JP7418002B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art Slot machines have been known as gaming machines in the past, which include a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer circumferential surface. In a slot machine, when a game starts, the reels start rotating and an internal lottery is performed using a lottery table. Furthermore, when the reels stop, symbol combinations corresponding to winning combinations won in the internal lottery are displayed on multiple reels, and when this winning combination becomes a prize, processing corresponding to the won winning combination, such as medals, is performed. A medal payout process for paying out (gaming value), a replay process for making it possible to play the game again without consuming new medals, etc. are performed.

In addition, there are slot machines that are equipped with an AT performance state (assist time performance state) that is a performance state in which, when a specific role is won, a batting order navigation performance (instruction performance) can be executed to assist the winning of this specific role. It is being In such a slot machine, since the batting order navigation performance is performed in the AT performance state, it is easy for the player to win the particular combination, and the number of medals can be increased.

On the other hand, slot machines are known in which the number of games played in the AT effect state is limited. In other words, the game section is divided into a non-advantageous section and an advantageous section, and only in the advantageous section, it is possible to shift to the AT presentation state and perform the batting order navigation effect, and the upper limit of the number of games in the advantageous section ( For example, when reaching 1500 times), there is a method of shifting to a non-advantageous section (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2017-221424A

By the way, in gaming machines, there is a need to improve the degree of freedom in design in order to realize a variety of gaming machines.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with a high degree of freedom in design.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention has the following features:
a gaming state control means for shifting the gaming state between a plurality of types of gaming states;
an instruction function control means for controlling execution of an instruction performance that assists in winning a predetermined role;
comprising a game section control means for shifting a game section between an advantageous section in which the instruction performance can be executed and a game section different from the advantageous section;
The advantageous section includes a first advantageous section, a second advantageous section, and a third advantageous section that is more advantageous than the first advantageous section and the second advantageous section,
The gaming section control means refers to the gaming state at the time of shifting to the advantageous section and determines which of the advantageous sections the game should be transferred to.

According to the present invention, the transition to any advantageous section among three or more types of advantageous sections including the first advantageous section, the second advantageous section, and the third advantageous section, depending on the gaming state at the time of shifting to the advantageous section. You can decide whether to do so. That is, in addition to making the game more diverse by changing the types of advantageous sections to which the game moves depending on the gaming state, it is also possible to perform state management over a plurality of advantageous sections by combining advantageous section transitions and gaming state transitions. This makes it possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing the gaming machine.

Furthermore, in the configuration of the present invention, the gaming state includes a normal state and a bonus internal state to which the state shifts based on winning a bonus in the normal state,
The game section control means is
When the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the normal state, transition to the first advantageous section,
If the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the bonus internal medium state, the game may be transferred to the second advantageous section.

According to such a configuration, when moving to the advantageous section before winning the bonus, it is possible to transfer to the first advantageous section, and when moving to the advantageous section after winning the bonus, the transfer can be made to the second advantageous section. It is possible to move to an advantageous section. Therefore, when moving to the advantageous section for the first time, by basically transferring to the advantageous section before winning the bonus, it is possible to move to the first advantageous section when moving to the advantageous section for the first time. At the same time, by making the player win the bonus in the first advantageous section, and then ending the first advantageous section, the first advantageous section is made to move to the second advantageous section when moving to the next advantageous section. It becomes possible to control which of the above and the second advantageous section the shift is made to based on the gaming state. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the gaming machine can be improved.

Furthermore, the configuration of the present invention includes a bonus state to which the transition occurs based on winning of the bonus, and a specific gaming state to which the transition occurs based on the termination of the bonus state;
The game section control means is
When the gaming state at the time of shifting to the advantageous section is the specific gaming state, the shift may be made to the third advantageous section.

According to such a configuration, when staying in a gaming state that is relatively difficult to shift to, that is, a specific gaming state that shifts based on the end of the bonus state, the third advantageous section that is more advantageous than the first advantageous section and the second advantageous section It becomes possible to shift to an advantageous section. Therefore, if you want to make it difficult to move to the third advantageous section while normally making it difficult to move to the third advantageous section, you can make it difficult to move to the third advantageous section by making the transition to the advantageous section when the gaming state is in a specific gaming state. Therefore, it becomes possible to shift to the third advantageous section. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the gaming machine can be improved.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a high degree of freedom in design.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the same gaming machine. It is a timing chart (part 1) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a timing chart (part 2) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a diagram showing the types of errors, error codes, and release methods of the same gaming machine. This is a timing chart (part 3) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. This is a timing chart (No. 4) showing the processing during and before and after the payment processing of the gaming machine. This is a timing chart (No. 5) showing the processing during and before and after the payment processing of the gaming machine. It is a timing chart (part 6) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. It is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the same gaming machine. It is a figure for explaining an internal lottery table in the same way. It is a diagram for explaining the correct batting order of the batting order bell in the same game. It is a diagram for explaining the batting order related to winning a bonus. It is a state transition diagram of the game state. It is a state transition diagram of the game section and performance state in the same. It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the transition of the game section and the game state.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment will be described using an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is one type of gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to slot machines, but can be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines. may be done. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and rear" basically means, when the player is on the front side of the slot machine, that the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear"; means that the top side of the slot machine is "top" and the bottom side is "bottom", and "left and right" means that the player's left hand side when playing the slot machine is "left", and the right hand side is "right". do.

First, a schematic configuration of a slot machine M to which the invention is applied will be explained.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine M.
This slot machine M is equipped with a housing 1, and the housing 1 is a box that includes a bottom plate, left and right side plates, a top plate, and a back plate, and has a front opening that opens on the front side of the housing 1. formed into a shape. Furthermore, on the top surface of the bottom plate, there is a power supply unit with a built-in power supply device for supplying power to each component, and a hopper device 150 (which stores medals as game media (gaming value) and serves as a payout device for dispensing medals. (see Fig. 2), etc. are provided.

Further, a front door 3 is provided on the front of the casing 1 to open and close the front opening of the casing 1. It includes a door 30 and a lower door 40 that opens and closes the lower part of the opening.
Inside the housing 1, a replacement unit (not shown) is removably provided. This replacement unit includes a frame that is a metal frame assembled into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a reel unit supported by the frame, and a substrate unit fixed to the frame.

The reel unit includes three stepping motors provided on a frame, and three rotating reels 100a, 100b, 100c fixed to the output shaft of each stepping motor (see FIG. 2; not shown in FIG. 1). ). Further, the board unit includes a board including electronic components such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I/O, housed in a board case. The board unit functions as a game control device for controlling games of the slot machine M.

As shown in FIG. 1, a display window 31 is provided at the bottom of the upper door 30. This display window 31 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the upper side goes to the rear side, and the three rotary reels are provided in a horizontal row at the back of this display window 31. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of each rotating reel, and when the rotating reel stops, three symbols per reel are displayed through the display window 31. In the slot machine M, a total of five winning lines are set, consisting of three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines.
Then, when the three rotating reels stop, it is displayed whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the combination of symbols that have stopped on the winning winning line.

Furthermore, a display window 32 larger than the display window 31 is provided substantially vertically at the top of the upper door 30. This display window 32 is provided for viewing the display surface of an image display device provided on the upper door 30. The image display device has a liquid crystal display panel, and images for presentation in the gaming machine are displayed on the display surface of the image display device. Furthermore, speakers 14 for outputting various performance sounds (music, sound effects, voices, etc.) are provided on both left and right sides of the upper door 30 located above the display window 32.

In addition, a horizontally long top lens 33 is provided as a display section at the upper center of the display window 32 of the upper door 30 so that the logo sheet can be displayed to the player.
Furthermore, horizontally elongated lighting devices 34, 35, and 34 are provided adjacent to each other on the left and right between the display window 32 and the display window 31 for providing notifications, effects, and the like.

Furthermore, presentation panels 61 are provided on both the left and right sides of the display window 31 for performing notifications, presentations, etc., and presentation buttons 62 are provided on the presentation panel 61 on the right side. The effect button 62 is pressed and operated by the player, and when pressed, changes the aspect of the effect image displayed on the image display device that can be seen through the display window 32, and gives the player information about the game. This is designed to increase the sense of participation and increase interest. For example, an effect image to be displayed on the image display device in conjunction with the operation of the effect button 62 can be selected. It should be noted that the arrangement of the performance button 62 is not limited to this, as long as it is provided at a position where the player can press it.
Furthermore, lighting devices 37 are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper door 30 to provide notifications, effects, and the like.

Further, the upper door 30 is rotatably connected to the exchange unit provided in the housing 1 via a hinge, so that the upper door 30 opens and closes the opening of the housing 1 . Further, the lower door 40 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via a hinge, so that the lower opening of the housing 1 can be opened and closed.

This slot machine M has a separate housing type structure, and when replacing the machine at a game parlor, the replacement unit to which the upper door 30 is rotatably attached is replaced. When replacing the model, the housing 1, the lower door 40, the power supply unit and hopper device 150 (see Fig. 2), etc. inside the housing 1 remain attached to the island equipment of the game arcade and are not replaced. . Furthermore, the slot machine M is not limited to a separate housing type, but may be one in which the entire slot machine is replaced when changing the model. In this case, the front door 3 may have an integral structure without being divided into the upper door 30 and the lower door 40. Moreover, when dividing into the upper door 30 and the lower door 40, the upper door 30 may be rotatably attached to the side plate of the housing 1 via a hinge.

Further, the lower end of the upper door 30 is provided with an engaging portion that protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower door 40 on the rear side of the front surface of the lower door 40, so that when the lower door 40 is closed, the upper door 30 The structure is such that it cannot be opened.

Furthermore, a medal payout port for discharging medals from the inside of the slot machine M, and a medal receiving tray 43 for storing medals discharged from the medal payout port are formed at the bottom of the lower door 40. . Further, an operating section 50 for operating the slot machine M is provided at the upper part of the lower door 40, and a liquid crystal display panel 45 is attached between this operating section 50 and the medal receiving tray 43. Furthermore, lighting devices 33d are provided on both the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display panel 45 for providing notifications, effects, and the like.

The operation section 50 is provided with a settlement button 52 as a settlement operation section for instructing a settlement process for paying out medals. In this case, in the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 52, medals set for at least one of bets and credits are paid out. That is, in this embodiment, the objects of settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 52 include not only medals set as credits but also medals set as bets. Here, as a settlement pattern by operating the settlement button 52 when medals are set for both the bet and the credits, for example, the settlement pattern is set for the medals and credits set for the bet by the first operation of the settlement button 52. There is a settlement pattern in which both medals set in the bet are paid out at once, or in which only the medals set in the bet are paid out by the first operation of the settlement button 52, and the second medal is paid out after the medals set in the bet are paid out. Examples include a payment pattern in which medals set as credits are paid out by operating the payment button 52 for the first time.
The operation unit 50 further includes a start lever 53 for starting the game, three stop buttons 54 for stopping the rotation of each of the three rotating reels, and a medal slot 42 for inserting medals. , a reject button 55 that eliminates medal jams that occur in the medal passage below the medal slot 42, and a MAX bet button 56 (bet button: bet operation section) that is operated when betting the maximum number of three medals. In addition to the above, an operation panel 57 and a display unit 58 for selecting game effects and the like are also provided. The operation panel 57 is arranged approximately at the center in the width direction (horizontal direction) of the operation section 50, and the display unit 58 is arranged on the right side with the medal slot 42 and the reject button 55 in between. The operation panel 57 includes a cross key for selecting effects, an enter button, a cancel button, and the like.

The MAX bet button 56 is arranged so as to face upward, and is formed to be pushed downward from above. The force required to operate the MAX bet button 56 (hereinafter referred to as operating force) is approximately 1.0N. Further, the MAX bet button 56 includes a pressing portion and an elastic member. The pressing portion is a member that is pressed and operated by a player's finger or the like, and is made of resin or the like. Further, the pressing portion is urged upward by an elastic member. The elastic member is a member formed to urge the pressing portion and to elastically deform against the urging force when the pressing portion is pressed, and uses a spring or the like.
Further, the stop button 54 is arranged so as to face the front, and is formed so as to be pushed from the front toward the rear. The operating force of the stop button 54 is approximately 0.7N. That is, the operating force for the stop button 54 is smaller than the operating force for the MAX bet button 56.

Moreover, the above-mentioned performance button 62 is arranged so as to face the front, and is formed so as to be pushed from the front toward the rear. The operating force of the production button 62 is greater than or equal to the operating force of the MAX bet button 56. The operating force of the production button 62 is, for example, about 3.0N.
Also, the stop button 54 and the production button 62, like the MAX bet button 56, include a pressing part and an elastic member, and the pressing parts of the stop button 54 and the production button 62 are urged forward by the elastic member. ing.
Further, as described above, the operating force of the MAX bet button 56 is approximately 1.0N. That is, it is necessary to push the pressing part to elastically deform the elastic member and move the pressing part to a position where a switch ON signal (a signal indicating that the button has been pressed) is output from the sensor included in the MAX bet button 56. The load (sensor detected load) is approximately 1.0N. In the game machine of this embodiment, a photosensor is used as the sensor, but any other sensor may be used as long as it can detect the pressing of the pressing part. For example, when the photosensor detects that the light directed from the light-emitting element toward the light-receiving element has changed due to a detection object moved by pressing the pressing part, it outputs a switch ON signal. When a load larger than the sensor-detected load is applied to the pressing part, the pressing part moves further while elastically deforming the elastic member, and comes into contact with the mechanical stopper and stops. The moving distance (full stroke) from the initial position of the pressing part of the MAX bet button 56 until it contacts the mechanical stopper is approximately 2.0 mm, which is approximately twice the ON stroke. In addition, the load (maximum load) required to move the pressing part of the MAX bet button 56 from the initial position until it contacts the mechanical stopper is approximately 2.0N, which is approximately twice the sensor-detected load (operating force). It becomes.
The stop button 54 (operating force of approximately 0.7 N) has a similar configuration. Further, the ON stroke of the stop button 54 is about 1.0 mm, and the full stroke is about twice that, about 2.0 mm. Further, the sensor-detected load (operating force) of the stop button 54 is about 0.7N, and the maximum load is about twice that, about 1.4N.
Note that the term "approximately" used in the above description with respect to operating force, load, and stroke includes a variation of approximately ±10% due to design error and assembly error.

Here, the basic flow of the game in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be explained. When the player presses the MAX bet button 56, the credited medals are inserted (bet) and a game can be started. When the player presses the start lever 53 to start the game, the rotating reels start rotating, and when the rotational speed of the rotating reels increases to a predetermined speed, the pressing operation of the stop button 54 becomes effective. state. Thereafter, when the player presses the stop button 54 at an arbitrary timing, each rotating reel stops. Then, when all the rotating reels stop, depending on the result of the game, processes such as paying out medals and making it possible to start the game again without consuming new medals are performed. The game ends.

In addition, the production button 62 is used, for example, to notify the player of something that is pleasing to the player, such as winning a bonus or that it has been decided to move to a state advantageous to the player, or to inform the player of something that is pleasing to the player. At a predetermined timing such as at a game stage, a press operation for changing the presentation mode becomes effective. When the effect button 62 is pressed while the pressing operation is valid, the form of the effect image displayed on the image display device changes, the movable accessory moves, and the form of the effect changes. do.

As is clear from the above, it is necessary to press a plurality of stop buttons 54 in accordance with the number of rotating reels for each game. At this time, the operating force of the stop button 54 is set smaller than the operating force of the MAX bet button 56 and the production button 62, so that the player obtains a light and comfortable operating feeling when operating the stop button 54. At the same time, it becomes possible to press all the stop buttons 54 at a good tempo. Therefore, the player can play the game comfortably, and the gameplay is improved. Further, by setting the operating force of the stop button 54, which is frequently used, to a small value, the accumulation of fatigue of the player is reduced, and the gameplay is improved.

In addition, the MAX bet button 56 is often operated with strong force because it is used to start a game and can be operated by hitting it from above. By setting the operating force larger than 54, the player can obtain an appropriately responsive operating feeling, and the gameplay is improved.

Further, the production button 62 is operated less frequently than the stop button 54 and the MAX bet button 56. In addition, the performance button 62 is in a state where it is effective to press the button 62 to change the mode of performance when informing the player of something that is pleasing to the player as described above, or when it is a game for the player. Therefore, players who are in a high mood tend to use strong force when operating the machine. Since the operating force of the production button 62 is set to be greater than the operating force of the stop button 54 and greater than the operating force of the MAX bet button 56, the player feels a heavy and heavy operating feeling. can be obtained, and the gameplay is improved.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the slot machine M, there is a main control board 70 as a main control means that determines commands related to games and transmits the commands, and a main control board 70 that receives the commands from the main control board 70 and transmits the commands. A sub-control board 72 is provided as sub-control means for executing processing corresponding to received commands. The main control board 70 has input means such as a bet button 56 including a MAX bet button, a start lever 53, a stop button 54, a passage detection sensor 89 that detects the passage of medals inserted from the medal slot 42, and a settlement button 52. In response to the input signals, various calculations are performed to execute the game, and output means such as reel units (reels 100a, 100b, 100c), hopper device 150, etc. are controlled based on the calculation results. Further, the sub control board 72 receives signals (commands) sent from the main control board 70, performs various calculations to execute the effects, and controls the display window 32 based on the calculation results. It controls the liquid crystal display D of the image display device including the above-mentioned liquid crystal display panel provided on the upper door 30 and other liquid crystal display panels 45, and devices for presentation such as the speaker 14.

In addition, the main control board 70 and the sub-control board 72 are electrically connected, and various information (command signals) such as information indicating the gaming status can be transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub-control board 72. However, information cannot be transmitted from the sub control board 72 to the main control board 70.
In addition, the functions of each board such as the main control board 70 and the sub-control board 72 are preset in hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, and ROM, etc. This is realized by software consisting of a predetermined stored program.

The main control board 70 includes a selector control means 93 that controls the operation of a medal selector 92 (see FIG. 2) to be described later, an input reception means 80, and a random number generation means 81, and performs a winning combination lottery to determine the validity of the combination. a winning combination lottery means 82, a reel control means 83 for controlling the rotation of the reels, a prize determination means 84 for determining whether a winning combination has been won when all the reels have stopped, and a gaming state control means 85. , an information transmitting means 86 for transmitting various information (command signals), a storage means 90, a payout control means 91, and a settlement control means 95.
The sub-control board 72 also includes a performance control means 73 that controls various performances, a winning combination determination means 74 that performs winning combination determination processing, and a winning combination determination means 74 that determines that the winning combination is incorrect (error). It is provided with an initialization means 75 that resets and initializes the sub control board 72 when the sub control board 72 is activated, and a sub side storage means 76 that stores data regarding the performance.

The input receiving means 80 of the main control board 70 accepts the input of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating the game start operation on the start lever 53 based on the input of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot 42, the passage detection sensor 89 detects passage of the medal, and the insertion reception means 80 accepts the inserted medals up to three medals. Set it to the input state (bet state). Further, when the bet button 56 is pressed in a state where medals have been credited, the input accepting means 80 sets the credited medals to the input state, with a limit of three medals. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation on the start lever 53, which is activated based on the insertion of three medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and the reels 100a to 100c are activated based on this operation. As soon as the rotation starts, a lottery such as a winning combination lottery is performed.

In addition, the input receiving means 80 of the main control board 70 controls the medals owned by the player not to be newly set in the input state in the next game after the game in which the replay has won. Specifically, if the replay won in the previous game, even if medals are inserted into the medal slot 42 while medal insertion is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to the inserted state. The inserted medals are credited up to the maximum number of credits (for example, 50 medals). Further, the operation on the bet button 56 is not accepted in the state where the insertion of medals is accepted, so that even if the bet button 56 is pressed, the credited medals are not set in the inserted state.

The random number generating means 81 of the main control board 70 generates 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 "random numbers" include not only values that are randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but also values that actually function as random numbers even if the generation itself is regular, because the timing of its acquisition is irregular. Also includes possible values.

The winning combination lottery means 82 of the main control board 70 performs a winning combination lottery using a winning combination lottery table based on the activation of the activated start lever 53 (ie, game start). In the winning combination lottery table, various winning combinations and losses including small prizes, replays, and bonuses are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535). A plurality of winning combination lottery table storage areas provided in the ROM of the storage means 90 are stored. In the winning combination lottery, a random number value for the lottery is obtained from the random number generation means 81, and this random number value is checked against the winning combination lottery table to determine whether or not the winning combination has been won. The winning role will be elected.

The reel control means 83 of the main control board 70 controls the rotation of each reel 100a, 100b, 100c when the start lever 53 activated under the control of the main control board 70 is operated (i.e., the game starts). When the activated stop button 54 is operated, the reel corresponding to the operated stop button 54 is controlled to stop.

That is, each time each button of the stop button 54 is operated, the reel control means 83 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 100a to third reel 100c, and determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button. Control is performed to stop the reel at the stopped position. Therefore, the stopping order of the first reel 100a to the third reel 100c changes depending on the operating order (stroke order) of the three stop buttons 54.

The winning determination means 84 of the main control board 70 is activated when the rotation of the reels 100a to 100c is stopped, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the manner in which the reels 100a to 100c are stopped. Specifically, the symbol combinations displayed (stopped) on the active line by stopping the reels 100a to 100c are checked against a winning determination table (not shown) stored in the ROM of the storage means 90. . The winning determination table stores the winning form of each winning combination (symbol combination that results in a winning when stopped and displayed), and through the above-mentioned verification, it is possible to determine whether or not there has been a winning combination and the type of winning combination that has won. do. When a winning combination is won, the main control board 70 executes a winning process corresponding to the won winning combination.

The game state control means 85 of the main control board 70 controls the state between a plurality of states, for example, a normal state, a CBB established state (first bonus established state), a CBB established state (first bonus established state), and an RBB established state (second bonus established state). A gaming state transition control process is performed to shift the gaming state between the state), the RBB state (second bonus state), the RB1 established state (specific bonus established state), and the RB1 state (specific bonus state).

The information transmitting means 86 of the main control board 70 sends a signal notifying the winning combination, a signal notifying the gaming state at the time of the winning winning combination lottery, a signal notifying the current gaming state, etc., which will be described later. Command signals related to medal settlement are also transmitted to the sub-control board 72.

Further, the payout control means 91 of the main control board 70 performs payout control processing regarding the payout of medals according to game results. Specifically, for example, when a small role is won, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the payout determined in advance for each role, and medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are sent to the hopper device 150. Performs payout control.
Furthermore, as described above, the selector control means 93 of the main control board 70 controls the operation of the medal selector 92, which will be described later. Specifically, the selector control means 93 receives signals from various sensors including the passage detection sensor 89 described above that constitutes the medal selector 92, and controls the operation of the blocker 99 that constitutes the medal selector 92. Note that the selector control means 93 may also be used by the input receiving means 80 or the like without providing the selector control means 93 separately.

Further, the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 performs a settlement process to pay out stored medals, that is, medals set in credits and/or bets, through the hopper device 150 based on the operation of the settlement button 52. control the execution of Note that the settlement control means 95 not only controls the execution of the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 52, but also controls the acceptance of medals for a predetermined period after completion of the settlement process, which is accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89. The operation of the blocker 99 may be controlled so as not to allow this. In the case of such a control form, the aforementioned selector control means 93 that controls the operation of the medal selector 92 provided with the blocker 99 may also be served by the settlement control means 95.

On the other hand, the effect control means 73 of the sub-control board 72 cooperates with the RAM of the sub-side storage means 76 based on the effect data stored in the effect data storage area provided in the ROM of the sub-side storage means 76. Then, the liquid crystal display D, the speaker 14, the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37, and other performance devices are controlled to perform the performance. Specifically, the content displayed on the liquid crystal display D is changed according to the insertion of medals, operations on the bet button 56, settlement button 52, start lever 53, stop button 54, changes in the gaming state, etc. By outputting sounds, the execution of effects for enlivening the game and assisting the game is controlled according to the progress of the game. In particular, in this embodiment, the performance control means 73 notifies the states based on the operation of the payment button 52, specifically in the payment execution state and payment completion state, which will be described later. In order to output the effect sound, effect light, and effect image, the display devices such as the liquid crystal display D (45), the speaker 14, and the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37 are controlled. There is.

As shown in FIG. 1, the performance panel 61 of the slot machine M is provided with a performance button 62 as a performance operation unit used for performance (a first performance operation unit used for performance-related operations). . This effect button 62 may be provided, for example, on the operation unit 50 or the like. Further, the pressing portion of the production button 62 is not limited to a circular shape, but may be a rectangular shape or the like. In addition, in this embodiment, the production operation section is the production button 62, but the production operation section may be, for example, a lever that can be tilted, a touch panel that can detect touch (contact with a finger, etc.), or a light shielding by an object. A photoelectric sensor or the like capable of detecting the above may be used.

Hereinafter, 3 stops refers to the operation of pressing any valid button among the stop buttons 54 in a state where any two of the stop buttons 54 have been pressed in the game. In the present embodiment, for example, when the player is at a competitive timing, after the third stop, the sub-control board 72 sets the performance button 62 to a state where it can accept a press operation (that is, the press operation is enabled). state). At this time, the sub-control board 72 displays a screen indicating this on the liquid crystal display D, and lights up the effect button 62.

Further, hereinafter, the operation panel 57 shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to as a cross button 57 serving as a production setting operation section (a second production operation section used for operations related to production). The cross button 57 is used for operations including setting of effects. The settings for the performance include, for example, adjusting the volume and selecting a character.
The cross button 57 includes at least a main button arranged in the center and selection buttons (direction operation buttons) arranged around the main button. The selection buttons include an upper button, a left button, a lower button, and a right button. Note that the selection buttons may be a plurality of buttons (separate upper, lower, left, and right sides) or may be integrated. In addition, the production setting operation section is not limited to the cross button (cross key), but may also be equipped with at least two buttons, a main button and a jog dial, or detect touch (contact with a finger, etc.). It may also be a touch panel or the like. When the cross button 57 (for example, the main button) is pressed during non-gaming, the sub control board 72 displays a menu screen on the liquid crystal display D. In other words, the cross button 57 functions as a menu screen entry button. Further, when the cross button 57 (for example, left and right buttons) is pressed during non-gaming, the sub control board 72 displays a volume change screen on the liquid crystal display D. In other words, the cross button 57 functions as a volume change screen entry button.
In addition, from the menu screen, you can set the performance mode (for example, set the character that mainly appears in the production, set the notification mode for winning roles or bonuses, etc.), view the gaming history, and access the user terminal (player's smartphone). etc.) and check how the winning combinations are displayed. Further, it may be possible to set the volume, the light emission intensity of the lighting device, etc. from the menu screen. That is, the menu screen may also serve as the volume change screen.

When the main control board 70 detects that the payment button 52 has been pressed, it transmits a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts (executes) payment processing (payout processing).
When the sub control board (control means) 72 receives the payment start command from the main control board 70, it notifies the execution of payment processing (payout of game media based on the operation of the payment button 52). The sub-control board 72 displays, on the liquid crystal display D, a screen notifying that the payment is in progress (hereinafter referred to as the payment in progress notification screen) as a notification of the execution of the payment processing, and also displays an effect to notify that the payment is in progress. A sound (hereinafter referred to as payment notification sound; for example, a sound effect or a buzzer sound) is output through the speaker 14. In addition, the sub-control board 72 outputs (lights up) an effect light (hereinafter referred to as a payment in progress lamp; for example, red) to notify that payment is in progress through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37. )do.

When the payment processing is completed, the main control board 70 transmits a payment completion command to the sub control board 72. Based on receiving the settlement completion command from the main control board 70, the sub control board 72 stops notifying the execution of the settlement process, and completes the settlement process (completion of payout of gaming media based on the operation of the settlement button 52). We will make announcements. The sub-control board 72 outputs, through the speaker 14, a performance sound (hereinafter referred to as payment completion sound) that notifies the completion of the payment process. The payment completion voice includes, for example, "Payment has been completed." In the present embodiment, the sub-control board 72 displays a payment-in-progress notification screen and turns on a payment-in-progress lamp as notification of completion of payment processing. The screen while notifying completion of the payment process (screen indicating completion of payment) may be the same as or different from the screen during payment (screen indicating that payment is in progress).

Hereinafter, the period (period) during which the execution of the payment processing is notified will be referred to as "payment notification in progress." During payment notification, it refers to the period from when the sub-control board 72 receives the payment start command to when it receives the payment completion command. During this settlement notification, it can also be said that game media are being paid out based on the operation of the settlement button 52.
Further, the period during which the completion of the payout of game media based on the operation of the payment button 52 is being reported, that is, the period during which the completion of the payment processing is being reported (period) is referred to as "notifying completion of payment". The notification of completion of payment refers to the period from receiving the payment completion command to the end of outputting the payment completion voice. Note that during the payment completion notification, after the payment process is completed (after the sub-control board 72 receives the payment completion command), until the first sound of the payment completion voice (for example, "se") is output. included.

Next, using the timing chart shown in FIG. 3, a configuration example of processing during and before and after the payment processing is performed will be described. Hereinafter, the "press operation" of the production button 62, the cross button 57, the payment button 52, etc. may be simply referred to as "press" or "operation."
(A5, A6) After the third stop, the sub-control board 72 puts the production button 62 in a state where it can accept presses (that is, a state where the operation is valid), and displays a screen (operation) indicating that the production button 62 can be pressed. instruction screen) is displayed on the liquid crystal display D. Pressing the performance button 62 at this time is an opportunity to proceed with the performance, and when the performance button 62 is pressed, the result of the game is notified to the player. Specifically, for example, during a performance that makes the player expect to win a bonus (including winning a so-called pseudo-bonus (transition to an AT performance state)), that is, during a performance that makes the player expect to transition to a state advantageous to the player. , when the effect button 62 is pressed, an operation instruction screen is displayed, and when the effect button 62 is pressed, it is notified whether or not to shift to an advantageous state.
(A4) Since the game is in progress at the start of this timing chart, the cross button 57 is disabled.

(A1, A2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 transmits a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing (payout processing).
(A2, A3) Upon completion of the payment process, the main control board 70 sends a payment completion command to the sub control board 72, and the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.

(A4) The sub-control board 72 disables the operation of the cross button 57 during payment notification and payment completion notification. That is, the sub-control board 72 controls so that even if the cross button 57 is pressed, it will not be accepted during the payment notification and payment completion notification. In other words, even if the cross button 57 is pressed during the payment notification and payment completion notification, the menu screen and the volume change screen are not displayed on the liquid crystal display D (the screen does not shift to the menu screen or the volume change screen). The sub-control board 72 enables the operation of the cross button 57 upon completion of outputting the payment completion voice (notifying payment completion).

In this way, by disabling the operation of the cross button 57 during the payment notification, the notification of the execution of the payment process is blocked (obstructed) by the operation of the cross button 57, making it impossible to know that the payment is being made. For example, the menu screen and the screen indicating that payment is in progress are displayed at the same time, and since the menu screen has a large amount of information (number of characters), it is possible to avoid the problem that it becomes difficult to understand that payment is in progress. Thereby, the player can reliably grasp the notification of the execution of the payment process, and can prevent the player from misperceiving (including, for example, perceiving that the payment process has been interrupted). In addition, if the menu screen opens while the payment is being notified, it will be difficult for people around you to know that the payment is being notified, and there is a risk that fraud may be carried out using this.However, there are ways to avoid such problems. can.
Furthermore, by disabling the operation of the cross button 57 during the notification of completion of payment, the notification of the completion of payment processing may be blocked (obstructed) by the operation of the cross button 57, and the notification of completion of payment may not be recognized. For example, the menu screen and the screen indicating the completion of payment are displayed at the same time, and since the menu screen has a large amount of information (number of characters), the problem that the screen indicating the completion of payment is difficult to understand can be avoided. Thereby, the player can reliably grasp the notification of the completion of the payment process, and can prevent the player from misperceiving (including, for example, perceiving that the payment process has been interrupted). Additionally, if the menu screen opens while notifying the completion of payment, it will be difficult for those around you to understand that the completion of payment is being notified, and there is a risk of fraud taking advantage of this, but such problems can be avoided. be able to.

(A5, A6) Even if the payment button 52 is pressed and the payment notification is in progress or payment completion notification is in progress, the sub-control board 72 displays a screen on the liquid crystal display D indicating that the production button 62 can be pressed. At the same time, the performance button 62 remains valid. In other words, the sub-control board 72 accepts the depression of the production button 62 during the payment notification or payment completion notification. Further, the performance button 62 remains valid even after the payment completion notification ends. That is, when the performance button 62 is activated with the 3rd stop as a trigger, the activation of the performance button 62 is not canceled even if the payment process is started and the payment is completed.
If the performance button 62 is pressed during payment notification or payment completion notification, the performance will proceed, but during this time, a display notifying that payment is being executed or payment completion will be displayed on the liquid crystal display D. . At this time, priority is given to the display related to payment, and a part of the performance related to the game is hidden by the display related to payment.

In this way, by enabling the operation of the performance button 62 instead of invalidating it during the settlement notification, the player can press the performance button 62 to proceed with the performance. Therefore, the player will not be dissatisfied with not being able to press the performance button 62 during payment notification. For example, when a screen instructing the player to press the performance button 62 is displayed, the player may want to press the performance button 62 and leave his/her seat after seeing the result of the game. By enabling the performance button 62, it is possible to smoothly proceed with the performance during payment notification and leave the seat after viewing the result. Note that the press instruction screen does not have a large amount of information (number of characters) like the menu screen, so the player will not be mistaken even if it is displayed at the same time as the screen indicating that payment is in progress.
Further, by enabling the operation of the performance button 62 instead of disabling it during the payment completion notification, the player can press the performance button 62 to proceed with the performance. Therefore, the player will not be dissatisfied with not being able to press the performance button 62 during payment completion notification. For example, when a screen instructing the player to press the performance button 62 is displayed, the player may want to press the performance button 62 and leave his/her seat after seeing the result of the game, but the player may want to press the performance button 62 and leave his/her seat after seeing the result of the game. By enabling the performance button 62 even when the payment is completed, it is possible to smoothly proceed with the performance while notifying the completion of payment and leave the seat after viewing the result. Note that the press instruction screen does not have a large amount of information (number of characters) like the menu screen, so even if it is displayed at the same time as the screen indicating completion of payment, the player will not misunderstand the screen.

In addition, the sub-control board 72 turns off the performance button 62 while validating the operation of the performance button 62 during payment notification or payment completion notification. In other words, the effect button 62 is turned on and the validity of the operation is not actively notified, but if it is pressed, the press is accepted. By doing this, it is basically not recommended to proceed with the performance during payment notification or payment completion notification, but if the performance button 62 is pressed, the player's intention will be prioritized, It becomes possible to proceed with the performance. In addition, the sub-control board 72 may turn on the performance button 62 while validating the operation of the performance button 62 during payment notification or payment completion notification.

FIG. 3 shows a case where the payment button 52 is pressed while the production button 62 is not pressed. In FIG. 4, a configuration example will be described in which the effect button 62 that became effective is pressed after the third stop and the payment button 52 is pressed while the effect based on the press of the effect button 62 is being executed. .

(B4, B5) The sub control board 72 displays on the liquid crystal display D a screen indicating that the effect button 62 can be pressed, and also enables the effect button 62.
(B6, B7, B8) When the activated effect button 62 is pressed, the sub-control board 72 starts outputting the liquid crystal effect and audio effect based on (corresponding to) the depression of the effect button 62. Specifically, the sub-control board 72 displays an effect image on the liquid crystal display D based on the press of the effect button 62, and also displays audio effects (BGM, lines, sound effects, etc.) based on the press of the effect button 62 on the speaker. 14. Note that the sub-control board 72 may output the effect light based on the press of the effect button 62 through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37.

(B1, B2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 transmits a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(B1, B7, B8) When the payment button 52 is pressed while the liquid crystal presentation and audio presentation are being output based on the pressing of the presentation button 62, the sub control board 72 receives a payment start command from the main control board 70. Based on this, the output of the audio production will be stopped. However, even if the sub-control board 72 receives the payment start command, the output of the liquid crystal display does not stop (continues).

(B2, B3) Upon completion of the payment process, the main control board 70 sends a payment completion command to the sub control board 72, and the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.

(B8) Upon completion of the output of the payment completion voice (after waiting for the completion of output of the payment completion voice), the sub control board 72 starts outputting the audio performance (the audio performance based on the pressing of the production button 62). Note that while the output of the audio performance is stopped, the sub control board 72 executes the audio performance behind the output of the payment completion audio (in a layer behind the payment completion audio) without outputting the sound to the outside. ing. That is, when the sub-control board 72 receives the checkout start command while outputting the audio performance based on the pressing of the performance button 62, the sub-control board 72 executes the audio performance but does not output any sound, and ends the output of the payment completion sound. Then, the control is performed to output the sound of the audio performance again. This can also be said to be due to the improved audio performance.

In this way, if the payment process is executed while the audio performance based on the press of the performance button 62 is being output, the output of the audio performance is stopped and the notification regarding the payment (the notification sound during payment and the payment completion sound) is By giving priority to the output, the player can understand through the sound that the payment process is being executed. However, even while the payment in progress notification sound and the payment completion sound are being output, the liquid crystal display based on the press of the production button 62 continues, so the player can visually see that the production is progressing. can be understood.

In FIG. 4, a case is shown in which the effect button 62 that has become effective is pressed and the payment button 52 is pressed while the effect based on the depression of the effect button 62 is being executed. FIG. 9 shows a case where the payment button 52 is pressed first and the production button 62 is pressed while the payment process is being executed.

(G4, G5) The sub-control board 72 displays on the liquid crystal display D a screen indicating that the effect button 62 can be pressed, and also enables the effect button 62.
(G1, G2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.

(G6, G7, G8) When the production button 62 in the valid state is pressed while the payment process is being executed, the sub-control board 72 controls the production button 62 based on the reception of information (signal) to that effect. Starts outputting the LCD display based on the press of . At this time, the sub control board 72 does not output the audio performance based on the pressing of the performance button 62. This "do not output audio performance" is included in "stop output of audio performance". In other words, even if the sub-control board 72 receives information (signal) indicating that the production button 62 has been pressed while executing notification regarding payment (during notification of payment and notification of completion of payment), the sub-control board 72 does not output audio. Does not output performance. That is, the notification regarding the payment is given priority over the audio performance based on the pressing of the performance button 62.

(G2, G3) Upon completion of the payment processing, the main control board 70 transmits a payment completion command to the sub control board 72, and the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.
(G8) The sub-control board 72 starts outputting the audio effect upon completion of the output of the payment completion sound (after waiting for the completion of output of the payment completion sound). Note that while the output of the audio performance is stopped, the sub control board 72 executes the audio performance behind the output of the payment completion audio (in a layer behind the payment completion audio) without outputting the sound to the outside. ing. That is, even if the sub-control board 72 receives a signal indicating that the production button 62 has been pressed while executing the notification regarding the payment, the sub-control board 72 executes the audio production until the output of the payment completion voice is finished. No sound is output, and when the output of the payment completion sound is finished, the sound of the audio performance is controlled to be output.

In addition, in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 9, to "prioritize" the payment completion voice over the voice production sound, you must not only make the voice production sound silent, but also compare the voice production sound with the payment completion voice. This includes reducing the size and outputting (flowing) it.

Next, a case where an error occurs during "payment" will be explained.
First, each error detected (detected) by the main control board 70 will be explained. Although not shown, the main control board 70 includes error detection means and error management means. The error detection means detects backflow error, empty error, dispensing jam error, dispensing abnormal error, over error, retention error, backup error, door opening error, loading abnormal error, display judgment abnormal error based on the signal status of various sensors, etc. , RAM abnormal error, and setting value abnormal error are detected.

(1) A backflow error is an error caused by medals flowing backward in a flow path.
(2) Empty error is an error caused by no more medals being stored in the hopper device 150. Specifically, it is detected when the signal state of the payout sensor continues for a certain period of time (approximately 2100ms) in an OFF state (a state in which medals to be paid out are not detected) in a situation where medals are being paid out. This is an error.
(3) The payout jam error is an error caused by the medals to be paid out being jammed in the hopper device 150 and not being discharged. Specifically, in a situation where medals are being paid out, the signal state of the payout sensor (dispensing medal switch) continues for a certain period of time (approximately 172 ms) in an on state (a state in which medals to be paid out are detected). This is an error detected when

(4) Abnormal payout error is an error caused by medals being paid out in a situation where medals should not be paid out. Specifically, this is an error that is detected when the signal state of the payout sensor (payout medal switch) continues to be on for a certain period of time (approximately 6 ms) in a situation where no medals are being paid out.
(5) Over error is an error caused by excess medals stored in the cash box exceeding a predetermined amount. Specifically, this is an error that is detected when the signal state of the overflow sensor continues for a certain period of time (approximately 100 ms) in an on state (signal state indicating that surplus medals exceed a predetermined amount).
(6) A retention error is an error caused by medals being jammed in the medal selector 92. Specifically, the signal state of the first medal passing sensor or the second medal passing sensor, which is downstream of the insertion detection sensor 130 and upstream of the blocker 99, is in an on state (indicating that the presence of a medal is detected). This is an error that is detected when the signal condition continues for a certain period (approximately 113 ms) or more.

(7) A backup error is an error caused by a problem occurring in RWM backup. Specifically, this error is detected when an RWM backup abnormality is detected when the power is turned on. Alternatively, it is an error that is detected when the stored value of the stack pointer is not within a specific range when the power is turned on.
(8) Door open error is an error caused by the lower door 40 (front door 3) being open. Specifically, it is detected when the signal state of the door opening/closing switch that is activated when the lower door 40 opens remains on (signal state indicating that the lower door 40 is open) for a certain period of time (approximately 48 ms) or more. This is an error.

(9) An abnormal insertion error occurs when the medals are sent to the normal flow path (in this case, the medal payment This is an error caused by passing through a different flow path than the flow path returned to the outlet. Specifically, this error is detected when the second medal passage sensor detects medals passing through the medal selector 92 and flowing toward the medal chute after the blocker 99 is activated. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, an error is detected when the second medal passage sensor is turned on after a certain period of time (approximately 250 ms) has passed since the blocker 99 was closed.
In addition, the abnormal feeding error includes a chute error. The shoot error is an error caused by a difference of more than a certain level between the number of medals that have passed through the medal selector 92 and the number of medals that have passed through the medal chute. Specifically, the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor wait for a certain period of time to pass after the inserted medal passes the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor in the correct order. The difference between the number of medals detected to have passed in the correct order and the number of times the signal state of the shoot sensor is on (signal state detecting the presence of medals) is not within the specified range. or when a certain period of time has passed after the inserted medal passes the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor in the correct order, the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor are checked in the correct order. It is detected when the difference between the number of medals detected to have passed and the number of times the signal state of the chute sensor is in the ON state (signal state detecting the presence of medals) is a predetermined number or more. This is an error.
Further, the loading abnormality error includes a loading detection error. The insertion detection error is an error caused by medals being jammed near the medal insertion slot 42. Specifically, this is an error that is detected when the insertion detection sensor 130 in the medal selector 92 remains on (signal state detecting the presence of medals) for a certain period of time (approximately 602 ms) or more.

(10) A display determination abnormality error is an error detected when a symbol that is not a winning combination is displayed.
(11) A RAM abnormality error is an error detected when reading and writing from RAM is not performed normally.
(12) A set value abnormality error is an error that is detected when a set value is outside the allowable range during internal lottery.

As shown in FIG. 5, each error is assigned an error code from E1 to EC depending on the type of error. When an error is detected by the error detection means, the error management means executes a process of notifying the detected error via the liquid crystal display D or the main display (display unit 58 in FIG. 1). Specifically, the error management means sets an error code corresponding to the type of error detected, and displays the set error code on the liquid crystal display D or the main display (display unit 58 in FIG. 1). let

Further, the error management means performs a cancellation process of clearing the error detection flag and the like based on the fact that a predetermined cancellation operation (error cancellation operation) has been performed. The predetermined release operation (error release operation) includes, for example, an operation of inserting a door key into a door key cylinder and rotating (twisting) the door key counterclockwise, and an operation of pressing a setting change button. As shown in FIG. 5, error cancellation operations are set for each error type (error codes E1 to EC). When a signal is input from the setting change button or door sensor due to the error cancellation operation, the error management means determines that the error cancellation operation has been performed, and clears error-related information such as the error detection flag and timer timing information ( Perform the cancellation process to delete (delete).

When the main control board 70 detects an error, it transmits a command (error command) indicating that an error has occurred to the sub control board 72. When the sub-control board 72 receives an error command from the main controller 70, the sub-control board 72 controls displaying an image (hereinafter referred to as an error screen) corresponding to the content of the error occurrence on the liquid crystal display D, and outputs a warning sound ( Control is performed to output an error sound (hereinafter referred to as an error sound) through the speaker 14.

An example of the configuration of processing when an error occurs during settlement notification will be described using the timing chart shown in FIG. 6. In addition, although the case where a backflow error occurs as an error will be described below, other errors may be used.
(C1, C2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(C4) When the main control board 70 detects a backflow error (if the conditions for a backflow error are met), it transmits a command (backflow error command) indicating that a backflow error has occurred to the sub control board 72.

(C2, C5) Even if the sub control board 72 receives the payment start command and also receives the error command (backflow error command), the sub control board 72 does not receive the payment completion command until it receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. Do not perform any processing based on the reception of .
Based on receiving the payment completion command from the main control board 70, the sub control board 72 executes processing based on reception of the backflow error command. The sub-control board 72 notifies the backflow error as a process based on the reception of the backflow error command. The sub-control board 72 displays a screen corresponding to the backflow error (backflow error screen) on the liquid crystal display D as a notification of the backflow error, and outputs a warning sound (error sound) corresponding to the backflow error via the speaker 14. Then, a production light (hereinafter referred to as an error lamp; for example, red) is outputted (lit) through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37 to notify that an error is occurring.

In this way, even if the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70, if it has received an error command first, it gives priority to processing based on the error command (error notification). conduct. Then, as shown below, after the error is cleared, the sub-control board 72 performs processing based on the payment completion command (output of payment completion voice).

(C6) When an operator or the like inputs (executes) an error cancellation operation (error recovery process) corresponding to a backflow error, the main control board 70 sends a command (backflow error cancellation) indicating that the backflow error has been canceled. command) to the sub-control board 72.
(C3, C5) Based on the receipt of the backflow error release command, the sub-control board 72 stops notifying the backflow error and starts outputting the payment completion voice (“Payment completed”). To stop the backflow error notification, the sub control board 72 shifts the display on the liquid crystal display D from the error screen to the normal screen, stops outputting the error sound, and turns off the error lamp. Note that the sub control board 72 may display a screen indicating completion of payment while outputting the payment completion voice (notifying completion of payment), and then display a normal screen. Further, the sub-control board 72 may turn off the error lamp and turn on the payment in progress lamp during payment completion notification. In that case, for example, if the lighting pattern (lighting color) of the error lamp and the payment lamp are the same, there is no change in appearance.

Note that for C3, C5, and C6, the error notification is stopped at the rising edge of error cancellation and the output of the payment completion voice is started, but these may be performed based on the falling edge of error cancellation.

In this way, if an error (for example, a backflow error) occurs during payment notification, the error is notified after waiting for the payment processing to complete, so the player can be sure that the payment has been completed. can. In other words, it is possible to prevent the player from misperceiving (for example, thinking that payment has been interrupted). On the other hand, since the notification of the occurrence of an error is prioritized over the output of the payment completion voice, the time from the occurrence of an error to the notification of the error can be further shortened, allowing early measures to be taken against the error. . Furthermore, if the system is configured to notify of the occurrence of an error during payment notification, the process will be complicated, but with the above configuration, such a process will not become complicated.

Note that the process for notifying the occurrence of an error after the end of the payment process and then outputting the payment completion voice is not limited to the above-mentioned process. For example, in the above example, even if the sub control board 72 receives an error command, it does not execute the process based on the reception of the error command until it receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. If an error occurs during the payment process, the main control board 70 may send an error command to the sub control board 72 after the payment process is completed. Furthermore, the main control board 70 may send a settlement completion command to the sub control board 72 after the error is cleared (after the error cancellation command is sent).

Next, using the timing chart shown in FIG. 7, a configuration example of a process when an error occurs during payment completion notification will be described.
(D1, D2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(D7) Based on receiving the payment start command from the main control board 70, the sub-control board 72 shifts the display on the liquid crystal display D from the normal screen to the payment-in-progress notification screen.

(D2, D3) Upon completion of the payment process, the main control board 70 sends a payment completion command to the sub control board 72, and the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.

(D4) When the main control board 70 detects a backflow error, it sends a backflow error command to the sub control board 72.
(D3, D5) If the sub control board 72 receives a backflow error command from the main control board 70 while outputting the payment completion voice (that is, notifying the completion of payment), the sub control board 72 performs payment processing based on the reception. Stop (cancel) the output of the completion voice (“Payment has been made”) (for example, stop at “Payment has been made”) to notify the backflow error. Specifically, the sub-control board 72 displays a backflow error screen on the liquid crystal display D, outputs an error sound, and turns on an error lamp.

(D6) When an operator or the like inputs (executes) an error cancellation operation corresponding to the backflow error, the main control board 70 transmits a backflow error cancellation command to the sub control board 72.
(D5, D7) Based on the reception of the backflow error release command, the sub control board 72 stops notifying the backflow error (stops outputting the error sound and turns off the error lamp), and displays the display on the liquid crystal display D. Transition from error screen to normal screen.
(D3) In this example, even if the sub-control board 72 recovers from the error (even if it receives the backflow error cancellation command), it resumes the output of the payment completion voice that was stopped in response to the reception of the backflow error command ( output). However, the sub-control board 72 may output a payment completion sound upon recovery from the error (transition to the normal screen). In that case, the sub-control board 72 may output the payment completion voice again from the beginning instead of from where it stopped.

Note that in D5 and D6, the error notification is assumed to stop at the rising edge of error cancellation, but the error notification may be stopped at the falling edge of error cancellation.
Furthermore, in D6 and D7, the transition to the normal screen occurs at the falling edge of error cancellation, but the transition to the normal screen may occur at the rising edge of error cancellation.

In this way, if an error (for example, a backflow error) occurs during the payment completion notification, the error notification can be sent without waiting for the payment completion voice to finish outputting (even while the payment completion voice is being output). Prioritize. That is, an error notification with a higher priority (urgency) is output with priority over the payment completion voice. This allows early countermeasures to be taken against errors. That is, it is possible to prevent delays in error processing.

In addition, in D3 and D4, the case where an error occurred while the payment completion voice was being output was shown, but after the payment processing is completed (after receiving the payment completion command), the first sound of the payment completion voice (for example, An error may occur before "se") is output. Even in such a case, the sub-control board 72 does not output (stops outputting) the payment completion voice and issues an error notification. That is, the sub-control board 72 gives priority to error notification over output of payment completion voice.

Next, using the timing chart shown in FIG. 8, a configuration example of a process when the cross button 57 is pressed during payment completion notification will be described.
(F1, F2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 transmits a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(F4, F7) Based on receiving the payment start command from the main control board 70, the sub control board 72 stops the lighting of the lamp during gaming (e.g., white color) and turns off the lighting of the lamp during payment (e.g., red color). Start. In addition, in this embodiment, the lighting of the lamp during payment and the lighting of the error lamp have the same pattern.

(F2, F3) Upon completion of the payment process, the main control board 70 sends a payment completion command to the sub control board 72, and the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.

(F3, F5) When the cross button 57 is operated (pressed) while outputting the payment completion voice (that is, notifying completion of payment), the sub control board 72 accepts the operation (pressing). In this example, the sub-control board 72 makes the operation of the cross button 57 valid during the payment completion notification (that is, from the reception of the payment completion command until the output of the payment completion voice ends). Then, when the sub control board 72 receives information (signal) (command) indicating that the cross button 57 has been pressed while outputting the payment completion voice, the sub control board 72 outputs the payment completion voice based on the reception. Stop the output (for example, stop at "Settlement Island").

(F5, F6, F7) Furthermore, when the sub-control board 72 receives information (signal) (command) indicating that the cross button 57 has been pressed while outputting the payment completion voice, the sub-control board 72 receives Based on the reception, the checkout lamp is turned off, the game lamp is turned on, and the display on the liquid crystal display D is shifted from the checkout notification screen to the menu screen (or the volume change screen). That is, when the sub-control board 72 receives information indicating that the cross button 57 has been pressed while outputting the payment completion voice, it executes the process based on the press of the cross button 57 based on the reception. conduct.

In addition, in F3 and F5, the case where the cross button 57 was pressed while the payment completion voice was being output was shown, but after the payment processing is finished, the first sound of the payment completion voice (for example, "se") is The cross button 57 may be pressed before the output. Even in such a case, the sub-control board 72 does not output (stops outputting) the payment completion voice and executes the process based on the pressing of the cross button 57. That is, the sub-control board 72 gives priority to the process based on pressing the cross button 57 over the output of the payment completion voice.

Further, regarding F5 and F6, the falling edge of the cross button 57 is assumed to transition to the menu screen, but the rising edge of the cross button 57 may be configured to transition to the menu screen.

In this way, when the cross button 57 is operated during the payment completion notification, the operation of the cross button 57 is accepted without waiting for the output of the payment completion voice to finish (even during the output of the payment completion voice). The operation of the cross button 57 takes priority), and the process based on that operation (such as moving to the menu screen) is executed. Desired settings can be made. That is, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling dissatisfied (stressed) by not being able to operate the cross button 57 until the output of the payment completion voice is finished.

Here, the broken line portion Z at F4 in FIG. 8 will be explained. The broken line part Z indicates the lighting of the checkout lamp, which was originally scheduled to be executed. Here, let us consider a case where the cross button 57 is not pressed while the payment completion voice is being output. In this case, even after the output of the payment completion voice (“Payment completed”) has ended, the payment lamp continues to be lit for a certain period of time. In other words, the sub-control board 72 outputs the payment completion sound and turns on the payment in progress lamp to notify the completion of payment processing, but even after the former (output of the payment completion sound) is completed, the latter (in payment processing) is output. (lighting of a lamp) continues for a certain period of time. Note that the sub-control board 72 causes the screen (liquid crystal display D) to transition to the normal screen upon completion of the payment completion voice output. In this way, by lighting the checkout lamp for a longer time than the output of the checkout completion voice, it is possible to recognize that the checkout process has ended for a certain period of time after the checkout process is finished. That is, after the payment processing is completed, the surroundings are notified for a certain period of time that the payment processing has been completed, so that, for example, hall staff etc. can easily recognize the completion of the payment processing.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 10, the slot machine (gaming machine) 10 of the present invention includes a box-shaped housing 11 that is open on the front side that faces the player, and the front opening of the housing 11 that can be opened and closed. A front door 12 is provided. The housing 11 houses a reel unit in which a rotatable first reel 20a, second reel 20b, and third reel 20c are unitized, a hopper device for paying out medals (gaming value), and the like. Further, the front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and each of the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 11.

The upper door 12a is provided with a liquid crystal display (display means) 13, display devices such as a speaker 14, and a display window 16. The liquid crystal display 13 displays images (videos, still images) for various effects. Further, the speaker 14 outputs various sounds for presentation (music, sound effects, voices, etc.). Note that in addition to the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14, the display device may include an illumination device such as a lamp (LED), a movable accessory that can be operated by an actuator, etc.

At the back of the display window 16, a part of the reel unit is arranged so as to be visible from outside the display window 16. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a line on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 20a to 20c, and when each reel 20a to 20c stops, three symbols per reel (upper row symbol, middle row symbol, lower row symbol) are displayed through the display window 16. pattern) is displayed. In addition, the display window 16 is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for visually recognizing the symbols of each reel 20a to 20c, and an effective line is set by a combination of display positions of each reel 20a to 20c. has been done. Note that the gaming machine of this embodiment has an active line formed by the middle stage of the first reel 20a, the upper stage of the second reel 20b, and the middle stage of the third reel 20c, the middle stage of the first reel 20a, and the active line. It has two effective lines: the lower row of the second reel 20b and the middle row of the third reel 20c. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (regular number) is set to 3, and when the specified number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. Ru.

In the slot machine 10, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts rotating with the start of the game, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether one of the winning combinations wins or loses. Next, when the reels 20a to 20c stop and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the internal lottery is displayed on the active line, this winning combination becomes a prize, and the process corresponding to the winning combination (winning processing) is executed.

Below the display window 16, a game information display section 17 and an advantageous section display 18 are provided. The game information display section 17 is comprised of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or acquired in one game, and error information. Further, the advantageous section indicator 18 has an LED, and by lighting and extinguishing the LED, it is notified whether or not the vehicle is staying in an advantageous section.

The lower door 12b includes a medal slot 22 for inserting medals, a bet button 23 for betting credited medals, a start lever (game start operating means) 24 that is operated when starting a game, and a rotating There are provided stop buttons (stop operation means) 26a, 26b, 26c for stopping the reels that are present, a payout port 27 for paying out medals by a hopper device, and a medal receiving tray 28 for receiving medals paid out from the payout port 27. . Furthermore, a medal sensor 29 (see FIG. 11) is provided at the back of the medal slot 22 to detect passage of medals inserted from the medal slot 22.

In the slot machine 10, when medals are inserted into the medal slot 22 or when the bet button 23 is operated and a prescribed number of medals are bet, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled. Furthermore, when the activated start lever 24 is operated, the game is started. When the game starts, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts rotating, and when the rotational speed of each reel 20a to 20c reaches a constant speed and becomes steady rotation, the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. Further, when the enabled stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, each reel 20a to 20c corresponding to the operated stop button 26a to 26c is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 11, inside the slot machine 10, a main control board (main control device) 31 and a sub-control board (sub-control device) 32 are provided. The main control board 31 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button 23, the start lever 24, the stop buttons 26a to 26c, and the medal sensor 29, performs various calculations to execute the game, and uses the calculation results as input signals. Based on this, output means such as a reel unit and a hopper device are controlled. Further, the sub-control board 32 receives signals sent from the main control board 31, performs various calculations for performing effects, and controls the liquid crystal display 13, speaker 14, etc. for effects based on the calculation results. Controls the device.

In addition, the main control board 31 and the sub-control board 32 are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the gaming status can be transmitted from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32. However, information cannot be transmitted from the sub control board 32 to the main control board 31.
In addition, the functions of each board such as the main control board 31 and the sub-control board 32 are preset in hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, and ROM, etc. This is realized by software consisting of a predetermined stored program.

The main control board 31 includes an input reception means 40, a random number generation means 41, an internal lottery means 42 that performs an internal lottery to determine the validity of a winning combination, a reel control means 43 that controls the rotation of the reels, and all reels. a prize determining means 44 that determines whether a winning combination has been won when the winning combination is stopped; a payout control means 45; a replay control means 46; a setting change means 47; an initialization means 48; and a game state control means. 49, instruction function control means 51, production main control means 52, and storage means 60. Furthermore, the storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM.
Further, the sub-control board 32 includes an effect sub-control means 70 and a sub-side storage means 72. Further, the sub-side storage means 72 includes a ROM and a RAM.

In addition, the effect main control means 52 and the effect sub control means 70 constitute the effect control means 100. The performance main control means 52 issues instructions to the performance sub control means 70 based on the gaming state, the performance state, etc. In addition, the production sub-control means 70 uses the production information stored in the sub-side storage means 72 based on the information regarding the gaming state and performance status transmitted from the production main control means 52, or the information as to whether or not to perform an instruction production. The data is used to control the production equipment. Note that the control performed by the production main control means 52 described in this embodiment may be performed by the production sub control means 70, and the control performed by the production sub control means 70 may be performed by the production main control means 52. Further, the control performed by the production control means 100 described in this embodiment may be performed by the instruction function control means 51, and the control performed by the instruction function control means 51 may be performed by the production control means 100.

The input receiving means 40 accepts the input of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating the game start operation on the start lever 24 based on the input of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot 22, the medal sensor 29 detects the medal, and the input receiving means 40 puts the inserted medals into the inserted state (up to a specified number). Bet status). Furthermore, when the bet button 23 is pressed with medals credited, the input accepting means 40 sets the credited medals to the input state up to a specified number. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation on the start lever 24, which is activated based on the insertion of a specified number of medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and the reels 20a to 20c are activated based on this operation. As soon as the rotation starts, a lottery such as an internal lottery is held.

In addition, the input accepting means 40 controls the medals owned by the player not to be newly set in the input state in the next game after the game in which the replay has won a prize. Specifically, if the replay won in the previous game, even if a medal is inserted into the medal slot 22 while accepting medal insertion, the inserted medal is not set to the inserted state. The inserted medals are credited up to the upper limit number of credits (for example, 50 medals). Further, the operation on the bet button 23 is not accepted in the state where the insertion of medals is accepted, so that even if the bet button 23 is pressed, the credited medals are not set to the inserted state.

The random number generation means 41 generates 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 numbers" include not only values that occur randomly in a mathematical sense, but also numbers that are actually generated regularly because the timing of their acquisition is irregular. Also includes values that can function as random numbers.

The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table based on the activation of the activated start lever 24 (ie, game start).
The internal lottery table is a table in which various winning combinations and losses, including small winning combinations, replays, and bonuses, are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535). A plurality of them are stored in the internal lottery table storage area 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as will be described later, the gaming states include a general medium state in a non-RT state, an RB internal medium state in a non-RT state, a general medium state in the RT1 state, an RB internal medium state in the RT1 state, and a RB internal medium state in the RT1 state. The operating state can be set, and six set values from setting 1 to setting 6 can be set, and the internal lottery means 42 selects the internal lottery table according to the gaming state and the set values. Select and hold an internal lottery.
Note that a small winning combination is a winning combination in which, by winning a prize, a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the winning small winning combination. Furthermore, a replay is a winning combination that allows you to play the game again without consuming new medals. When the replay wins, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled without using the player's medals, and the game becomes ready to be started by operating the start lever 24.

In the internal lottery, a random number value for the lottery is obtained from the random number generation means 41, this random number value is checked against the internal lottery table to determine whether or not a winning combination has been won, and the winning combination corresponding to the random number value is determined. The role will be won. Specifically, the internal lottery table is provided with a plurality of winning areas as shown in FIG. 12, and each random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 is associated with one of the winning areas. There is. In addition, there are winning areas that include one or more winning roles (associated with winning roles) and winning areas that do not include any winning roles (associated with losing roles). . Furthermore, the combinations of winning combinations included in each winning area are different. Then, all the winning combinations belonging to the winning area associated with the random number value obtained from the random number generation means 41 are made to be won as a result of the internal lottery. In the following, the winning of a combination belonging to a winning area in an internal lottery will also be referred to as "a winning area is winning." In addition, the case where no prize is won in any of the roles is also referred to as "winning area 'non-winning'".

As shown in FIG. 12, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, small winnings 1 to 43 are prepared as small winnings. In addition, the winning areas that include small roles include "Cherry", "Watermelon", "Chance", "Bell H", "Bell A1", "Bell A2", "Bell B1", "Bell B2", and "Bell C1". , "Bell C2", "Bell D1", "Bell D2", "Bell E1", "Bell E2", "Bell F1", "Bell F2", "Bell G", "JAC-A", "JAC- "B", "1 sheet A", "1 sheet B", "1 sheet C", "1 sheet D", "1 sheet E", "1 sheet F" and "1 sheet G" are prepared. In addition, small roles 1 and 2 are 3 medal roles in which 3 medals are paid out when a prize is won, and small roles 3 to 9 are 7 medal roles in which 7 medals are paid out when a prize is won. In addition, minor prizes 10 to 43 are single-copy prizes in which one medal is paid out when a prize is won.
In addition, below, the winning areas "Bell A1", "Bell A2", "Bell B1", "Bell B2", "Bell C1", "Bell C2", "Bell D1", "Bell D2", "Bell E1"","BellE2,""BellF1," and "Bell F2" are collectively referred to as the winning area "batting order bell." In addition, in the following, the winning areas "1 piece A", "1 piece B", "1 piece C", "1 piece D", "1 piece E", and "1 piece F" are combined into the winning area "choice 1 piece". We will refer to it as ``sheet''.

The winning area "JAC-A" is a winning area where all the small winnings (small winnings 1 to 43) are won in duplicate. In addition, the winning area "JAC-B" is a winning area where a plurality of single winning combinations (small winning combinations 10, 11, 14-31, 34, 36-43) are won in duplicate. In addition, the winning area "Cherry" is a winning area where a plurality of three-card winning combinations and a plurality of one-card winning combinations overlap. In addition, the winning areas "Watermelon" and "Chance" are winning areas where a plurality of one-card winning combinations overlap. In addition, the winning area "batting order bell" is a winning area where any one of the 7-card combinations and the 1-card combination overlap. In addition, the winning area "Bell H" is a winning area where multiple 7-card winning combinations and 1-card winning combinations overlap. In addition, the winning area "Bell G" is a winning area where multiple 7-card combinations are won overlappingly. In addition, the winning area "Choice 1 card" is a winning area where a plurality of 1-card winning combinations overlap.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Replay 1 to Replay 4 are prepared as replays. Furthermore, "Replay A" and "Replay B" are prepared as winning areas that include replays.

The winning areas "Replay A" and "Replay B" are winning areas where multiple replays can be won at the same time.

Further, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a regular bonus (RB) is prepared as a bonus. Furthermore, the winning areas "Choice 1" and "Bell G" are set so that regular bonuses (RB) can be won in duplicate. In addition, in the winning areas "1 Choice" and "Bell G", if the gaming state is in the general medium state, the regular bonus (RB) will be won in duplicate, but if the gaming state is in the RB internal medium state, the regular bonus (RB) will be won in duplicate. is designed to prevent regular bonuses (RB) from being won twice.
In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a so-called first-class special accessory is assumed as a bonus, but bonuses other than this, for example, an accessory continuous operation device (big bonus (RBB)) related to a first-class special accessory are assumed. )) etc. may be used. Further, other bonuses may also be included. Further, the installed bonuses may be set to be won individually, or may be set to be won in combination with a replay or a small winning combination. For example, a winning area may be provided in which a regular bonus (RB) can be won alone.

In addition, "non-winning" is provided as a winning area associated with losing.

Each winning area is set to either win or not win depending on the gaming state. In other words, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the gaming state and performs an internal lottery, thereby changing the winning combinations. In other words, in each game state, an internal lottery is conducted using an internal lottery table whose lottery targets include winning areas that can be won in each game state. In FIG. 12, "O" marks indicate whether or not each winning area can win in each gaming state. In other words, the winning areas "Non-winning", "JAC-A" and "JAC-B" will be won when the gaming state is in the RB operating state, and will not be won in the general state or the RB internal state. There is. In addition, winning areas other than the winning areas "Non-winning", "JAC-A" and "JAC-B" will be won when the gaming state is in the normal state or the RB internal state, and will not be won when the RB is in operation. It looks like this.
Note that, as will be described later, although the probability of winning a replay winning area differs depending on the RT state, the winning areas in which it is possible to win are the same regardless of the RT state.

Each winning area is assigned a different winning area number. Each winning area can be identified by the winning area number.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of winning a small winning combination is the same in the general medium state and the RB internal medium state. Furthermore, the replay winning probability is the same in the general medium state and the RB internal medium state. Also, while the RB is in operation, it is not possible to win a replay. In other words, in the general medium state and the RB internal medium state, the replay winning probability is higher than in the RB operating state.

The internal lottery means 42 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the internal lottery from a non-winning state (off state) to a winning state (on state). Furthermore, when a plurality of winning combinations are won in duplicate, the winning flags corresponding to the winning combinations are set from a non-winning state to a winning state. Further, the winning flag setting information is stored in a winning flag storage area 62 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60.

In addition, there are two types of winning flags: a winning flag (carry-over flag) that allows the winning status to be carried over to subsequent games until a prize is won, and a non-winning flag that does not carry over the winning status to subsequent games regardless of whether or not the winning flag is won. There is a winning flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset. A regular bonus (RB) is a winning combination that is associated with a carryover flag. Furthermore, the winnings associated with the non-carryover flag include small winnings and replays. For example, when a regular bonus (RB) is won in an internal lottery, the internal lottery means 42 carries over the winning state of the winning flag of the regular bonus (RB) until the regular bonus (RB) is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 42 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 regular bonus (RB) winning flag is carried over. In other words, in a game where the winning status of the winning flag of the regular bonus (RB) is carried over, if a small role or replay is won, the winning flag of the regular bonus (RB) that has already been won and the winning state of the winning flag of the regular bonus (RB) are won by an internal lottery. The winning flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations, such as the small winning combination and the replay winning flag, are set in a winning state.

Further, in the slot machine 10, the probability of winning a winning combination differs depending on the six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6. Specifically, when the settings change, the internal lottery table group consisting of a plurality of internal lottery tables selected according to the gaming state is changed to the internal lottery table group associated with each setting. Depending on the settings, there will be a group of internal lottery tables with different winning probabilities for small roles, replays, and bonuses.

The setting change means 47 performs control to change the setting values stored in the setting value storage area 63 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, a setting change key is inserted into a setting change key cylinder provided inside the slot machine 10, and the setting change key (setting change key cylinder) is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position before the slot machine 10 is opened. When the machine 10 is powered on, the setting change means 47 starts the slot machine 10 in a setting change mode. The setting value can be selected from 6 levels of setting values from setting 1 to setting 6, and an internal lottery is performed so that the expected value of the ball output rate increases in order from setting 1 to setting 6. The probability of winning is now changing. Each time the setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed in the setting change mode, the setting change means 47 changes the settings in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 →... setting 6 → setting 1 →... When the set value is changed and the start lever 24 is pressed, the set value is confirmed and the determined set value is stored in the set value storage area 63. Furthermore, by returning the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to its initial position, it is possible to shift from the setting change mode to the game mode.
In this embodiment, the height of the setting values is expressed in the order of setting 1 < setting 2 < setting 3 < setting 4 < setting 5 < setting 6.

Furthermore, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 is started in a gaming mode. In the game machine of this embodiment, in the game mode, you can play games, but you cannot change the setting values, and in the setting change mode, you can change the setting values, but you cannot play games. It is now impossible to do so.

The initialization means 48 performs an initialization process to initialize at least part of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 when the set value is changed. Specifically, when the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs processing to return the gaming state, gaming section, and performance state to the initial state, which will be described later. In other words, when the setting value is changed, the gaming state becomes the normal state, the gaming section becomes the non-advantageous section, and the performance state becomes the normal performance state, and these states are the same as when the power was first turned on after shipping from the factory. The state will be as follows. Further, in the initialization process, the initialization means 48 also initializes information regarding effects stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Further, the sub control board 32 is also equipped with an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal indicating that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub control board 32 is The information regarding the performance stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 72 is initialized.
Note that even if the set value is changed, the game state, game section, and performance state may not be returned to the initial state.

The reel control means 43 starts the rotation of each reel 20a to 20c in response to the activation of the activated start lever 24 under the control of the main control board 31 (i.e., game start), and activates the reels 20a to 20c. When the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is controlled to stop.

That is, each time each of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is operated, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 20a to third reel 20c. , performs control to stop the reel at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, and when the stop button 26b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and when the stop button 26c is operated. Then, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the stopping order of the first reel 20a to third reel 20c changes depending on the operating order (stroke order) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c.

In the following, regarding the order of stop operations (operation order of stop buttons 26a to 26c), the order of a group of stop operations in which all of the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated is referred to as a "batting order". Also, among the stop operations that make up the batting order, the first stop operation performed is the "first stop operation," the second stop operation is the "second stop operation," and the third stop operation is the "third stop operation." ”.

In addition, below, the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c will be referred to as "batting order 1", and the operations of the first reel 20a, the third reel 20c, and the The operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c to stop the rotating reels in the order of the second reel 20c, the second reel 20b, and the second reel 20b is defined as "batting order 2", and the rotating reels are stopped in the order of the second reel 20b, the first reel 20a, and the third reel 20c. The operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c is defined as "batting order 3", and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c, which stops the rotating reels in the order of second reel 20b, third reel 20c, and first reel 20a, is "batting order 4". '', and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c to stop the rotating reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the first reel 20a, and the second reel 20b is set as ``batting order 5'', and the third reel 20c, the second reel 20b, The operations of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the first reel 20a are referred to as "batting order 6."

In the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 stops each reel 20a to 20c so that the winning combination whose winning flag is set to the winning state is won. Specifically, in a state where the winning flag of one winning combination is set to the winning state, each reel 20a to 20c is controlled to stop so that this winning combination wins a prize. In addition, in a state where the winning flags of multiple winning combinations are set to the winning state, each reel 20a to 20c is stopped so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order determined for each winning combination. let In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the priority order is determined in the order of "Replay>Small win>Bonus." Then, the reel control means 43 controls the reel 20a so that the symbols constituting the winning form of the winning combination with a high priority are displayed on the active line in priority to the symbols forming the winning form of the winning combination with a low priority. ~Stop 20c.

In addition, when multiple types of small roles are won in an internal lottery, the priority order for the stop position candidates is determined by determining the priority order according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line, and by determining the priority order in advance for the small role. There are cases in which the priority order is determined according to the number of medals to be paid out based on a predetermined payout. When determining the priority of stop position candidates according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line, priority is given to stop positions that have a larger number of symbol combinations that represent winning forms that can be displayed on the active line. A priority order is determined for each stop position candidate so that the order becomes higher. When determining the priority order for stop position candidates according to the number of medals paid out, select a stop that increases the number of medals paid out based on the payout of the minor role corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the active line. The priority order for each stop position candidate is determined so that the position (stop position where a small winning combination with a large payout can be won) has a higher priority. However, when determining the priority order of stop position candidates according to the number of medals paid out, if multiple small roles with the same payout are won, the stop position where each small role can be won is determined. The priorities of the candidates are treated as the same.

A correct batting order and an incorrect batting order are set for each winning area "batting order bell". Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, if any of the winning areas "batting order bell" is won, if the correct batting order is operated, a 7-card winning combination will be won, and if the incorrect batting order is operated. It is possible for a 1-card hand to win a prize (a 7-card hand does not win a prize). Furthermore, each winning area "batting order bell" has one correct batting order, and the other five batting orders are incorrect batting orders. Note that the content in parentheses in FIG. 13 indicates the winning rate of a one-card combination when the stop operation is performed in that batting order. In other words, the notation "1-card winning combination (1/2)" assumes that the timing of the stop operation is random, and there is a 1/2 probability that a 1-card winning combination will be won, and a 1/2 probability that a 1-card winning combination will be won. This indicates that the winning hand is missed (one winning hand does not win). In addition, in FIG. 13, in the part written in black as "1-card winning (1/2)", the stop control does not change between the general medium state and the RB internal medium state, while the white text says "1-card winning (1/2)". 1/2)" (blacked out part), the stop control is different between the general state and the RB internal state. Specifically, in the part written in white as "1-card hand (1/2)" (the part filled in black), in the RB internal medium state, the probability of winning a 1-card hand is 1/2. However, there is a probability of 1/2 that the winning combination will be missed, while in the normal medium state, the probability of winning a winning combination of one card will be 1/1.

If any of the winning areas "batting order bell" is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority of the stop position candidate that can win small roles 4 to 9 is highest. When the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the priority of the stop position candidate that can win small roles 10 to 43 is the highest. is required.

In addition, each of the winning areas "one choice" has a bonus avoidance batting order in which it is impossible to win a regular bonus (RB) and a bonus winning batting order in which it is possible to win a regular bonus (RB). It is being Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, if one of the winning areas "Choose 1 card" wins, if the operation is performed in the bonus avoidance batting order, the 1 card role will definitely win and the bonus will be avoided. It is supposed to be done. On the other hand, if an operation is performed in the bonus winning batting order, a bonus can be won. Specifically, when an operation is performed in the bonus winning batting order, a regular bonus (RB) will be won with a predetermined probability (1/2 probability), and a 1-card winning combination will be won with the remaining probability (1/2 probability). It is supposed to be done. In other words, when the winning area "Choice 1 card" is won, the stop operation is performed in the bonus winning batting order, and the timing at which the regular bonus (RB) can be won (the symbols constituting the symbol combination that will win the bonus is on the active line) A regular bonus (RB) is won when each stop operation is performed at the timing when the game stops.

Further, in each of the winning areas "choice one card", whether the bonus avoidance batting order or the bonus winning batting order is determined according to the stop buttons 26a to 26c operated in the first stop operation. Specifically, in the winning area "1 sheet A" or the winning area "1 sheet B," the pressing order that stops the first reel 20a first is set as the bonus avoidance batting order, and the pressing order that stops the first reel 20a first is set as the bonus avoidance batting order. The order in which the reels 20c are pressed to stop first is set as the bonus winning order. In addition, in the winning area "1 piece C" or the winning area "1 piece D," the pressing order that stops the second reel 20b first is set as the bonus avoidance batting order, and the first reel 20a or the third reel 20c is pressed. The pressing order in which the game is stopped first is set as the bonus winning batting order. In addition, in the winning area "1 sheet E" or the winning area "1 sheet F," the pressing order that stops the third reel 20c first is set as the bonus avoidance batting order, and the first reel 20a or the second reel 20b is pressed. The pressing order in which the game is stopped first is set as the bonus winning batting order.

Further, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, winning of the regular bonus (RB) cannot be avoided simply by continuing the stop operation aiming at a specific symbol. Specifically, for multiple winning areas "1 selection" where the same batting order is assigned to the bonus winning batting order (in other words, the same batting order is assigned to the bonus avoidance batting order), each winning area "1 selection" If you perform the stop operation in the bonus winning batting order, the timing of the stop operation at which the regular bonus (RB) will be won is different, and if you continue to stop the operation aiming at a specific symbol, the winning area "Choice 1 card" '', it is possible to avoid winning the regular bonus (RB), but when winning the other winning area, ``choice one ticket'', winning the regular bonus (RB) cannot be avoided.

Although not shown, in the winning area "1 card G", a 1 card combination is always won no matter which batting order the stop operation is performed. That is, when winning in the winning area "1 card G", the bonus cannot be won.

The winning determination means 44 is activated when the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c is stopped, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the manner in which the reels 20a to 20c are stopped. Specifically, the symbol combinations displayed (stopped) on the active line by stopping the reels 20a to 20c are checked against the winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. The winning determination table stores the winning form of each winning combination (symbol combination that results in a winning when stopped and displayed), and through the above-mentioned verification, it is possible to determine whether or not there has been a winning combination and the type of winning combination that has won. do. When a winning combination is won, the main control board 31 executes a winning process corresponding to the won winning combination. As for the winning process, specifically, if a small role is won, a payout process is performed, if a replay is won, a replay process (replay process) is performed, and if a bonus is won, the gaming state is changed. Perform the transition process (gaming state transition control process).

Here, the payout process is a process of paying out the number of medals determined based on the payout determined for each win when a small win is won, and is performed by the payout control means 45. When a small winning combination is won, the payout control means 45 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the payout determined for each winning combination, and causes the hopper device to pay out the determined number of medals to be paid out. Note that when credits are permitted, instead of actually dispensing medals by the hopper device, the number of credits (the number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 is ), a credit addition process is performed to add the number of payouts, and medals are virtually paid out.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, 3 medals are paid out when winning small winnings 1 and 2, 7 medals are paid out when winning small winnings 3 to 9, and 7 medals are paid out when winning small winnings 10 to 43. One medal is paid out.

In addition, the replay process is a process in which, when a replay wins, the next game is set to the same game start standby state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert medals owned by the player, and the replay control means 46 will do. If the replay wins, the player will receive the same number of medals as the number set to be inserted in the previous game (the game in which the replay won), and the player's existing medals (including credited medals). An automatic insertion process for automatically inserting medals without using them is performed, and the game waits for the next game start operation on the start lever 24 with a valid line corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process set. Further, when the automatic insertion process is performed, additional medals cannot be inserted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the gaming state control means 49 transitions the gaming state between a general medium state (normal state), an RB internal medium state (bonus internal medium state), and an RB operating state (bonus state). , performs gaming state transition control processing for shifting the gaming state (RT state: replay time state) between the non-RT state (non-replay time state) and the RT1 state (first replay time state: specific gaming state). Specifically, the game state control means 49 controls the general medium state of the non-RT state, the RB internal medium state of the non-RT state, the RB operating state, the general medium state of the RT1 state, and the RB internal state of the RT1 state. The game state is shifted between the medium state and the medium state.
As the gaming state transition condition, one condition or a plurality of conditions may be determined. If a plurality of conditions are set, the gaming state may be shifted based on the fulfillment of one of the plurality of predetermined conditions; The gaming state may be shifted based on the fact that all the conditions have been met.

Further, as described above, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the gaming state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the general state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which a regular bonus (RB) is set as a lottery target. In addition, in the RB internal state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which regular bonuses (RB) are excluded from lottery targets. Further, in the RB operating state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which regular bonuses (RB) are excluded from lottery targets. In addition, in the non-RT state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which the replay winning probability is set to approximately 1/7.3. In addition, in the RT1 state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which the replay winning probability is set to approximately 1/7.3, and the replay winning probability is different from that in the non-RT state. .

In the initial state, the gaming state is a normal state and a non-RT state.
Furthermore, it is possible to transition from the general medium state to the RB internal medium state. When a regular bonus (RB) is won in the normal medium state, the gaming state control means 49 shifts the gaming state to the RB internal medium state. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of shifting to the RB internal medium state in a game in the general medium state (probability of winning the regular bonus (RB) in the internal lottery in the general medium state) is set to approximately 1/2. However, it may be set to about 1/3, or may be set to 1/4 or more, for example.

The RB internal medium state is a gaming state that is transitioned to when a regular bonus (RB) is won in an internal lottery. In the RB internal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus (RB) is maintained in the winning state until the regular bonus (RB) is won, and the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the regular bonus (RB) is displayed on the active line. Then, the gaming state control means 49 shifts the gaming state from the RB internal state to the RB operating state.

The RB active state is a gaming state that is transitioned to when a symbol combination representing a regular bonus (RB) winning form is displayed on an active line. In addition, in the RB operating state, it is determined whether or not the termination condition for the RB operating state is satisfied based on the number of winnings of small winning combinations and the number of games. Specifically, when the number of small winnings in the RB active state reaches 8 or the number of games played during the RB active state reaches 12, it is determined that the condition for ending the RB active state is satisfied. The gaming state control means 49 shifts the gaming state from the RB operating state to the general state when the condition for ending the RB operating state is satisfied.
Note that the condition for ending the bonus state may be determined by the total number of medals paid out, or the like.

Furthermore, the gaming state control means 49 shifts the RT state as part of the gaming state between a non-RT state and an RT1 state in which replay lottery modes are different. Specifically, the gaming state control means 49 shifts the RT state to the RT1 state when the RB operating state termination condition is satisfied. In other words, completion of the RB operating state is a condition for transition to the RT1 state. That is, when the termination condition of the RB operating state is satisfied, the gaming state control means 49 shifts the gaming state to the normal state of the RT1 state.

The RT1 state is a gaming state (RT state) that is transitioned to when the RB active state ends. It is possible to transition from the RT1 state to the non-RT state. The number of games in the RT1 state is managed by an RT game number counter 68 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60, and the game state control means 49 controls the number of games played in the RT1 state by a predetermined number of times (here, 20 times). ) is played, the RT state is shifted to the non-RT state. Specifically, when the RT state shifts to the RT1 state, the game state control means 49 sets "20" in the RT game number counter 68 as a value corresponding to the number of games that is the end condition for the RT1 state. Furthermore, each time a game is played in the RT1 state, the game state control means 49 subtracts a value "1" corresponding to one game from the RT game number counter 68, triggered by a game start operation on the start lever 24. Performs decrement processing. When the stored value of the RT game number counter 68 reaches the threshold value "0", it is determined that the number of games that meet the condition for ending the RT1 state has been played, the RT1 state is ended, and the RT state is disabled. Transition to RT state. Specifically, when the stored value of the RT game number counter 68 reaches the threshold value "0" in the general medium state of the RT1 state, the transition is made to the general medium state of the non-RT state, and in the RB internal medium state of the RT1 state. When the stored value of the RT game number counter 68 reaches the threshold value "0", it is caused to shift to the RB internal medium state which is a non-RT state.

Note that the end condition for the RT1 state does not have to be playing the game a predetermined number of times (20 times); for example, winning a bonus, winning a bonus, or winning a specific combination (a specific symbol combination is on the active line). ), etc.

Note that the RT game number counter 68 has a value of 0 when transitioning to the RT1 state, and each time a game is played in the RT1 state, a value "1" corresponding to one game is added. Good too. In other words, the value stored in the RT game number counter 68 itself may indicate the number of games played in the RT1 state, or may indicate the remaining number of games played in the RT1 state, and the value itself may indicate the number of games played in the RT1 state. It does not need to directly indicate the number of times. That is, the stored value of the RT game number counter 68 may be any value that changes depending on the number of games in the RT1 state.

Note that the RT state may be provided in addition to the non-RT state and the RT1 state. Furthermore, at least one of the winning probability of a replay, the type of replay to be selected for lottery, or the combination of replays that can win multiple times may be different between the plurality of RT states, depending on the RT state. In other words, the replay lottery format may be different depending on the RT state. For example, when transitioning from the general medium state to the RB internal medium state, the RT state may be changed. Specifically, when transitioning from the non-RT general medium state to the RB internal state, the replay winning probability may be varied and the transition may be made to the RT2 state RB internal medium state. Further, when transitioning from the general medium state of the RT1 state to the RB internal medium state, the replay winning probability may be varied and the transition may be made to the RB internal medium state of the RT3 state. In this case, the RT3 state (or RT1 state) may be shifted to the non-RT state when a total of 20 games have been played in the RT1 state and RT3 state. In other words, in the RT3 state, the stored value of the RT game number counter 68 in the RT1 state may be taken over, and the same processing as in the RT1 state may be executed as processing regarding the RT game number counter 68.

The instruction function control means 51 includes a game section control means 80, a performance state control means 81, and a privilege granting means 82. The instruction function control means 51 performs processing related to the operation of an instruction function that assists in winning a predetermined combination in an advantageous section. Specifically, when a predetermined winning combination is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction performance to assist the winning of this winning combination. More specifically, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction performance (batting order navigation performance) that notifies the correct batting order and assists in winning a 7-card combination when the winning area "batting order bell" is won. to decide. Based on this determination, the effect control means 100 causes the liquid crystal display 13 or the like to execute a batting order navigation effect.

Further, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction performance to avoid winning the special role when the special role can win (when the special role is won). Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 controls the regular bonus (RB) in a situation where the regular bonus (RB) as a special winning combination is set to a winning state and it is possible to win the regular bonus (RB). It is determined whether or not to perform an instruction performance to assist in avoiding winning. More specifically, the instruction function control means 51 provides an instruction performance (bonus avoidance) that assists avoidance of winning a regular bonus (RB) by notifying the bonus avoidance batting order when the winning area "choice one card" is won. Decide whether or not to perform a performance. Based on this determination, the performance control means 100 causes the liquid crystal display 13 and the like to execute the bonus avoidance performance. The details will be described later, but the bonus avoidance effect is basically executed when the winning area "1 choice" is won in the advantageous section (when it is possible to win the regular bonus (RB)). However, it is not executed in a predetermined period such as after the end of the AT performance state.
In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a predetermined winning area (winning area "one choice") is won, winning of the bonus is avoided by performing a stop operation in the bonus avoidance batting order. However, if the configuration is such that winning a bonus can be avoided by performing a stop operation at a predetermined timing when winning a predetermined winning area, a performance instructing to perform a stop operation at the predetermined timing may be used as a bonus avoidance performance. Good too.

As shown in FIG. 16, the game section control means 80 performs a game section transition control process to shift the game section between a non-advantageous section and an advantageous section according to the progress of the game. The non-advantageous section is a game section corresponding to the initial state among the plurality of types of game sections.

In the non-advantageous section, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (advantageous section transfer lottery) to determine whether or not to transfer to the advantageous section at a predetermined opportunity. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability that a game in a non-advantageous section will shift to an advantageous section (probability of winning the advantageous section transition lottery) is set to approximately 1/1 (for example, 99% or more). Specifically, the random number obtained in the internal lottery is used in the advantageous section transition lottery, but the range in which winning is possible in the advantageous zone transition lottery is limited to the entire range of random numbers "65535" that can be taken in the internal lottery. The value number, which is a numerical value indicating the range in which transition to the advantageous section is determined, is "65531." That is, in a non-advantageous section, there is a probability of 65531/65536 that the vehicle will transition to an advantageous zone, and a probability of 4/65536 that it will not transition to an advantageous zone. In other words, the probability that the gaming section will shift from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section is higher than the probability that the gaming state will shift from the general medium state to the RB internal medium state. When winning the advantageous section shift lottery, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section.
Note that the probability of transitioning from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section may be set to 1/1 (100%).

Furthermore, each time one game is played in an advantageous section, the game section control means 80 stores the number of advantageous section games counter 65 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 in response to a game start operation on the start lever 24. An increment process is performed to add "1" to the value as a value corresponding to one game. Note that the game section control means 80 does not add to the advantageous section game number counter 65 in the non-advantageous section. Further, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, the stored value of the advantageous section game number counter 65 is "0". Then, when the stored value of the advantageous section game number counter 65 reaches the threshold (upper limit) "1500", the game section control means 80 determines that the end condition of the advantageous section has been satisfied, and removes the game section from the advantageous section. Move to an advantageous area. That is, the upper limit of the number of games played in the advantageous section is set to 1500, and the number of games played in the advantageous section is not exceeded 1500 times in a row.

In addition, the game section control means 80 updates the memory value of the difference number counter 64 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 with the difference number of medals in the advantageous section, and updates the value corresponding to the number of medals to be paid out (for example, 7 If there is a payout of 2 medals, it is set as ``7'', and if no winnings are won and there is no payout, it is set as ``0''), which corresponds to the number of medals used in the game. The value (for example, if 3 coins are inserted, it is set as "3") is subtracted to obtain the calculation result of the difference number of coins in the game, and this calculation result is added to the stored value of the difference number counter 64. Perform update processing. Note that the game section control means 80 does not add to the difference number counter 64 in the non-advantageous section. Further, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, the stored value of the differential sheet number counter 64 is "0". Then, the game section control means 80 changes the game section from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section, assuming that the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied when the stored value of the difference number counter 64 exceeds a threshold value (for example, "2400"). Move to section. The stored value of the difference number counter 64 is controlled so as not to fall below the initial value "0". For example, if the stored value of the difference number counter 64 at the start of the game is "2", as a result of playing the game, If the winning combination is not won and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference number in that game will be "-3", and when the calculation result of the difference number is added to the value stored in the difference number counter 64, the initial value will be Although the value falls below "0", the value stored in the updated differential sheet number counter is configured to stop counting with the initial value "0" as the lower limit. In other words, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be earned in an advantageous section, and the point when the number of medals in an advantageous section has decreased the most is set as "0", and the increase in the number of medals from that standard exceeds 2,400. The advantageous section ends when In addition, if there is a winning replay in a game, it is treated as if the game in which the replay won has paid out medals equivalent to the specified number of inputs for the game, and the difference in the number of medals is calculated. For the next game to be offered, even if no medals are actually inserted, it may be treated as if the number of medals equivalent to the prescribed number of medals for the game has been inserted, and the difference in the number of medals may be determined.

Further, the advantageous section indicator 18 is turned off in non-advantageous sections and turned on in advantageous sections.
Note that the advantageous section indicator 18 does not need to be turned on at the same time as the transition to the advantageous section, but may be turned on before the first instruction performance is performed. Furthermore, once the light is turned on, it will not be turned off until the advantageous section ends.

As shown in FIG. 16, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state between multiple types of performance states including a normal performance state, a non-AT performance state, a chance performance state, and an AT performance state (instruction performance state). Performs production state transition control processing. As the performance state transition condition, one condition may be determined, or a plurality of conditions may be determined. If multiple conditions are set, the production state may be transitioned when one of the multiple predetermined conditions is satisfied, or when some or all of the multiple predetermined conditions are met. The performance state may be shifted based on the fact that the event has been established.

The normal performance state is a performance state corresponding to an initial state among a plurality of types of performance states. In the non-advantageous section, the performance state control means 81 sets the performance state to the normal performance state. In the normal presentation state (non-advantageous section), the benefit granting means 82 performs the advantageous section transfer lottery as described above, and when the transfer to the advantageous section is determined in the advantageous section transfer lottery, the presentation state control means 81 moves the performance state to a non-AT performance state, a chance performance state, or an AT performance state.

The non-AT performance state is basically a performance state that transitions to when an advantageous section starts, and at the beginning of an advantageous section, the probability of transitioning to a non-AT performance state is higher than the probability of transitioning to another performance state. It is also set high. In the non-AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (CZ lottery) to determine whether or not to shift to the chance performance state. Specifically, the benefit granting means 82 awards a prize to a predetermined role (for example, winning areas "Cherry", "Watermelon", "Chance", etc.; hereinafter, these winning areas will be referred to as rare roles) in a non-AT performance state. If you win, a CZ lottery will be held. Then, when it is determined to shift to the chance performance state based on the CZ lottery, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the chance performance state.

In the chance performance state, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the AT performance state. Specifically, the benefit granting means 82 performs an AT lottery when a rare combination is won in the chance presentation state. Then, when the transition to the AT performance state is determined based on the AT lottery, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the AT performance state. Specifically, when it is determined that the AT lottery is won and the performance state is to be changed to the AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 saves the memory value of the AT set number counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. A value "1" corresponding to one set of AT performance state is set to give the right to shift to the AT performance state. Note that the number of sets awarded upon winning the AT lottery is not limited to one set, but may be two or more sets, or may be selected from a plurality of types of sets when winning the AT lottery.

The effect state control means 81 shifts the effect state to the AT effect state when the value of the AT set number counter 67 is "1" or more. Furthermore, the performance state control means 81 performs a process of subtracting "1" from the stored value of the AT set number counter 67 when starting the AT performance state. Furthermore, when starting the AT performance state, the performance state control means 81 sets a predetermined value corresponding to the number of batting order navigations for one set of the AT performance state into the navigation frequency counter 66 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Set. Note that the number of times the batting order navigation is set here may be selected from a plurality of types of times, and in the gaming machine of this embodiment, "10", "20", "30", and "50" are selected. ” or “100” at a predetermined timing.

In addition, in the AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 determines whether or not to increase the number of sets in the AT performance state at a predetermined opportunity (for example, when winning a rare role). A lottery (additional lottery) is carried out to determine whether or not to increase the number of sets, and when an increase in the number of sets is determined based on the lottery result, a value corresponding to a predetermined number of sets is added to the AT set number counter 67. .

When the winning area "batting order bell" is won in the AT performance state, the instruction function control means 51 determines to execute a batting order navigation performance that notifies the correct batting order. Further, when it is decided to execute the batting order navigation performance, the performance control means 100 causes the liquid crystal display 13 to display the correct batting order. Further, the instruction function control means 51 performs a process of subtracting "1" from the stored value of the navigation number counter 66 every time the batting order navigation effect is executed. Then, when the stored value of the navigation counter 66 reaches the threshold value "0", the performance state control means 81 terminates one set of the AT performance state, assuming that the conditions for ending one set of the AT performance state are satisfied. .

The performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the AT performance state again if the value of the AT set number counter 67 is "1" or more when the termination condition for one set of the AT performance state is satisfied. Further, the performance state control means 81 performs a process of subtracting "1" from the stored value of the AT set number counter 67 when restarting the AT performance state. In addition, when restarting the AT performance state after one set of AT performance states is completed, it is also possible to once shift to another performance state and then restart the AT performance state. For example, after one set of AT performance states are completed, the game may be executed a predetermined number of times in a low expected value performance state where the expected value regarding the number of increased medals is lower than the AT performance state, and then the AT performance state may be restarted. good. In this case, in the low expected value performance state, the batting order navigation performance may not be performed, or the frequency of occurrence of the batting order navigation performance may be set lower than in the AT performance state.

Furthermore, if the value of the AT set number counter 67 is "0" when the termination condition for one set of the AT performance state is satisfied, the performance state control means 81 causes the performance state to shift to the AT performance state again. The AT performance state is terminated.

Note that the normal performance state may be directly shifted to the chance performance state or the AT performance state. For example, in an advantageous section transition lottery, instead of simply determining whether to transition to an advantageous section (non-AT performance state), it is determined whether the performance state is to be shifted to an AT performance state or a chance performance state. It is also possible to make a lottery as to whether to shift to the production state or not to shift to the normal production state. In other words, the CZ lottery may be performed in a performance state other than the non-AT performance state (for example, the normal performance state), and the AT lottery may be performed in a performance state other than the chance performance state (for example, the normal performance state or the non-AT performance state). You may go.

Note that the chance performance state has a higher probability of transition to the AT performance state than the normal performance state and the non-AT performance state, and is a performance state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal performance state and the non-AT performance state. Furthermore, in the chance presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is performed less frequently than in the AT presentation state, and the batting order navigation presentation is almost never performed or is not performed at all. Furthermore, in the non-AT performance state, the batting order navigation performance is performed less frequently than in the chance performance state, and the batting order navigation performance is almost never performed or is not performed at all.

In addition, when transitioning from one performance state to another performance state, such as when winning an AT lottery and moving from a chance performance state to an AT performance state, it is possible to move through another performance state before proceeding. good. For example, when winning an AT lottery, instead of immediately starting the AT performance state, the system shifts from the chance performance state to the AT performance preparation state (AT preparation performance state), and then shifts to the AT performance state. may be used as

Further, the AT performance state may be set according to the gaming state to which the player transitions based on winning a bonus or winning a prize. For example, when the gaming state is the RB internal medium state, the transition to the AT performance state may be made possible, and in the general medium state or the RB operating state, the transition to the AT performance state may be disabled. In other words, in the general state or the RB operating state, for example, even if the AT lottery is won, the transition to the AT performance state may not be made, or the AT lottery may not be performed.

In addition, if you win a bonus when the performance state is AT performance state and the gaming state is RB internal medium state, after the RB operation state ends due to winning this bonus, you will be transferred again via the general state. The AT performance state may be interrupted until the state transitions to the RB internal state. That is, the batting order navigation presentation may be stopped when a bonus is won, and the batting order navigation presentation may be restarted when the RB internal state is entered again.

The instruction function control means 51 performs instruction function information initialization to initialize information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as information related to the instruction function when the advantageous section ends and the game section shifts to the normal section. Perform processing. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 controls the memory value of the advantageous section game number counter 65, the memory value of the difference number counter 64, the flag (lottery result) related to the lottery related to the instruction function, and the memory value of the AT set number counter 67. And the stored values of the navigation counter 66 are initialized. That is, information related to the instruction function is not carried over across multiple advantageous sections. Further, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization processing performed when the set value is changed, the information related to the instruction performance shown here is also initialized.

When the performance state is the AT performance state and the winning area "batting order bell" is won, the performance control means 100 displays an instruction performance (batting order navigation performance) on the LCD that notifies the correct batting order and assists in winning the 7-card winning combination. Control is performed on the display 13, speaker 14, and other performance devices. If the winning area "batting order bell" is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in accordance with the correct batting order announced by the instruction performance, a 7-card winning combination will always be won and 7 medals will be obtained. It has become.
In addition, when performing the batting order navigation effect, information indicating the correct batting order is also displayed on the 7-segment display of the game information display section 17.

(Gaming value acquisition performance)
In this embodiment, by lowering the expected value of the payout rate (the ratio of the number of medals paid out to the number of medals inserted) in the RB operating state that changes when a regular bonus (RB) is won, the instruction performance (AT performance state We have adopted a method to improve medal acquisition performance (in Japan).

To be more specific, in this embodiment, the gaming state can be set to a general state in which the prescribed number of inputs is the same, an RB internal state, and an RB operating state. The lottery mode of the small winning combination is the same in the general medium state and the RB internal medium state, and the lottery pattern of the small winning combination in the RB active state is different from other gaming states. This is because the RB operating state is a gaming state in which the first class special accessory stipulated by technical standards is operating, and in other gaming states, the accessory is not operating, so it is small. This is due to the fact that the lottery mode of the winning combination cannot be changed.

In this embodiment, by devising the drawing mode of the 7-card combination when the RB is in operation, the expected value of the ball payout rate can be lowered even in the situation where the first type special bonus is in operation. is now possible. Specifically, in the general medium state and the RB internal medium state, settings are made so that 6 types of 7-card winning combinations from small winning combination 4 to small winning combination 9 are won without overlapping each other for each of the winning areas "batting order bell". On the other hand, in the RB operating state, the winning area "JAC-A" is set so that 6 types of 7-card combinations can be won in duplicate. The winning probability of the winning area "JAC-A" in the RB operating state is set higher than the winning probability of each winning area "batting order bell" in other gaming states. On the other hand, the probability of winning the winning area "JAC-A" in the RB active state is set lower than the probability of winning any of the winning areas "batting order bell" in other gaming states. This reduces the chance of winning a 7-card combination when the RB is active compared to other gaming states, and lowers the expected value of the ball payout rate even when the first type special bonus is active. It is now possible to do so.

In addition, since the player cannot know the correct batting order unless the batting order navigation performance that informs the correct batting order is executed, in a situation where the player is in the general medium state or the RB internal medium state and is not in the AT performance state, the small role 4 It is difficult to win a prize for ~9, making it difficult to win a medal. On the other hand, when the RB is in operation, when the winning area "JAC-A" is won, any of the small roles 4 to 9 can be won regardless of the mode of the stop operation, and when the winning area "JAC-B" is won, Regardless of the mode of the stop operation, you can win any of the small winning combinations 10 to 43, so if you are not in the AT production state, the batting order will be randomly selected every game even if you play the game with the batting order fixed. Even when playing a game, the expected value of medal acquisition is higher in the RB active state than in the general state or the RB internal state. However, in the AT performance state, a batting order navigation performance that notifies the correct batting order is performed, so if the player performs a stop operation according to the batting order navigation performance, there is a high probability of winning medals. In this case, it is possible to play a game with a high expected value of medal acquisition. In other words, when the RB is in the internal state and in the AT production state, the situation is more advantageous in terms of acquiring medals than when the RB is in operation, and the player is encouraged to maintain the RB internal state for a long period of time. Be able to provide motivation.

(Processing related to instruction function)
Next, processing related to the instruction function in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be explained. In the following explanation, "the AT performance state has ended" means that after the transition to the AT performance state, the memory value of the AT set number counter 67 becomes "0" and the performance state shifts to the AT performance state again. This refers to the case where the AT performance state ends (the AT performance state set loop ends) without continuing (the AT performance state does not continue). Note that, instead of the AT effect state that ends when a set number of games are executed like the gaming machine of this embodiment, the AT effect state that ends when a set number of games are executed or the setting In the case of an AT effect state that ends when the batting order navigation has been executed the set number of times, when the set number of games or batting order navigation has been executed (when the remaining number of times becomes "0"), the AT effect state ends. is finished.''

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of advantageous sections including a first advantageous section, a second advantageous section, and a third advantageous section are prepared as advantageous sections (see FIG. 17). When shifting from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section (when winning an advantageous section transition lottery), the game section control means 80 controls whether the game section is a first advantageous section, a second advantageous section, or a third advantageous section depending on the gaming state at that time. It is determined which of the advantageous sections the vehicle should be transferred to. Here, the second advantageous section is more advantageous to the player than the first advantageous section, and the third advantageous section is more advantageous to the player than the second advantageous section. Specifically, the probability of transition to the AT effect state is higher in the second advantageous section than in the first advantageous section, and the probability of transition to the AT performance state is higher than in the second advantageous section, and the expected value of medal acquisition is higher. This is a gaming area.
In addition, the gaming state referred to when moving from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section (the gaming state referred to to determine which advantageous section to transfer to) is the gaming state of the game that won the advantageous section transition lottery. It may be the game state of the first game played in the advantageous section (after shifting to the advantageous section).

In an advantageous section (first advantageous section, second advantageous section, or third advantageous section), from the start of the advantageous section until the end of the AT production state (if the advantageous section ends first, the advantageous section (until the end of the game), the instruction function control means 51 executes a process of notifying the bonus avoidance batting order. In a state where the bonus avoidance batting order is notified, winning of the regular bonus (RB) is avoided by performing a stop operation in the bonus avoidance batting order in accordance with the notification. Further, when the AT performance state ends, the instruction function control means 51 does not perform the process of notifying the bonus avoidance batting order for a predetermined period of time. That is, after the AT performance state ends, the bonus avoidance performance is not executed for a predetermined period.

The game section control means 80 shifts the game section from the non-advantageous section to the first advantageous section when the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the normal medium state of the non-RT state. In addition, the game section control means 80 controls when 600 games are executed without transitioning to the AT performance state in the first advantageous section (when the stored value of the advantageous section game number counter reaches the threshold value "600"). ), the game section is shifted from the first advantageous section to the non-advantageous section.
Note that the game section control means 80 controls the game section when the number of games played in the first advantageous section reaches 600 and the gaming state is in the RB internal medium state (RB internal medium state in a non-RT state). may be shifted from the first advantageous section to the non-advantageous section. In other words, even if the number of games played in the first advantageous section reaches 600, the game section control means 80 changes the gaming state to the RB internal medium state (RB internal medium state in a non-RT state). If not, the first advantageous section may be terminated after waiting for transition to the RB internal medium state (RB internal medium state of non-RT state).

Furthermore, if the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the RB internal medium state in the non-RT state, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from the non-advantageous section to the second advantageous section. In addition, the production state control means 81 controls when 600 games are executed without transitioning to the AT production state in the second advantageous section (when the stored value of the advantageous section game number counter reaches the threshold value "600"). ), the presentation state is shifted to the AT presentation state. In other words, the benefit giving means 82 sets the stored value of the AT set number counter 67 to the predetermined number of sets in the AT effect state when 600 games are executed without winning the AT lottery in the second advantageous section. Set the corresponding value (for example, "1").

Further, if the gaming state (RT state) at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the RT1 state, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from the non-advantageous section to the third advantageous section. Further, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the chance performance state when the third advantageous section is started. Also, in the third advantageous section, if the performance state cannot be transferred from the chance performance state to the AT performance state (the end condition of the chance performance state is satisfied before the transition condition to the AT performance state is satisfied) case), the instruction function control means 51 is configured not to perform the process of notifying the bonus avoidance batting order for a predetermined period. That is, in the third advantageous section, the bonus avoidance effect is not executed for a predetermined period after the end of the chance effect state in which the player did not win the AT lottery.

As mentioned above, the bonus avoidance effect is not executed after the AT effect state ends, so if the game continues in this state, a regular bonus (RB) will be won and the gaming state will change from the RB internal state to the RB operating state. It is set to migrate. Therefore, when the AT performance state ends and several games are played, the game state changes to the RB operating state while the game period remains the advantageous period. Then, when the game is played several more times and the condition for ending the RB operating state is satisfied, the gaming state becomes the general medium state of the RT1 state.

The gaming section control means 80 changes the gaming section from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section when the gaming state changes to the RB operating state after the end of the AT production state and then shifts to the general medium state of the RT1 state in the advantageous section. Migrate. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in a state where the bonus avoidance performance is not executed after the end of the AT performance state, the RB operation state is entered, and then the end of the RB operation state is the end of the advantageous section. This is one of the conditions. In addition, here, it is assumed that the gaming section is shifted from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section at the same time as the gaming state shifts to the RT1 state, but the timing of shifting to the non-advantageous section is a predetermined number of times after shifting to the RT1 state. This may be done after the game is played.
In addition, if a regular bonus (RB) is won while the bonus avoidance effect is being executed, the gaming state becomes the RB operating state, and even if the RB operating state ends and shifts to the RT1 state, this RT1 The advantageous section may not end until the state ends.

In addition, if it is not decided to shift to the AT performance state in the chance performance state in the third advantageous section, the bonus avoidance performance will not be executed after the end of the chance performance state, so the regular bonus (RB) will be won, The gaming state shifts from the RB internal state to the RB operating state. Therefore, when the chance performance state ends and several games are played, the game state remains in the third advantageous region and the game state becomes the RB operating state in the non-RT state. Then, when the game is played several more times and the condition for ending the RB operating state is satisfied, the gaming state becomes the general medium state of the RT1 state. Then, when the game is played 20 more times and the end condition of the RT1 state is satisfied, the gaming state changes to the non-RT state, general medium state, or the non-RT state, RB internal medium state.

In the third advantageous section, the gaming section control means 80 changes the gaming state to the RB operating state after the end of the chance production state in which transition to the AT production state was not determined, and then shifts to the general medium state of the RT1 state, Furthermore, when the state shifts to a non-RT state thereafter, the game section is shifted from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is advantageous to enter the RB operating state and then end the RT1 state in a state where the bonus avoidance performance is not executed after the end of the chance performance state in the third advantageous section. This is one of the conditions for ending the section. In addition, here, it is assumed that the gaming section is shifted from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section at the same time as the gaming state (RT state) shifts to a non-RT state, but the timing of shifting to the non-advantageous section is the timing of the shift to the non-RT state. This may be done after a predetermined number of games have been played.

Next, the basic flow regarding transition of game sections when a player plays a game will be explained with reference to FIG. 17.
First, when the player starts playing, it is assumed that the gaming section is a non-advantageous section and the gaming state is a non-RT normal state. The probability that the gaming section will shift from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section is set to approximately 1/1, so after a few (1 or 2) games are played, the gaming section will change from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section. Transition. Here, the probability that the gaming state will shift from the general medium state to the RB internal medium state is set lower than the probability that the gaming section will shift from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, so the gaming state at this time will be non-RT. It is likely that the condition is in the general condition. Therefore, after several games have been played since the start of the game, the gaming section becomes the first advantageous section and the gaming state becomes the normal medium state of the non-RT state.

Subsequently, when 600 games are executed in the first advantageous section without shifting to the AT performance state, the game section shifts from the first advantageous section to a non-advantageous section. Here, the expected value of the number of games required for the gaming state to shift from the general medium state to the RB internal medium state is smaller than the number of games 600 (plays) which is the end condition of the first advantageous section. During the period from the start to the end of the section, the gaming state will transition from the general medium state to the RB internal medium state. In addition, in the RB internal medium state, the player plays the game while avoiding winning the RB (regular bonus) according to the bonus avoidance effect, so once the player shifts to the RB internal medium state, the player basically plays the game in the RB internal medium state. will continue. Therefore, at the end of the first advantageous period, the gaming state is basically in the RB internal medium state, which is a non-RT state. That is, when 600 games are played in the first advantageous section, the game section becomes a non-advantageous section, and the gaming state becomes the RB internal medium state of the non-RT state.

Subsequently, when the game is played several times (one or two times), the game section shifts from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section again. Here, the probability that the gaming state will shift from the RB internal medium state to the RB operating state is set lower than the probability that the gaming section will shift from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section, so the gaming state at this time will be non-advantageous. There is a high possibility that the RB is in the RT state and is in the internal medium state. Therefore, when the first advantageous section shifts to the non-advantageous section and several games are played, the gaming section becomes the second advantageous section and the gaming state becomes the RB internal medium state of the non-RT state.

Subsequently, when the game is executed 600 times in the second advantageous section without shifting to the AT performance state, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the AT performance state.

In other words, considering the case where the game is started from the initial state of the general medium state in the non-advantageous section and non-RT state, the game can be played approximately 1200 times without transitioning to the AT effect state even once (without winning the AT lottery). Games ("Games from the non-advantageous section until entering the first advantageous section" + "600 games in the first advantageous section" + "Games from the non-advantageous section until entering the second advantageous section" + " When "600 games in the second advantageous section") is executed, the AT effect state is started.

After entering the AT performance state, when the set number of games are executed, the AT performance state ends. After the AT performance state ends, the bonus avoidance performance is not executed, so a regular bonus (RB) is won and the gaming state shifts from the RB internal state to the RB operating state. Therefore, when the AT performance state ends and several games are played, the game state becomes the RB operating state in the non-RT state while the game period remains in the advantageous period. Then, when the game is played several more times and the condition for ending the RB operating state is satisfied, the gaming section becomes a non-advantageous section and the gaming state becomes the normal medium state of the RT1 state (FIG. 17(b)).

Subsequently, when several games are played in the non-advantageous section, the game section shifts from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section. Here, the expected value of the number of games required for the game section to shift from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section is 20 (times), which is the end condition of the RT1 state (from the start of the non-advantageous section to the end of the RT1 state). (expected value of the number of games required to satisfy the end condition), the gaming section will shift from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section from the start to the end of the RT1 state. At this time, since the gaming state is the RT1 state, the gaming section becomes the third advantageous section.

At the start of the third advantageous section, the performance state becomes a chance performance state. Further, as described above, if the AT lottery is won in the chance performance state, the performance state shifts to the AT performance state. Then, when the AT production state ends, the bonus avoidance production is stopped again and a regular bonus (RB) is won. After that, when the termination condition of the RB operation state is satisfied, the gaming section becomes a non-advantageous section and the gaming state changes to RT1. The state is in the general state. That is, as long as the AT lottery continues to be won in the chance performance state that starts with the transition to the third advantageous section, the chance performance state and the AT performance state will be alternately repeated.

Here, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when staying in the AT performance state during the advantageous section, until the end condition of the advantageous section is met (until more than 1500 games are played or until 2400 medals are played) When the end condition of the advantageous section approaches (until the AT performance state ends, the regular bonus (RB) is won, and the end condition of the RB active state is met) The AT performance state is terminated (at the time when, for example, 1,400 games have been played or when a predetermined number of medals (for example, 2,000) have been acquired in an advantageous section). In other words, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, if the remaining number of games in the AT performance state exceeds (is likely to exceed) the number of remaining games in the advantageous section, the game machine will continue to play until the advantageous section ends (non-advantageous section). The bonus avoidance performance is stopped before the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied so that the gaming state can be shifted to the RT1 state before the end of the advantageous section is started.

Furthermore, at the end of the AT production state, if there is still time until the end conditions of the advantageous section are met (if the game has not been played a predetermined number of times (for example, 1000 times) in the advantageous section, or if a predetermined number of coins (for example, (1,500 medals) have not been earned yet), the production state can be changed without ending the advantageous section (without stopping the bonus avoidance production and continuing to avoid regular bonus (RB) winnings). It is also possible to shift from the AT performance state to the chance performance state. That is, as mentioned above, by returning to the chance producing state using the third advantageous section after the advantageous section has ended once, it is possible to avoid playing games that exceed the end conditions of the advantageous section (1,500 games or 2,400 coins). It is possible to repeat the AT production state and the chance production state over the game (games that exceed the payout), but in situations where the end conditions of the advantageous section are not exceeded, the AT production state and the chance production state can be repeated without ending the advantageous section once. The state may be repeated.

Further, after the end of the AT performance state, the performance state becomes a chance standby performance state (not shown) until the third advantageous section is started and the chance performance state is started. Here, from the chance standby performance state, there is no transition to the AT performance state, or even if there is a transition, the probability of transition to the AT performance state is set lower than in the chance performance state. In addition, after the end of the AT performance state, when transitioning to the chance performance state without ending the advantageous section, the chance standby performance state may or may not be used.

Note that the chance presentation state that starts with the transition to the third advantageous section (starts based on the end of the AT presentation state) is the chance presentation state described above (chance presentation state shown in FIG. 16: first chance presentation state). The performance state (special performance state: second chance performance state) may be different from the state). Further, this second chance performance state may be a performance state that is more advantageous for the player and has a higher probability of shifting to the AT performance state than the first chance performance state. By doing so, it is possible to improve the loop probability between the AT performance state and the chance performance state.

In addition, if you do not win the AT lottery in the chance performance state that starts with the start of the third advantageous section (starts based on the end of the AT performance state), the bonus avoidance performance will not be executed and the regular bonus (RB ) wins a prize, and then the end condition of the RB operating state is satisfied, and furthermore, when the end condition of the RT1 state is satisfied, the game section shifts from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section. In other words, in this case, since the gaming state (RT state) becomes the non-RT state when transitioning to the non-advantageous section, when transitioning to the next advantageous section, basically the game goes to the first advantageous section or the second advantageous section. The transition will be made. In other words, if you do not win the AT lottery in the chance performance state that starts with the start of the third advantageous section (starts based on the end of the AT performance state), the AT performance state and the chance performance state are repeated. The loop is now terminated.

In addition, if you do not win the AT lottery in the chance production state that starts with the start of the third advantageous section, you can win the regular bonus (RB) without ending the advantageous section (without stopping the bonus avoidance production). ), the performance state may be shifted to a chance performance state or a non-AT performance state, and the repeating loop between the AT performance state and the chance performance state may be completed. In this case, the advantageous section may be shifted from the third advantageous section to the first advantageous section by ending the chance production state and transitioning to the non-AT production state. In other words, in conjunction with ending the chance production state and transitioning to the non-AT production state, the upper limit (threshold value) of the number of games in the advantageous section staying from there is set to 600, When a game is executed, the game section may be shifted from an advantageous section (first advantageous section) to a non-advantageous section.

As described above, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game section control means 80 includes a first advantageous section, a second advantageous section, and a third advantageous section by referring to the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section. It is determined which of the plurality of advantageous sections the vehicle should be transferred to. For this reason, the types of advantageous sections that are transferred to differ depending on the gaming state, making it possible to diversify the game, as well as combining advantageous section transfers and gaming state transfers to manage conditions across multiple advantageous sections. This makes it possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing the gaming machine.

Further, the game section control means 80 causes the game state to shift to the first advantageous section when the gaming state at the time of shifting to the advantageous section is the general medium state, and the gaming state at the time of shifting to the advantageous section is the RB internal medium state (bonus (internal medium state), the transition is made to the second advantageous section. Here, since the gaming machine of the present embodiment executes processing so that the gaming state becomes the RB internal medium state when the first advantageous section ends and shifts to the non-advantageous section, the first advantageous section ends. It is possible to subsequently move to the second advantageous section. Additionally, if 600 games are played without transitioning to the AT production state in the first advantageous section, the first advantageous section ends, and 600 games are played without shifting to the AT production state in the second advantageous section. By making a transition to the AT performance state when the game is executed, the right to transition to the AT performance state is granted when a total of about 1200 games have been played. That is, the so-called ceiling for the AT performance state is set at 1200 times, and this is achieved using two advantageous sections. Here, if you try to achieve the ceiling of 1200 times in one advantageous section, the upper limit for the number of games in the advantageous section is 1500, so in the AT performance state, you can only play 300 times at most. becomes. On the other hand, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the ceiling of 1200 games is reached, about 900 games (1500 times - 600 games) remain, so it is possible to increase the number of games until the ceiling is reached. At the same time, it is possible to sufficiently secure a period during which the AT performance state continues (a period for increasing the number of medals).

Further, the game section control means 80 causes the game to shift to the third advantageous section when the gaming state at the time of shifting to the advantageous section is the RT1 state (specific gaming state). Here, the gaming machine of this embodiment performs processing so that the gaming state becomes the RT1 state and the gaming section becomes a non-advantageous section after the AT performance state ends, and in this state, the gaming machine starts playing before the RT1 state ends. Processing is performed so that the section becomes an advantageous section, so after the end of the AT production state, it will move to the third advantageous section and a new advantageous section will start, and at the same time the production state will shift to the chance production state. It has become. Therefore, as long as the AT lottery continues to be won in the chance performance state, it is possible to repeat the chance performance state and the AT performance state infinitely.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, depending on the gaming state at the time of transition from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section, which of the first advantageous section, second advantageous section, or third advantageous section is to be transferred to is determined. However, which advantageous section to move to does not have to be determined only by the gaming state. For example, basically, as mentioned above, the transition will be made to an advantageous section according to the gaming state, but if the transition is made to an advantageous section due to the winning of a rare combination, it will be possible to shift to a more advantageous advantageous section. You can also do it. Specifically, even if the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the normal medium state of the non-RT state, it may be possible to transfer to the second advantageous section, and the game state at the time of transition to the advantageous section. Even if the state is in the RB internal medium state, which is a non-RT state, it may be possible to shift to the third advantageous section. At this time, it may be arranged not to shift to an advantageous section that is more disadvantageous than the advantageous section determined based on the gaming state. For example, it is not possible to shift to the first advantageous section when the gaming state is in the RB internal medium state of the non-RT state, or to shift to the first advantageous section or the second advantageous section when the RT state is RT1 state. You may choose not to have it.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the RT state is given priority over the bonus-related state in transition to the advantageous section according to the gaming state. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the gaming state is in the RB internal medium state, the game moves to the second advantageous section, and if the gaming state is the RT1 state, the game moves to the third advantageous section. , when the gaming state is in the RB internal medium state of the RT1 state, a transition is made to the third advantageous section. In other words, it is easier to move to a more advantageous section. However, the state related to the bonus may be prioritized over the RT state.

In addition, when the transition of the gaming section and the transition of the gaming state occur in the same game, the transition of the gaming section may be performed first, or the transition of the gaming state may be performed first. For example, in a predetermined game when the gaming section is a non-advantageous section and the gaming state is a non-RT normal state, if the winning of the advantageous section transfer lottery and the winning of the regular bonus (RB) occur, the game If the section is to be transferred first, the game will be transferred to the first advantageous section, and if the gaming state is to be transferred first, the game will be transferred to the second advantageous section.

In addition, in the above, depending on the gaming state that changes based on the winning, winning, or termination of the regular bonus (RB: 1st class special bonus), the first advantageous section, the second advantageous section, or the third advantageous section will be selected. However, this bonus may be read as, for example, a big bonus (RBB: an accessory continuous differential device related to the first class special accessory). In other words, when transitioning to an advantageous section in the bonus internal medium state that is transitioned based on the winning of the big bonus (RBB), the transition is made to the second advantageous zone, and the bonus state that is transitioned to based on the winning of the big bonus (RBB). When transitioning to an advantageous section in the RT1 state based on the end of , the transition may be made to a third advantageous section.

(Modified example)
The present invention is not limited to what has been 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.

The plurality of types of advantageous sections in the second embodiment may be, for example, as follows. That is, the plurality of types of advantageous sections may have different probabilities of transition to the AT effect state (expectation level for transition).
Note that the difference in the transition probability to the AT performance state means, for example, that the probability of winning (the probability that the transition to the AT performance state is determined) in the AT lottery (including AT lottery in the normal performance state and non-AT performance state) is different. The probability of winning in the AT lottery conducted in the chance production state may be different when the transition to the chance production state occurs, and the probability of winning in the CZ lottery (when the transition to the chance production state The determined probabilities) may be different, or a combination of these may be used.

Here, the gaming machine has multiple types of states with different transition probabilities to the AT performance state, from relatively low transition probability to relatively high transition probability: low probability, normal, high probability, and heavenly state. It is assumed that there are four states. When moving from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section, it is low probability (the probability of becoming relatively high) when moving to the first advantageous section, and normal or high probability when moving to the second advantageous section. It may be assumed that the condition becomes a heaven (the probability is relatively high) and the transition to the third advantageous section occurs (the probability is relatively high). In other words, the second advantageous section has a higher probability of transitioning to the AT production state than the first advantageous section, and the third advantageous section has a higher probability of shifting to the AT production state than the second advantageous section. Good too.
Note that when moving to the second advantageous section, whether it is normal or high certainty may be determined by lottery or the like. Further, during the second advantageous section, a transition may be made between normal and high accuracy.

In addition, each state of low certainty, normal, high certainty, or heaven may not change from the start to the end of each advantageous section, such as the first advantageous section, the second advantageous section, or the third advantageous section, and may be in a predetermined state. It may also be possible to change to another state based on the trigger. In other words, each of the first advantageous section, the second advantageous section, or the third advantageous section may be in each state of low certainty, normal, high certainty, or heaven (in this case, the second advantageous section is normally There are two types: high and high accuracy). Further, there may be only one state (for example, only normal) corresponding to the second advantageous section, or there may be a plurality of states corresponding to the first advantageous section or the third advantageous section.

Further, the correspondence between each state and each advantageous section may be set as follows. That is, for example, when moving from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section, when moving to the first advantageous section, it is normal or high probability (the probability is relatively high), and when moving to the second advantageous section, it is normal or high probability (the probability is relatively high). It may be assumed that the probability is low (the probability of occurrence is relatively high), and that it becomes heaven (the probability of occurrence is relatively high) when moving to the third advantageous section. In other words, the first advantageous section has a higher probability of transitioning to the AT production state than the second advantageous section, and the third advantageous section has a higher probability of shifting to the AT production state than the first advantageous section. Good too. In other words, the probability of transitioning to the AT performance state may be higher when the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the general medium state, compared to the case where the RB internal medium state is the gaming state. .

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the game control mode and configuration of the slot machine are not limited to those of the embodiments described above. Further, the control operation described above is applicable not only to slot machines but also to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and medalless gaming machines. The present invention can be applied to gaming machines, and gaming machines include slot machines, pachinko gaming machines, medalless gaming machines, and the like.

Note that within the scope of the present invention, each embodiment can be freely combined, any component of each embodiment can be modified, or any component can be omitted from each embodiment. .

49 Game state control means 51 Instruction function control means 80 Game section control means

Claims (2)

Multiple reels with multiple types of symbols arranged,
an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine the validity of the winning combination;
reel control means that performs control to rotate the plurality of reels for each game and to stop the reels in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery in response to a stop operation;
A payout control means that performs control to give a gaming value according to the payout of the won small role based on the winning of the small role;
a game state control means for shifting the game state between a plurality of types of game states;
an instruction function control means for controlling execution of an instruction performance that assists in winning a predetermined role;
comprising a game section control means for shifting a game section between an advantageous section in which the instruction performance can be executed and a game section different from the advantageous section;
The gaming state includes a normal state and a bonus internal medium state that is entered based on winning a bonus in the normal state,
The advantageous section includes a first advantageous section, a second advantageous section, and a third advantageous section that is more advantageous than the first advantageous section and the second advantageous section,
The winning mode obtained in the internal lottery is a winning mode in which a predetermined small winning combination is won, in which a gaming value smaller than the gaming value betted for one game can be won if the prize is won, and the winning mode is a winning mode in which the winning mode is a winning mode in which a predetermined small winning combination is won, in which a gaming value smaller than the gaming value betted for one game is won if the prize is won. includes a specific winning mode in which the above bonus is won multiple times,
The instruction function control means is configured to perform the instruction performance for notifying a mode of the stop operation in which the predetermined small role can be won but the bonus cannot be won, when the specific winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery. is feasible and
The game section control means is
Determining which of the advantageous sections to transfer to by referring to the gaming state at the time of transfer to the advantageous sections ;
When the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the normal state, transfer to the first advantageous section,
A gaming machine characterized in that when the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the bonus internal medium state, the game is transferred to the second advantageous section . a gaming state control means for shifting the gaming state between a plurality of types of gaming states;
an instruction function control means for controlling execution of an instruction performance that assists in winning a predetermined role;
comprising a game section control means for shifting a game section between an advantageous section in which the instruction performance can be executed and a game section different from the advantageous section;
The gaming states include a normal state, a bonus internal state to which the transition occurs based on winning a bonus in the normal state, a bonus state to which the transition occurs based on winning the bonus, and a transition to the bonus state based on the termination of the bonus state. includes a specific gaming state to which the game will be transferred;
The advantageous section includes a first advantageous section, a second advantageous section, and a third advantageous section that is more advantageous than the first advantageous section and the second advantageous section,
The game section control means is
Determining which of the advantageous sections to transfer to by referring to the gaming state at the time of transfer to the advantageous sections;
When the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the normal state, transition to the first advantageous section,
If the gaming state at the time of transition to the advantageous section is the bonus internal medium state, transfer to the second advantageous section;
A gaming machine characterized in that when the gaming state at the time of shifting to the advantageous section is the specific gaming state, the gaming machine is caused to shift to the third advantageous section.

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