JP7430900B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines (reel type gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on their outer peripheral surfaces have been known. This type of gaming machine assigns a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and plays games to acquire such gaming media. In addition, this type of gaming machine uses the player's rotation start operation as a trigger to perform an internal lottery and start the rotation of multiple reels, and the player's stop operation as a trigger to perform an internal lottery according to the result of the internal lottery. Performs control to stop multiple reels. The result of the game is determined by the symbol combinations displayed on the winning determination line when the plurality of reels are stopped, and medals and the like are paid out in accordance with the result of the game.

In addition, conventionally, if a medal is not inserted or a bet button is not operated for a predetermined period of time after one game ends, the game is operated in a low power mode that consumes less power than usual. A gaming machine is known that returns to a normal power mode when a medal is inserted or a bet button is operated (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-137672

However, in the gaming machine shown in Patent Document 1, if the timer variable t of the timer that measures the time during which a game is not played continuously is a value larger than the timeout time Ta, the game machine is operated in a low power mode. Since the system is initialized only when one game is completed, a situation may arise in which the time during which a game has not been played cannot be appropriately measured.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately time the time during which no games are being played.

The present invention includes a plurality of types of game operation means that can be operated by a player, and enables the operation of a predetermined game operation means according to the progress of the game, so as to enable effective operation of the game operation means. A gaming machine that advances a game based on the timing, and includes a timer that measures the time during which a game is not played continuously, and an effect control that causes an effect device to execute a standby effect when the timer measures a predetermined time. means, a payment control means for controlling the payment of the credited gaming value based on an effective operation on the payment operation means, and a detection means for detecting opening/closing of the front door of the gaming machine housing, The production control means resets the time measurement by the time measurement means when a valid operation is performed on the payment operation means, and resets the time measurement by the time measurement means when an invalid operation is performed on the payment operation means. without resetting the time measurement by the timekeeping means when the detection means detects that the front door is opened, and when the detection means detects that the front door is closed, the timekeeping means This relates to a gaming machine that does not reset the timer.

In the present invention, even if an invalid operation is performed on the payment operation means, the time measurement by the time measurement means is not reset, and the time measurement by the time measurement means is not reset even when the front door of the gaming machine housing is opened or closed, so that the game can continue. It is possible to appropriately time the time that is not being performed.

Further, the present invention includes a plurality of types of game operation means that can be operated by a player, and enables operation of a predetermined game operation means according to the progress of the game, and enables effective operation of the game operation means. A gaming machine that advances a game based on the above, and includes a timer that measures the time during which the game is not played continuously, and an effect that causes an effect to execute a standby effect when the timer measures a predetermined time. A control means and a performance operation means operable by a player, and the performance control means is configured to control when an effective operation is performed on the game operation means and when an operation on the performance operation means is performed. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that terminates the standby performance when the standby performance is terminated.

In the present invention, a standby effect is executed when the timer for counting the time during which no game is played continuously measures a predetermined time, and when an effective operation is performed on the game operation means and the effect operation is performed. Since the standby effect is ended when an operation is performed on the means, the standby effect can be ended not only by an effective operation on the gaming operation means but also by an operation on the effect operation means, which improves the operation interface environment of the gaming machine. can be improved.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the effect control means resets the time measurement by the clocking means when a valid operation is performed on the gaming operating means, and when an invalid operation is performed on the gaming operating means. In this case, the time measurement by the time measurement means may not be reset.

In this way, even if an invalid operation is performed on the game operation means, the time measurement by the time measurement means is not reset, so that it is possible to appropriately time the time during which the game is not played continuously.

Further, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a detection means for detecting opening/closing of a front door of a gaming machine housing, and the performance control means is configured to measure the time when the detection means detects that the front door is opened. The time measurement by the means may be interrupted and the time measurement by the time measurement means may be restarted when the detection means detects that the front door is closed.

In this way, it is possible to prevent the standby performance from starting while the front door is open.

1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal lottery table of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal lottery table of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the winning mode of the small winning combination of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a replay winning aspect of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the pattern arrangement of the reel of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram explaining the relationship between the pressing order of stop buttons and winning combinations in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram explaining the relationship between the pressing order of stop buttons and winning combinations in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a transition diagram of a gaming state and an RT state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a transition diagram of performance states in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a power save mode in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the processing in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the processing in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are essential components of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is a so-called slot machine or a reel-type gaming machine, and is a type of gaming machine that plays games using medals as gaming media.

The gaming machine of the present embodiment has a box shape that includes a storage box BX (an example of a gaming machine main body, a gaming machine housing), an upper front door UD (an example of a front door), and a lower front door (an example of a front door) DD. A reel unit consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (a plurality of reels) is housed in the housing. In addition, at the bottom of the reel unit inside the housing, there is a power supply unit (not shown) that has a built-in power supply and is equipped with various switches such as a power switch and a reset switch, and a hopper unit (not shown) that serves as a medal dispensing device. It is contained. The hopper unit includes a medal storage tank (not shown) that stores medals for use in games, a payout motor (not shown) consisting of a stepping motor, and a rotating disk (not shown) that is pivotally supported by the payout motor. The rotary disk is rotationally driven by a payout motor, so that medals can be paid out one by one. Furthermore, a CPU (an example of a calculation means), a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc. are installed in the housing of the gaming machine of this embodiment, and control the operation of the gaming machine. It also contains the control board. In this embodiment, the control board includes a main board that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-board that receives signals transmitted from the main board and performs control to execute game effects in accordance with the progress of the game. A plurality of types of electronic circuit boards are provided.

The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 shown in FIG. 1 each have their outer peripheral surfaces divided into 21 areas (each area is called a "piece") at regular intervals, and each piece has multiple types of symbols. Either one is arranged. In addition, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are pivotally supported by a stepping motor (reel driving means: not shown), and each is driven to rotate around the axis of the stepping motor. By controlling the width and the like, it is provided so that it can be stopped in units of frames (units of predetermined rotation angles, units of predetermined rotation amounts). That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stepping motor rotationally drives the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 in response to drive pulses supplied from the control board, and drive pulses for all-phase excitation are supplied from the control board. As the stepping motor stops rotating, the first reel R1 to third reel R3 stop.

The upper front door UD and the lower front door DD, which open and close the front (an example of the front) of the storage box BX, are provided so as to be openable and closable individually, and the upper front door UD has the first reel R1 to the third reel R1 to the third reel. A display window DW is provided that allows observation of the rotating state and stopped state of R3. When the first reel R1 to third reel R3 are in a stopped state, out of a plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer circumferential surface of each of the first reel R1 to third reel R3, the symbols are continuously arranged on the outer circumferential surface. The three symbols (upper symbol, middle symbol, and lower symbol) can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window DW.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row as display positions for observing symbols through the display window DW, and an effective line is set by a combination of display positions of each reel. Ru. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of inputs, is set to three, and when medals corresponding to the prescribed number of inputs are inserted, the first reel R1~ The active line L1 formed by each middle row of the third reel R3 is activated.

The game result is determined by the symbol combinations that are stopped and displayed on the active line in the display window DW, and if the symbol combination on the active line is a symbol combination that corresponds to a predetermined role, that role will win the prize. As a result, medals are paid out from the hopper unit.

Further, the upper front door UD is provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section DS consists of LEDs, lamps, 7-segment displays, etc., and displays the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or acquired in one game (the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number inserted), and bonuses. Various game information such as the total number of medals paid out or the total number of medals acquired in the game is displayed.

Further, the upper front door UD is provided with a liquid crystal display LCD for performing game effects. The liquid crystal display LCD displays various videos (or images) to assist the game or to enliven the game.

Further, the upper front door UD is provided with a revolving light PL (movable accessory) and an underframe lamp AL for performing game effects. The revolving light PL and the underframe lamp AL perform lighting and blinking operations to liven up the game.

The rotating light PL also includes a light emitting body, a reflecting plate (movable body) that rotates around the light emitting body and reflects the light from the light emitting body, and a rotating device (motor) that rotates the reflecting plate. By rotating the reflector, the light emitted by the light emitter can be irradiated to the surrounding area.

Further, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of speakers (not shown) for performing game effects are provided on the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD. This speaker outputs various sounds to assist the game or to enliven the game.

Further, the lower front door DD is provided with various operating means. The operation means include a bet button (insertion operation means, game operation means) B0 for inserting credited (internally stored) medals, and a game operation by rotating the first reel R1 to third reel R3. The start lever (game start operation means, game operation means) SL is used to perform the operation that triggers the start, and it serves as the trigger to stop each of the first reel R1 to third reel R3 that are rotationally driven by the stepping motor. Stop buttons (stop operation means, game operation means) B1 to B3 for performing operations, settlement button (settlement operation means, game operation means) B4 for performing operations for settling credited (internally stored) medals , a performance button (performance operation means) B5 for performing an operation that triggers a change in the performance performed on the gaming machine, etc. are provided.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the player inserts medals into the medal slot MI or presses the bet button B0, rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is started. is set to a ready state in which it is possible to press the start lever (enabled). Then, when the player presses the start lever SL, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 start rotating on the control board by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery using random numbers is performed, and the first reel R1 - Pressing of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (validated) on the condition that the rotational speed of the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed.

Thereafter, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 at any timing, the stop switches built in each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 (stop signal output means: e.g. photo sensor, continuity sensor, pressure (sensor, etc.) performs an on operation, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from an off state to an on state.

Furthermore, when the player releases the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 at any timing, the stop switches corresponding to each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, turning on the reel stop signal input to the control board. to off state.

Then, the control board is set at a stop position according to the result of the internal lottery based on the change of the reel stop signal from the off state to the on state, the signal state of which changes according to the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3. The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped.

Further, a medal payout port MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the bottom of the lower front door DD, and the number of medals according to the result of the game is paid out from the medal payout port MO to the medal tray MP. There is. In addition, when medals are paid out according to the result of the game, if medal credits (internal storage) are allowed, medals equivalent to part or all of the number of medals paid out are used as the maximum number of credits (in this embodiment). (50 medals) as a limit, and the display value of the credit display consisting of the 7-segment display of the game information display section DS is changed in accordance with the change in the number of medal credits. In this way, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the operation on the predetermined operating means is enabled according to the progress of the game, and the game progresses based on the effective operation on the operating means.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with a door sensor (detection means) 260 that detects the open/closed state of the upper front door UD, and a door sensor (detection means) 260 that detects the open/closed state of the lower front door DD. Based on the input signal (detection signal) inputted from the door sensor 260 to the control board (main board), the opening/closing of each of the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD can be detected.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board 10 and a sub board 20. The main board 10 receives input signals from input means such as a medal insertion switch 210, a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a payment switch 250, a door sensor 260, etc., and performs various calculations for executing the game. The operation of output means such as the reel unit 310, hopper unit 320, game information display device 327, etc. is controlled based on the calculation results. Further, the sub-board 20 receives input signals from input means such as the production button switch 270 and signals sent from the main board 10, and performs various calculations to execute production according to the progress status of the game. , based on the calculation results, the operation of output means such as the effect display device 330, the audio device 340, the accessory driving treatment 350, etc. is controlled. In addition, the functions of each board such as the main board 10 and the sub-board 20 include hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and ROM. This is realized by software consisting of a given program stored in advance in, for example, a computer.

The main board 10 includes an input reception means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state transition control means 170, and an RT control means. It is configured to include means 173, privilege granting means 175, communication control means 179, and main memory 190M.

The input receiving means 105 accepts the input of medals for each game, and performs a game start operation on the start lever SL (game start operation means) based on the input of medals corresponding to the specified number of inputs (3 medals). Control to enable. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL, which is activated based on the insertion of a prescribed number of medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and the first reel R1 to the third reel This serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of R3, and also serves as an opportunity to execute an internal lottery. Furthermore, when the start lever SL is operated in a state where the game start operation on the start lever SL is enabled, the operation on the start lever SL is invalidated.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot MI (predetermined insertion slot), the medal insertion switch 210 is activated, and the insertion reception means 105 limits the specified number of insertions. , the inserted medals are set in the inserted state (bet state).

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to store medals as credits (storage storage) up to the upper limit number of credits (50 in this embodiment) in a credit storage area (not shown) provided in the main memory 190M. When medals are inserted into the medal slot MI with the prescribed number of medals set to be inserted, the inserted medals are stored in credit memory as the medal insertion switch 210 is activated. do.

In addition, when all the processing related to one game is completed, the input receiving means 105 performs control to enable the operation on the bet button B0 on the condition that medals are stored in credits in the gaming machine, and controls the operation on the bet button B0. When the bet button B0 is pressed in a state where the operation is enabled, the bet switch 220 is activated, and the input receiving means 105 stores credits in the credit storage area up to the specified number of inputs. Set the medal to the inserted state. Further, when the number of medals stored in the gaming machine as a credit reaches zero or when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, the operation on the bet button B0 is invalidated.

In addition, the input receiving means 105 performs control to start accepting medals when all processing related to one game is completed, and starts the game when the number of medals stored in the gaming machine reaches the upper limit number of credits or the start lever SL is pressed. When the operation is performed, control is performed to end medal acceptance. If medals are inserted from the medal input port MI in a state where no medals are accepted, the inserted medals are returned from the medal payout port MO without being accepted.

In addition, when all the processing related to one game is completed, the input receiving means 105 performs control to enable the operation on the settlement button B4, on the condition that the medals are stored in the gaming machine as credits, and controls the operation on the settlement button B4. When the payment button B4 is pressed in a state where the operation is enabled, the payment switch 250 is activated, and the medals stored in credit in the credit storage area and the medals set in the inserted state by the payout control means 150 are is paid out, and when all the medals stored in credit and the medals set in the inserted state are paid out, the number of medals set in the inserted state is initialized to 0, and the operation on the settlement button B4 is invalidated. Further, even when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, the operation on the settlement button B4 is invalidated.

The random number generation means 110 is means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random number value can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to cycle through a predetermined count range). Note that in this embodiment, "random value" includes not only a value that occurs randomly in a mathematical sense, but also a value that actually occurs even if the generation itself is regular, because the acquisition timing etc. are irregular. Also includes values that can function as random numbers.

The internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery for determining the success or failure of a winning combination based on a start signal from a start switch 230 that is activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL (the first pressing operation on the activated start lever SL). This means performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the main lottery table storage means 191 of the main memory 190M is used to perform the internal lottery. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main lottery table storage means 191 stores six types of internal lottery tables (internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 6) as shown in FIGS. 3 to 4. In each internal lottery table, each of the multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535) corresponds to various roles such as replays, small roles, and bonuses, and losses (non-winnings). It is attached.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, small winnings 1 to 9 are prepared as small winnings, and winning modes of small winnings include batting order bell 1 to batting order bell 9 (an example of multiple types of specific winning modes). , common bell, watermelon, cherry, and JAC are set.

To explain in detail how to win each small winning combination with reference to FIG. 5, batting order bell 1 to batting order bell 9 are 1-card small winnings of 2 to 4 types (minor winnings with a payout of 1 card), and 1-card small winnings of 2 to 4 types. This shows that 8-card small roles of various types (small roles with a payout of 8 cards: an example of a specific role) can be won at the same time, and the common bell is 5 types of 1-card small roles and 1 type of 15-card small roles. This shows that a small winning combination (a small winning combination with a payout of 15 pieces) overlaps and is won.

In addition, watermelon indicates that a 3-card small hand of one type (a small hand with a payout of 3 pieces) can be won independently, and a cherry indicates a 2-piece small hand of one type (a small hand with a payout of 2 pieces). This shows that the JAC is won individually, and JAC has 5 types of 1-card small roles, 1 type of 2-card small roles, 1 type of 3-card small roles, 1 type of 8-card small roles, This shows that one type of 15-card small winning combination can be won in duplicate.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Replay 1 to Replay 6 are prepared as replays, and normal replay 1 to normal replay 3 and batting order replay 1 to batting order replay 12 are set as replay winning modes. There is.

To specifically explain the winning mode of each replay with reference to FIG. 6, Normal Replay 1 to Normal Replay 3 indicate that two types of replays including Replay 1 overlap and win, and batting order replay 1 ~Batting order replay 6 indicates that 2 to 5 types of replays including replay 1 and replay 2 (an example of a specific role) can be won at the same time, and batting order replay 7 to batting order replay 12 indicate that replay 1 and replay 2 (an example of a specific role) will be won. This shows that 2 to 5 types of replays including Replay 3 (an example of a specific combination) can be won in duplicate.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery modes (winning probability and winning mode) of the small winning combinations are set to be the same in the internal lottery tables 1 to 5, so that internal lottery table 1 = internal lottery table 2 = internal lottery table The replay winning probability increases in the order of 5<internal lottery table 3<internal lottery table 4. In addition, in the internal lottery table 6, small winning combinations are won with a higher probability than in the internal lottery tables 1 to 5, and replays are not included in the lottery.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a big bonus (BB) is prepared as a bonus, and in internal lottery tables 1 to 4, the big bonus (BB) is set as a lottery target. In Table 5 to Internal Lottery Table 6, the Big Bonus (BB) is excluded from the lottery targets.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the normal state, BB established state (an example of a bonus established state), and BB state (an example of a bonus state) can be set as the gaming state, and the RT state (replay lottery state) As such, non-RT state, RT1 state, RT2 state, and RT3 state can be set, and in the lottery table selection process, any one of internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 6 is selected according to the gaming state and RT state. Select as the internal lottery table used in internal lottery.

In the random number determination process, based on the start signal from the start switch 230, a random number (random number for lottery) is obtained from the random number generation means 110 for each game, and the obtained random number is stored in the main lottery table storage means 191 of the main memory 190M. It is determined whether or not the winning combination has been won by referring to the internal lottery table stored in the.

In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is changed from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state). , on state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when two or more types of winning combinations are won in duplicate, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more winning combinations are set to a winning state. Note that the lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage means 192 of the main memory 190M.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, there is a lottery flag (carryover flag) that allows the winning state to be carried over to subsequent games until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that allows the winning state to be carried over to subsequent games regardless of whether or not a prize is won. A lottery flag (non-carryover flag) that is reset to a winning state is provided. The former flag that can be carried over is associated with a bonus, and the minor winnings and replays are associated with the latter flag that cannot be carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when the big bonus (BB) is won in the internal lottery, the winning state of the lottery flag for the big bonus (BB) is carried over until the big bonus (BB) is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine the success or failure of small winning combinations and replays even in games where the winning state of the big bonus (BB) lottery flag is carried over.

The reel control means 130 starts rotationally driving the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 using a stepping motor based on a start signal from the start switch 230 activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL. - Stop operation by pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reel where the third reel R3 is steadily rotating at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: rotation speed of approximately 80 revolutions per minute) At the same time, control is performed to stop the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotationally driven by the stepping motor, in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery).

Then, when the stop switch 240 is actuated by the player pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 in a state where the stop operations for the stop buttons B1 to B3 are enabled, the reel control means 130 controls the operation of the operated stop button. At the same time, based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, a drive pulse for all-phase excitation is supplied to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310, thereby controlling each reel of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Performs control to stop.

That is, each time each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is pressed, the reel control means 130 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button among the first reel R1 to third reel R3, and determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button. The reel is controlled to stop at the stopped position. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, pressing down the stop button B1 corresponds to an operation for stopping the first reel R1, and pressing down the stop button B2 corresponds to an operation for stopping the second reel R2. Correspondingly, pressing down the stop button B3 corresponds to an operation for stopping the third reel R3. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed changes, the order in which the first reel R1 to third reel R3 are stopped changes.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button stops within 190 ms from the time when the stop button B1 to B3 is pressed. It looks like this. If the rotating reels are stopped within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each rotating reel is such that the number of frames required from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops is 0 frames. It is determined in the range of ~4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Then, the reel control means 130 causes the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery to be displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel corresponding to the stop button that has been pressed among the stop buttons B1 to B3. If the button is located within the range of 0 frames to 4 frames with respect to the display position on the active line at the time of the pressing operation, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state will be displayed on the active line. As displayed in the upper display position, control is performed to stop the rotating reel corresponding to the stop button that is pressed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the red 7 symbol "Red 7" and the white 7 symbol "White 7" are displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 constituting the reel unit 310. , black 7 symbol "Black 7", BAR symbol "BAR", replay symbol "RP", dummy symbol "DUM", bell symbol "BL", watermelon symbol A "WMA", watermelon symbol B "WMB", and cherry symbol When "CH" is arranged and the symbols existing within 4 frames from the press detection position are drawn onto the active line, the symbols arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the outer circumferential surface of each reel are pressed. It can be displayed on the effective line regardless of the detection position.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the reel unit 310 is equipped with a reel index 315 made of a photosensor, and the reel control means 130 is controlled based on a reference position signal detected by the reel index 315 every time the reel rotates once. By determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the stepping motor) from the reel reference position (frame detected by the reel index 315), the current rotation state of the reel can be monitored. It has become. That is, the reel control means 130 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch 240 is activated by determining the rotation angle of the reel from the reference position.

The reel control means 130 also performs a process (table reference process) of determining the stop position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage means 193 of the main memory 190M. In the stop control table, a correspondence relationship between a press detection position and an actual stop position is set according to the setting state of the lottery flag. In addition, in the stop control table, a correspondence relationship between the press detection position and the number of sliding pieces indicating the amount of rotation from the press detection position to the actual stop position may be set according to the setting state of the lottery flag.

First, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, priority is determined in the order of "Replay>Bonus" and "Small win>Bonus", and when the lottery flags related to two or more types of wins are set to the winning state, refers to the stop control table in which table data is set according to the priority order associated with each winning combination, and the symbols constituting the winning form of the winning combination with a high priority are the winning forms of the winning combination with a low priority. The stopping position of the rotating reels is determined so that the symbols constituting the symbols are displayed on the active line with priority.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when multiple types of small winning combinations are won in the internal lottery, the reel stops at a stop position according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line and indicating the winning form of the small winning combination. There are cases where the position is determined and cases where the stop position is determined according to the number of medals paid out based on the winning of the minor role, and there are cases where the stop position is determined according to the number of medals paid out based on the winning of the minor role. When the stop position is determined according to the number of medals, the stop position of the rotating reel is determined so that the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line indicating the winning form of the small winning combination is large, When the stop position is determined according to the number of payouts, the rotating reels are stopped so that the number of medals that are paid out is increased based on the winning of the small winning combination that corresponds to the symbols that can be displayed at the display position on the active line. The position is determined.

In this embodiment, when any batting order bell is won, a correct batting order is set for each batting order bell (winning mode), and a pressing order different from the correct batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order. When the stop operation is performed in accordance with the correct batting order, the stop position of the rotating reels is set so that the number of medals paid out based on the winning of the small winning combination corresponding to the symbols that can be displayed at the display position on the active line is increased. is determined, and if the stop operation is performed in accordance with the incorrect batting order, the stopping position of the rotating reels is determined so that the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line and shows the winning form is large. .

In addition, in this embodiment, when the common bell or JAC is won, the rotating reels are set so that the number of medals paid out based on the winning of the small role corresponding to the symbol that can be displayed at the display position on the active line is increased. The stopping position of is determined.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stopping position of the rotating reels is determined so that the winning combinations with the lottery flag set to the winning state can be won as much as possible, and the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state. The stopping position of the spinning reels is determined so as not to win the set combination.

In this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referred to when any one of batting order bells 1 to 9 is won, as shown in FIG. When B3 is pressed, the stop position relative to the pressing detection position is set so that an 8-piece small winning combination is won, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an incorrect batting order (an example of an operation mode different from the specific operation mode). When pressed, there are cases in which either one of the small winning combinations wins or a symbol combination indicating an RT fluctuation blank is displayed on the active line without winning any of the small winning combinations. A stop position relative to the detection position is set. In this embodiment, when the batting order bell is won in the BB established state, the symbols constituting the winning form of one of the minor roles are always displayed on the active line when the first stop operation is performed. Since the Big Bonus (BB) is avoided from winning, the Big Bonus (BB) will be won even if neither the 8-card small winning combination nor the 1-card small winning combination included in the batting order bell is won. There's nothing to do.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referred to when a common bell or JAC is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 15-piece small winning combination will be won no matter which order of presses the stop operation is performed. is set.

Further, in this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referred to when any of batting order replays 1 to 12 is won, the correct batting order is set for each batting order replay, as shown in FIG. , a pressing order different from the correct batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order.

In this embodiment, if any of batting order replay 1 to batting order replay 6 wins, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order (an example of a specific operation mode), replay 2 will win. A stop position is set relative to the press detection position, and when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an incorrect hitting order (an example of an operation mode different from the specific operation mode), the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that Replay 1 wins. A stop position has been set.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, if any of batting order replays 7 to 12 is won, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order (an example of a specific operation mode), replay 3 will win. A stop position is set relative to the press detection position, and when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an incorrect hitting order (an example of an operation mode different from the specific operation mode), the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that Replay 1 wins. A stop position has been set.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referred to when any of Normal Replay 1 to Normal Replay 3 wins, the press detection position is set so that Replay 1 wins regardless of the pressing order in any case. The stopping position is set for.

The winning determining means 140 performs winning determining processing to determine whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopping manner of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determining table storage means 194 of the main memory 190M, the winning determination table is displayed on the active line when all of the first reel R1 to third reel R3 have stopped. It is determined whether the symbol combination shown is a winning form of a predetermined combination. Then, depending on the symbol combinations displayed on the active line when each reel is stopped, as shown in FIGS. A winning determination table is prepared so that it can be determined whether there is a winning or not and whether or not an RT fluctuation blank is displayed.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a winning determination process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determining means 140. As the winning determination process, for example, the payout control means 150 performs a medal payout control process, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process, and the game state transition control means 170 performs game state transition control to change the game state. The process is performed, and the RT control means 173 performs RT transition control processing to transition the RT state.

The payout control means 150 performs payout control processing regarding payout of medals according to game results. Specifically, when a small role wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the payout determined in advance for each role, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are sent to the hopper unit 320 ( The dispensing device (dispensing device) controls dispensing.

The hopper unit 320 performs an operation of paying out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150. The hopper unit 320 is equipped with a put-out medal detection switch 325 that operates every time one medal is put out. The system is configured so that the number of medals paid out can be managed.

Note that when credit storage (storage storage) of medals is permitted, instead of actually dispensing medals using the hopper unit 320, the number of credits stored in the credit storage area provided in the main memory 190M ( A process of virtually paying out medals is performed by performing a credit addition process of adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals.

Further, when the payment button B4 is pressed while the operation on the payment button B4 is enabled, the payout control means 150 transfers the medals whose credits are stored in the credit storage area and the medals set to the input state to the hopper unit 320 ( The dispensing device (dispensing device) controls dispensing. Specifically, when the operation on the settlement button B4 is performed in a state where the operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled, the medals whose credits are stored in the credit storage area, the number of medals set in the inserted state, and the inserted state The number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the number of medals set in , and the hopper unit 320 (payout device) is controlled to pay out medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts.

A replay processing means 160 performs replay processing (replay processing) for setting the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the insertion of medals owned by the player when the replay wins. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay wins, the automatic insertion automatically inserts the same number of medals as in the previous game without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The process is performed, and the game waits for the next game start operation on the start lever SL with the same active line as the previous game set.

As shown in FIG. 12(A), the gaming state transition control means 170 performs gaming state transition control processing to transition the gaming state between the normal state, the BB established state, and the BB state. As the gaming state transition condition, one condition or a plurality of conditions may be determined. If multiple conditions are defined, the gaming state is determined based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predefined conditions, or the fulfillment of all of the multiple predefined conditions. It is possible to move to another gaming state.

The normal state is a gaming state that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of types of gaming states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the BB established state. Specifically, when a big bonus (BB) is won in the normal state, the state shifts to the BB established state. In addition, in the normal state, one of the internal lottery tables 1 to 4 in which the big bonus (BB) is set as a lottery target among the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in FIGS. 3 to 4 is selected. An internal lottery is performed with reference to the RT status.

The BB established state is a gaming state that is transitioned to when a big bonus (BB) is won in an internal lottery. In the BB establishment state, among the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, the success or failure of the small winning combination is determined with the same probability as in the normal state, and the big bonus (BB) is excluded from the lottery target. An internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table 5 in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1/7.3.

In addition, in the BB established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the Big Bonus (BB) is maintained in the winning state until the Big Bonus (BB) is won, and the validity of the small win and replay is determined, and the winning of the Big Bonus (BB) is determined. When the symbol combination indicating the form is displayed on the active line, the gaming state transition control means 170 shifts the gaming state from the BB established state to the BB state.

The BB state is a gaming state that is entered when a symbol combination representing a winning form of the big bonus (BB) is displayed on an active line. In the BB state, among the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the winning probability of the small role is set higher than that of the internal lottery tables 1 to 5, and replays are excluded from the lottery target. An internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 6 that has been created. That is, the BB state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state in that small winning combinations are won more frequently than in the normal state.

In addition, in the BB state, it is determined whether the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out in the BB state, and if medals exceeding a predetermined end scheduled payout number (for example, 300 pieces) are paid out. The gaming state transition control means 170 terminates the BB state and returns the gaming state to the normal state.

As shown in FIG. 12(B), the RT control means 173 operates in a non-RT state (non-replay time state), an RT1 state (first replay time state), an RT2 state (second replay time state), and an RT3 state ( RT transition control processing is performed to transition the RT state between the third replay time state and the third replay time state. In this embodiment, the replay lottery mode differs depending on the RT state, and specifically, at least one of the winning probability of the replay, the type of replay to be drawn, and the combination of replays that can win twice is different. There is. As the RT state transition condition, one condition or a plurality of conditions may be determined. When multiple conditions are defined, the RT state is determined based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predefined conditions or the fulfillment of all of the multiple predefined conditions. It is possible to transition to another RT state.

The non-RT state is an RT state corresponding to an initial state among a plurality of types of RT states, and it is possible to transition from the non-RT state to the RT1 state. Specifically, when a symbol combination indicating an RT fluctuation blank is displayed on the active line in the non-RT state, the state shifts to the RT1 state. In addition, in the non-RT state, among the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, normal replay 1 to normal replay 3 are set as replay winning modes, and the replay winning probability is approximately 1/7 An internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 1 set in .3. In this embodiment, when the gaming state returns to the normal state upon the end of the BB state, the RT state is set to the non-RT state, and when the gaming state is the normal state, an RT state other than the non-RT state is set. When one small winning combination is won in , the RT state shifts to the non-RT state.

The RT1 state is an RT state that transitions when a symbol combination indicating RT fluctuation blank is displayed on the active line, and it is possible to transition from the RT1 state to the RT2 state and non-RT state. . Specifically, in the RT1 state, when a symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 2 is displayed on the active line (when Replay 2 wins), the state shifts to the RT2 state, and in the RT1 state, a 1-piece small winning combination is displayed. When the symbol combination indicating the winning form is displayed on the active line (when one small winning combination is won), the state shifts to the non-RT state. In addition, in the RT1 state, among the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, batting order replay 1 to batting order replay 6 are set as replay winning modes, and the replay winning probability is about 1/7. An internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 2 set at 3.

The RT2 state is an RT state that transitions to when a symbol combination representing the winning form of Replay 2 is displayed on the active line, and from the RT2 state, transition to the RT3 state, non-RT state, and RT1 state. is possible. Specifically, in the RT2 state, when a symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 3 is displayed on the active line (when Replay 3 wins), the state shifts to the RT3 state, and in the RT2 state, a 1-piece small winning combination is displayed. When a symbol combination indicating a winning form is displayed on the active line (if a single small winning combination is won), the symbol combination indicating an RT fluctuation blank is displayed on the active line in the RT2 state. If so, the state shifts to RT1 state. In addition, in the RT2 state, among the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, batting order replay 7 to batting order replay 12 are set as replay winning modes, and the replay winning probability is approximately 1/2. An internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 3 set to 5.

The RT3 state is an RT state that transitions to when a symbol combination representing the winning form of Replay 3 is displayed on the active line, and from the RT3 state, it is possible to transition to the non-RT state and the RT1 state. ing. Specifically, in the RT3 state, if a symbol combination indicating a winning form of a 1-piece minor winning combination is displayed on the active line (when a 1-card minor winning combination is won), the symbol combination will transition to the non-RT state, and in the RT3 state. When a symbol combination indicating an RT fluctuation blank is displayed on the active line, the state shifts to RT1 state. In addition, in the RT3 state, among the internal lottery tables 1 to 10 shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, normal replay 1 to normal replay 3 are set as replay winning modes, and the winning probability of replay is about 1/2. An internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 4 set to 0.

As shown in FIG. 13, the benefit granting means 175 selects a performance state between multiple types of performance states including a non-AT normal state, a non-AT high probability state, an AT preparation state, and an AT state (an example of a special performance state). The performance state is set to AT state under predetermined conditions, and the success or failure of the AT state end condition is determined based on the stored value of the AT end determination counter 195, and the AT state end condition is set. Upon establishment of , control is performed to terminate the AT state. In this embodiment, in a game staying in the AT preparation state or AT state, when the batting order bell is won, the performance control means 180 notifies the correct batting order and assists in winning the correct minor prize (predetermined minor prize). A prize-winning assistance effect is performed, and it is possible to play an assist time game in which it is easier to win medals than a game that stays in a non-AT state.

Then, when the gaming state is a normal state and the performance state is a non-AT normal state or a non-AT high probability state, the benefit granting means 175 wins one of the common bell, watermelon, cherry, and big bonus (BB) in an internal lottery. Based on the winning, an AT lottery is performed to determine whether or not to shift the presentation state to the AT state. In the AT lottery, one of 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535 is obtained, the obtained random number is compared with the AT lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage means 191, and according to the comparison result, It is determined whether or not the player has won the AT lottery. Further, in this embodiment, as the AT lottery table, an AT lottery low probability table and an AT lottery high probability table in which the winning probability is set higher than the AT lottery low probability table are prepared. The AT lottery is performed with reference to the low lottery probability table, and in the non-AT high probability state, the AT lottery is performed with reference to the AT lottery high probability table. That is, the non-AT high probability state is a performance state more advantageous to the player than the non-AT normal state in that the probability of winning the AT lottery is higher than the non-AT normal state.

In addition, the benefit granting means 175 shifts the performance state to a non-AT high probability state when the result of the AT lottery is unsuccessful in the non-AT normal state, and performs a predetermined non-AT high probability state in the non-AT high probability state. When the game is played a predetermined number of times (for example, 32 times), the performance state is shifted to a non-AT normal state.

If the AT lottery is won in the non-AT normal state or the non-AT high probability state, the benefit granting means 175 shifts the presentation state to the AT preparation state. If the player wins the AT lottery based on winning the big bonus (BB), the performance state is set to the AT preparation state when the BB state ends and the gaming state returns to the normal state.

In the AT preparation state, the performance control means 180 executes a winning assist performance so as to lead the RT state to the RT3 state. For example, if you are staying in the RT1 state, which is an RT state with a high possibility of staying in a non-AT state when you win the AT lottery, if you win the batting order replay 1 to batting order replay 6, replay 2 will be awarded. In order to be able to do so, we will execute a winning assist effect that notifies you of the correct batting order to guide the RT state to the RT2 state, and in the RT2 state, when batting order replay 7 to batting order replay 12 are won, it will be possible to win replay 3. , the RT state is guided to the RT3 state by executing a winning assisting effect that notifies the correct batting order.

In this embodiment, when staying in the non-RT state in the AT preparation state, in order to change the RT state to the RT1 state, the incorrect batting order is used to display a symbol combination indicating an RT fluctuation blank on the active line. Since a stop operation must be performed, if you win the AT lottery while staying in the non-RT state, you will not be able to win the batting order bell even if you are in the AT preparation state while staying in the non-RT state. At times, award-winning supplementary performances are not performed.

Then, the benefit granting means 175 shifts the performance state to the AT state based on the fact that the RT state has shifted to the RT3 state when the AT preparation state is set. Note that the transition from the AT preparation state to the AT state may be performed based on the transition of the RT state to the RT2 state when the AT preparation state is set, or the transition from the AT preparation state to the AT state may be performed based on the transition from the RT state to the RT2 state when the AT preparation state is set. In the case where the player is in the RT2 state, based on the fact that any one of batting order replay 7 to batting order replay 12 has been won, the game may be shifted to the AT state at the end of the game.

Furthermore, based on winning the AT lottery, the benefit granting means 175 sets a value "100" corresponding to 100 games, which is the condition for ending the AT state, in the AT end determination counter 195, and Then, every time one game is played, for example, when the start lever SL is pressed, a fixed value "1" corresponding to one game is subtracted from the stored value of the AT end determination counter 195. Perform decrement update. When the stored value of the AT end determination counter 195 reaches the threshold value "0", it is determined that the end condition of the AT state is satisfied, and the benefit granting means 175 ends the AT state and changes the performance state to a non-AT state. to be restored.

In addition, in the AT state, when the winning mode of the small winning combination obtained in the internal lottery is watermelon, cherry, or common bell, the privilege granting means 175 terminates the AT according to the winning pattern of the small winning combination in the internal lottery. An additional lottery is performed to determine whether or not to add a given additional value to the value stored in the determination counter 195.

In the additional lottery, one of 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535 is obtained, the obtained random number is compared with the additional lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage means 191, and according to the comparison result, It is determined whether or not you have won the additional lottery. In this embodiment, the additional value when winning the additional lottery is such that a large additional value is selected in the order of "Cherry<Common Bell<Watermelon". The relationship between the winning pattern of the role in the internal lottery and the winning probability of the additional lottery, and the relationship between the winning pattern of the role in the internal lottery and the additional value when winning the additional lottery, are not limited to those described above, and may be determined arbitrarily. can be determined.

Further, when the big bonus (BB) is won in the AT state, the benefit granting means 175 stops updating the decrement of the AT end determination counter 195, interrupts the AT state, and starts the AT preparation state after the end of the BB state. The AT state is restarted as the RT state shifts to the RT3 state.

The communication control means 179 controls the transmission of signals to the sub-board 20. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, only unidirectional communication from the main board 10 to the sub board 20 is possible between the main board 10 and the sub board 20, and communication from the sub board 20 to the main board 10 is possible. Communication connections are made such that signals cannot be transmitted.

Then, when the input reception means 105 sets the medals to the input state, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying that the medals have been set to the input state each time one medal is set to the input state. Then, when the input receiving means 105 or the payout control means 150 stores the medals as credits, it outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying that the medals have been stored as credits each time one medal is stored as credits, and the internal lottery means 120 When it performs an internal lottery, it outputs a signal to notify the result of the internal lottery to the sub-board 20, and when the winning determination means 140 performs the winning determination process, it outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 to notify the result of the winning determination. . In addition, when the hopper unit 320 performs an operation to pay out medals in response to a winning of a small winning combination, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 to notify that medals have been paid out every time one medal is paid out. When the hopper unit 320 pays out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150 (when the payout is completed), it outputs a signal to the sub board 20 notifying the end of the payout. Furthermore, when the hopper unit 320 performs an operation of dispensing medals in response to an operation on the payment button B4, the communication control means 179 dispenses medals to the sub-board 20 every time one medal is dispensed. When the hopper unit 320 pays out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150 (when the payment is completed), it outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying the completion of the payout (payment). Output. Furthermore, when all the processing related to one game is completed, a signal is output to the sub-board 20 to notify the end of one game.

The communication control means 179 also controls when medals are inserted into the medal slot MI, when the bet button B0 is pressed to insert medals, when the pressed bet button B0 is released, and when the medals are settled. Button B4 is pressed, payment button B4 in the pressed state is released, start lever SL is pressed, start lever SL in the pressed state is released, stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, or the button B4 in the pressed state is released. When the stop buttons B1 to B3 are released, the sub-board 20 indicates that a medal has been inserted into the medal slot MI, that the bet button B0 has been pressed, or that the pressed bet button B0 has been released. , when the payment button B4 is pressed down, when the payment button B4 in the pressed state is released, when the start lever SL is pressed down, when the start lever SL in the pressed state is released, or when the start lever SL is pressed down. It outputs a signal that notifies the operation performed by the player, such as the type of stop button and the type of released stop button. Furthermore, when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened, or the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD in an open state is closed, the communication control means 179 detects that the upper front door UD has been opened; Opening/closing of the upper front door UD or lower front door DD, such as when the lower front door DD is opened, when the open upper front door UD is closed, or when the open lower front door DD is closed. Outputs a notification signal.

Further, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to notify the sub-board 20 of the current gaming state and RT state. Further, when the bonus granting means 175 performs an AT lottery or an additional lottery, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 to notify the result of the AT lottery or the additional lottery. Further, when the privilege granting means 175 decrements the AT end determination counter 195 in the AT state, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to notify the sub-board 20 of the stored value of the AT end determination counter 195. Further, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to notify the sub-board 20 of the current performance state.

In this way, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, based on various notifications from the main board 10, the performance control means 180 of the sub board 20 determines the results of the internal lottery, the results of the winning determination, the operations performed by the player, the top Performances are performed according to the opening/closing of the front door UD or the lower front door DD, the current gaming state, the current RT state, the results of the AT lottery, the results of the additional lottery, the current performance state, the memory value of the AT end determination counter 195, etc. The display device 330, the audio device 340, etc. can be executed. In this embodiment, with respect to the start lever SL, bet button B0, stop buttons B1 to B3, and settlement button B4, only when a valid operation is performed, a signal indicating that the sub-board 20 has been pressed and a signal indicating that the button has been pressed is sent. A signal is output to notify that the state has been released, and no signal is output to the sub-board 20 if an invalid operation is performed. Regarding the insertion of medals, only when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot MI in a state where medals are being accepted, a signal notifying that a medal has been inserted is output to the sub-board 20, and a signal is output to the sub-board 20, indicating that the medal is not being accepted. In this state, no signal is output to the sub-board 20.

Next, the sub-board 20 will be explained. The sub-board 20 is configured to include a production control means 180 and a sub-memory 190S.

The performance control means 180 controls the performance device to perform a performance according to the progress of the game in response to a signal from the main board 10. Specifically, based on the performance data stored in the performance data storage means 197 of the sub-memory 190S, the underframe lamp AL (performance display device 330, performance device) is turned on or blinked, and the liquid crystal display LCD (performance display device) is turned on or blinked. Display effects such as displaying effect images on display device 330, effect device), sound effects such as outputting effect sounds from speakers (effect device, sound device 340), effect drive device 350 (swivel device, etc.) ) to operate (turn on or blink) a revolving light PL (performance device), etc. For example, the underframe lamp AL lights up or blinks in response to the occurrence of a gaming event such as inserting a medal, operating the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, operating the performance button B5, or changing the gaming state. Execution control of performances to liven up the game or assist the game by activating the revolving light PL, changing the display contents of the liquid crystal display LCD, and outputting the performance sound from the speaker. conduct. The content of the performance executed in the game is determined by referring to the performance lottery table stored in the sub-lottery table storage means 198 of the sub-memory 190S according to the game state, RT state, performance state, internal lottery result, etc. It is determined.

Then, when the performance state is the AT preparation state or the AT state, the performance control means 180 controls the display device 330 or the audio device to display a winning auxiliary performance that notifies the correct batting order when the batting order bell is won and assists in winning the correct small role. 340 to execute. However, even if the production state is AT preparation state, if the RT state is non-RT state, the batting order will continue until the symbol combination indicating RT fluctuation blank is displayed on the active line in order to induce the RT state to RT1 state. Even if Bell wins, the winning assistance performance will not be performed.

In addition, when the performance state is the AT preparation state and the RT state remains in the RT1 state, the performance control means 180 notifies the correct batting order when batting order replay 1 to batting order replay 6 are won, and replays replay 2. The display device 330 and the audio device 340 execute a prize-winning auxiliary effect that assists winning a prize, and in a situation where the RT state stays in the RT2 state, the correct batting order is announced when a prize is won in batting order replay 7 to batting order replay 12, and replay 3 is executed. The display device 330 and the audio device 340 are made to execute a prize-winning auxiliary performance that assists in winning a prize.

Furthermore, the effect control means 180 displays a background image on the liquid crystal display LCD, and executes an effect that indicates (or suggests) an effect state by changing the background image. Specifically, if it is a non-AT normal state, a normal background image indicating a non-AT normal state is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and if it is a non-AT high probability state, a high probability image indicating a non-AT high probability state is displayed. A background image is displayed on a liquid crystal display LCD.

Furthermore, when the big bonus (BB) is won, the performance control means 180 causes the performance device to execute a bonus notification performance that notifies the winning of the big bonus (BB). In the bonus notification performance, for example, the revolving light PL is operated for a predetermined period of time (for example, 4 seconds) based on the bonus notification performance data stored in the performance data storage means 197. The light emitting body of the rotating light PL is turned on while rotating the reflector of the rotating light PL for a period of 2 seconds).

Furthermore, when a big bonus (BB) is won, the performance control means 180 causes the performance device to execute a bonus game performance to enliven the bonus game in the BB state, and when the bonus game in the BB state ends, ends the bonus game performance. . In the bonus game performance, for example, a predetermined image (video) is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD based on the bonus game performance data stored in the performance data storage means 197, and the underframe lamp AL is lit or It blinks, outputs predetermined music from the speaker, and activates the rotating light PL (turns on the light emitter while rotating the reflector).

In addition, when the performance state shifts to the AT preparation state or the AT state, the performance control means 180 causes the performance device to execute an AT game performance that enlivens the assist time game in the AT state, and when the assist time game in the AT state ends, End the AT game performance. In the AT game performance, for example, an AT background image indicating the AT preparation state or AT state is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD based on the AT game performance data stored in the performance data storage means 197, and the underframe is displayed in a predetermined pattern. The lamp AL is turned on or blinks, and predetermined music is output from the speaker.

In addition, when a common bell, watermelon, or cherry is won in the non-AT state or the AT state, the production control means 180 performs control to enable the operation on the production button B5, and also instructs the operation on the production button B5. A prompting button image is displayed on a liquid crystal display LCD. When the player presses the performance button B5 to activate the performance button switch 270 in a state where the operation on the performance button B5 is enabled, control is performed to disable the operation on the performance button B5, and the common bell, To cause a performance device to execute a chance performance to notify the winning of a watermelon or a cherry. In the chance performance, for example, based on the chance performance data stored in the performance data storage means 197, a chance image notifying the winning of the common bell, watermelon, or cherry is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD.

In addition, the performance control means 180 controls the performance of the game machine (in particular, the liquid crystal display LCD, revolving light PL, underframe lamp AL, speaker Shift to a power save mode (low power mode) that suppresses (reduces) the power consumption of production devices (such as production devices). In this embodiment, a monitoring timer 199 (clocking means) of the sub-memory 190S measures the time during which a game is not played continuously, and the performance control means 180 The monitoring timer 199 is always operated, and each time a signal from the main board 10 or a signal from the production button switch 270 is input, the measured value of the operating monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0". and restart timing. When the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), it is determined that the game has not been played continuously for the predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds). Regarding the production button B5, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized only when a valid operation is performed, and the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized when an invalid operation is performed. ing. In this embodiment, when a medal is inserted or a valid operation is performed on any of the various operating means while medal insertion is being accepted, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is reset and the medal insertion is stopped. If medals are inserted or invalid operations are performed on various operating means in a state where medals are not accepted, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset.

Further, in this embodiment, two types (multiple types) of power save modes are prepared: a first power save mode and a second power save mode, and the monitoring timer 199 waits for a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds). When the time is counted, the performance control means 180 shifts to the first power save mode or the second power save mode depending on whether or not the medals are set to the inserted state (game situation), and sets the medals to the inserted state. If not and all reels are stopped, the mode will be switched to the first power save mode, and if medals are set to be inserted and all reels are stopped, the mode will be switched to the second power save mode. mode. In addition, if the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) while any reel is rotating, the reel prompts the user to stop the rotating reel without entering the power save mode. Executes a stop warning effect. In the reel stop warning performance, for example, characters such as "Please stop the reels" are displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD based on the reel stop warning performance data stored in the performance data storage means 197. As described above, in the present embodiment, no valid operation such as inserting medals from the medal slot MI or operating the bet button B0 is performed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) after one game ends. The start lever is pressed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) after the automatic insertion of medals due to the automatic insertion process associated with winning a replay, the insertion of medals from the medal slot MI, or the operation of the bet button B0. A transition is made to the power save mode when an effective operation such as an operation on the SL is not performed.

In the power save mode, the effect control means 180 causes the effect device to execute a game stop effect (standby effect) to notify that the game is not being played. In this embodiment, a game stop performance is executed in a performance mode according to the type of power save mode. That is, in this embodiment, the game stop performance is executed in different performance modes depending on the game status (whether or not medals are set to be inserted) when the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds). let

Specifically, in the first power save mode, a game stop effect is executed based on game stop effect data (demonstration effect data) stored in the effect data storage means 197, and details are shown in FIG. 14(A). As shown, the demonstration effect image is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, the underframe lamp AL is turned on or blinked according to the demonstration effect pattern, the revolving light PL is stopped (the light emitter is turned off and the reflector is stopped), and the demonstration is started. Play back the audio data related to the performance.

In the first power save mode, the volume of the sound output from the speaker is controlled to be muted. In this embodiment, six levels of volume can be set: "0" (mute), "1" (minimum volume), "2", "3", "4", and "5" (maximum volume). The volume is set to increase in the order of "0" < "1" < "2" < "3" < "4" < "5". In the initial state, the volume is set to "3", and when the mode shifts to the first power save mode, the volume is set to "0". In this way, in the first power save mode, a demo image is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, the underframe lamp AL is lit or flashed in a demonstration effect pattern, the revolving light PL is stopped, and a game pause effect is created in which no sound is output from the speaker. (First game stop performance, first standby performance) is executed.

In addition, in the second power save mode, a game pause effect is executed based on the effect performed at the time of transition to the second power save mode, and in detail, as shown in FIG. 14(B), the display on the liquid crystal display LCD is The display is maintained at the time of transition to the second power save mode (immediately before the transition), the underframe lamp AL is maintained in the state at the time of transition to the second power save mode (on or off), and the revolving light PL is maintained in the state at the time of transition to the second power save mode (on or off). By continuing to play the sound data related to the performance that was being performed at the time of transition to the second power save mode, the performance sound and music that were being output from the speaker at the time of transition to the second power save mode can be continued. Reproduce.

In the second power save mode, control is performed to reduce the volume of the speaker. Specifically, when shifting to the second power save mode, the volume is set to "1" (minimum volume). Note that in the second power save mode, the volume is not limited to being set to "1"; it is only necessary to set the volume lower than the volume at the time of transition to the second power save mode; for example, the volume may be set from "3" to "2". ”. In this way, in the second power save mode, the image that was displayed at the time of transition to the second power save mode is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and the underframe lamp AL is changed to the image that was displayed at the time of transition to the second power save mode. A game pause effect (second game pause) that maintains the state, stops the revolving light PL, lowers the volume, and continues to play the sound and music that was output from the speaker when transitioning to the second power save mode. performance, second standby performance).

As described above, in this embodiment, if no valid operation is performed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) with medals not set to the inserted state, the game will not start until the game starts. It is assumed that the period of If no operation is performed, it is assumed that the period until the game starts is short, and the mode shifts to the second power save mode, which has a relatively lower degree of power consumption control than the first power save mode. let

Furthermore, when the production control means 180 shifts to the power save mode (first power save mode or second power save mode), it performs control to enable the operation on the production button B5, and when the power save mode is canceled, the production Control is performed to invalidate the operation on button B5.

In addition, the production control means 180 cancels (ends) the power save mode and disables it when an effective operation is performed on various operation means in the power save mode (first power save mode or second power save mode). Return to power save mode (normal mode). Specifically, the power save mode is canceled when a signal from the main board 10 or a signal from the production button switch 270 is input. In this way, in this embodiment, power is saved not only by operations for advancing the game, such as inserting medals, operating the bet button B0, operating the start lever SL, but also by operating the production button B5, which is not related to the progress of the game. It is now possible to cancel the mode. In this embodiment, the power save mode is also canceled by opening or closing the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD.

In addition, when transitioning to a power save mode (first power save mode or second power save mode), the effect control means 180 stores information regarding the current volume, etc. in the recovery data storage means 200 of the sub memory 190S, When the save mode is canceled, the game pause effect is terminated, and a return process is performed to return to the state at the time of transition to the power save mode (immediately before the transition) based on the recovery data stored in the recovery data storage means 200. conduct. In the restoration process, the volume of the speaker is restored to the volume that was set at the time of transition to the power save mode. When the game stop performance in the first power save mode ends, the display on the liquid crystal display LCD returns from the demo image to the display at the time of transition to the first power save mode.

Furthermore, when the power save mode (first power save mode or second power save mode) is canceled, the performance control means 180 causes the performance device to perform a performance according to the gaming state or the performance state. For example, when returning from power save mode to non-power save mode, if the game state is BB state, a bonus game performance is executed, and if the performance state is AT preparation state or AT state, AT Execute game performance.

In this manner, in this embodiment, when the first power save mode is canceled, the demo screen (demonstration image) is returned to the original screen on the liquid crystal display LCD, and the original game state is returned from the demonstration effect pattern on the underframe lamp AL. The game returns to the performance pattern corresponding to the game state or performance state, the volume of the speaker returns, and the performance sound or music corresponding to the original game state or performance state is output. In addition, when the second power save mode is canceled, the underframe lamp AL returns from the on or off state to the production pattern corresponding to the original gaming state or production state, and the speaker volume returns to the original gaming state or the production pattern. Performance sounds and music are output according to the performance status.

Note that the functions of this embodiment can be virtually realized by a computer system (including a game system). In these systems, programs for making a computer function as the main board 10 or the sub board 20 of this embodiment are downloaded via a network from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or from a web server on the Internet. can be realized. In addition, in the above computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, bet switch 220, start switch 230, stop switch 240, etc. can virtually perform their functions on operating means such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, etc.), or controller. This can be achieved by assigning. In addition, in the above computer system, the reel unit 310, hopper unit 320, etc. are not essential components, and these device units virtually realize their functions by controlling the image displayed and output on the display (display device). can do.

2. Method of this embodiment In this embodiment, when an effective operation for advancing the game, such as inserting a medal, operating the bet button B0, operating the start lever SL, etc. A method is adopted in which when an operation is performed on B5, the power save mode (low power mode) is canceled and the game pause effect is ended. The control method employed in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be specifically explained below with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing control processing in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

First, in the non-power save mode (normal mode), as shown in FIG. ), the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is reset (step S102), and when the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) (Y in step S103), if any reel is rotating ( (Y in step S104), a reel stop warning effect is executed to prompt the user to stop the rotating reels (step S105).

On the other hand, if the reels are not rotating, that is, all the reels are stopped (N in step S104), it is determined whether or not medals are set to be inserted (step S106), and the medals are inserted. If the state is not set, the mode is shifted to the first power save mode (step S107), and if the medal is set to the inserted state, the mode is shifted to the second power save mode (step S110).

When the mode shifts to the first power save mode (step S107), the volume of the speaker is controlled to be muted (step S108), a demo image is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and the underframe lamp AL is lit or blinked in a demo production pattern. A game pause effect is executed in which the revolving light PL is stopped and no sound is output from the speaker (step S109).

Furthermore, when the transition to the second power save mode occurs (step S110), control is performed to reduce the volume of the speaker (step S111), and the image that was displayed at the time of transition to the second power save mode is continued on the liquid crystal display LCD. is displayed, the underframe lamp AL is maintained in the state at the time of transition to the second power save mode, the revolving light PL is stopped, and the volume is lowered so that the output is not output from the speaker at the time of transition to the second power save mode. A game stop effect is executed in which the effect sounds and music that have been played are continuously reproduced (step S112). Note that when the mode shifts to the first power save mode or the second power save mode, the operation on the production button B5 is enabled.

In the first power save mode or the second power save mode, as shown in FIG. (Y in S201), cancels the power save mode and returns to the non-power save mode, ends the game pause effect (step S202), performs a return process to return the volume to the original volume (step S203), and returns to the gaming state. The performance according to the performance state is executed (step S204).

As described above, in this embodiment, when the monitoring timer 199, which measures the time during which no game is played, has timed a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds), a power save function is implemented to suppress the power consumption of the gaming machine. mode. In particular, in this embodiment, two types of power save modes (a first power save mode and a second power save mode) with different degrees of power consumption suppression are provided. In a gaming situation where there is a high possibility that the game will start in a short period of time, the mode is switched to the second power save mode, and in a game situation where the period until the game starts is likely to be long, the power consumption is lower than that in the second power save mode. A transition is made to a first power save mode in which the degree of power suppression is relatively high. Specifically, when a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed, in a gaming situation where medals are set to be inserted and all reels are stopped, the player can temporarily suspend the game. Since there is a high possibility that the game will start in a short period of time even if the medals are not inserted and all reels are stopped. In this case, since the player has finished playing the game and it may take a long time until the game starts, the mode is shifted to the first power save mode. As a result, according to the present embodiment, power consumption can be suppressed in a gaming situation where the period until the game starts may be long than in a gaming situation where there is a high possibility that the game will start in a short period of time. , it is possible to appropriately suppress power consumption depending on the gaming situation.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a game pause effect is executed in the power save mode and a medal is inserted, a valid operation is performed on the bet button B0, a valid operation is performed on the start lever SL, or a valid operation is performed on the settlement button B4. In order to cancel the power save mode when an operation is performed on the production button B5, and to end the game pause production with the cancellation of the power save mode, the input of medals, the effective operation on the bet button B0, or the start lever SL The game stop effect can be ended not only by an effective operation or an effective operation on the payment button B4 but also by an operation on the effect button B5, and the operation interface environment of the gaming machine can be improved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a normal background image is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD when the non-AT normal state is present, and a high probability background image is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD when the non-AT high probability state is present. From the background image displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, it is possible to grasp whether the performance state is a non-AT high probability state or not. In this embodiment, the game pause effect in which a demo image is displayed can be ended by operating the effect button B5, so even if the player does not have any medals in hand, the effect state is non-AT high probability. It is possible to check whether the game machine exists or not, and it is possible to improve the operation interface environment of the gaming machine.

In addition, in this embodiment, the game stop effect is executed in different effect modes depending on the type of power save mode, and in the first power save mode, a demo image is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and the underframe lamp is displayed in the demo effect pattern. AL lights up or flashes, the revolving light PL stops, and a game pause effect is executed in which no sound is output from the speaker. continues to display the image, maintains the underframe lamp AL in the state it was in when transitioning to the second power save mode, stops the revolving light PL, and reduces the volume when transitioning to the second power save mode. In order to execute a game pause effect in which the effect sounds and music that have been output from the speaker are continuously played, it is possible to notify whether or not medals are set to be inserted depending on whether or not a demo image is displayed. The game status can be notified by the performance mode of the pause performance.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a medal is inserted while medal insertion is being accepted or an effective operation is performed on an operating means such as bet button B0, start lever SL, or settlement button B4, the monitoring timer 199 is activated. The monitoring timer 199 resets the time measurement by the monitor timer 199 if medals are inserted while medals are not being accepted, or if invalid operations are performed on operating means such as bet button B0, start lever SL, and settlement button B4. Since the time measurement is not reset, it is possible to appropriately time the time when no games are played continuously.

3. Modifications The present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and modifications will be introduced below. Note that the embodiments described above and various methods described below as modified examples can be employed in appropriate combinations as control methods for realizing the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the case where the rotating light PL is provided as a movable accessory has been explained as an example, but the movable accessory is not limited to the rotating light PL, and for example, the movable accessory is not limited to the rotating light PL. A shutter accessory SLD may be provided that opens and closes between a shielding position that shields the display area of the liquid crystal display LCD and a non-shielding position that does not shield the display area as shown in FIG. 17(B). . In this example, when the drive device (motor) for opening and closing the shutter accessory SLD is driven, the shutter accessory SLD opens and closes along a guide rail (not shown). The accessory SLD is located on the back side of the upper front door UD and is configured so that it cannot be seen from the front, and in the first power save mode, the shutter accessory SLD is stopped at the non-shielding position (initial position), and the second In the power save mode, the shutter accessory SLD may be stopped at the current position, and when the first power save mode is canceled, the shutter accessory SLD may be returned to its original position (for example, a shielding position). .

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the transition to the first power save mode is performed when a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed in a situation where no medals are set to the inserted state and all reels are stopped is described. Although explained using an example, the conditions for transition to the first power save mode are not limited to this. For example, if a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed in a situation where no medals are set to the inserted state and all reels are stopped, the gaming state is not the BB state and the production state is AT preparation. If the gaming state is in the BB state or the production state is in the AT preparation state or the AT state, the game enters the second power save mode. It may be possible to migrate the data. For example, in a game specification in which the production device executes a continuous performance that is performed over multiple games when the Big Bonus (BB) is won, and the winning of the Big Bonus (BB) is announced at the final stage of the continuous performance, the medal If the predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed in a situation where the reel is not set to the feeding state and all reels are stopped, the first power save mode is activated on the condition that a continuous production is not in progress. The mode may be shifted to the second power save mode when the continuous performance is being executed. For example, in a game specification in which the bonus confirmation effect is executed after the bonus notification effect that notifies the winning of the Big Bonus (BB) until the Big Bonus (BB) is won, the medals are not set to be inserted and all medals are If a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed while the reels are stopped, the system will shift to the first power save mode on the condition that the bonus confirmation effect is not in progress, and the bonus confirmation effect will be in progress. If this is the case (BB established state), a transition may be made to the second power save mode. Note that the continuous performance is not limited to announcing the winning of the Big Bonus (BB), but may also be one that announces the results of the AT lottery. It may also be possible to cause the performance to be executed. For example, when the above-mentioned shutter accessory SLD is provided, when a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed in a situation where no medals are set to the inserted state and all reels are stopped, , transition to the first power save mode on the condition that the shutter accessory SLD is located in the non-shielding position, and shift to the second power save mode when the shutter accessory SLD is located in the shielding position. You can do it like this.

In other words, in addition to the first transition condition that a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed in a situation where no medals are set in the inserted state and all reels are stopped, a predetermined second transition condition is satisfied. In the second power save mode, a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed while medals are set to be inserted and all reels are stopped. The transition may be made when the transition condition of having done the first power save mode is satisfied, or when the first transition condition of the first power save mode is satisfied but the second transition condition of the first power save mode is not satisfied. Note that if the first transition condition for the first power save mode is satisfied but the second transition condition for the first power save mode is not satisfied, the transition to the power save mode may not be made.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the game is shifted to the power save mode when no game is played continuously for a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) under a predetermined situation is explained as an example. It may also be possible to shift to the power save mode (for example, the first power save mode) even when an operation is performed. In this example, in the game stop effect, only the medal payout sound (settlement sound) may be output from the speaker as the medals are paid out (settlement). Note that when the payout process (settlement process) accompanying a valid operation on the settlement button B4 is completed, a transition may be made to the power save mode (for example, the first power save mode).

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is taken in which a transition is made to the first power save mode or the second power save mode depending on the gaming situation when no game is played continuously for a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds). As described above, the predetermined time related to the transition condition for the first power save mode and the predetermined time related to the transition condition for the second power save mode may be set to different times, for example, when medals are set to be inserted. In a situation where no game is played for a first predetermined period of time (for example, 30 seconds), the mode is shifted to the first power save mode, and in a situation where medals are set to be inserted, the mode is switched to the first power save mode for a second predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds). If no game is played for a period of 2 seconds, the second power save mode may be entered.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the monitoring timer 199 is always activated while the power of the gaming machine is turned on has been explained as an example, but there may be a case where the monitoring timer 199 is interrupted or stopped. There may be. For example, when the door sensor 260 detects that the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is interrupted, and the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD that is in the open state is closed. When the door sensor 260 detects this, the interrupted monitoring timer 199 may restart the time measurement. That is, during a door opening error (in an error state) due to opening of the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may be temporarily stopped. In this way, it is possible to prevent the game stop effect from being started while the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is open. Here, if the game pause effect is started while the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is open, different effects will be executed before and after opening and closing the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD, which may cause a sense of discomfort. However, according to this modification, it is possible to avoid giving a sense of discomfort due to different effects being performed before and after opening and closing the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD.

Further, for example, the monitoring timer 199 may be activated when all the processing related to one game is completed, and the monitoring timer 199 may be stopped when the medals are set to be inserted. In this way, it is possible to shift to the power save mode in a gaming situation where medals are not set to the inserted state, and prevent the shift to the power save mode in a gaming situation where the medals are set to the inserted state.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is reset every time a signal from the main board 10 is input has been explained as an example, but when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened or When the open upper front door UD or lower front door DD is closed, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may not be reset. That is, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may not be reset by at least one of opening and closing of the front door, or the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may not be reset by either opening or closing of the front door. good. Even in this way, it is possible to appropriately time the time during which no game is played continuously.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is reset only when a valid operation is performed on the production button B5, and the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset when an invalid operation is performed. As described above, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may be reset even when an invalid operation is performed on the production button B5. That is, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 may be reset every time a signal from the production button switch 270 is input.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where two types of power save modes are provided is explained as an example, but it is also possible to provide only one type. In this example, the power save mode (for example, the first power save mode) is activated when a predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed with no medals set to be inserted and all reels stopped. The mode may be shifted to the power save mode, and the mode may not be shifted to the power save mode in a gaming situation where medals are set to be inserted. In addition, in this example, in the power save mode, the image that was displayed at the time of transition to power save mode is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and the underframe lamp AL is maintained in the state at the time of transition to power save mode. , the revolving light PL may be stopped and a game pause effect may be executed in which no sound is output from the speaker. In addition, if the gaming state is normal and the production state is non-AT normal state or non-AT high probability state and the power save mode is entered, the demo image is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and the demo performance pattern is displayed on the frame. Lights up or blinks the lamp AL, stops the revolving light PL, creates a game pause effect in which no sound is output from the speaker, or displays a demo image on the liquid crystal display LCD, and changes the underframe lamp AL to power save mode. , stop the revolving light PL, execute a game pause performance that does not output sound from the speaker, and enter power save mode when the game state is BB state or the performance state is AT preparation state or AT state. If the transition occurs, the image that was displayed at the time of transition to power save mode is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, the underframe lamp AL is maintained in the state at the time of transition to power save mode, and the rotating light PL is It may also be possible to perform a game pause effect in which the player stops the game and no sound is output from the speaker. In this example, if the gaming state is normal and the production state is non-AT normal state or non-AT high probability state (when normal gaming is in progress), the game will continue for a first predetermined period of time (for example, 30 seconds). If the game is not played continuously, it will be shifted to power save mode, and if the gaming state is BB state (during bonus play) or the performance state is AT preparation state or AT state (during assist time play). In this case), the power save mode may be entered if the game is not played continuously for a second predetermined period of time (for example, 60 seconds).

Further, in the above embodiment, the game pause effect is executed in a presentation mode depending on the type of power save mode (game situation), and in the first power save mode and the second power save mode, the liquid crystal display LCD, the underframe lamp AL The explanation has been given by taking as an example a case in which the production modes of the production devices of , and speakers are different, but it is sufficient that the production mode of at least one type of production device is different, and the production modes of the remaining production devices are the same. There may be. For example, in the first power save mode, a demo image is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, the underframe lamp AL is lit or blinks in a demonstration pattern, the revolving light PL is stopped, and a game pause effect is performed in which no sound is output from the speaker. In the second power save mode, the image that was displayed at the time of transition to the second power save mode is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and the underframe lamp AL is displayed at the time of transition to the second power save mode. It may also be possible to maintain this state, stop the revolving light PL, and execute a game pause effect in which no sound is output from the speaker. In this example, the first power save mode and the second power save mode are modes for suppressing power consumption of the gaming machine, and can be modes in which game stop effects of different effect modes are executed.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the audio data related to the demonstration effect is played back in the first power save mode has been explained as an example, but the playback of the audio data related to the effect that was being performed at the time of transition to the first power save mode is It may be continued.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the underframe lamp AL is maintained in the state at the time of transition to the second power save mode in the second power save mode has been described as an example, but when the transition to the second power save mode is performed, the underframe lamp AL is maintained. The underframe lamp AL may be continuously lit or blinked in the same effect pattern as before. Note that in the first power save mode as well, the underframe lamp AL may be made to continue to light or blink in the same manner as in the effect pattern that was being executed at the time of transition to the first power save mode.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the explanation has been given using an example in which the operation on the production button B5 is enabled when transitioning to the power save mode, but there is no need to enable the operation on the production button B5, and whether or not it is The power save mode may be canceled when a signal from the production button switch 270 is input regardless of the situation.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when the power save mode is canceled, the production according to the gaming state or production state is executed as an example, but the production in progress is interrupted when the power save mode is entered. However, when the power save mode is canceled, the interrupted performance may be resumed.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the reel stop warning effect is executed when the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) in a situation where one of the reels is rotating has been described as an example. At the same time as the reel stop warning effect is executed, the volume of the speaker may be controlled to be muted or controlled to reduce the volume of the speaker.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the explanation has been made taking as an example the case where a presentation device such as a revolving light PL or a liquid crystal display LCD is provided, but when a revolving light PL is provided, it is not necessary to provide a liquid crystal display LCD, or a liquid crystal display If an LCD is provided, the revolving light PL may not be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the effect button B5 is provided and the power save mode is canceled by operating the effect button B5, but the effect button B5 does not necessarily have to be provided.

BX storage box, UD upper front door, DD lower front door, DW display window,
L1 active line, DS game information display section, LCD liquid crystal display,
PL rotating light, AL underframe lamp, SLD shutter accessory,
R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel, SL start lever,
B0 bet button, B1~B3 stop button,
B4 payment button, B5 production button, MI medal slot,
MO medal payout port, MP medal tray, 10 main board,
105 input reception means, 110 random number generation means, 120 internal lottery means,
130 reel control means, 140 winning determination means, 150 payout control means,
160 replay processing means, 170 game state transition control means, 173 RT control means,
175 Benefit granting means, 179 Communication control means, 180 Production control means,
190M main memory, 190S sub memory 191 main lottery table storage means, 192 lottery flag storage means,
193 Stop control table storage means, 194 Prize determination table storage means,
195 AT end determination counter, 197 performance data storage means,
198 Sub-lottery table storage means, 199 Monitoring timer,
200 return data storage means,
210 medal insertion switch, 220 bet switch, 230 start switch,
240 stop switch, 250 payment switch, 260 door sensor,
270 production button switch, 310 reel unit, 315 reel index,
320 hopper unit, 325 payout medal detection switch,
330 Performance display device, 340 Sound device, 350 Accessory drive device

Claims (1)

A plurality of types of game operation means that can be operated by a player are provided, operations on a predetermined game operation means are enabled according to the progress of the game, and the game is started based on the effective operation on the game operation means. A game machine that advances the game,
A stop operation means is provided as the game operation means,
reel control means for controlling a plurality of reels to rotate for each game and stopping the rotating reels in response to an operation on the stop operation means;
a timekeeping means for counting the time during which no game is being played;
Effect control means for causing the effect device to execute a standby effect when the timer measures a predetermined time;
Settlement control means that zeros the number of game values set in the input state based on a valid operation on the settlement operation means;
Detecting means for detecting opening/closing of the front door of the gaming machine housing,
The performance control means,
When a valid operation is performed on the payment operation means, the time measurement by the time measurement means is reset, and when an operation on the payment operation means is performed while the reels are rotating as an invalid operation on the payment operation means. does not reset the timekeeping by the timekeeping means,
When the detection means detects that the front door is opened, the time measurement by the time measurement means is not reset, and when the detection means detects that the front door is closed, the time measurement by the time measurement means is reset. A gaming machine characterized by not being reset.

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