additional lottery described later. 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, when 6 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and the smaller the value in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 is, the lower the advantage is.

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 by 1 (when the setting value 6 is further operated, the setting value is changed to 1). return). Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the display value is fixed as the set value. Then, 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.

It should be noted that when the power is turned on while the setting key switch 37 is ON, the setting shift state is also provided on the condition that the door open detection switch 25 detects the opening of the front door 1b. Well, with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the setting from being changed illegally when the front door 1b is not opened. Further, in the configuration of shifting to the setting change state on the condition that the detection corresponding to the opening of the front door 1b is performed, the door opening detection switch 25 corresponds to the opening of the front door 1b after shifting to the setting change state. It is preferable to maintain the setting change state even if the setting change state is not detected. Therefore, even if the front door 1b is temporarily closed during the setting change, the operation for shifting to the setting change state again is performed. It is not necessary and the setting change operation is not complicated. Further, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off after the start switch 7 is operated to confirm the set value after shifting to the setting change state, the door open detection switch 25 detects the front door 1b to be opened. On the condition that the setting is changed, the setting change state may be terminated and the game may proceed to a state in which the game can proceed. Even in such a configuration, the front door 1b is illegally opened. It is possible to prevent the setting from being changed.

Further, in order to confirm the set value, after the game is finished, the setting key switch 37 may be turned on in a state where 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 of the game is possible.

After the game is over, when the setting key switch 37 is turned on while the bet number is not set, it is a condition that the door opening detection switch 25 detects the opening of the front door 1b. In addition, a configuration that shifts to the setting confirmation state may be used, and such a configuration can prevent the setting value from being illegally confirmed when the front door 1b is not opened. Further, in the configuration of shifting to the setting confirmation state on the condition that the detection corresponding to the opening of the front door 1b is performed, the door opening detection switch 25 corresponds to the opening of the front door 1b after shifting to the setting confirmation state. It is preferable to maintain the setting confirmation state even if the detection is not performed. Therefore, even if the front door 1b is temporarily closed during the setting confirmation, the operation for shifting to the setting confirmation state again is performed. It is not necessary and the setting confirmation operation is not complicated. Further, when the setting key switch 37 is turned off after the start switch 7 is operated to confirm the set value after shifting to the setting confirmation state, the door open detection switch 25 detects the front door 1b to be opened. On the condition that the setting is confirmed, the setting confirmation state may be terminated and the game may be returned to the state in which the game can proceed. Even in such a configuration, the front door 1b is illegally opened. It is possible to prevent the set value from being confirmed.

In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not a voltage drop signal from the power failure detection circuit 48 is detected each time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed. Power failure processing (main) that sets data for determining whether the data in RAM 41c is normal at the next recovery when it is determined that a voltage drop signal has been detected in the power failure determination process. To execute.

Then, 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. However, when the RAM 41c 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 error state shifts to the normal error state that is canceled by the reset operation (operation of the reset / setting switch 38 or the reset switch 23) and the setting change state described above, and is canceled until a new setting value is set. The RAM error state is a special error state, including the special error state without, and once controlled to the RAM error error state, it shifts to the setting change state and is released until a new setting value is set. Will not be done.

Further, the sub control unit 91 also determines whether or not the voltage drop signal from the power interruption detection circuit 98 is detected in the timer interrupt process (sub), and when it is determined that the voltage drop signal is detected, the sub control unit 91 also determines. At the next return, the power interruption process (sub) for setting the data for determining whether the data in the RAM 91c is normal is executed.

Then, 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. However, when 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.

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

Next, the initialization of the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 will be described. The usable area of the storage area of the RAM 41c of the main control unit 41 is divided into an important work, a special work, a general work, an unused area, and a stack area, and the important work, the special work, the general work, and the unused area. , The stack area is arranged in this order.

In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 uses the data of the RAM 41c when the data of the RAM 41c is destroyed when the setting key switch 37 is started up when the setting key switch 37 is OFF, and the data of the RAM 41c when the setting key switch 37 is started up when the setting key switch 37 is ON. When the data of RAM 41c is destroyed at the time of starting with the setting key switch 37 ON, at the end of setting change, at the end of a specific game state, and at the end of one game. When the initialization condition consisting of the above is satisfied, four types of initialization with different regions to be initialized are performed according to each initialization condition.

Initialization 0 is when the data in the RAM 41c is destroyed when the setting key switch 37 is started up in the OFF state, or when the data in the RAM 41c is destroyed when the setting key switch 37 is started up in the ON state. In initialization 0, all the usable areas are initialized. Initialization 1 is initialization performed when the data in the RAM 41c is not destroyed at the time of starting with the setting key switch 37 ON, and in initialization 1, other than the important work and the special work in the usable area. Area is initialized. The initialization 2 is an initialization performed at the end of a specific gaming state, and in the initialization 2, the general work, the unused area, and the unused stack area among the usable areas are initialized. The initialization 3 is an initialization performed at the end of one game, and in the initialization 3, an unused area and an unused stack area among the usable areas are initialized. The storage area of the data indicating the set value and the game state is allocated to the special work, and when the data of the RAM 41c is not destroyed at the time of starting with the setting key switch 37 ON, that is, the data of the RAM 41c. If is normal and the setting is changed, the set value and the data indicating the game state will be retained. Further, the storage area of the timer counter, which will be described later, is allocated to the special work, and is retained without being initialized at the end of the game or the end of a specific game state.

In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a specified number of bets that can be set according to the gaming state is determined, and the specified number of bets is set according to the gaming state, provided that the specified number of bets is set. It is possible to start the game. In the present embodiment, the winning line LN is activated when a predetermined number of bets are set according to the gaming state.

Then, in the present embodiment, when all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped, the activated winning line (in the case of the present embodiment, all the winning lines are always activated. Therefore, in the following, , The activated winning line is simply called the winning line), and when the combination of symbols called roles is aligned, the winning is won. The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols.

The types of winning roles are determined according to the game status, but they can be broadly divided into small winning roles that involve payout of medals and re-starting the next game without the need to set the number of bets. There is a gaming role and a special role that accompanies a transition to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. In the following, the small role and the replaying role will be collectively referred to as the general role. In order for each winning combination determined according to the game state to be won, it is necessary to win the internal lottery described later and set the winning flag of the winning combination in the RAM 41c. Of the winning flags for each of these winning combinations, the winning flags for the small winning combination and the replaying combination are valid only in the game in which the flags are set, and are invalid in the next game, but the winning flags for the special winning combination are , It is valid until the combinations of the allowed combinations are complete by the flag, 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 role is won, even if the combination of the winning combination permitted by the flag cannot be aligned, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game. It becomes.

Hereinafter, the internal lottery of the present embodiment will be described. The internal lottery is performed before the display results of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are derived (specifically, the start switch 7) whether or not the main control unit 41 allows the winning of each of the above-mentioned combinations. Is determined at the time of detection). 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. Specifically, the value generated by the random number circuit 508b and stored in the random number value register of the random number circuit 508b is set in the lottery work assigned to the RAM 41c. Then, for each winning combination determined according to the gaming state, according to the numerical data stored in the lottery work and the number of determination values of each winning combination determined according to the current gaming state, the number of bets, and the set value. It is determined whether or not to allow the prize.

In the internal lottery, the number of judgment values determined according to the winning combination, the current game state, and the set value to be the target of the internal lottery is sequentially added to the random number value for the internal lottery (numerical data stored in the lottery work). When the addition is performed and 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 determination values / 65536) according to the magnitude of the number of determination values.

Then, 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. The internal winning flag storage work is composed of a 2-byte storage area, in which the upper byte is assigned as the special role storage work in which the winning flag of the special combination is set, and the lower byte is the winning of the general combination. It is assigned as a general role storage work for which a flag is set. Specifically, when the special role is won, the winning flag of the special role indicating that the special role has been won is set in the special role storage work, and the winning flag set in the general role storage work is cleared. In addition, when the general role is won, the winning flag of the general role indicating that the general role has been won is set in the general role storage work. If neither combination nor combination of combinations is won, only the general combination storage work is cleared.

Next, the stop control of the reels 2L, 2C, and 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. The stop control table is data that can specify the number of slip frames for each timing when the stop operation is performed. Then, when any operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R corresponding to the rotating reel is effectively detected, 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, and 2R corresponding to the operated stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R.

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 symbols to stop the reel after detecting the stop operation. 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. Further, since it is necessary to move one frame to move the reel for one symbol, it is possible to pull in a maximum of four symbols after detecting the stop operation to stop the reel, and stop when the stop operation is detected. The stop position of a symbol can be specified from a range of up to 5 symbols including the operation position.

In the present embodiment, when any of the winning combinations is won, when the stop operation is performed, the winning winning combinations are aligned and stopped on the winning line within a pull-in range of up to 4 frames. If this is possible, control will be performed to align and stop the winning combination, and the winning combination will be controlled to stop without aligning within a pull-in range of up to 4 frames. If the special role and the small role are won at the same time, such as when the special role is carried over from before the previous game and the small role is won, the maximum on the winning line is when the stop operation is performed. If the winning small wins can be aligned and stopped within the pull-in range of 4 frames, control is performed to align and stop the small wins that have been won within the pull-in range of up to 4 frames on the winning line. If it is not possible to draw in, if it is possible to align and stop the winning special roles in the drawing range of up to 4 frames on the winning line, control will be performed to align and stop, and the winning combination will be stopped. Control is performed so that the four frames are stopped without being aligned within the pull-in range of four frames. That is, in such a case, the control of aligning the small winning combination on the winning line is prioritized over the special winning combination, and the special winning combination can be won only when the small winning combination cannot be drawn in. If the special role and the small role can be drawn in at the same time, only the small role will be drawn in, and the small role will not be aligned on the winning line at the same time as the special role. Also, when a special role and a 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.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the special role and the re-game combination are won at the same time, such as when the special role is carried over from before the previous game and the re-game combination is won, the stop operation is performed. When the game is broken, the winning line is controlled so that the symbols of the re-game combination are aligned and stopped within a 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 each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. Since it can be stopped at any position within the pull-in range of 4 frames, if the special role 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. Instead, all the replay roles will be awarded. 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 is sure to win the prize. If the special role and the re-game role can be drawn in at the same time, only the re-game role will be drawn in, and the special role will not be aligned on the winning line at the same time as the re-game role.

In the present embodiment, the reel stop control is performed using a stop control table that can specify the number of slip frames for each timing when the stop operation is performed. However, the stop that can be stopped can be specified. A configuration that specifies the stop position from the position table and stops the reel at the specified stop position, and searches for a stop position that can be stopped at the timing when the stop operation is performed without using the stop control table or stop position table. -A configuration that performs stop control to specify and stop the reel at the specified stop position, stop control using the stop control table, stop control using the stop position table, and stop without using the stop control table or stop position table. It is also possible to use a configuration in which stop control is performed by searching and specifying a different stop position, or a configuration in which the stop control table and the stop position table are partially changed to perform stop control.

In the present embodiment, 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 after the start of the game, that is, the time when the rotation of the reel is started. 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 is performed. A wait is generated if the game time at which counting is started from the start time is equal to or longer than the specified time (4.1 seconds in the present embodiment), that is, if the specified time has elapsed from the start time of reel rotation of the previous game. At that point, the rotation of the reel for the game in the game is started. 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 timing is started from that point is less than the specified time, that is, if the specified time has not elapsed since the start of reel rotation in the previous game, a wait is generated and the rotation of the reel is started at that point. Instead, the game waits until the game time at which timing is started from the start of reel rotation of the previous game reaches the specified time, and when the specified time is reached, the rotation of the reel is started.

In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 controls to output an external output signal indicating a gaming state, an error occurrence status, and the like. These external output signals are output to a hall device such as a hall computer via an information providing terminal board of a game store (hall) in which the external output board 1000 and the slot machine 1 are installed.

The main control unit 41 has a medal IN signal indicating the number of medals used for setting the number of bets, a medal OUT signal indicating the number of medals given to the player due to the occurrence of a prize, and a game state of RB (regular bonus). An RB signal indicating that the game is in progress, a BB signal indicating that the game state is in BB (Big Bonus), which will be described later, an RT signal indicating that RT2 is in progress, and a door opening signal indicating that the front door 1b is open. A setting change signal indicating that the mode has been changed to the setting change mode described later, a insertion error signal indicating an abnormality of the medal selector, and a payout error signal indicating an abnormality of the hopper unit 34 are output.

The external output board 1000 is provided with a relay circuit, a parallel / serial conversion circuit, terminals for each output signal, and a connector to be connected for electrically connecting to the circuit of the information providing terminal board. Of the signals output from the game control board 40, the medal IN signal, the medal OUT signal, the RB signal, and the BB signal are directly output as pulse signals to the information providing terminal board via the relay circuit. On the other hand, the door open signal, the setting change signal, the input error signal, and the payout error signal are converted into a security signal which is a serial signal that can be individually identified by the parallel serial conversion circuit to provide information. It is output to the terminal board.

Next, 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 input number command, a credit command, a game state command, an internal winning command, a reel acceleration information command, a stop operation command, a slip frame number command, and the like. Stop command, game end command, winning number command, payout start command, payout end command, standby command, stop command, error command, return command, setting command, setting confirmation command, door command, operation detection command, counter value command Send multiple types of commands, including.

The number of inserted medals command is a command that can specify the number of inserted medals, that is, the number of medals used to set the number of bets, and is a state from the end of the game (after changing the setting) to the start of the game. , Or when a medal is inserted in a state where the specified number of bets is not set, or when the MAXBET switch 6 is operated to set the number of bets, the medal is transmitted. Further, since the insertion number command is transmitted when the bet number setting operation is performed, it is possible to identify that the bet number setting operation has been performed by receiving the insertion number command. The credit command is a command that can specify the number of medals stored as credits, is a state from the end of the game (after changing the setting) to the start of the game, and in a state where a specified number of bets is set. Sent when a medal is inserted and credits are added.

The game state command is a command that can specify the game state of the game, and is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game. The internal winning command is a command that can specify the internal lottery result, and is transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game and after the game state command is transmitted. Since the game status command and the internal winning command are transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated and the game starts, it is possible to identify that the start switch 7 is operated and the game has started by receiving these commands. Is.

The reel acceleration information command is a command that can specify that the rotation of the reel starts as the game progresses, and is transmitted when the rotation of the reel starts as the game progresses. The stop operation command is a command that can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, or the area number of the stop operation position of the corresponding reel, and is used for the stop operation of each reel. It is transmitted every time the accompanying stop control is performed. The number of sliding frames command is a command that can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, and the number of sliding frames that move from the stop operation of the corresponding reel to the stop. Therefore, each time the stop control associated with the stop operation of each reel is performed, the corresponding stop operation command is transmitted and then transmitted. The stop command is a command that can specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, or the area number of the stop position of the corresponding reel, and is a stop control associated with the stop operation of each reel. Is sent after the corresponding slip frame count command is sent each time. The stop operation command, the number of sliding frames command, and the stop command can all specify whether the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the middle reel, or the right reel, and are accompanied by the stop operation of each reel. Since it is transmitted every time the stop control is performed, it is possible to specify that one of the reels has been stopped and the reel to be stopped by receiving these commands.

The game end command is a command that can specify that the game has ended, and is transmitted when the player presses the stop switch to stop the third stop reel and releases the stop switch. The winning number 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, so that the player stops the third stop reel. It is when the stop switch is pressed and the stop switch is released, and is transmitted after the game end command is transmitted. Both the game end command and the winning number command are transmitted when the player presses the stop switch to stop the third stop reel and releases the stop switch. Therefore, by receiving these commands, It is possible to identify that all the operations necessary for advancing one game have been completed.

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

The standby command is a command indicating that the game shifts to the standby state, and when the estimated end time (60 seconds in the present embodiment) elapses without setting the number of bets after the end of one game, the standby command is entered. It is sent after the payout of medals by the settlement of credits (including the medals used to set the number of bets) is completed and the payout end command is sent.

The stop command is a command indicating the occurrence or release of the stop state, and after the end of the BB, when the ending effect waiting time elapses, the stop command indicating the occurrence of the stop state is transmitted, and the reset operation is performed. When the stop state is released, a stop command indicating the release of the stop state is transmitted. 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 an error state and its type is sent and reset. When the operation is performed and the error state is cleared, an error command indicating the error state is cleared 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, and is transmitted when the main control unit 41 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. When the setting change state is entered, the setting command indicating the start of the setting change state is sent, and when the setting change state ends, the setting command is sent. A setting command indicating the end of the setting change state and the setting value after the setting change is sent. Further, since the control state of the main control unit 41 is initialized with the transition to the setting change state, it is possible to specify that the control state of the main control unit 41 has been initialized by the setting command indicating the start of the setting. .. The setting confirmation command is a command that indicates the start or end of the setting confirmation state. When the setting confirmation state is entered, the setting confirmation command that indicates the start of the setting confirmation is sent, and the setting that indicates the end of the setting confirmation is sent when the setting confirmation state ends. A confirmation command is sent.

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). It is transmitted when the detection state of the door open detection switch 25 changes (from ON to OFF, from OFF to ON) (before the setting of can be started). The operation detection command is a command indicating the detection state (ON / OFF) of the operation switches (MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R), and is transmitted at regular time intervals.

The counter value command is a command indicating various counter values such as an AT counter, an additional specialized zone counter, and a precursor effect counter that are updated in the state counter processing described later.

Of these commands, commands other than the door command and the operation detection command are generated in the basic process, temporarily stored in the command queue provided in the RAM 41c, and transmitted in the subsequent timer interrupt process (main) command transmission process. NS. On the other hand, the door command is generated in the door monitoring process of the timer interrupt process (main), temporarily stored in the command queue provided in the RAM 41c, and transmitted in the subsequent command transmission process of the timer interrupt process (main). Will be done. Further, the operation detection command is generated based on the detection state of the switch every time the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process (main) is executed 10 times, and is temporarily stored in the command queue provided in the RAM 41c. , It is transmitted in the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process (main) after that.

Next, the effect control executed by the sub control unit 91 based on the command transmitted by the main control unit 41 to the effect control board 90 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.

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 LED 52, the output mode of the speakers 53 and 54, the lighting mode of the reel LED 55, 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 a 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.

If the sub-control unit 91 receives a new command during the execution of the effect triggered by the reception of a certain command, the sub-control unit 91 stops the effect based on the control pattern being executed, and the newly received command is used. An effect based on the corresponding control pattern is executed. That is, even if the production is not completed to the end, when a new command is received, the production that was being executed is canceled and a new production is performed unless the new command received is not the command that triggers the new production. The effect based on the command will be executed.

When the internal winning command is received, the effect pattern is selected at a selection rate according to the result of the internal lottery indicated by the internal winning command, and is set in the RAM 91c. The selection rate of the effect pattern is registered in the effect table stored in the ROM 91b, and when the sub-control unit 91 receives the internal winning command, it is stored in the effect table according to the result of the internal lottery indicated by the internal winning command. The registered selection rate is referred to, one of the effect patterns is selected from a plurality of types of effect patterns according to the selection rate, and the selected effect pattern is set in the RAM 91c as the effect pattern of the game. Therefore, even if the same command is received, a different control pattern is selected depending on the effect pattern selected when the internal winning command is received, and as a result, different effects may be performed depending on the effect pattern.

Next, various control contents executed by the main control unit 41 in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12.

When the main control unit 41 is started due to the occurrence of a reset, the main control unit 41 makes a start-up setting. In the startup setting, the status flag provided in the main control unit 41 is initialized. The status flag is data that holds the state of the operation result and the execution result of the instruction, and particularly includes the interrupt master permission flag that sets the prohibition / permission of interrupt. Since the initial value of the interrupt master permission flag is a value indicating that interrupts are prohibited, the main control unit 41 is started in a state where interrupts are prohibited.

After that, the main control unit 41 sets various functions with reference to the HW parameters, and then performs the initial setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 according to the program stored in the program / data area. In the initial setting process, first, the value of the interrupt master permission flag is set to a value indicating interrupt prohibition to prohibit interrupts (Sa1). As described above, the main control unit 41 is activated in the interrupt-prohibited state, but in Sa1, interrupts are prohibited again. Next, the initialization data is set (Sa2), and each output port is initialized (Sa3). Next, the built-in register is set (Sa4).

Next, it is determined whether or not the power supply voltage is normal (Sa5). If the power supply voltage is not normal, the determination is repeated until it becomes normal. If the power supply voltage is normal, the upper address of the interrupt vector is set (Sa6). Then, access to the RAM 41c is permitted (Sa7), and the stack pointer is initialized (Sa8).

Next, the RAM parity is calculated (Sa9). Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated RAM parity becomes 0 (Sa10). If the RAM parity does not become 0, the process proceeds to the step of Sa13, and the destruction diagnosis data is cleared (Sa13).

When the RAM parity becomes 0, the destruction diagnosis data is acquired from the RAM 41c (Sa11). Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired destruction diagnosis data is correct (Sa12), and the destruction diagnosis data is cleared (Sa13).

Next, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state (Sa14). When the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state, the timer interrupt is set (Sa19). Specifically, the register of the timer circuit 509 built in the main control unit 41 is set so that the timer interrupt is periodically applied at predetermined time intervals. In the present embodiment, the value corresponding to about 0.56 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register), so that the timer interrupt is periodically generated every about 0.56 ms. Further, in the timer circuit 509, the timer is initialized by setting the register, and the time counting is started from the initial value. When the timer interrupt setting in the step of Sa19 is completed, the process shifts to the setting change process.

On the other hand, when the setting key switch 37 is in the OFF state, it is determined whether or not the stored contents of the RAM 41c are destroyed (Sa15). In the step of Sa15, it is determined whether or not the RAM abnormality flag described later is set, and whether or not the stored contents of the RAM 41c are destroyed based on the determinations of Sa10 and Sa12. If the stored contents of the RAM 41c are not destroyed, a return command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91 (Sa16). When the stored contents of the RAM 41c are not destroyed, it is determined that the RAM abnormality flag is not set and the RAM parity is 0 in the step of Sa10, and the destruction diagnosis data is further stored in the step of Sa12. This is the case when it is determined to be correct.

After the step of Sa16, all the registers are restored (Sa17), and the timer interrupt is set in the same manner as in the step of Sa19 (Sa18). Then, the process proceeds to the Sd24 process of the timer interrupt process (main) described later. As a result, the process that was executed before the power failure is restored.

If the stored contents of the RAM 41c are destroyed in the step of Sa15, the start address (0000h) of the RAM is set in the register (Sa20), and the specified address is reached to the final address of the usable area (0FFFh). The region, that is, the entire usable region is initialized (Sa21).

Next, a RAM abnormality flag indicating that the stored contents of the RAM 41c are not normal is set in the RAM 41c (Sa22), and the process proceeds to error processing. In error handling, the progress of the game is disabled. Further, in the error state in which the RAM abnormality flag is set and the transition is made, the setting key switch 37 is turned on and the power switch 39 is turned on, so that the error state can be canceled by shifting to the setting change processing. On the other hand, when the power switch 39 is turned on without turning on the setting key switch 37, the RAM error flag is still set and an error state occurs again.

Next, the setting change process executed by the main control unit 41 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, the main control unit 41 first sets the start address (0000h) of the RAM in the register (Sb1). Next, it is determined whether or not the stored contents of the RAM 41c are destroyed in the same manner as in the step of Sa15 shown in FIG. 7 (Sb2). If the contents of the RAM are not destroyed, that is, if the contents of the RAM are not abnormal, the start address of the RAM to be initialized at the start of setting change is set in the register (Sb3). That is, the address set in Sb1 is changed. If the contents of the RAM are destroyed, that is, if the contents of the RAM are abnormal, the process proceeds to step Sb4.

Next, the area from the address specified in the step of Sb1 or Sb3 to the final address of the usable area is initialized (Sb4). Since the start address of the RAM is set in the step of Sb1, in this case, all the usable areas are initialized in the step of Sb4. On the other hand, in the step of Sb3, the start address of the RAM to be initialized at the start of setting change is set. Therefore, in this case, in the step of Sb4, the areas other than the important work and the special work are initialized. Will be done.

Next, a setting command indicating the start of the setting change state is transmitted to the sub control unit 91 (Sb5) to allow interruption (Sb6).

Next, it is determined whether or not the reset / setting switch 38 has changed from OFF to ON (Sb7). When the reset / setting switch 38 changes from OFF to ON, the set value of the register is updated (1 is added for 1 to 5 and 1 is updated for 6) (Sb8). If the reset / setting switch 38 does not change, it is determined whether or not the start switch 7 has changed from OFF to ON (Sb9).

If the start switch 7 does not change, the process returns to the step of Sb7. When the start switch 7 changes from OFF to ON, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is in the OFF state (Sb10). If the setting key switch 37 is not in the OFF state, the determination is repeated until the setting key switch 37 is in the OFF state. When the setting key switch 37 is OFF, the data of the set value set in the register is stored in the RAM 41c (Sb11).

Next, a setting command indicating the end of the setting change state is transmitted to the sub control unit 91 (Sb12). Then, the start address of the initialization target RAM at the end of the setting change is set in the register (Sb13), and the process proceeds to the main process.

Next, the main process executed by the main control unit 41 will be described. The main process is repeatedly executed for each unit of game. And one cycle of the main process corresponds to one unit of the game.

As shown in FIG. 9, the main control unit 41 first prohibits interruption (Sc1). Next, the final address of the RAM to be initialized is set (Sc2).

Next, the RAM area indicated by the specified address is cleared (Sc3). At this time, if the main process is started after the setting change process, the start address of the initialization target RAM at the end of the setting change is set, and in the Sc2 step, the final address of the initialization target RAM at the end of the setting change ( Since 0FFFh) is set, the areas other than the important work and the special work among the usable areas are initialized. Further, at the end of the game, which is not the end of the specific game state, the start address of the RAM to be initialized at the end of the specific game state is set in the Sc10 step described later, and in the Sc2 step, the stack is used as the final address. Since the address indicated by the pointer is set, the general work, the unused area, and the unused stack area among the usable areas are initialized. Further, at the end of a specific game state and at the end of the game, the start address of the RAM to be initialized at the end of the game is set in the Sc11 step described later, and in the Sc2 step, the stack pointer is set as the final address. Since the address indicated by is set, the unused area and the unused stack area among the usable areas are initialized.

After the RAM initialization in the Sc3 step, interrupts are allowed (Sc4).

Next, the game start waiting process is executed (Sc5). In the game start waiting process, a process of waiting in a state in which the bet number can be set, setting a predetermined number of bets according to the game state, and starting the game when the start switch 7 is operated is executed.

Next, the internal lottery process is executed (Sc6a). In the internal lottery process, whether to allow the above-mentioned winning of each winning combination based on the random number value for the internal lottery latched at the same time as the game starts by the detection of the start switch 7 in the step of Sc5 (that is, the derivation of the display result is derived. Performs the process of deciding whether or not to allow it. Further, in the internal lottery process, a lottery process for determining whether or not to allow the transition to the AT (assist time) state is performed. In the AT state, until the number of AT games becomes 0, an effect of specifying an operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping a symbol combination advantageous to the player on the winning line LN is executed (advantageous to the player). It is a gaming state (which performs advantageous control), and is an advantageous state (advantageous state) for the player. As a result, in the AT state, it is possible to align the symbol combinations that are advantageous to the player on the winning line, which is advantageous to the player.

Further, in the internal lottery process, when the lottery that allows the transition to the AT state is won, the lottery for the initial number of AT games is performed. Further, in the internal lottery process, when the game state is the additional special zone state, the additional lottery for the number of AT games is performed.

Next, the state counter processing is executed (Sc6b). In the state counter processing, various counters related to the transition of the gaming state of the slot machine 1 are updated. The details of the status counter processing will be described later.

Next, the reel control process is executed (Sc7). In the reel control process, the process of rotating each reel 2L, 2C, 2R in response to the operation of the start switch 7, the result of the internal lottery in the step of Sd2, and the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R by the player are detected. A process of stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is executed according to the fact.

Next, the game end setting process is executed (Sc8). In the game end setting process, when it is determined that the rotation of all reels 2L, 2C and 2R has stopped in the Sc7 process, a prize is generated according to the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C and 2R. The process of determining whether or not it is executed is executed.

Further, in the game end setting process, a state control process for setting the game state of the slot machine 1 is performed based on the values of various counters updated by Sc6b. The details of the state control process will be described later.

Further, in the game end setting process, when it is determined that a prize has been generated, credits are added and medals are paid out based on the number of payouts according to the prize. When a prize is won, a process of setting the game state is executed in preparation for the next game after the payout of medals and the like is completed. Further, if no winning is generated, after the reels are stopped, a process of setting the game state is executed in preparation for the next game.

When the game end time setting process is completed, it is determined whether or not it is the end of a specific game state (Sc9), and if it is not the end of the specific game state, the start address of the initialization target RAM at the end of the game is set. Set (Sc10) and return to the step of Sc1. If it is the end of the specific gaming state, the start address of the initialization target RAM at the end of the specific gaming state is set (Sc11), and the process returns to the Sc1 step.

Further, in the main process, a command is generated according to the progress of the game, set in the command buffer, and transmitted to the sub control unit 91 in the subsequent timer interrupt process (main). The sub control unit 91 performs various processes based on the command from the main control unit 41.

10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the control contents of the timer interrupt process (main) executed by the main control unit 41 interrupting the basic process (mainly the main process) at regular intervals (intervals of about 0.56 ms). be. The timer interrupt process (main) is a process executed by an interrupt generated according to the count of the timer circuit 509, and the address in which the timer interrupt process (main) program is stored is a vector table. It is set as a value corresponding to the timer interrupt of. Then, when the timer interrupt occurs, the process from the address is executed. In addition, other interrupts are automatically prohibited during the execution period of the timer interrupt process (main).

As shown in FIG. 10, in the timer interrupt process (main), first, the register in use is saved in the stack area (Sd1).

Next, a power failure determination process is performed (Sd2). In the power failure determination process, it is determined whether or not a voltage decrease signal has been input from the power failure detection circuit 48, and if the voltage decrease signal has been input, whether or not the voltage decrease signal has been input even in the previous power failure determination process. If a voltage drop signal is input even in the previous power failure determination process, it is determined that there is a power failure, and a power failure flag indicating that is set.

After the power failure determination process in the step of Sd2, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is set (Sd3), and if the power failure flag is not set, the process proceeds to Sd4 and the power failure flag is set. To shift to the power failure processing (main).

In the step of Sd4, a port input process for inputting detection data of various switches from an input port is performed.

Next, the branch counter for identifying the timer interrupt to be executed in the timer interrupt process (main) is advanced by 1 from the four types of timer interrupts 1 to 4 (Sd5). In the step of Sd5, 1 is added when the branch counter value is 0 to 2, and the value is updated to 0 when the counter value is 3. That is, the branch counter value loops in the order of 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 0 ... Each time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed.

Next, it is determined whether it is 2 or 3, that is, timer interrupt 3 or timer interrupt 4 by referring to the branch counter value (Sd6), and if it is not timer interrupt 3 or timer interrupt 4, that is, timer interrupt. In the case of 1 or the timer interrupt 2, the motor phase signal output process for outputting the phase signal data of the reel motors 32C, 32C, 32R is executed (Sd7).

Next, it is determined whether or not it is 1 by referring to the branch counter value, that is, whether or not it is timer interrupt 2 (Sd8), and if it is not timer interrupt 2, that is, if it is timer interrupt 1, the reel motor Reel start processing (Sd9) that controls the step time interval at the start of 32L, 32C, 32R, motor step processing (Sd10) that changes the phase signal data of the reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, reel motors 32L, 32C , 32R is stopped, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, the motor phase signal standby process (Sd11) for changing the phase signal to one-phase excitation is sequentially executed, and then the process proceeds to the step of Sd24.

Further, in the case of the timer interrupt 2 in the step of Sd8, the LED dynamic display process (Sd12) for dynamically lighting various indicators and the control signal output process for outputting data such as lighting signals of various LEDs to the output port. (Sd13), time counter update process (Sd14) for updating various time counters, door monitoring process (Sd15) for monitoring the detection status of the door open detection switch 25, requesting transmission of a door command, etc., set in the command buffer. After sequentially executing the command transmission process (Sd16) for transmitting various commands to the sub-control unit 91 and the external output signal update process (Sd17) for updating the external output signal, the process proceeds to the step of Sd24.

Further, if the timer interrupt is 3 or the timer interrupt is 4 in the step of Sd6, it is further determined whether or not it is 3 by referring to the branch counter value, that is, whether or not it is the timer interrupt 4 (Sd18), and the timer. If it is not interrupt 4, that is, if it is timer interrupt 3, the origin passage process (Sd19) for checking the origin passage (passing of the reel reference position) of the rotating reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and the detection of switches After sequentially executing the switch input determination process (Sd20) for determining whether or not the state has changed, the process proceeds to the step of Sd24.

Further, if the timer interrupt is 4 in the step of Sd18, the stop switch process (Sd21) that determines the stop position according to the detection of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is performed, and when it is time to stop, the brake by two-phase excitation is applied. After sequentially executing the stop process (Sd22) to start and the final stop process (Sd23) in which the three-phase excitation is performed after a certain period of time from the start of the brake in the stop process, the process proceeds to the step of Sd24.

In the step of Sd24, the register saved in the stack area in Sd1 is restored, and the process returns to the process before the interrupt.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the power interruption process (main) executed when the main control unit 41 determines that the power interruption flag is set in the timer interrupt process (main) described above.

In the power failure processing (main), first, all the registers that may be used are saved in the stack area (Se1). Although the values of the I register and the IY register described above are used, they are not saved here because the same fixed values are always set at the time of initialization at startup.

Next, data for destructive diagnosis (5A (H) in this embodiment) is set (Se2). Then, all output ports are initialized (Se3). Next, the RAM parity adjustment data is calculated and set so that the exclusive OR of all the storage areas (including the unused area and the unused stack area) of the RAM 41c becomes 0 (Se4), and the access to the RAM 41c is performed. Prohibit (Se5).

After that, the voltage drops, the CPU 41a of the main control unit 41 stops, and the state shifts to the standby state. Then, if the voltage drops in this standby state, the operation is stopped internally. Therefore, the operation of the main control unit 41 is surely stopped when the power is cut off.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the reset occurs, the main control unit 41 is started in the interrupt-prohibited state, and is interrupted by the program at the start of the initial setting process to be executed for the first time thereafter. Is provided, and even if the main control unit 41 is activated in a state where interrupts are not prohibited for some reason, it is possible to prevent unintended interrupts from occurring.

Further, after the main control unit 41 is activated, after setting the timer interrupt in the timer circuit 509, the interrupt is permitted, and the interrupt occurs in a state where the timer interrupt does not operate normally. It can be prevented from being interrupted. Further, in the timer circuit 509, the timer is initialized by setting the timer interrupt, and the time counting is started from the initial value. The timer interrupt can be generated at regular time intervals without any deviation from the time until the second and subsequent interrupts occur. Further, the main control unit 41 updates the setting of the timer circuit 509 to the initial value by the program in the initial setting process, and the setting of the timer circuit 509 is rewritten for some reason at the time of startup. Even if there is, it is possible to prevent an unintended interruption from occurring.

Further, if the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state at the time of activation, the main control unit 41 shifts to the setting change processing, and initializes the RAM 41c at the start of the setting change processing. At this time, if the data in the RAM 41c is normal, by holding the important work and the special work and initializing the other areas, the control state (set value, game state, etc.) before the change is maintained even after the setting is changed. While a part can be retained, if the data in the RAM 41c is not normal, the data in the RAM 41c can be reliably abnormal by initializing all the usable areas including the important work and the special work. It can be resolved.

Further, since the RAM abnormality flag is set in the main control unit 41 when a RAM abnormality is determined, the RAM parity is 0 when the power is turned off again after the RAM abnormality error occurs and the power is turned on again. Therefore, even when the destruction diagnosis data is determined to be normal, it is possible to determine whether or not the data in the RAM 41c is destroyed based on the RAM abnormality flag.

Further, after the setting change processing is completed, the main control unit 41 executes a main process for stepwise processing according to the progress of the game for each game unit. Further, in the main process, the RAM 41c is initialized for each game unit, and the RAM 41c is also initialized at the end of the setting change process. Then, after the setting change process is completed, the main process is started from the stage before the process of initializing the RAM 41c in the main process, and the initialization of the RAM 41c after the setting change process is completed and the game unit. Initialization of each RAM 41c can be performed by a common process.

Further, when the RAM 41c is initialized, the main control unit 41 prohibits interrupts until the initialization is completed, and the timer interrupt process (main) is performed during the initialization of the RAM 41c. When it occurs, it is possible to prevent the initialized contents from being changed or the processing performed in the timer interrupt processing (main) from being performed normally.

Further, the main control unit 41 updates the output state of the external output signal in the main process, and changes the output state of the external output signal in the subsequent timer interrupt process (main) based on the updated output state. At the same time, when updating the output status of the external output signal, interrupting is prohibited until the update is completed, and the timer interrupt processing (main) occurs before the output status of the external output signal is completed. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an external output signal indicating unintended data from being output.

Next, a timer counter for measuring the time interval used by the main control unit 41 for controlling the progress of the game and the like will be described.

When the timekeeping start condition is satisfied, the main control unit 41 sets an initial value according to the timekeeping time as the timer value of the timer counter assigned to the RAM 41c, and periodically timers in the timer interrupt processing (main). The value is subtracted and the timer value becomes 0 to specify that the time has passed.

Specifically, when the timekeeping start condition is satisfied in the main process, the main control unit 41 sets the initial value of the timer value according to the timekeeping time in the area to which the timer counter corresponding to the condition is assigned.

The set timer value is subtracted by 1 in the time counter update process of the timer interrupt process (main) until it becomes 0 about every 2.24 ms.

Then, in the main process, as shown in FIG. 13, the address of the corresponding timer counter is acquired (Sf1), the acquired value is read (Sf2), and it is determined whether or not the read value is not 0 (Sf3). , When it is determined that the read value is 0, it is specified that the time counting time has elapsed.

As shown in FIG. 14, the timer counter used in the present embodiment has an initial value of 1 byte or less, 1 byte timer A, 1 byte timer B, 1 byte timer C, and an initial value of more than 1 byte and 2 bytes or less. 2 byte timer A, 2 byte timer B, 2 byte timer C, 2 byte timer D.

The 1-byte timer is a timer for measuring a relatively short period that can be measured with a timer value of 1 byte or less. For example, an external output signal timer that measures the output period of an external output signal and an LED output update period. LED update timer to measure, stop invalid timer to measure the period from the detection of the stop operation to the activation of the stop operation again, the payout waiting to measure the period from the reel stop to the start of the payout of medals The timer, the insertion detection timer that measures the period after the ON of the insertion medal sensor 31 is detected, the insertion port detection timer that measures the period after the ON of the insertion port sensor 26 is detected, and the ON of the payout sensor 34c are detected. There are a payout detection timer that measures the period after the start of rotation, a start timer that measures the period from the start of reel rotation until the stop operation becomes effective, and the like. Of these, the stop invalid timer, the payout wait timer, and the start timer do not span the timing at which the measurement period of one game ends, but the external output signal timer, the LED update timer, the input detection timer, and the input port. The detection timer and the payout detection timer may have a measurement time by these timers that spans the timing at which one game ends.

The 2-byte timer is a timer for measuring a relatively long period that cannot be measured with a timer value of 1 byte or less. For example, a 1-game time timer that measures a specified time (about 4.1 seconds) required for 1 game. , A security signal timer that measures the minimum output period of the security signal among the external output signals, a standby time timer that measures the period from the end of the game, and a hopper empty that measures the period during which the payout sensor 34c is not detected after the hopper motor 34b is driven. There is a timer and so on. Of these, the standby time timer and the hopper empty timer do not straddle the timing at which the measurement period by these timers ends one game, but the one game time timer and the security signal timer measure the measurement time by these timers for one game. May straddle the end timing of.

In this way, the timer counter is the timing at which one game ends, that is, the timing at which a part of the RAM 41c is initialized according to the progress of the game (at the end of one game or at the end of a specific game state, a part of the RAM 41c). A timer counter that measures the measurement period that straddles the timing of initialization) and a timer counter that does not straddle the timing at which a part of the RAM 41c is initialized according to the progress of the game. The counter is also assigned to a special work that is not initialized at the timing according to the progress of the game.

Of these timer counters, the 1-byte timers A to C are allocated 1 byte each to the continuous 3-byte area (7E2Ch to 7E2Eh) of the RAM 41c, and the 2-byte timers A to D are the continuous 8-byte areas of the RAM 41c. Two bytes are allocated to each of the areas (7E2Fh to 7E35h). Further, the 1-byte timers A to C and the 2-byte timers A to D are also assigned to the continuous area of the RAM 41c. In the following, the area to which the 1-byte timers A to C are allocated is referred to as a 1-byte timer group, and the area to which the 2-byte timers A to D are allocated is referred to as a 2-byte timer group. That is, both the 1-byte timer group and the 2-byte timer group are set in the area to which consecutive addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule. The area to which consecutive addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule is, for example, an area to which an address to be added by N (N is a natural number) from the start address and the start address is assigned.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the time counter update process.

In the time counter update process, first, the number of 1-byte timer counters to be updated (3 in this embodiment) is set as the number of 1-byte processes (Sg1), and the start address of the 1-byte timer group (7E2Ch). Set the pointer to (Sg2).

Next, if the 1-byte value stored in the specified address (address indicated by the pointer) is not 0, the 1-byte value of the specified address is subtracted by 1 (Sg3), and the number of processes set in the step of Sg1 is subtracted by 1. (Sg4), it is determined whether or not the number of processes after subtraction is 0 (Sg5).

If the number of processes after subtraction is not 0 in the step of Sg5, that is, if the update of all 1-byte timers is not completed, the pointer is added by 1 (Sg6), and the process returns to the step of Sg3. As a result, the pointer moves to the address of the unprocessed 1-byte timer, and if the 1-byte value of the specified address is not 0, it is subtracted.

When the number of processes after subtraction is 0 in the step of Sg5, that is, when the update of all 1-byte timers is completed, the number of 2-byte timer counters to be updated is set as the number of 2-byte processes (in this implementation). In the form, 4) is set (Sg7), and the pointer is added by 1 (Sg8). As a result, the pointer moves to the start address (7E2Fh) of the 2-byte counter group.

Next, if the 2-byte value stored in the area consisting of the specified address (address indicated by the pointer) and the next address is not 0, the 2-byte value of the specified address and the next address is subtracted by 1 (Sg9), and Sg7. The number of processes set in step 1 is subtracted by 1 (Sg10), and it is determined whether or not the number of processes after the subtraction is 0 (Sg11).

If the number of processes after subtraction is not 0 in the step of Sg11, that is, if the update of all 2-byte timers is not completed, the pointer is added by 2 (Sg12), and the process returns to the step of Sg9. As a result, the pointer moves to the address of the unprocessed 2-byte timer, and if the 2-byte value of the specified address and the next address is not 0, the pointer is subtracted.

When the number of processes after subtraction is 0 in the step of Sg11, that is, when the update of all 2-byte timers is completed, the processes are terminated.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the value of the timer counter assigned to the RAM 41c is periodically updated and becomes a specific value (0) to specify the passage of time. Conventionally, when measuring multiple types of time intervals, timer values are set and updated within multiple types of processing that require timekeeping, and each process is a program for updating multiple types of timer values. Since it is necessary to provide it inside, it has been a factor of increasing the program capacity. In addition, since multiple types of timer counters are assigned as data groups for each process used, it is necessary to read the values of their unrelated addresses in order to update them collectively in one process. there were.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the area in which a plurality of types of timer counter values are stored is set in the area to which continuous addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule of the RAM 41c, and the timer values stored in the designated addresses are set. Updates multiple types of timer values by repeatedly executing the process of updating the above while changing the specified address for the area where multiple types of timer counter values are stored by adding a constant to the current specified address. Therefore, the program capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where a process of designating a plurality of types of addresses and updating the value of the address is performed in each process.

It should be noted that the process of updating the timer value stored in the specified address is repeatedly executed while changing the specified address for the area in which the multiple types of timer counter values are stored by performing a predetermined operation, thereby performing multiple types of timers. Any configuration may be used as long as the value is updated. For example, by adding a constant to the currently specified address, multiple types of timer counter values can be repeatedly executed while changing the specified address for the area where the value is stored. The timer value may be updated, or a value corresponding to the number of processes with respect to the reference address (for example, in the case of a 1-byte counter, +1 for the number of processes 1 and +2 for the number of processes 2 and the number of processes). In the case of 3, +3 ...) may be added or subtracted to update the plurality of types of timer values by repeatedly executing while changing the designated address for the area in which the plurality of types of timer counter values are stored.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration includes seven types of timer counter values of 1-byte timers A to C and 2-byte timers A to D, but at least two or more types of timer counter values are set to predetermined values of the RAM 41c. The process of updating the timer value stored in the specified address by setting the area to which consecutive addresses are allocated according to the rules changes the specified address for the area where multiple types of timer values are stored by performing a predetermined operation. However, if the configuration is such that two or more types of timer values are updated by repeatedly executing the timer values, the program capacity can be reduced as described above.

Further, for only one of the 1-byte timer and the 2-byte timer, the timer counter value is set in the area to which continuous addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule of the RAM 41c, and the process of updating the timer value stored in the specified address is performed. A configuration may be used in which a plurality of types of timer values are updated by repeatedly executing the operation while changing the designated address for the area in which the plurality of types of timer values are stored by performing a predetermined operation.

Further, only a part of the timer counters provided in the main control unit 41 is set to the area to which continuous addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule of the RAM 41c, and the timer value stored in the designated address is updated. A configuration may be used in which a plurality of types of timer values are updated by repeatedly executing the operation while changing the designated address for the area in which the plurality of types of timer values are stored by performing a predetermined operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, a separate timer counter is provided for each type of measurement period, but for example, one timer counter may be shared for a plurality of types of periods in which the measurement periods do not overlap. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, as the processes executed by the main control unit 41, a timer interrupt process (main) that periodically performs a predetermined process regardless of the progress status of the game, and a timer interrupt process (main) according to the progress status of the game. The main control unit 41 sets an initial value in the timer counter when a timing condition is satisfied in the main process, including a main process that performs different processes step by step, and a plurality of types in the timer interrupt process (main). Since it is not necessary to provide a process for updating multiple types of timer values in each process that constitutes the main process, the program capacity for updating multiple types of timer values is reduced. can do.

In the present embodiment, the timer interrupt process (main) is executed by interrupting the main process periodically. However, in the timer interrupt process that is periodically performed, the game is interrupted in advance regardless of the progress of the game. The main control unit 41 may be configured to perform both a periodic process for performing a predetermined process and a main process for performing a process different stepwise according to the progress of the game. Even in such a configuration, the main control unit 41 may be configured. By setting the initial value in the timer counter when the timing condition is satisfied in the main process and updating multiple types of timer values in the periodic process, multiple types of timer values are included in each process that constitutes the main process. Since it is not necessary to provide a process for updating the timer value, it is possible to reduce the program capacity for updating a plurality of types of timer values.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the time counter update process, the value of the specified address is updated on the condition that the value of the specified address is not 0, and the timer value is updated to an abnormal value. Can be prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the time counter update process, the same number of processes as the number of timer counters to be updated is set, and the process of updating the timer value is repeatedly executed for the set number of processes. It is easy to manage the number of timer counters to be updated, and for example, when a plurality of types of timer counters having different update intervals are provided, the type of timer value to be updated can be arbitrarily set according to the number of processes to be set. Can be done.

The number of processes, that is, the number of timer counters to be updated may be set in the program, or the value set in the table may be read and set.

In addition, the timer counter to be updated last is set in advance without setting the number of processes first, and the process of updating the timer value is repeatedly executed until the address of the timer counter is reached. A configuration is also configured in which a specific end value (for example, FFh) is stored at the next address of the timer counter to be used, and the process of updating the timer value is repeatedly executed until the value read from the specified address reaches the specific end value. good.

Further, in the present embodiment, a 1-byte timer counter and a 2-byte timer counter are provided, and a process of updating the 1-byte timer value and a process of updating the 2-byte timer value are separately performed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the program and the capacity occupied by the timer value in the RAM 41c as compared with the case where the process of updating the 1-byte timer value and the process of updating the 2-byte timer value are shared. ..

In the present embodiment, a 2-byte timer counter is provided to measure a relatively long time corresponding to an initial value exceeding 1 byte. For example, a timer counter having a different update interval, for example, Timer interrupt processing (main) By providing a first timer counter that is updated once every four times and a second timer counter that is updated once every 14 times, it is relative without providing a 2-byte counter. It may be configured to measure a long time interval, and by doing so, it is not necessary to provide a process of updating the 1-byte timer value and a process of updating the 2-byte timer value, so that the timer does not need to be provided. The program capacity for updating the value can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of types of timer counters are assigned to a special work that is not initialized according to the progress of the game in the RAM 41c, and is not initialized according to the progress of the game. Therefore, regardless of the progress of the game, it is possible to measure the time of the period straddling the timing at which a part of the RAM 41c is initialized according to the progress of the game.

In particular, in the present embodiment, not only the timer counter that may straddle the timing at which the measurement period ends one game, that is, the timing at which a part of the RAM 41c is initialized according to the progress of the game, but also the measurement period is the game. A timer counter that does not straddle the timing at which a part of the RAM 41c is initialized according to the progress of the timer is also stored in the area allocated to the special work together with other timer counters, so that the timer counter can be easily managed. At the same time, the timer counter does not straddle the timing when the measurement period is partially initialized according to the progress of the game, and the timing when the measurement period is partially initialized according to the progress of the game. The usage of the timer counter can be easily changed by a later design change or the like, such as changing to a timer counter that may straddle. Further, if one timer counter is shared for a plurality of types of periods in which the measurement periods do not overlap as described above, the timing at which a part of the RAM 41c is initialized may be straddled according to the progress of the game. It is possible to measure the measurement period and the measurement period that does not straddle the timing at which a part of the RAM 41c is initialized according to the progress of the game with one timer counter.

[About special period]
Next, the special period will be described. In the present embodiment, when a rare role such as a strong bell, a strong watermelon, or a strong cherry is won during the AT game, the player wins the additional special zone at a predetermined ratio. The extra special zone is a period during which the number of AT games can be expected to be added. In addition, when the additional special zone is won, the precursor effect, which is an effect suggesting the start of the additional special zone, is executed, and after the precursor effect is completed, the additional special zone is notified of the start of the additional special zone. Yes Notification effect is executed. After that, the AT game is interrupted once and the additional special zone is started.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the special period, which is the period from winning the additional special zone to starting the additional special zone, is the number of games of the precursor effect and the number of games of the notification effect with the additional special zone. The number of games added.

The effect mode of the precursor effect in the present embodiment is an effect mode that changes the appearance of the effect screen. 17 (B), (C), 18 (B), (C), and (D), which will be described later, are diagrams showing a mode of effect of the precursory effect in the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, in the precursor effect, the number of remaining games of the precursor effect is displayed in the center of the effect screen. As a result, the player can recognize that the precursory effect has been started by displaying the number of remaining games of the precursory effect in the center of the effect screen. Further, by checking the number of remaining games of the precursor effect displayed in the center of the effect screen, the player can recognize the number of continuous games of the precursor effect. In the present embodiment, when the AT state ends, the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone also end, so that the number of remaining games of the precursor effect displayed on the effect screen of the precursor effect is the actual precursor effect. It may be different from the number of remaining games.

Further, in the present embodiment, the precursor effect is executed by any of an effect between 5 games, an effect between 10 games, and an effect between 20 games. In addition, the notification effect with the additional special zone is executed in one game. Therefore, the special period (the number of precursory production games + the number of notification production games with an additional special zone) is any of 6 games, 11 games, and 21 games. The distribution of the number of games for the precursory effect will be described later. Further, in the present embodiment, the additional special zone is between 5 games. Also, when the additional special zone ends, the AT game is restarted.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the special period in the present embodiment and the number of AT remaining games. FIG. 16A shows the special period and the number of AT remaining games when the precursor effect is started when the special period (the number of games of the precursor effect + the number of games of the notification effect with the additional special zone) is smaller than the number of AT remaining games. Shows the relationship with. In the illustrated example, when the number of remaining AT games is 27, the rare role is won and the additional special zone is won. Further, in the illustrated example, the precursor effect is 5 games, and the precursor effect is performed while the number of AT remaining games is between 26 games and 22 games. Then, after the end of the precursory effect, when the number of AT remaining games is 21 games, the notification effect with the additional special zone is executed. That is, the special period (the period from winning the additional special zone to starting the additional special zone) is 6 games.

Further, in the illustrated example, after the special period, the additional special zone for 5 games is executed. In the illustrated example, 30 additional AT games are won in the additional special zone. Therefore, when the AT game is restarted after the end of the additional special zone, the number of remaining AT games is 50 games, which is the sum of the 20 remaining AT games before the execution of the additional special zone and the 30 additional games. ..

Even when the number of remaining AT games and the special period (the number of games of the precursor effect + the number of games of the notification effect with the additional special zone) are the same, the precursor effect is the same as the example shown in FIG. 16 (A). , There is an additional special zone Notification production, an additional special zone, and the restart of the AT game are performed.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the precursor effect is started when the special period (the number of games of the precursor effect + the number of games of the notification effect with the additional special zone) is larger than the number of AT remaining games, the number of AT remaining games is 0. When becomes, it is determined that the special period has ended. As a result, even if the number of remaining AT games is confirmed and the special period is not set according to the number of remaining AT games (for example, the process of allocating the number of games of the precursor effect), the control of the AT is completed during the special period. It will not be lost. Therefore, the processing can be simplified and the capacity of the program can be reduced. For example, since the storage capacity of the ROM 41b of the main control unit 41 is generally small, it is desirable to simplify the process and reduce the data capacity of the program when setting the length of the special period on the game control board 40. ..

FIG. 16B shows the special period and the number of AT remaining games when the precursor effect is started when the special period (the number of games of the precursor effect + the number of games of the notification effect with the additional special zone) is larger than the number of AT remaining games. Shows the relationship with. In the illustrated example, when the number of remaining AT games is 5, the rare role is won and the additional special zone is won. Further, in the illustrated example, the precursor effect is 5 games. Therefore, when the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone are executed as in the conventional case, the AT is finished when the fifth game of the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone are executed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, control is performed so that the special period ends when the AT ends. In the illustrated example, when the number of remaining AT games is 2, by rewriting the number of remaining games of the precursor effect to 1, when the AT ends, a special period (precursor effect + number of games of notification effect with additional special zone) ) Is also controlled to end. That is, by rewriting the value of the precursor effect counter so that the number of games remaining in the AT and the number of games of the precursor effect + notification effect with the additional special zone are the same, a special period (when the AT ends, a special period ( It is controlled so that the precursor effect + the number of games of the notification effect with the additional special zone) will also end.

Further, in the illustrated example, after the end of the special period, the additional special zone for 5 games is executed. Further, in the illustrated example, 30 additional AT games are won in the additional special zone. Therefore, when the AT game is restarted after the end of the additional special zone, the number of remaining AT games is 30 games, which is the sum of the 0 remaining AT games before the execution of the additional special zone and the 30 additional games. ..

FIG. 17 shows an example of an effect screen when the precursor effect is started when the special period is less than the number of AT remaining games. The illustrated production screen example corresponds to the example shown in FIG. 16 (A).

FIG. 17A shows an example of an effect screen during an AT game. On the production screen during the AT game, the number of remaining AT games, the number of acquired games, and the pressing order of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are shown. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining AT games is 27, the number of acquired games is 55, and it is shown that the middle reel, the left reel, and the right reel are stopped in this order. In this example, in the game in which the AT effect shown in FIG. 17A is performed, the rare role is won and the additional special zone is won.

FIG. 17B shows an example of an effect screen during the precursor effect. The effect screen during the precursor effect shows the number of remaining games of the precursor effect, the number of AT remaining games, the number of acquired games, and the pressing order of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. Note that FIG. 17B shows an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 17A and the precursor effect is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining games of the precursor game is 5G, the number of remaining AT games is 26 games, the number of acquired games is 61, and it is shown that the middle reel, the right reel, and the left reel are stopped in this order. ing.

FIG. 17 (C) shows an example of an effect screen during the precursory effect, as in FIG. 17 (B). Note that FIG. 17C is an example of an effect screen when four games have passed since FIG. 17B and the precursor effect is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining games of the precursor game is 1G, the number of remaining AT games is 22 games, the number of acquired games is 76, and it is shown that the left reel, the right reel, and the middle reel are stopped in this order. ing.

FIG. 17 (D) shows an example of an effect screen during the notification effect with an additional special zone. Notification with additional special zone The production screen during the production shows the notification of entering the additional special zone, the number of remaining AT games, the number of acquired games, and the order in which the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are pressed. .. Note that FIG. 17 (D) shows an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 17 (C) and the notification effect with the additional special zone is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining AT games is 21 games, the number of acquired games is 82, and it is shown that the middle reel, the right reel, and the left reel are stopped in this order, and the player enters the special zone for addition. ..

FIG. 17 (E) shows an example of an effect screen in the additional special zone. The production screen in the additional special zone shows the number of remaining games in the additional special zone, the number of acquired games, and the number of winning additional games. Note that FIG. 17 (E) shows an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 17 (D) and the additional special zone is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining games in the additional special zone is 5 games, the number of acquired games is 88, and it is shown that the additional 10 games have been won.

FIG. 17F shows an example of the effect screen when the final game of the additional special zone is completed. On the production screen when the final game of the additional special zone is completed, the number of different acquisitions and the total number of additional games won in the additional special zone are shown. Note that FIG. 17 (F) shows an example of an effect screen when five games have passed from FIG. 17 (E) and the final game of the additional special zone is completed. In the illustrated example, the number of acquired cards is 76, which indicates that a total of 30 games have been won in the additional special zone.

FIG. 17 (G) shows an example of an effect screen during an AT game. Note that FIG. 17 (G) shows an example of an effect screen when the next game of FIG. 17 (F) starts and AT is restarted. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining AT games is 50, the number of acquired games is 76, and it is shown that the middle reel, the left reel, and the right reel are stopped in this order.

FIG. 18 shows an example of an effect screen when the precursor effect is started when the special period is longer than the number of AT remaining games. The illustrated production screen example corresponds to the example shown in FIG. 16 (B).

FIG. 18A shows an example of an effect screen during an AT game. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining AT games is 5, the number of acquired games is 75, and it is shown that the middle reel, the left reel, and the right reel are stopped in this order. In this example, in the game in which the AT effect shown in FIG. 18A is performed, the rare role is won and the additional special zone is won.

FIG. 18B shows an example of an effect screen during the precursor effect. FIG. 18B shows an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 18A and the precursor effect is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining games of the precursor game is 5 games, the number of remaining AT games is 4 games, the number of acquired games is 81, and the middle reel, the right reel, and the left reel are stopped in this order. Shown.

FIG. 18C shows an example of an effect screen during the precursory effect, as in FIG. 18B. Note that FIG. 18C is an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 18B and the precursor effect is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining games of the precursor game is 4 games, the number of remaining AT games is 3 games, the number of acquired games is 96, and the left reel, the right reel, and the middle reel are stopped in this order. Shown.

FIG. 18 (D) shows an example of an effect screen during the precursor effect, as in FIGS. 18 (A) and 18 (B). Note that FIG. 18D is an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 18C and the precursor effect is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of AT remaining games is 2. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, when the number of remaining AT games is 2, by rewriting the number of remaining games of the precursor effect to 1, when the AT ends, a special period (precursor effect + additional special zone) The number of games with notification effect) is also controlled to end. Further, in the illustrated example, the number of remaining games of the precursor game is one game, the number of remaining AT games is two games, the number of acquired games is 99, and the left reel, the right reel, and the middle reel are stopped in this order. It is shown that.

FIG. 18 (E) shows an example of an effect screen during the notification effect with an additional special zone. FIG. 18 (E) shows an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 18 (D) and the notification effect with the additional special zone is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining AT games is one game, the number of acquired games is 105, and it is shown that the middle reel, the right reel, and the left reel are stopped in this order, and the player enters the special zone for addition. .. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the AT ends, the special period (the number of games of the precursor effect + the number of games of the notification effect with the additional special zone) is also controlled to end.

FIG. 18F shows an example of an effect screen in the additional special zone. FIG. 18F shows an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 18E and the additional special zone is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining games in the additional special zone is 5 games, the number of acquired games is 111, and it is shown that the additional 10 games have been won.

FIG. 18 (G) shows an example of an effect screen when the final game of the additional special zone is completed. FIG. 18 (G) shows an example of an effect screen when five games have passed from FIG. 18 (F) and the final game of the additional special zone is completed. In the illustrated example, the number of acquired cards is 93, which indicates that a total of 30 games have been won in the additional special zone.

FIG. 18H shows an example of an effect screen during an AT game. FIG. 18 (H) shows an example of an effect screen when the next game of FIG. 18 (G) starts and AT is restarted. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining AT games is 30, the number of acquired games is 93, and it is shown that the middle reel, the left reel, and the right reel are stopped in this order.

In addition, in this embodiment, the ghost sign effect is also executed. The production mode of the Gase precursor effect is the same as that of the precursor effect. However, in the present embodiment, when the Gase precursor effect is completed, the additional special zone-less notification effect is executed to notify that the additional special zone is not started, and then the game according to the state is started. That is, even if the Gase precursor effect and the notification effect without the additional special zone are completed, the additional special zone is not started. In this way, since the precursor effect and the gasse precursor effect have the same production mode, even if the precursor effect is started, the player should pay attention to whether or not the additional special zone is started. Can be done.

FIG. 19 shows an example of an effect screen when the Gase precursor effect is started.

FIG. 19A shows an example of an effect screen during an AT game. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining AT games is 4, the number of acquired games is 85, and it is shown that the middle reel, the left reel, and the right reel are stopped in this order.

FIG. 19B shows an example of an effect screen during the effect of a sign of gassing. The effect screen during the Gase sign effect shows the number of games remaining in the Gase sign effect, the number of AT remaining games, the number of acquired games, and the order in which the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are pressed. It should be noted that the production screen during the precursory production is the same as the production screen during the precursory production. As a result, the player cannot distinguish between the precursory effect and the ghost effect even when looking at the effect screen.

FIG. 19B shows an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 19A and the Gase precursor effect is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining games of the Gase precursor game is 3G, the number of remaining AT games is 3, the number of acquired games is 91, and the middle reel, the right reel, and the left reel are stopped in this order. Shown.

In this example, it is determined that the Gase precursor effect is executed in the game in which the effect shown in FIG. 19B is performed. Further, in the present embodiment, the execution process of the ghost precursor effect is performed on the effect control board 90. For example, the storage capacity of the ROM 91b of the sub control unit 91 is generally larger than the storage capacity of the ROM 41b of the main control unit 41. Therefore, it is possible to increase the capacity of the program when the effect control board 90 controls the effect of the precursory effect. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the Gase precursor effect is executed, the number of AT remaining games is confirmed, the number of games of the Gase precursor effect is distributed according to the number of AT remaining games, and the AT game ends. Also, the process of controlling so that the ghost sign production does not continue is performed. Specifically, the sub-control unit 91 performs a process of allocating the number of games of the Gase precursor effect so that the number of games of the Gase precursor effect is equal to or less than the number of AT remaining games. As a result, even if the AT game ends, it is possible to prevent the ghost sign effect from continuing, and it is possible to execute the effect without a sense of discomfort.

Similar to FIG. 19 (B), FIG. 19 (C) shows an example of an effect screen during the effect of a sign of gassing. Note that FIG. 19C is an example of an effect screen when two games have passed since FIG. 19B and the Gase precursor effect is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of remaining games of the Gase precursor game is 1G, the number of remaining AT games is one game, the number of acquired games is 97, and the left reel, the right reel, and the middle reel are stopped in this order. Shown. As described above, in the present embodiment, the Gase precursor effect is executed so that the number of games of the Gase precursor effect is equal to or less than the number of AT remaining games.

FIG. 19D shows an example of an effect screen during an additional special zone-less notification effect. FIG. 19 (D) shows an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 19 (C) and the additional special zone-less notification effect is being executed. In the illustrated example, the number of acquired sheets is 103, which indicates that the player does not enter the additional special zone. Also, since the AT game is over, the reel stop order is not displayed.

FIG. 19E shows an example of an effect screen during a normal game. FIG. 19 (E) shows an example of an effect screen when one game has passed from FIG. 19 (D) and a normal game is being executed. In the illustrated example, an image of the character walking is displayed.

[Status counter processing]
Next, the state counter processing (Sc6b) executed during the main processing shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the state counter process executed by the main control unit at the start of the game (before the reel control process Sc7).

The main control unit 41 determines whether or not the game state is the notification state based on the game state set in the state control process executed in the game end setting process of Sc8 in FIG. 9 (Sh1). The notification state is a gaming state in which a notification effect with an additional special zone (for example, FIGS. 17 (D) and 18 (E)) is executed. When it is determined that the gaming state is the notification state (Y in Sh1), the main control unit 41 sets the additional special zone counter (Sh2). As a result, the game state can be added and the state can be shifted to the specialized zone state from the next game. Since the additional special zone is between 5 games in the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 sets 5 in the additional special zone counter. After setting the additional special zone counter, the main control unit 41 turns off the notification flag (Sh3).

When it is determined in Sh1 that the game state is not the notification state (N in Sh1), the main control unit 41 is based on the game state set in the state control process executed in the game end setting process of Sc8 in FIG. , It is determined whether or not the game state is the additional special zone state (Sh4). The additional special zone state is a gaming state in which the additional special zone (for example, FIGS. 17 (E) and 18 (F)) is executed.

When it is determined in Sh4 that the game state is the additional special zone state (Y in Sh4), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the additional AT game number is won in this game (Sh5). The additional lottery for the number of AT games is executed, for example, by the internal lottery process of Sc6a in FIG. In addition, in the additional lottery for the number of AT games, if a rare role such as a strong cherry, a strong bell, or a strong watermelon is won when the game state is in the additional special zone state, the AT game is played at a predetermined ratio. You may try to win in addition to the number. Further, the number of AT games to be added may also be determined at a predetermined ratio.

When it is determined that the number of additional games won in Sh5 is won (Y in Sh5), the main control unit 41 adds the number of additional games won in this game to the AT counter (Sh6). The AT counter is a counter that counts the number of AT remaining games.

When it is determined in Sh5 that the number of additional games won in the AT game has not been won (N in Sh5), or when the number of additional games won in this game in Sh6 is added to the AT counter, the main control unit 41 specializes in the addition. 1 is subtracted from the zone counter (Sh7), and the status counter processing is terminated. The additional special zone counter is a counter that counts the number of remaining games in the additional special zone.

When it is determined in Sh4 that the game state is not the additional special zone state (N in Sh4), the main control unit 41 is set in the state control process executed in the game end setting process of Sc8 in FIG. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the game state is the precursor effect state (Sh8). The precursor effect state is a gaming state in which the precursor effect (for example, FIGS. 17 (B) (C) and 18 (B) (C) (D)) is executed.

When it is determined in Sh8 that the gaming state is the precursor effect state (Y in Sh8), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the AT counter is 2 (Sh81). When it is determined that the AT counter is 2 (Y in Sh81), the main control unit 41 rewrites the precursor effect counter to 1 (Sh82). As described above, in the present embodiment, when the number of remaining AT games is 2, by rewriting the number of remaining games of the precursor effect to 1, when the AT ends, a special period (precursor effect + additional special zone presence notification) Control so that the number of production games) also ends.

When it is determined in Sh81 that the AT counter is not 2 (N in Sh81), or when the precursor effect counter is rewritten to 1 in Sh82, the main control unit 41 subtracts 1 from the precursor effect counter (Sh9). The precursor effect counter is a counter that counts the number of remaining games that execute the precursor effect.

After subtracting 1 from the precursor effect counter, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the precursor effect counter is 0 (Sh10). When it is determined that the precursor effect counter is 0 (Y in Sh10), the main control unit 41 turns on the notification flag (Sh11). The notification flag is a flag indicating whether or not to shift to the notification effect state. Specifically, when the notification flag is ON, it indicates that the state shifts to the notification effect state. That is, when the precursor effect counter becomes 0 and the precursor effect ends, the main control unit 41 turns on the notification flag and instructs to shift to the notification effect state. As a result, the game state of the next game can be shifted to the notification effect state.

When it is determined in Sh8 that the game state is not the precursor effect state (N in Sh8), the main control unit 41 is based on the game state set in the state control process executed in the game end setting process of Sc8 in FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the AT state (Sh12). The AT state is a gaming state in which AT control (for example, FIGS. 17 (A) (G), 18 (A) (H), and 19 (A)) is executed.

When it is determined in Sh12 that the gaming state is the AT state (Y in Sh12), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the additional special zone has been won in the internal lottery process of Sc6a in FIG. 9 (Sh13). .. When it is determined that the additional special zone has been won (Y in Sh13), the main control unit 41 determines the distribution of the number of games of the precursory effect, and sets the determined number of games of the precursory effect in the precursory effect counter (Sh14). ).

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a precursor effect game number distribution table in the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, the ratio of the number of precursory production games to "5 games" is 80%, the ratio of the number of precursory production games to "10 games" is 15%, and the number of precursory production games is "20 games". The ratio is 5%. In the processing of Sh14, the main control unit 41 determines the distribution of the number of games of the precursory effect at the ratio specified in the precursory effect game number distribution table shown in FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of precursory effect games is set to any of a plurality of lengths. As a result, the player can be made to pay attention to how much the number of precursory effects games (special period) is set, and the interest of the game can be improved.

The number of games for the precursory effect is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 21, and may be any number of games. Further, the distribution ratio of the number of games of the precursory effect is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 21, and may be any ratio.

When the notification flag is turned off in Sh3, or when it is determined that the precursor effect counter is not 0 in Sh10 (N in Sh10), or when the notification flag is turned on in Sh11, or in addition to specialization in Sh13. When it is determined that the zone has not been won (N in Sh13), or when the number of games of the precursory effect is set in the precursory effect counter in Sh14, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the AT counter is larger than 0. Judgment (Sh15). When it is determined that the AT counter is larger than 0 (Y in Sh15), the main control unit 41 subtracts 1 from the AT counter (Sh16), and ends the state counter processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the AT counter is 0 or less (N in Sh15), the main control unit 41 ends the state counter processing.

When it is determined in Sh12 that the gaming state is not the AT state (N in Sh12), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the additional special zone has been won in the internal lottery process of Sc6a in FIG. 9 (Sh17). When it is determined that the AT has been won (Y in Sh17), the main control unit 41 sets the initial number of games of the winning AT in the AT counter (Sh18), and ends the state counter processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the AT has not been won (N in Sh17), the main control unit 41 ends the state counter processing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the state counter processing is executed at the start of the game (before the reel control processing Sc7). For example, the main control unit 41 updates the values of various counters such as the precursor effect counter at the start of the game.

[State control processing]
Next, the state control process executed in the game end setting process (Sc8) of the main process shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the state control process executed by the main control unit during the game end setting process (after the reel control process Sc7) of the main process. In the state control process, the game state of the slot machine 1 is set.

The main control unit 41 determines whether or not the notification flag set in the state counter processing of FIG. 20 is ON (Si1). When it is determined that the notification flag is ON (Y in Si1), the main control unit 41 sets the game state to "notification state" (Si2), and ends the state control process.

When it is determined in Si1 that the notification flag is not ON (N in Si1), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the additional special zone counter set in the state counter processing of FIG. 20 is larger than 0 (Si3). ). When it is determined that the additional special zone counter is larger than 0 (Y in Si3), the main control unit 41 sets the game state as the "addition special zone state" (Si4), and ends the state control process.

When it is determined in Si3 that the additional special zone counter is 0 or less (N in Si3), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the precursor effect counter set in the state counter processing of FIG. 20 is greater than 0. (Si5). When it is determined that the precursor effect counter is greater than 0 (Y in Si5), the main control unit 41 sets the game state as the “precursor effect state” (Si6), and ends the state control process.

When it is determined in Si5 that the precursor effect counter is 0 or less (N in Si5), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the AT counter set in the state counter processing of FIG. 20 is greater than 0 (Si7). .. When it is determined that the AT counter is larger than 0 (Y in Si7), the main control unit 41 sets the gaming state to "AT state" (Si8), and ends the state control process.

When it is determined in Si7 that the AT counter is 0 or less (N in Si7), the main control unit 41 sets the gaming state to "normal state" (Si9), and ends the state control process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the state control process is performed at the end of the game (after the reel control process Sc7), and the game state is set. For example, the main control unit 41 shifts the game state to the additional special zone state when the notification flag is OFF and the additional special zone counter is 0 or less at the end of the game. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game from being controlled by an unintended gaming state.

[Timer interrupt processing (sub)]
Next, a timer interrupt process (sub) executed by the sub control unit 91 (CPU 91c) at intervals of 1.12 ms based on the count value of the internal clock will be described.

As shown in FIG. 23, in the timer interrupt process (sub), the sub control unit 91 first saves the register in use to the stack area (Sp1). Next, a power failure determination process is performed (Sp2). In the power failure determination process, it is determined whether or not a voltage decrease signal has been input from the power failure detection circuit 48, and if the voltage decrease signal has been input, whether or not the voltage decrease signal has been input even in the previous power failure determination process. If a voltage drop signal is input even in the previous power failure determination process, it is determined that there is a power failure, and a power failure flag indicating that is set.

After the power failure determination process in the step of Sp2, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is set (Sp3), and if the power failure flag is set, the process proceeds to the power failure process (sub). In the power failure processing (sub), the backup flag used in the startup processing (sub) is set after the backup data is created, and the checksum is calculated by calculating the exclusive OR of the backup data.

If the power failure flag is not set, the command analysis process is executed (Sp4). In the command analysis process, it is determined whether or not the command is stored in the command buffer, and if the command is stored in the command buffer, the command is acquired from the command buffer. Then, the process corresponding to the acquired command is executed.

Next, when the sub-control unit 91 determines that the game state is any of the AT state, the precursor effect state, and the notification state based on the command analyzed by the command analysis process of Sp4, the sub-control unit 91 controls the AT and controls it. If it is determined that the state is other than the above, the AT does not control it (Sp4). For example, when the sub-control unit 91 controls the AT, when receiving a command transmitted when a predetermined lottery target combination is won by the internal lottery process, the sub-control unit 91 puts a symbol combination advantageous to the player on the winning line LN. Specify the operation procedure (push order) for stopping.

Next, the sub-control unit 91 executes an effect according to the game state, the winning combination, and the like (Sp6). When the AT is controlled by Sp5, the sub-control unit 91 specifies an operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the symbol combination advantageous to the player on the winning line LN (for example, an effect (for example). 17 (A) (G), 18 (A) (H), and 19 (A)) are executed. As a result, the player can stop the advantageous symbol combination on the winning line LN, which is advantageous.

[Direction execution process]
Next, the details of the effect execution process (Sp6) of FIG. 23 will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the effect execution process executed by the sub control unit in the timer interrupt process (sub).

The sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the gaming state is the notification state based on the result analyzed by the command analysis process of Sp4 in FIG. 23 (Sj1). When it is determined that the game state is the notification state (Y in Sj1), the sub-control unit 91 executes a notification effect with an additional special zone (for example, FIGS. 17 (D) and 18 (E)) (Sj2). ), Ends the effect execution process. When the game state is the notification state, the AT is controlled. Therefore, the sub-control unit 91 specifies an operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the symbol combination advantageous for the player on the winning line LN in the notification effect with the additional special zone (for example, FIG. 17 (for example, FIG. 17 (). D) and FIG. 18 (E)) are also executed.

When it is determined in Sj1 that the game state is not the notification state (N in Sj1), the sub-control unit 91 adds the game state to the special zone state based on the result analyzed by the command analysis process of Sp4 in FIG. It is determined whether or not there is (Sj3). When it is determined that the game state is the additional special zone state (Y in Sj3), the sub control unit 91 executes the additional special zone effect (for example, FIGS. 17 (E) and 18 (F)) (for example, FIG. 17 (E) and FIG. 18 (F)). Sj4), the effect execution process is terminated. In addition, at the time of the final game of the additional special zone, when the third stop reel is stopped (at the end of the additional special zone), the production screen when the final game of the additional special zone is completed (for example, FIG. 17 (F) and FIG. 18 (G)) are displayed.

When it is determined in Sj3 that the game state is not the additional special zone state (N in Sj3), the sub-control unit 91 sets the game state to the precursor effect state based on the result analyzed by the command analysis process of Sp4 in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is (Sj5). When it is determined that the gaming state is the precursory effect state (Y in Sj5), the sub-control unit 91 performs the precursory effect (for example, FIGS. 17 (B) (C) and 18 (B) (C) (D)). Is executed (Sj6). In this way, when the precursor effect counter is larger than 0 (when a special period is set), the precursor effect is performed. As a result, it is possible to execute an effect according to whether or not a precursor effect period (special period) is set, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

The number of remaining games of the precursor game displayed in the precursor effect is a value based on the result analyzed by the command analysis process of Sp4 in FIG. 23. Further, when the game state is the precursor effect state, the AT is controlled. Therefore, the sub-control unit 91 specifies an operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the symbol combination advantageous to the player on the winning line LN in the precursor effect (for example, FIGS. 17 (B) and 17 (C)). And FIGS. 18 (B) (C) (D)) are also executed.

After executing the precursor effect in Sj6, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the Gase precursor effect counter is greater than 0 (Sj7). When it is determined that the Gase precursor effect counter is larger than 0 (Y in Sj7), the sub-control unit 91 sets the Gase precursor effect counter to 0 (Sj8) and ends the effect execution process. As a result, even if the gaming state shifts to the precursory effect state while the gasse precursor effect is being executed, the precursory effect can be stopped and the precursory effect can be executed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in Sj7 that the Gase precursor effect counter is 0 or less (N in Sj7), the sub-control unit 91 ends the effect execution process.

When it is determined in Sj5 that the gaming state is not the precursor effect state (N in Sj5), whether the sub-control unit 91 is in the AT state based on the result analyzed by the command analysis process of Sp4 in FIG. 23. Whether or not it is determined (Sj9). When it is determined that the gaming state is not the AT state (N in Sj9), the sub-control unit 91 executes a normal effect (for example, FIG. 19E) and ends the effect execution process.

When it is determined in Sj9 that the gaming state is the AT state (Y in Sj9), the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not the Gase precursor effect counter is greater than 0 (Sj11). When it is determined that the Gase precursor effect counter is 0 or less (N in Sj11), the sub-control unit 91 determines at a predetermined ratio whether or not to execute the Gase precursor effect (Sj12). In addition, the ratio of whether or not to execute the Gase precursor effect may be any ratio. Further, for example, when the internal lottery is missed, the Gase precursor effect may be executed at a predetermined ratio. Further, for example, when a small winning combination is won in the internal lottery, the ghost precursor effect may be executed at a predetermined ratio.

Further, the process of determining whether or not to execute the Gase precursor effect in Sj12 is not executed when the game state is the notification effect state or the precursor effect state. That is, when a specific period is set (in the precursor effect state or the notification effect state), the gassing precursor effect is not executed. As a result, it is possible to execute an effect according to whether or not a special period is set, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

When it is determined in Sj12 that the Gase precursor effect is not executed (N in Sj12), the sub-control unit 91 may perform an AT effect (for example, FIGS. 17 (A) (G), 18 (A) (H), or FIG. 19A) is executed (Sj13), and the effect execution process is terminated.

When it is decided in Sj12 to execute the Gase precursor effect (Y in Sj12), the sub-control unit 91 sets the value to be less than or equal to the value of the AT counter based on the result analyzed by the command analysis process of Sp4 in FIG. The number of games of the precursory effect is selected, and the number of games of the selected precursory effect is set as the value of the precursory effect counter (Sj14). For example, in the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 selects any one of 5 games, 10 games, and 20 games as the number of games for the precursory effect. The selection ratio of the number of games for the precursory effect may be the same as the selection ratio for the number of precursory effect games shown in FIG. 21, or may be different.

When the number of games of the selected Gase precursor effect is larger than the value of the AT counter, the value of the AT counter is set as the number of games of the Gase precursor effect. For example, even if 10 games are selected as the number of games for the precursory effect, if the value of the AT counter is 3, the number of games for the precursory effect is set to 3.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the Gase precursor effect is executed, the number of AT remaining games is confirmed, the number of games of the Gase precursor effect is distributed according to the number of AT remaining games, and the AT game ends. Even if it does, the process of controlling so that the ghost sign effect does not continue is performed. Specifically, the process of allocating the number of games of the Gase precursor effect is performed so that the number of AT remaining games and the game of the Gase precursor effect are the same, or the number of games of the Gase precursor effect is smaller than the number of AT remaining games. .. As a result, even if the AT game ends, it is possible to prevent the ghost sign effect from continuing, and it is possible to execute the effect without a sense of discomfort.

When it is determined in Sj11 that the Gase precursor effect counter is larger than 0 (Y in Sj11), or when the value of the Gase precursor effect counter is set in Sj14, the sub-control unit 91 performs the Gase precursor effect (for example, FIG. B) (C)) is executed (Sj15). The number of remaining games of the Gase precursor game displayed in the Gase precursor effect is the value of the Gase precursor effect counter. In addition, when the game state is the ghost sign effect state, the AT is controlled. Therefore, the sub-control unit 91 specifies an operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the symbol combination advantageous for the player on the winning line LN in the gassing precursor effect (for example, FIGS. 19B and 19C). )) Is also executed.

When the Gase precursor effect is executed in Sj15, the sub-control unit 91 subtracts 1 from the Gase precursor effect counter (Sj16), and ends the effect execution process. When the Gase precursor effect counter becomes 0 when 1 is subtracted from the Gase precursor effect counter in Sj15, the sub-control unit 91 executes the additional special zone-less notification effect in the next game regardless of the game state. .. When the game state is the AT state when executing the additional special zone-less notification effect in the next game, the sub-control unit 91 is an operation for stopping the symbol combination advantageous to the player on the winning line LN. An effect that specifies the procedure (pushing order) is also executed. Further, when the game state is the normal state when executing the additional special zone-less notification effect in the next game, the sub-control unit 91 is an operation for stopping the symbol combination advantageous to the player on the winning line LN. The effect that specifies the procedure (pushing order) is not executed.

By the state counter processing, the state control processing, and the effect execution processing described above, in the present embodiment, the game state becomes the AT state until the number of remaining AT games becomes 0 (until the end condition is satisfied), which is advantageous for the player. An effect of specifying an operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the symbol combination on the winning line LN is executed (advantageous control advantageous to the player is performed). Further, when the game state is the AT state (in the advantageous state), a period for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone may be set. In the present embodiment, when the additional special zone is won, the period for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone is set. At this time, regardless of the number of AT remaining games, the number of games for the precursory effect is set to any of 5, 10, and 20 games. That is, the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone is set to any one of 6 games, 11 games, and 21 games.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone is set and the number of remaining AT games becomes 0, the precursor effect and the additional special are added. It is controlled so that the period (special period) for executing the notification effect with the conversion zone also ends. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the precursor effect is started when "the number of games of the precursor effect + the number of games of the notification effect with the additional special zone" is smaller than the number of AT remaining games, the AT remaining game When the number becomes 0, the period for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone ends. As a result, even if the number of AT remaining games is confirmed and the number of games of the precursor effect is not distributed according to the number of AT remaining games, the control of the AT is completed during the precursor effect and the additional special zone notification effect. It will not be lost. Therefore, the processing can be simplified and the capacity of the program can be reduced. For example, since the storage capacity of the ROM 41b of the main control unit 41 is generally small, when the number of precursor games is set on the game control board 40, the process of setting the number of precursor games is simplified and the data capacity of the program is increased. It is desirable to reduce it.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the number of remaining AT games becomes 0, the period for executing the precursor effect and the additional special zone notification effect is terminated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, when the number of remaining AT games is 3 games and the number of remaining AT games is 3 or more, as shown in FIG. 18D, the number of remaining AT games is 2 games. Sometimes the number of remaining games in the precursor effect is rewritten to one game. Further, in such a case, as shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the number of games of the precursory effect may be displayed on the effect screen of the precursory effect more than the number of games remaining in the AT. On the other hand, when executing the Gase precursor effect, the number of AT remaining games is confirmed and the number of games of the Gase precursor effect is distributed according to the number of AT remaining games. Performs a process to control so that it does not continue. That is, there is no case where the number of games of the Gase precursor effect is larger than the number of AT remaining games. As a result, if the number of games of the precursory effect is larger than the number of AT remaining games, there is no possibility of the precursory effect, so the player should recognize that the winning of the additional special zone has been confirmed. It is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Modification 1]
In the above example, the game states include "normal state", "AT state", "precursor effect state, notification state", and "additional specialization zone", and the BIG bonus in each state. The winning probabilities may be different. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a BIG bonus winning probability table. In the illustrated example, the winning probability of the BIG bonus when the gaming state is the "normal state" is 1/315. Further, the winning probability of the BIG bonus when the gaming state is the "AT state" is 1/256. In addition, the winning probability of the BIG bonus when the game state is "precursor effect state, notification state" is 1/99. In addition, the winning probability of the BIG bonus when the game state is the "additional special zone state" is 1/200.

In this way, by making the winning probability of the BIG bonus different depending on the game state, the player can be more focused on which game state the player is in, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, since the probability of winning the BIG bonus is high when the precursor effect state or the notification state is set (when the special period is set), whether the precursor effect state or the notification state is set (the special period is set). It is possible to draw more attention to the player and improve the interest of the game. It should be noted that AT is the same as the example in which the winning probability of the BIG bonus is different in each state of "normal state", "AT state", "precursor production state, notification state", and "additional specialization zone". What kind of winning probability may be different, such as the winning probability of the winning combination and the winning probability of the small winning combination.

[Modification 2]
Further, in the above-mentioned example, the gaming states include "normal state", "AT state", "precursor effect state, notification state", and "additional specialization zone". The winning probabilities of the BIG bonus and the REG bonus may be different. For example, when the game state is "normal state", "AT state", or "additional special zone state" (when a special period is not set), the winning probability of the REG bonus is higher than that of the BIG bonus, and the game When the state is "precursor effect state, notification state" (when a special period is set), the winning probability of the BIG bonus may be set to be higher than that of the REG bonus. Both the BIG bonus and the REG bonus are advantageous bonuses for the player, but the BIG bonus is more advantageous than the REG bonus.

In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the BIG bonus and the REG bonus different depending on the game state, the player can be more focused on which game state the player is in, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, the probability of winning the BIG bonus is higher than that of the REG bonus (the player's advantage is higher) when the precursor effect state or the notification state is set (when a special period is set). Therefore, it is possible to draw more attention to the player depending on whether it is in the precursory effect state or the notification state (whether a special period is set), and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Modification 3]
Further, in the above-described example, when the precursor effect counter is set (when a special period is set), the precursor effect is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the precursor effect counter is set, the execution rate of a predetermined effect (for example, an effect suggesting that there is a high possibility of winning the additional special zone) is increased, and the precursor effect counter is set. When not, the execution rate of the predetermined effect is lowered. As a result, the player can recognize that the precursory effect has been started by recognizing that the execution frequency of the predetermined effect has increased. In such a case, even if the precursory effect is started, the predetermined effect is not always executed, so that the game (timing) at which the precursory effect is started cannot be accurately grasped, but it is approximate. You can guess about the starting game. Further, in such a case, the number of remaining games of the precursory effect is not displayed on the effect screen, but the game in which the precursory effect is presumed to be continued from the game in which the precursory effect is presumed to have started. By counting the number by the player, the player can estimate the number of games in which the precursory effect is executed.

[Modification example 4]
Further, in the above-mentioned example, an example using AT as an advantageous control advantageous to the player has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The advantageous control that is advantageous to the player may be any control as long as it is advantageous to the player. For example, as an advantageous control that is advantageous to the player, a control that increases the winning rate of the small winning combination may be used. As a result, the probability of winning a medal can be increased, which is advantageous to the player. Further, for example, as an advantageous control advantageous to the player, RT (replay time), which is a control for increasing the winning rate of the replay, may be used. As a result, the probability of replaying can be increased, which is advantageous to the player. Further, for example, as an advantageous control advantageous to the player, an effect of specifying an operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the symbol combination advantageous to the player on the winning line LN is executed, and the replay is won. It may be ART (assist replay time) which is a control for increasing the ratio. As a result, it is possible to align the symbol combinations that are advantageous to the player on the winning line, and it is possible to increase the probability of replaying, which is advantageous to the player.

[Modification 5]
Further, in the above example, even if the number of remaining AT games is less than a certain number of games (for example, 3 games), the countdown effect is not performed, but the number of remaining AT games is less than a certain number of games. In some cases, a countdown effect may be performed. As a specific example, as a countdown effect, "3 games remaining" is displayed on the effect screen when the number of AT remaining games is 3, and "2 games remaining" is displayed on the effect screen when the number of AT remaining games is 2. , When the number of AT remaining games is one, "1 remaining game" may be displayed on the production screen. Further, when the precursor effect is started during the countdown effect, the countdown effect may be stopped and the precursor effect may be started. As a result, when the countdown effect is canceled, it is possible to increase the degree of expectation of being controlled to a special state (for example, an additional special zone) that is advantageous to the player, which is different from the advantageous state (for example, AT state). It can improve the interest of the game.

[Modification 6]
Further, in the above-mentioned example, even if the number of games of the precursory effect is different, the number of games in the additional special zone is constant (5 games), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the degree of advantage of the additional special zone may be different depending on the number of games of the precursory effect. For example, the longer the number of games of the precursor effect, the longer the number of games in the additional special zone may be. Further, for example, the longer the number of games of the precursor effect, the shorter the number of games in the additional special zone may be. Further, for example, the longer the number of games for the precursory effect, the higher the probability of winning the number of additional games in the additional special zone. Further, for example, the longer the number of games of the precursory effect, the lower the probability of winning the number of additional games in the additional special zone. Further, for example, as the number of games of the precursory effect is longer, the number of additional games at the time of winning the number of additional games at one time may be increased. Further, for example, as the number of games of the precursory effect is longer, the number of additional games at the time of winning the number of additional games at one time may be reduced. As a result, the player can be made to pay attention to how many games of the precursory effect are set, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Modification 7]
Further, in the above-mentioned example, when the AT counter is 2, the value of the precursor effect counter is rewritten to 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the value of the precursor effect counter is rewritten so that the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone end when the number of AT remaining games becomes 0, the value of the precursor effect counter is rewritten at an arbitrary timing. You may. That is, if the value of the precursor effect counter is rewritten so that the number of AT remaining games and the number of games of the precursor effect + notification effect with additional special zone are the same, the precursor effect counter can be used at any time. The value may be rewritten.

For example, the value of the precursor effect counter may be rewritten to 2 when the AT counter is 3. Further, for example, the value of the precursor effect counter may be rewritten to 3 at the timing when the AT counter is 4. In this way, even when the value of the precursor effect counter is rewritten at an arbitrary timing, the precursor effect and the additional special zone notification effect can be terminated when the number of remaining AT games becomes 0.

[Effect of this embodiment]
Next, the main effects obtained by the above-described embodiment will be described.
(1) In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 and the sub control unit 91 (advantageous control means) combine symbols that are advantageous for the player until the number of remaining AT games becomes 0 (until the end condition is satisfied). Is controlled to the AT state (advantageous state) in which the advantageous control advantageous to the player who executes the effect of specifying the operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the winning line LN is performed. Further, the main control unit 41 (privilege granting means) grants the additional special zone (privilege) when the additional special zone is won (when the special condition is satisfied) in the AT state (advantageous state). Further, the main control unit 41 (special period setting means) is in the AT state (advantageous state), and when the additional special zone (privilege) is given, the period for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone. Set (special period). Further, the sub-control unit 91 (special period effect executing means) performs the precursor effect when the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone is set in the AT state (advantageous state). There is an additional special zone. The effect is executed in a different execution mode from when the period (special period) for executing the notification effect is not set. Further, the main control unit 41 (special period elapsed determination means) determines whether or not the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone has elapsed. In addition, the main control unit 41 (special period setting means) does not refer to the remaining period until the number of AT remaining games becomes 0 (until the end condition is satisfied), and has a precursor effect and an additional special zone notification effect. Set the period (special period) to execute. In addition, the main control unit 41 (privilege granting means) sets the additional special zone (privilege) based on the determination that the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone has elapsed. Give. Further, when the main control unit 41 (special period elapsed determination means) sets the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone, the number of remaining AT games becomes 0. If (when the end condition is satisfied), it is determined that the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone has passed.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the fun of the game while simplifying the process.

(2) Further, in the present embodiment, the precursor effect counter (counter) measures the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone. Further, the main control unit 41 (counter rewriting means) executes the precursor effect and the additional special zone notification effect when the number of remaining AT games becomes 0 (the end condition is satisfied). Rewrite to a value that determines that the period (special period) to be used has passed. Further, it is assumed that the main control unit 41 (special period elapsed determination means) has passed the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone based on the value of the precursor effect counter (counter). It may be determined.

According to such a configuration, it can be determined that the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone has ended by a simple process.

(3) Further, in the present embodiment, the sub control unit 91 (effect control means) controls the execution of the effect. In addition, the main control unit 41 (special period setting means) can specify that a period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone is set, and the game state is the precursor effect state. A command (specific period setting information) indicating that the notification effect state is set is notified to the sub control unit 91 (effect control means). Further, the sub-control unit 91 (effect control means) does not execute the ghost effect (controls the execution of the effect) in response to a command (specific period setting information) indicating that the game state is the precursor effect state or the notification effect state. You may do it.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute an effect according to whether or not a special period is set, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

(4) Further, in the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 (pseudo-special period setting means) sets the ghost precursor period (pseudo-special period) when the additional special zone (privilege) is not given. Further, the sub-control unit 91 (pseudo special period setting means) refers to the remaining period until the number of AT remaining games becomes 0 (the end condition is satisfied), and the number of AT remaining games becomes 0 (the end condition is set). It is also possible to set a ghost precursor period (pseudo special period) so as not to straddle the time (established).

According to such a configuration, there is no case where the ghost precursor period (pseudo special period) is longer than the remaining period until the number of AT remaining games becomes 0 (the end condition is satisfied).

In the present embodiment, when the number of remaining AT games becomes 0, the period for executing the precursor effect and the additional special zone notification effect is terminated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, when the number of remaining AT games is 3 games and the number of remaining AT games is 3 or more, as shown in FIG. 18D, the number of remaining AT games is 2 games. Sometimes the number of remaining games in the precursor effect is rewritten to one game. Further, in such a case, as shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the number of games of the precursory effect may be larger than the number of AT remaining games.

As a result, if the number of games of the precursory effect is larger than the number of AT remaining games, there is no possibility of the precursory effect, so the player should recognize that the winning of the additional special zone has been confirmed. Can be done. Therefore, it is possible to draw more attention to the player to the length of the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the notification effect with the additional special zone and the length of the false precursor period (pseudo special period).

(5) Further, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 (special period setting means) is any of 5 games, 10 games, and 20 games (any of a plurality of lengths), and is a precursor effect and an additional feature. There may be a conversion zone. A period (special period) for executing the notification effect may be set.

According to such a configuration, the player can pay attention to how much the special period is set, and the interest of the game can be improved.

(6) Further, in the present embodiment, the precursor effect counter (special period counter for measuring the special period) and the main control unit 41 (special period counter) for updating the precursor effect counter (special period counter) at the start of the game. Main control that sets the game state after the end of the period (special period) for executing the precursor effect and the additional special zone based on the precursor effect counter (special period counter) at the end of the game. A unit 41 (game state setting means) may be provided.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the game from being controlled by an unintended gaming state.

(7) Further, in the present embodiment, a storage area (vector table area) in which a program address to be executed by the microcomputer (main control unit 41) is set when an interruption occurs is provided, and the microcomputer is provided. At the time of startup, it may be determined whether the program address set in the storage area is within the predetermined range, and if it is not within the predetermined range, the startup of the microcomputer may be restricted.

Specifically, the value set in the vector table area is 0000h (value set in the unused vector table area), or the area of the address set in 8000h to HPRGEND, that is, the program area. When it is determined whether the value indicates the area where the program or the like is actually stored, and the value set in the vector table area is neither 0000h nor the value indicating the area of the address set in 8000h to HPRGEND. May not start.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the execution of an unintended interrupt process in advance.

(8) Further, in the present embodiment, after the internal state is set (start-up setting), the microcomputer (main control unit 41) that starts the execution of the user program (initial setting process) is provided. The interrupt prohibition may be set in the internal state setting, and the interrupt prohibition may be set in the user program at the start of execution of the user program. For example, the main control unit 41 is activated in a state in which interrupts are prohibited, but interrupts may be prohibited again in Sa1.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an unintended interrupt process from being executed.

(9) Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of timers having different uses are provided, and a plurality of types of timer counter values are set in an area to which continuous addresses are assigned according to a predetermined rule of the RAM 41c. It may be updated by a common update process while changing the target address. For example, the process of updating the timer value stored in the specified address is repeatedly executed while changing the specified address for the area in which multiple types of timer counter values are stored by adding a constant to the current specified address. By doing so, a plurality of types of timer values may be updated.

According to such a configuration, the timer value update process can be executed without increasing the processing content.

Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications and applications are possible. Further, at least two of the technical items described in the present embodiment and the modified example may be combined and implemented, and the technical items described in the present embodiment may be replaced with the technical items described in the modified example. It may be carried out by further combining the technical matters described in the modification with respect to the replaced one.

[About slot machines]
As described above, in the above-described embodiment, the slot machine for setting the number of bets using medals and credits has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is used in, for example, pachinko gaming machines. A claim is made by applying the configuration shown in the above embodiment to a slot machine that sets the number of bets using a gaming ball or a fully credit slot machine that sets the number of bets using only credits. It is possible to realize the invention according to the above. When a game ball is used as a game medium, for example, when one medal corresponds to five game balls and 3 is set as the bet number in the above embodiment, 15 game balls are used. Corresponds to setting the number of bets using.

Further, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to using only one of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and gaming balls, and for example, a plurality of types such as medals and gaming balls. It may be possible to use the value for games together. 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 games such as medals and game balls are generated when a prize is generated. A gaming machine capable of paying out any of the utility values is also included in the gaming machine of the present invention.

Further, in the present 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 combination of the display results derived to the three reels is used. The slot machine in which a prize is generated is explained accordingly. 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. Further, in the present embodiment, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are reels that rotate in the vertical direction, but the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R may be reels that rotate in any direction, such as in the horizontal direction and the diagonal direction. ..

Further, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, display results are derived from each of a plurality of variable display areas (transparent windows 3) capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of identification information (designs) that can be identified by each. The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using the game value (medals, credits), and all of the plurality of variable display areas. It is a slot machine in which one game is completed by deriving the display result in, and as a result of one game, a prize can be generated according to the combination of the display results derived in each of the plurality of variable display areas. May be good.

Further, as the present embodiment, the slot machine that pays out the game medium to the player's hand when the prize is generated has been described, but the game medium is enclosed and the game medium is paid to the player's hand when the prize is generated. An enclosed slot machine that adds game points (scores) without paying 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.

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

1 Slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R reel 6 MAXBET switch 7 Start switch 8L, 8C, 8R Stop switch 40 Game control board 41 Main control unit 51 Liquid crystal display 90 Production control board 91 Sub control unit 91a Sub CPU
91b ROM
91c RAM

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 is derived after variable display of the variable display unit and a prize can be generated according to the display result.
A game control means that controls the progress of the game,
It is equipped with a production control means that controls the execution of the production.
The game control means
The first privilege granting means for granting the first privilege and
The second privilege granting means for granting the second privilege and
When the first privilege is granted by the first privilege granting means, a period setting means for setting a special period and
Including the period setting information transmitting means for transmitting the period setting information that can specify that the special period is set.
The effect control means
While controlling the production according to the period setting information,
When it is specified that the special period is set, the execution of the effect is controlled in a different execution mode from that when the special period is not set.
Setting means between before SL period, can be set to the special period in one of a plurality of lengths,
The second privilege granting means grants the second privilege so that the degree of advantage differs between when the special period is not set and when the special period is set.
The game control means
At least a storage means to store the program
Includes a microcomputer that performs processing according to a program stored in the storage means.
The storage means has an address storage means for storing the address of the interrupt program.
The microcomputer
An interrupt processing execution means that executes a program from an address stored in the address storage means as an interrupt processing based on the interrupt.
A determination means for determining whether or not the address stored in the address storage means is within a predetermined range when the microcomputer is started, and a determination means.
A slot machine comprising a start-up prohibiting means for prohibiting the start-up of the microcomputer when the determination means determines that the address stored in the address storage means is not within a predetermined range.

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