JP2023090976A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress erroneous operation in stop operation of a circulating body by a player.SOLUTION: A slot machine includes a main control unit 101 for integrally managing a game. The main control unit 101 receives a signal from each kind of sensor, such as a start detection sensor 41a, performs driving control of a stepping motor 68 on the basis of the inputted signal and starts rotating a reel, and performs stop driving control of the stepping motor 68 on the basis of input of signals from stop detection sensors 42a-44a at timing at a lapse of a predetermined period and stops the corresponding reel. In a predetermined game, a privilege having a different degree of advantage is granted depending on order of input of signals from the stop detection sensors 42a-44a. In the predetermined game, the predetermined period is set for each of the stop detection sensors 42a-44a such that the stop detection sensors 42a-44a become effective in order advantageous to a player.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as slot machines.

A slot machine is an example of a gaming machine that rotates and then stops a plurality of reels. In the slot machine, a plurality of symbols are provided on the outer peripheral portion of each reel, and a part of the symbols provided to each reel can be visually recognized through a display window. When the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, the reels start rotating, and after the reels start rotating, the reels are sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that medals are inserted and a start lever is operated, and the symbols in which the lottery result is winning and the player wins on the preset effective line are stopped. On the condition that the game is played, a predetermined number of medals are paid out, or a predetermined game (special game state) advantageous to the player is generated.

In this slot machine, a stop button is operated from the start of rotation of each reel until the rotation speed reaches a constant speed rotation, or a stop corresponding to another reel is performed during a period in which stop control is performed for one reel. Even if a button is operated, it is common that reel stop control is not performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This is because the stop control of each reel or other reels cannot be stably performed during the period until the reels reach a constant rotation speed or during the period when the stop control of one reel is being performed. Therefore, in the slot machine, there are periods during which the operation of the stop button is disabled and during which the operation of the stop button is enabled after each reel starts rotating.

JP-A-2003-180936

However, in such a configuration, when a plurality of stop buttons are operated over an invalid period and an effective period of the operation of the stop button, the reel operated during the invalid period does not stop, but the effective period The reel on the side operated to stops. In this case, a so-called erroneous operation may occur in which the reels cannot be stopped in the order or timing intended by the player.

The above problem is not limited to the slot machine as exemplified above, but also applies to other game machines that cyclically display a plurality of patterns and then terminate the cyclical display based on the operation of the stop operation means. It is a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine capable of suppressing an erroneous operation when a player stops a revolving body.

The present invention
a plurality of circulating bodies that circulate in the circumferential direction and in which a plurality of types of patterns are arranged in the circumferential direction;
a display window portion that allows visual recognition of a part of the patterns of each of the circular bodies;
starting operation means operated to start orbiting each of the orbiting bodies;
Lottery means for performing a lottery for a winning combination based on the operation of the starting operation means;
a driving means provided for each of the revolving bodies, for rotating each of the revolving bodies;
start drive control means for starting drive control of the drive means to start orbiting each of the orbiting bodies based on the operation of the start operation means;
a plurality of stop operation means operated to individually stop the circulation of each of the circulation bodies;
a stop drive control means for controlling the stop drive of each of the drive means so as to stop the circulation of the rotating body corresponding to the operated stop operation means, based on the operation of each of the stop operation means;
A prize is given to the player as winning is established based on the fact that the winning combination won in the lottery of the said combination and the corresponding winning pattern form a predetermined combination and stop at an effective position visible from the display window. a privilege granting means;
with
The stop drive control means is configured to stop the first specific pattern at the effective position when the lottery result of the combination is a specific result and the stop operation means are operated in a first specific order. While executing the stop drive control of the body, when the lottery result of the winning combination is the specified result and the stop operation means are operated in the second specified order, the second specified pattern is placed at the effective position. Special stop drive control means for executing the stop drive control of each of the winding bodies to stop them,
The privilege granting means grants a first special privilege advantageous to the player based on the fact that the first specific pattern has stopped at the effective position, while the second specific pattern has stopped at the effective position. a special privilege giving means for giving a second special privilege that is more disadvantageous to the player than the first special privilege based on
After the orbiting body starts to circulate, an invalid period is set for invalidating the operation of the stop operation means corresponding thereto,
The gaming machine performs special control so that the timing of the expiration of the invalid period is different from the timing corresponding to the first specific order, under at least one condition that the lottery result of the winning combination is the specific result. It is characterized by having special control means to execute.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation in the stop operation of the revolving body by the player.

1 is a front view of a slot machine in one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine showing a state in which a front door is closed; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine showing a state in which a front door is opened; FIG. It is a rear view of a front door. It is a front view of a housing|casing. It is a figure which shows the pattern arrangement|sequence of each reel. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a pattern and a combination line that can be visually recognized through a display window; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the winning mode and the privilege to be given; 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a main controller; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a display control device; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing; 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing; It is a flow chart which shows lottery processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table for normal game states. 4 is a flowchart showing reel control processing; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation order of the stop buttons and the winning modes that are established; FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining reel stop control; 4 is a flowchart showing RT state processing; It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table for 1st RT states. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation order of the stop buttons and the winning modes that are established; It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table for 2nd RT states. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation order of the stop buttons and the winning modes that are established; It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table for 3rd RT states. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation order of the stop buttons and the winning modes that are established; It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table for 4th RT states. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation order of the stop buttons and the winning modes that are established; It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table for 5th RT states. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation order of the stop buttons and the winning modes that are established; It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the game state. 4 is a flowchart showing BB state processing; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing game number management processing; FIG. It is a flow chart which shows lottery result correspondence processing. (a), (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the production|presentation in an auxiliary|assistant display part. (a) to (c) are timing charts for explaining the timing of executing the pressing order notification effect in the auxiliary display section. It is a flow chart which shows information lottery processing. It is a flowchart which shows a prize-winning result corresponding process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during alerting|reporting. 4 is a flow chart showing a stop command response process; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation speed of each reel and valid and invalid periods of a stop button; 4 is a flowchart showing rotation start processing; 10 is a flowchart showing operation corresponding processing; (a) is a flowchart showing extension information command processing executed by the CPU of the display control device; (a) to (d) are timing charts showing changes in valid and invalid periods of the stop button. 9 is a flowchart showing reel control processing in the second embodiment. 9 is a flow chart showing rotation start processing in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing operation response processing in the second embodiment; FIG. (a) to (c) are timing charts showing the operation of each reel based on the operation of the stop button in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing normal processing in the third embodiment; FIG. It is a flow chart showing a special reel control process in the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing rotation start order determination processing in the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing special rotation start processing in the third embodiment; FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing special stop enabling processing in the third embodiment; FIG. (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the rotation of each reel and the valid and invalid periods of the corresponding stop buttons in the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing special rotation start processing in the fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing how the valid and invalid periods of the stop button change from the start of rotation of each reel in the fourth embodiment;

<First Embodiment>
An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a reel-type game machine, which is a type of game machine, specifically a slot machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 closed, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 open, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the housing 11. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slot machine 10 has a housing 11 forming its outer shell. The housing 11 is formed in the shape of a box with an open front as a whole, and is attached to a so-called island facility by nailing or the like when it is installed in a game hall.

A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so that it can be opened and closed. That is, the housing 11 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 13a and 13b on the left side as viewed from the front, and the front door 12 is provided with bearings 14a at positions corresponding to the support shafts 13a and 13b. , 14b are provided. With the spindles 13a and 13b inserted into the bearings 14a and 14b, the front door 12 rotates with respect to the housing 11 about the opening/closing axis extending vertically connecting the spindles 13a and 13b. It is movably supported, and the front open side of the housing 11 can be opened or closed by turning the front door 12 . Further, the front door 12 is kept in a locked state by a locking device 20 provided on the back side thereof so that it cannot be opened. A key cylinder 21 integrated with a locking device 20 is provided on the upper right end side of the front door 12, and the locked state is released by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 21.例文帳に追加

A game panel 25 is provided near the upper center of the front door 12 to inform the player of the game state. Three vertical display windows 26L, 26M and 26R are formed side by side on the game panel 25, and the inside of the slot machine 10 can be visually recognized through the respective display windows 26L, 26M and 26R. The display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R may be combined into one and used as a common display window.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition plate 30. Above the partition plate 30, a reel unit 31 constituting variable display means is attached. The reel unit 31 includes a left reel 32L, a middle reel 32M, and a right reel 32R, each of which is cylindrical (annular). Each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is rotatably supported such that the center axis thereof coincides with the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R are arranged on the same axis extending substantially horizontally, and the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R correspond to the respective display windows 26L, 26M, 26R one-to-one. . Therefore, part of the surface of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is visible through the corresponding display windows 26L, 26M, 26R. Further, when the reels 32L, 32M, 32R rotate forward, the surfaces of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are displayed through the respective display windows 26L, 26M, 26R as if they were moving from top to bottom.

Here, the configuration of the reel unit 31 will be briefly described.

Each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is connected to a stepping motor (not shown), and each reel 32L, 32M, 32R can be driven to rotate individually by driving the stepping motor. It has become. The stepping motor is set to make one rotation by applying, for example, a 504-pulse drive signal (hereinafter also referred to as an excitation pulse). controlled. Also, in the reel unit 31, a reel index sensor (not shown) for detecting one rotation of the reel is installed on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. The reel index sensor outputs a detection signal to the main controller 101, which will be described later, each time it detects that the reel has made one rotation. Therefore, main controller 101 adjusts the angular positions of reels 32L, 32M, and 32R every rotation based on the detection signal from the reel index sensor and the number of excitation pulses output until the detection signal is input. It can be checked and corrected.

A plurality of patterns as identification information are drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the long side direction (circling direction). More specifically, 21 patterns are drawn at regular intervals. Therefore, 24 pulses (=504 pulses/21 symbols) of excitation pulses are required to switch a pattern at a predetermined position to the next pattern. Further, the main controller 101 recognizes the symbols that are visible from the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R based on the number of excitation pulses output after the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input, Control can be performed to stop a predetermined pattern at a position visible from 26L, 26M, and 26R.

Next, the symbols drawn on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will be described.

FIG. 6 shows the pattern arrangement of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, 21 symbols are arranged in a line on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. Numbers 0 to 20 are assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, respectively. , and are not actually attached to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, the numbers will be used in the following description.

The symbols include a "red bell" symbol (eg, 20th on the left reel 32L), a "replay" symbol (eg, 19th on the left reel 32L), a "watermelon" symbol (eg, 18th on the left reel 32L), "Red 7" symbol (eg, 17th on left reel 32L), "Cherry" symbol (eg, 16th on left reel 32L), "Senior" symbol (eg, 14th on left reel 32L), "White 7" Symbol (for example, 10th on left reel 32L), “BAR” symbol (for example, 8th on left reel 32L), “White Bell” symbol (for example, 6th on left reel 32L), “Blue 7” symbol (for example , third on the left reel 32L). Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the numbers and arrangement orders of various symbols are completely different in each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

Each of the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R is formed so that three of the 21 symbols attached to the corresponding reel are visible as a whole. Therefore, when all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped, 3×3=9 symbols are visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R.

In this slot machine 10, a total of four combination lines are set so as to connect positions where the symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are visible. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, a first line L1 connecting the upper pattern of the left reel 32L, the middle pattern of the middle reel 32M and the upper pattern of the right reel 32R, the upper pattern of the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M. A second line L2 connecting the middle pattern and the lower pattern of the right reel 32R, a third line L3 connecting the lower pattern of the left reel 32L, the middle pattern of the middle reel 32M and the upper pattern of the right reel 32R, and the left reel. A fourth line L4 connecting the lower symbol 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the lower symbol of the right reel 32R is set. Then, when the symbols stop in a predetermined combination on the activated combination line, that is, on the activated line, as a result of winning a prize, a privilege of paying out a predetermined number of medals, which are game media, is given, or the game state is shifted. It is designed to grant benefits that

FIG. 8 shows combinations of winning symbols and benefits to be given when winning.

The small winnings for which medals are paid out include cherry winning, first watermelon winning, second watermelon winning, bell winning, first special bell winning to twelfth special bell winning. When the "cherry" symbol on the middle reel 32M stops on the active line, one medal is paid out as a cherry win. That is, in the case of a cherry win, any symbols may be stopped on the activated line for the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R. In other words, it can be said that a cherry win is established when a combination of the "cherry" symbol on the middle reel 32M and any symbol on the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R stops on the activated line. Here, since the middle stage of the middle reel 32M is a position where the four activated lines overlap, when the "cherry" symbol stops at the middle stage of the middle reel 32M, the cherry prize is won on all the four activated lines. This is established, and as a result, 4 (=1×4) medals are paid out. When the "watermelon" symbols on the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R stop on the activated line, five medals are paid out as the first watermelon winning prize. When the "blue 7" symbol on the middle reel 32M and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the activated line, one medal is paid out as the second watermelon winning prize. That is, in the case of winning the second watermelon, any symbol may be stopped on the activated line for the left reel 32L. When the "red bell" symbol or the "white bell" symbol of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R stops on the activated line, nine medals are paid out as a bell prize. Further, the "red bell" pattern or "white bell" pattern on two reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stopped on the effective line, and the "replay" pattern on the remaining one reel stopped on the effective line. In this case, nine medals are paid out as a special bell prize. For example, when the "replay" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "red bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "red bell" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the activated line, the first special bell wins. As a result, 9 medals are paid out.

As state transition winning prizes in which only game state transition is performed, there are a first BB winning prize and a second BB winning prize.

When the "blue 7" symbols on the respective reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on the active line, the 1BB winning is achieved, and the "blue 7" symbols on the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M and the "white 7" symbol on the right reel 32R. ” symbol is stopped on the activated line, the 2nd BB prize is won. When these BB prizes are established, the game state shifts to the BB state.

Winnings to which the privilege of replaying that the next game can be played without inserting medals are provided include first to twelfth replaying winnings. When the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "replay" symbol on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stop on the active line, or the "replay" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "youth" symbol on the middle reel 32M. and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the active line, the first replay win is won. When the "replay" symbols on the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the active line, the second replay win is achieved. When the "replay" symbols on the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R and the "youth" symbol on the middle reel 32M are stopped on the active line, the third replay win is achieved. When the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "replay" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the activated line, the fourth replay wins. When the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "youth" symbol on the middle reel 32M and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the activated line, the fifth replay wins. When the "replay" symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on the active line, or when the "red 7" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "replay" symbols on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are on the active line. If it stops at 10:00, it becomes the 6th replay win. When the "red 7" symbol on the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M and the "youth" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the activated line, the seventh replay wins. When the "red 7" symbol on the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M and the "BAR" symbol on the right reel 32R are stopped on the active line, the eighth replay wins. When the "red 7" symbols on the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R stop on the active line, the ninth replay wins. When the "BAR" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "REPLAY" symbol on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stop on the activated line, the tenth replay win is achieved. When the "red bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "youth" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the activated line, the 11th replay wins. When the "white bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "youth" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the activated line, the 12th replay wins.

Further, when any one of the first re-game winning, the tenth re-game winning, the eleventh re-game winning and the twelfth re-game winning is established, the game state shifts to the normal game state, and the second re-game winning. is established, the gaming state shifts to the 2nd RT state, and when the 3rd re-game winning is established, the gaming state shifts to the 3rd RT state, and when the 4th re-game winning is established, , the game state shifts to the fourth RT state, and when the fifth regame winning is established, the game state shifts to the fifth RT state. In addition, although it is different from winning, from the left on the active line, the "replay" symbol, the "red bell" symbol, and the "watermelon" symbol stop, and the "replay" symbol, the "white bell" symbol, and the "watermelon" symbol. When the pattern stops, when the "replay", "youth", and "red bell" patterns stop, and when the "replay", "youth", and "white bell" patterns stop, , the gaming state shifts to the first RT state. Hereinafter, a combination of symbols that causes the game state to shift to the first RT state is referred to as a transition roll.

If any one of the sixth re-game winning to the ninth re-game winning is established, the game state does not shift. However, when any one of the seventh re-game winning to the ninth re-game winning is established, a notification lottery process, which will be described later, is performed as a special combination winning.

In the following description, a combination of symbols corresponding to each prize is also referred to as a combination of winning symbols. For example, the combination of the third special bell symbols is the combination of symbols that will result in the winning of the third special bell, that is, the combination of the "replay" symbol, the "white bell" symbol and the "red bell" symbol. Also, the symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, 32R corresponding to each winning are also called winning symbols. For example, the third special bell symbol is a "replay" symbol for the left reel 32L, a "white bell" symbol for the middle reel 32M, and a "red bell" symbol for the right reel 32R.

Returning to the description of FIGS. 1 to 5, a start lever 41 operated to start rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is provided on the lower left side of the game panel 25. As shown in FIG. The start lever 41 constitutes start operation means or start operation means operated to start rotating the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, that is, to start variable display of symbols. When the start lever 41 is operated with a predetermined number of medals inserted, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R start rotating.

On the right side of the start lever 41, button-like stop buttons 42 to 44 are provided to be operated to individually stop the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R. The stop buttons 42 to 44 are arranged directly below the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be stopped, respectively. That is, when the left stop button 42 is operated, the rotation of the left reel 32L is stopped, and when the middle stop button 43 is operated, the rotation of the middle reel 32M is stopped, and the right stop button 44 is operated. In this case, the rotation of the right reel 32R stops. The stop buttons 42 to 44 constitute stop operation means operated to stop the variable display of symbols based on the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. Stop lamps 42b, 43b, and 44b are incorporated in the respective stop buttons 42-44. These stop lamps 42b, 43b, 44b are illuminated when the stop operation of the corresponding stop buttons 42, 43, 44 is effective, and are extinguished when the effective stop operation is performed. .

A medal slot 45 for inserting medals is provided on the lower right side of the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R. The medal slot 45 constitutes input means for inputting game media. Further, if attention is paid to the fact that the medal insertion slot 45 is accompanied by an action of directly inserting medals by the player, it can be said that the medal insertion slot 45 constitutes direct input means for directly inputting game media.

A medal inserted from the medal slot 45 is led to either a storage passage 47 or an ejection passage 48 by a selector 46 as passage switching means provided on the back surface of the front door 12 . More specifically, the selector 46 is provided with a medal passage switching solenoid 46a. When the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is de-energized, the medals are guided to the discharge passage 48 side, and when the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is energized, the medals are guided. is guided to the storage passage 47 side. The medals guided to the storage passage 47 are guided to the hopper device 51 housed inside the housing 11 . On the other hand, the medals guided to the discharge passage 48 are guided to the medal receiving tray 50 from the medal discharge port 49 provided at the lower front surface of the front door 12 and returned to the player.

The hopper device 51 is composed of a storage tank 52 for storing medals and a payout device 53 for paying out the medals to the player. The payout device 53 rotates a medal payout rotary plate (not shown) to discharge the medals to an opening 48a provided in the discharge passage 48 and to pay out the medals to the medal receiving tray 50 through the discharge passage 48. It has become. Further, on the right side of the hopper device 51, a spare tank 54 is provided for avoiding a predetermined amount or more of medals from being stored in the storage tank 52. FIG. Inside the storage tank 52 of the hopper device 51, a guide plate 52a for discharging medals from the storage tank 52 to the reserve tank 54 is provided. Therefore, when the medals are stored above the height at which the guide plate 52a is provided, the medals are stored in the reserve tank .

A button-shaped return button 55 is provided below the medal slot 45 . When the return button 55 is operated under the condition that the medals inserted into the medal slot 45 are clogged in the selector 46, the selector 46 is mechanically interlocked and operated, and the medals clogged in the selector 46 are returned to the medals. It is designed to be returned from the discharge port 49 .

On the lower left side of the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R, there is provided a first credit insertion button 56 for inserting three credited virtual medals as game media at once. A second credit insertion button 57 and a third credit insertion button 58 are provided to the left of the first credit insertion button 56 . The second credit insertion button 57 is for inserting two virtual medals at once, and the third credit insertion button 58 is for inserting one virtual medal. The credit insertion buttons 56 to 58 constitute input means for inputting game media together with the medal insertion port 45 . Also, it should be noted that while the medal insertion slot 45 is accompanied by an operation of directly inserting medals by the player, each of the credit insertion buttons 56 to 58 is accompanied by an operation of inserting virtual medals based on stored memory. For example, it can be said that it constitutes an indirect input means for indirectly inputting a game medium.

A settlement button 59 is provided to the left of the start lever 41 . That is, the slot machine 10 has a credit function of storing and storing surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (equivalent to 50 medals) and payout medals at the time of winning as virtual medals. When the checkout button 59 is operated under the stored condition, the virtual medals are dispensed from the medal discharge port 49 as real medals. In this case, focusing on the function of paying out credited virtual medals as real medals, it can be said that the checkout button 59 constitutes a checkout operation means for actually paying out the stored game media.

Below the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R of the game panel 25 are a credit display portion 60 for displaying the number of credited virtual medals, and a remaining number of payouts for displaying the number of remaining medals to be paid out until the BB state ends. A display unit 61 and a payout number display unit 62 for displaying the number of medals paid out at the time of winning are provided. Although these display units 60 to 62 are composed of 7-segment displays, it is of course possible to replace them with liquid crystal displays or the like.

At the top of the front door 12, an upper lamp 63 that lights up or blinks as the game progresses, and a pair of left and right lamps that emit various sound effects as the game progresses and notify the player of the game state. A speaker 64 and an auxiliary display section 65 for giving various information to the player are provided. The auxiliary display section 65 is for executing various display effects as the game progresses. It is called an auxiliary display section 65 . An upper lamp 63 , a speaker 64 , and a display control device 81 for driving the auxiliary display section 65 are provided behind the auxiliary display section 65 .

A power supply box 70 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 51 inside the housing 11 . The power supply box 70 accommodates the power supply device 91 therein, and is provided with a power switch 71, a reset button 72, a setting key insertion hole 73, and the like. The power switch 71 is a start switch for supplying power to each unit including the main controller 101 . The reset button 72 is a switch for resetting the error state of the slot machine 10 . The setting key insertion hole 73 is used by a hall manager or the like to adjust the payout of medals. That is, the winning probability of the slot machine 10 can be set by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turning it on by the hall manager or the like. The reset button 72 is operated not only when resetting the error state but also when changing the winning probability of the slot machine 10 .

Above the reel unit 31, a main control device 101 for overall management of the game is attached to the housing 11. As shown in FIG.

Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The main control unit 101 is equipped with a microcomputer centered around a CPU 102 as arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply device 91, the CPU 102 is connected to a clock circuit 103 that outputs a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, an input/output port 104, and the like via an internal bus. The main controller 101 functions as a main board built into the slot machine 10 .

On the input side of the main controller 101, there are provided reel index sensors 32l, 32m, and 32r for individually detecting that the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have made one revolution, a start detection sensor 41a for detecting the operation of the start lever 41, Stop detection sensors 42a to 44a for individually detecting the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, an inserted medal detection sensor 45a for detecting medals inserted from the medal slot 45, and a payout detection sensor for detecting medals paid out from the hopper device 51. 51a, credit insertion detection sensors 56a to 58a for individually detecting operation of credit insertion buttons 56 to 58, settlement detection sensor 59a for detecting operation of settlement button 59, reset detection sensor 72a for detecting operation of reset button 72, Various sensors such as a setting key detection sensor 73a for detecting that a setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turned on are connected. It is designed to be output to

A power supply device 91 is connected to the input side of the main control device 101 via an input/output port 104 . The power supply device 91 includes a power supply unit 91a that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the slot machine 10 including the main controller 101, a power failure monitoring circuit 91b, and the like.

The power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the power failure state and generates a power failure signal when the power switch 71 shuts off the power as well as when the power fails. Therefore, the power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the stabilized driving voltage of 12 volts DC output from the power supply unit 91a in this example, and determines that the power supply has been cut off when the driving voltage drops below 10 volts. is configured to output a power failure signal. The power failure signal is supplied to each of the CPU 102 and the input/output port 104, and the CPU 102 recognizes this power failure signal to execute power failure processing, which will be described later. The power failure signal is also supplied to the display control device 81 .

The power supply unit 91a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts that is used as a driving voltage in a control system such as the main control unit 101 even when the output voltage drops below 10 volts. The time during which the stabilized voltage is output is sufficient for main controller 101 to execute power failure processing.

The CPU 102 includes a ROM 105 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the CPU 102, and a work area for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 105. In addition to the RWM 106 for securing , various processing circuits required in the slot machine 10, such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission/reception circuit, etc., and a credit counter for counting the number of credits, etc., are not shown in the figure. Various counters are built in. The ROM 105 and the RWM 106 constitute a main memory as storage means, and programs for executing various processes are stored in the above-described ROM 105 as part of the control program.

The RWM 106 is configured to retain (back up) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 91 even after the slot machine 10 is powered off. The RWM 106 includes a memory for temporarily storing various data, a winning flag storage area 106a for storing the winning lottery result, and stop information used when controlling the stop of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. In addition to the stop information storage area 106b for storing the status information storage area 106c for storing the game status such as the BB status, etc., a backup area is provided.

The backup area is an area for storing the value of the stack pointer when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like (including when the power is cut off by operating the power switch 71; the same shall apply hereinafter). Yes, when the power failure is resolved (including power-on by operating the power switch 71; the same applies hereinafter), the state of the slot machine 10 can be restored to the state before the power-off based on the information in the backup area. . Writing to the backup area is executed by power failure processing when the power is turned off, and restoration of each value written to the backup area is executed in the main processing when the power is turned on.

Further, the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 102 is configured to receive a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 91b when power is shut off due to power failure or the like. When the power is cut off, the NMI interrupt processing as the power failure flag generation processing is immediately executed.

On the output side of the main controller 101, there are stop lamps 42b-44b built in the stop buttons 42-44, stepping motors 42c-44c for rotating the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R, and medals provided in the selector 46. A path switching solenoid 46a, a hopper device 51, a credit display unit 60, a remaining payout number display unit 61, a payout number display unit 62, a display control device 81, an external centralized terminal board 121 capable of transmitting information to a hall management device (not shown), etc. It is connected via the input/output port 104 .

Next, the electrical configuration of the display control device 81 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The display control device 81 is equipped with a microcomputer centering on a CPU 82 as arithmetic processing means. The CPU 82 has a ROM 83 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the CPU 82, and a work area for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 83. The RWM 84 and the like for securing are incorporated.

The display control device 81 is provided with input/output ports (not shown), the main control device 101 is connected to the input side, and the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display section 65 are connected to the output side. there is Based on various commands input from the main controller 101, the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display section 65 are driven and controlled. In other words, the display control device 81 is a sub-board that executes auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 101 that is the main board that supervises and manages the game. In other words, the load on the main board is reduced by providing a sub-board for indirect game-related sounds, lamps, and displays. Note that the display control device 81 may control the various display units 60 to 62 .

In such a configuration, the ROM 83 of the display control device 81 stores an RT state moving image data group 85 including a pressing order notification moving image data group 85a and a special notification moving image data group 85b. By setting the video data group for pressing order notification or special notification to the auxiliary display section 65, the pressing order notification or special notification is performed on the auxiliary display section 65 during the RT state. Push order notification and special notification will be described later.

Next, each control process executed by the CPU 102 of the main controller 101 will be described. The processing of the CPU 102 can be broadly classified into main processing that is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (with a cycle of 1.49 msec in this embodiment), and a power failure signal to the NMI terminal. There is an NMI interrupt process that is started with the input of . Of these processes, processes related to the progress of the game, that is, timer interrupt processes and normal processes performed in the main process will be described below.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing periodically executed by the main controller 101. The CPU 102 of the main controller 101 generates a timer interrupt every 1.49 msec, for example.

First, in the register saving process shown in step S101, the values of all the registers in the CPU 102 used in the normal process, which will be described later, are saved in the backup area of the RWM 106. FIG. In step S102, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag is set. When the power failure flag is set, the process proceeds to step S103 to execute power failure processing.

Here, an outline of power failure processing will be described.

When the power supply is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 91b of the power supply device 91, and the power failure signal is input to the main controller 101 via the NMI terminal. When a power failure signal is input, main controller 101 immediately executes NMI interrupt processing and sets a power failure flag in a power failure flag storage area provided in RWM 106 .

In the power failure processing, first, it is determined whether or not the command transmission has been completed. If the transmission has not been completed, this processing is terminated, the timer interrupt processing is resumed, and the command transmission is terminated. When command transmission is completed, the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 102 is saved in the backup area of the RWM 106 . After that, the output state of the output port in the input/output port 104 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, when the power failure is resolved, a judgment value for judging whether or not the data in the RWM 106 is normal is calculated and stored in the backup area, thereby inhibiting subsequent RWM access. After the above processing is performed, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power is completely cut off and the processing cannot be executed. Considering the case where the power failure flag is erroneously set due to, for example, noise, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure signal is being output until entering an infinite loop. If the power failure signal is not output, it means that the power failure state has been restored. Therefore, writing to the RWM 106 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the timer interrupt processing is resumed. If the power failure signal continues to be output, an infinite loop is entered as it is. Incidentally, whether or not the power failure signal is output is checked even under the infinite loop, and when the power failure signal is no longer output, the process proceeds to the main process.

Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process, when the power failure flag is not set in step S102, various processes after step S104 are performed.

That is, in step S104, clearing processing of the watchdog timer for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S105, the CPU 102 performs an interrupt end declaration process to enable the next timer interrupt to be set. In step S106, in order to rotate the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, stepping motor control processing is performed to drive the stepping motors 42c to 44c, which are the respective spinning drum drive motors. In step S107, the states of various sensors (see FIG. 9) such as the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a, inserted medal detection sensor 45a, payout detection sensor 51a, etc. connected to the input/output port 104 are read, and whether the read result is normal or not. Sensor monitoring processing is performed to monitor whether or not. In step S108, timer calculation processing is performed to subtract the value of each counter or timer. In step S109, counter processing is performed to output to the external centralized terminal board 121 the results of counting the number of bets of medals and the number of payouts.

In step S110, command output processing for transmitting various commands to the display control device 81 is performed. In step S111, segment data setting processing for setting segment data to be displayed in the credit display section 60, the remaining payout number display section 61, and the payout number display section 62 is performed. In step S112, a segment data display process is performed to supply the segment data set by the segment data setting process to each of the display units 60 to 62 and display corresponding numerals, symbols, and the like. In step S113, port output processing for outputting data corresponding to the I/O device from the input/output port 104 is performed. In step S114, the values of each register saved in the backup area in step S101 are returned to the corresponding registers in the CPU 102, respectively. After that, in step S115, interrupt permission processing for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processing is terminated.

Next, normal processing for performing main controls related to the game will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

First, in step S201, interrupt permission processing for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed. In step S202, pre-start processing for enabling a game is performed. In the pre-start process, the process waits until the display control device 81 or the like finishes initialization. When the initialization of the display control device 81 and the like is completed, game management processing shown in steps S203 to S213 is performed.

As game management processing, in step S203, data such as various game information stored in the RWM 106 (for example, random numbers used in the previous game) are cleared. After that, in step S204, start waiting processing is performed.

In the start waiting process, it is determined whether or not any one of the first to twelfth regame wins has been established in the previous game. If any of the replay wins have been established, automatic injection processing for automatically inserting the same number of virtual medals as the number of previous bets is performed, and the start waiting processing is terminated. Note that in the automatic insertion process, virtual medals are inserted without reducing the number of virtual medals displayed on the credit display section 60 . In other words, if any of the replay wins are established in the previous game, the player can play the current game without reducing the number of medals owned and without inserting medals. If none of the replay wins have been established, a sensor abnormality confirmation process is performed to confirm whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the sensor reading result performed in the sensor monitoring process (step S107) of the timer interrupt process. When an abnormality occurs, the slot machine 10 is placed in an error state and an abnormality occurrence process is performed to notify the occurrence of the error. This error state is maintained until the reset button 72 is operated. Medal return processing for determining whether or not the settlement button 59 has been operated when the reading result of the sensor is normal, and paying out the same number of medals as credited virtual medals when the settlement button 59 has been operated. I do. After the completion of the medal return processing or when the settlement button 59 is not operated, whether or not the insertion of medals or the operation of the insertion of credit buttons 56 to 58 has been performed between the previous start waiting processing and the current start waiting processing. If either one is performed, a medal insertion process for changing the number of bets, etc. is performed, and the start waiting process is terminated. Also, if neither the insertion of medals nor the operation of the insertion of credit buttons 56 to 58 has been performed between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, the start waiting process is terminated as it is.

After the end of the start waiting process, it is determined in step S205 whether or not the number of bets on medals has reached a specified number (three in this embodiment). , and the processes after the sensor abnormality confirmation process are performed. If the number of bets has reached the specified number, it is determined whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated in step S206. If the start lever 41 has not been operated, the process returns to the start waiting process of step S204, and the processes after the sensor abnormality confirmation process are performed.

On the other hand, when the start lever 41 is operated, the game is started when the start lever 41 is operated under the condition that the prescribed number of medals are betted. It means that a command has occurred. In this case, in step S207, effective line setting processing is performed to set all the combination lines of the first line L1 to fourth line L4 as effective lines, and in step S208, the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is turned off. It switches to an excited state and prohibits acceptance of bets. Thereafter, lottery processing in step S209, reel control processing in step S210, medal payout processing in step S211, RT state processing in step S212, and BB state processing in step S213 are sequentially executed, and the process returns to step S203.

Next, lottery processing in step S209 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

In step S301, a random number to be used when judging whether a winning combination is right or wrong is obtained. In this slot machine 10, when the start lever 41 is operated, the hardware circuit latches the value of the free-run counter at that time. The free-run counter generates a random number from 0 to 65535, and after confirming the operation of the start lever 41, the CPU 102 stores the value latched by the hardware circuit in the RWM 106. FIG. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to quickly obtain a random number at the timing when the start lever 41 is operated, and it is possible to avoid problems such as synchronization. The hardware circuit of the slot machine 10 is configured to latch the value of the free-run counter each time the start lever 41 is operated.

After obtaining the random number, in step S302, a lottery table for judging whether the winning combination is right or wrong is selected. The slot machine 10 has seven game states, which are roughly classified into a normal game state, a first RT state, a second RT state, a third RT state, a fourth RT state, a fifth RT state, and a BB state. Therefore, in step S302, the current game state of the slot machine 10 is determined based on the setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c, and the lottery table corresponding to the game state is selected. For example, when the setting flag is not set in the state information storage area 106c, it is determined that the current game state is the normal game state, and the lottery table for the normal game state is selected. In addition, in the slot machine 10, six levels of winning probabilities from "setting 1" to "setting 6" are prepared in advance, and a setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole and turned on, and a predetermined operation is performed. By doing so, it is possible to set on which winning probability the internal processing is to be executed. In step S302, when the setting state is "setting 1", the lottery table with the lowest expected value of medal payout is selected, and when the setting state is "setting 6", the lottery table with the highest expected value of medal payout is selected.

The lottery table will be briefly explained. FIG. 14 is a lottery table for normal game state selected in the normal game state of "setting 3". Index values IV are set in the lottery table, and each index value IV is uniquely associated with a winning combination and a point value PV is set.

After selecting the lottery table, the index value IV is set to 1 in step S303, and the determination value DV used when determining whether the winning combination is right or wrong is set in the subsequent step S304. In this determination value setting process, a new determination value DV is set by adding the current index value IV and the corresponding point value PV to the current determination value DV. In the initial determination value setting process, the random value obtained in step S301 is used as the current determination value DV, and the current index value IV of 1 and the corresponding point value PV are added to this random value to create a new value. Let it be the judgment value DV.

After that, in step S305, it is determined whether the winning combination corresponding to the index value IV is correct. Whether or not the judgment value DV exceeds 65535 is judged in the winning judgment. If it exceeds 65535, the process proceeds to step S306, and the winning flag corresponding to the index value IV at that time is set in the winning flag storage area 106a of the RWM106. For example, when the determination value DV exceeds 65535 when IV=6, in step S306, a winning flag indicating that the cherry and the second watermelon have been won is set in the winning flag storage area 106a.

By the way, the set winning flag indicates that the first BB has been won (hereinafter referred to as the "first BB winning flag") or the winning flag indicating that the second BB has been won (hereinafter referred to as the "second BB winning flag"). ), the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a is reset after the game in which the corresponding selection flag is set ends (see step S203 of the normal processing). On the other hand, if the winning flag is the first BB winning flag or the second BB winning flag, these winning flags are reset under one of the conditions that the corresponding BB winning has been established. That is, the first BB winning flag and the second BB winning flag may be valid over a plurality of games. In step S306 in a state in which the 1st BB winning flag or the 2nd BB winning flag is carried over, if the current index value IV is 3 to 20, the winning flag corresponding to the index value IV is set, and the current index value IV is set. If it is 1 or 2, the corresponding winning flag is not set. That is, in a game in which the 1st BB winning flag or the 2nd BB winning flag is carried over, when a combination other than the 1st BB and the 2nd BB is won, the corresponding winning flag is set, while the 1st BB or the 2nd BB is won. In that case, the corresponding winning flag is not set.

If the determination value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S305, it means that the role corresponding to the index value IV is lost. In such a case, the index value IV is incremented by 1 in step S307, and in the following step S308, it is determined whether or not there is a hand corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a determination target to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV to which 1 has been added exceeds the maximum value of the index value IV set in the lottery table. If there is a determination target to be determined, the process returns to step S304 to continue the determination of the winning combination. At this time, in step S304, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the judgment value DV used for the judgment of the previous winning combination (that is, the current judgment value DV) to obtain a new judgment value DV, In step S305, it is determined whether the winning combination is correct based on the determination value DV. By the way, if the lottery table shown in FIG. 14 is used to determine whether or not a role is won, the probability of winning when IV=1 is about 1/16400, and the probability of winning when IV=2 is about 2050. 1/96.4 probability of winning when IV=3, 1/262 probability of winning when IV=4, probability of winning when IV=5 is about 1/256, the probability of winning at IV=6 is about 1/16400, and the probability of winning at IV=7 is about 1/65500. The probability of winning when IV=8-11 is about 1/91.9, respectively, and the probability of winning when IV=12-19 is about 1/31.2, respectively. The probability of winning at IV=20 is approximately 1 in 7.30. Also, the probability of not winning any combination is about 1/1.80.

After the winning flag is set in step S306, or when it is determined in step S308 that there is no determination target to be determined, it means that the determination of the winning combination has been completed. In such a case, lottery result correspondence processing is executed in step S309. This process is a process for causing the display control device 81 to execute a predetermined effect according to the game result, and the lottery result handling process will be described in detail later. In step S310, stop information setting processing for setting stop information for reel stop control is performed, and the lottery processing ends.

Next, the reel control processing in step S210 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

In the reel control process, first, in step S401, a rotation start process for starting rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is performed.

In the rotation start process, the stepping motors 42c to 44c are driven and controlled under predetermined conditions to start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not a predetermined period (predetermined time) has passed since the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R started rotating, and perform processing for controlling the stop of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R. state. Stop lamps 42b-44b built into stop buttons 42-44 so that the player can recognize that the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be stopped when a predetermined period of time has elapsed. is displayed, the process proceeds to step S402 and subsequent steps.

Here, the predetermined period of time in the rotation start process is set longer than the period required from the start of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to the constant speed rotation. Therefore, the process does not proceed to step S402 during the period until the reels 32L, 32M, 32R reach constant speed rotation, that is, during the acceleration period of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the rotation start process in a predetermined game, one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is pressed during a period from when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate until a predetermined period elapses. If manipulated, special processing is performed. The details of this process will be described later, and here, the process after the rotation speed of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R becomes constant and a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of rotation will be described.

Following the rotation start process, in step S402, it is determined whether or not any one of the stop buttons 42-44 has been operated. If none of the stop buttons 42-44 is operated, the process waits until one of the stop buttons 42-44 is operated. If it is determined that one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S403, and whether or not the stop button corresponding to the rotating reel has been operated, that is, the stop command from the corresponding stop detection sensor Determine whether or not it has occurred. If no stop command has been issued, the process returns to step S402 and waits until any one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated. When a stop command is generated, a stop command response process is executed in step S404. In such processing, processing corresponding to the first operation of the middle stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 is executed under predetermined conditions. This stop command response processing will be described in detail later. At subsequent step S405, the corresponding stop lamp is turned off, and at subsequent steps S406 to S412, stop control processing is performed to stop the rotating reel.

In step S406, the symbol number of the arrival symbol that has reached the base position (lower stage in this embodiment) at the timing when the stop button is operated is confirmed. Specifically, the pattern number of the arrival pattern that has reached the base position is confirmed based on the number of excitation pulses output from the time when the detection signals of the reel index sensors 32l, 32m, and 32r are input. In the subsequent step S407, the number of reel slips to be stopped this time is calculated based on the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b. In the slot machine 10, as the stop modes for stopping the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated, the arrival symbol that has reached the base position is stopped as it is. A stop mode in which the reel is stopped after sliding by one symbol, a stop mode in which the reel is stopped after sliding by two symbols, a stop mode in which the reel is stopped after sliding by three symbols, and a reel is stopped after sliding by four symbols. There are 5 patterns of stop modes, including a stop mode in which the engine is stopped. Therefore, in step S407, any value from 0 to 4 is calculated as the sliding number based on the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b. After that, in step S408, the calculated number of slips is added to the symbol number of the reached symbol to determine the symbol number of the stop symbol to actually stop at the base position. In step S409, it is determined whether or not the symbol number of the arrival symbol of the reel to be stopped this time is equal to the symbol number of the stop symbol. conduct. After that, in step S411, it is determined whether or not all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R have stopped. If all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not stopped, stop information second setting processing is performed in step S412, and the process returns to step S402.

Here, the second stop information setting process is a process of changing the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b of the RWM 106 after the reels are stopped. In the second stop information setting process, the stop information is changed based on the winning flag that is set and the stop number of the stopped reel. In this slot machine 10, for example, when winning is won when IV=8 to 19, that is, when winning a bell and two types of special bells (see FIG. 14), a stop button 42 that generates a stop command. Stop information second setting processing is performed in order to change the winning mode established by the operation order of 1 to 44.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between winning flags set when IV=8 to 19, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and the winning modes established. For example, when the winning flag "12" corresponding to IV=12 is set, the stop information is set so that the first special bell win is established when the left stop button 42 is operated first, and the middle stop is set. The stop information is set so that the bell prize is established when the button 43 is operated first, and the stop information is set so that the ninth special bell prize is established when the right stop button 44 is operated first. However, even if the stop information is set in this way, the corresponding prize may not be established depending on the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44.

The pattern arrangement of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will be briefly described. In this slot machine 10, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be stopped after sliding for a maximum of four symbols from the timing when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. , and the active line is set in the middle stage of the middle reel 32M. For this reason, regarding the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R, if the same kind of symbols are arranged with an interval of 6 symbols or less, the winning symbol will be displayed regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42, 44 when the winning symbol is selected. It can be stopped on the effective line, and with respect to the middle reel 32M, if the same kind of symbols are arranged at an interval of 4 symbols or less, the winning symbol will appear regardless of the operation timing of the stop button 43. can be stopped on the effective line. A "replay" symbol, a "cherry" symbol and a "watermelon" symbol are arranged on the left reel 32L such that the interval between similar symbols is 6 symbols or less, and a "replay" symbol is arranged on the middle reel 32M. and "youth" symbols are arranged so that the interval between similar symbols is 4 symbols or less, and on the right reel 32R, the "replay" symbol and the "watermelon" symbol are arranged so that the interval between similar symbols is 6 symbols or less. are arranged as follows. Therefore, when each symbol becomes a winning symbol, the winning symbol can be stopped on the activated line regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44. On the other hand, other symbols such as the "red bell" symbol and the "white bell" symbol are arranged so as to form sections separated by more than the above interval. The player needs to aim at the symbols and operate the stop buttons 42-44.

An example will be described in which the winner is won when IV=12 and the left stop button 42→middle stop button 43→right stop button 44 is operated in this order. In such a case, each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is controlled to stop in order to establish the first special bell winning.

On the left reel 32L, "replay" symbols, which are the first special bell symbols, are arranged such that the interval between similar symbols is 6 symbols or less. Therefore, when the left stop button 42 is operated first, the "replay" symbol is stopped in the upper or lower stage regardless of the operation timing. For example, when the left stop button 42 is operated at the timing when the number 12 "replay" symbol of the left reel 32L has reached the bottom row, the number 12 "replay" symbol is displayed as shown in FIG. The pattern stops at the bottom row. As a result, there remains room for establishing the first special bell prize on the third line L3 and the fourth line L4.

On the middle reel 32M, "red bell" symbols, which are the first special bell symbols, are arranged at the 2nd, 5th, 10th and 20th positions. In the 20th to 10th section, the "red bell" patterns are arranged so that the distance between them is 4 patterns or less, while in the 10th to 20th section, the "red bell" patterns are arranged in a distance of 9 patterns. It has become. Therefore, depending on the operation timing of the middle stop button 43, the "red bell" pattern may or may not stop on the activated line. Specifically, when the middle stop button 43 is operated at the timing when any one of the 16th "red 7" pattern to the 10th "red bell" pattern reaches the middle stage, the As shown, the "red bell" symbol, which is the first special bell symbol, stops in the middle row. As a result, there remains room for establishing the first special bell prize on the third line L3 and the fourth line L4. On the other hand, when the middle stop button 43 is operated at the timing when any one of the 11th "watermelon" symbol to the 15th "white bell" symbol has reached the middle stage, the middle reel 32M is slid by 4 symbols. Even if it is stopped after it has been set, the "red bell" symbol, which is the first special bell symbol, cannot be stopped in the middle row. When the middle stop button 43 is operated at such timing, the 15th "white bell" pattern stops in the middle row as shown in FIG. 17(c). If the "red bell" symbol cannot be stopped in the middle stage, by stopping the "white bell" symbol in the middle stage, the 3rd special bell prize or the 4th special bell prize will be awarded in the situation where the winning combination is not announced. It is possible to make the player expect that it will be established.

On the right reel 32R, "red bell" symbols, which are the first special bell symbols, are arranged at the 9th and 16th positions. In the section from 9th to 16th, the interval between the "red bell" patterns is 6 patterns, while in the section from 16th to 9th, the interval between the "red bell" patterns is 13 patterns. Therefore, depending on the operation timing of the right stop button 44, the "red bell" pattern may or may not stop on the activated line. Specifically, when the right stop button 44 is operated at the timing when any one of the 3rd "blue 7" symbol to the 16th "red bell" symbol has reached the lower stage, the first special bell symbol is obtained. The "red bell" pattern stops at the top or bottom. As a result, the first special bell winning is established on the third line L3 or the fourth line L4. For example, if the right stop button 44 is operated at the timing when the 16th "red bell" pattern has reached the lower stage, as shown in FIG. Award is established. On the other hand, when the right stop button 44 is operated at the timing when any one of the 17th "red 7" symbol to the 2nd "white bell" symbol has reached the lower stage, the right reel 32R is moved for 4 symbols. Even if it is stopped after being slid, the "red bell" pattern, which is the first special bell pattern, cannot be stopped at the upper stage or the lower stage. When the right stop button 44 is operated at such timing, the "watermelon" pattern stops at the upper stage or the lower stage. For example, if the right stop button 44 is operated at the timing when the second "white bell" symbol has reached the bottom row, as shown in FIG. 17(e), " "Replay" symbol, "white bell" symbol, and "watermelon" symbol are stopped. In other words, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at the timing when the first special bell winning cannot be established, the transition roll (see FIG. 8) stops on the activated line.

It is not limited to the case of winning when IV=12, but when winning when IV=12 to 19 and the left stop button 42 is operated first, that is, the first special bell to the second special bell. 4 When the stop information is set so that the special bell winning prize is established, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at the timing when each special bell cannot be established, the transition roll will stop on the effective line. do.

Next, an example will be described in which the winner is won when IV=8 and the left stop button 42→middle stop button 43→right stop button 44 is operated in this order. In such a case, each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is controlled to stop in order to establish a bell winning.

On the left reel 32L, "red bell" symbols, which are bell symbols, are arranged at the 13th and 20th positions, and "white bell" symbols, which are bell patterns, are arranged at the 6th position. In this case, the distance between the 6th "white bell" design and the 13th "red bell" design is 6 designs, and the distance between the 13th "red bell" design and the 20th "red bell" design is 6 designs. , and the interval between the 20th "red bell" pattern and the 6th "white bell" pattern is 6 patterns. That is, on the left reel 32L, "red bell" symbols and "white bell" symbols are arranged such that the interval between the bell symbols is 6 symbols or less. Therefore, when the left stop button 42 is operated first, the "red bell" pattern or "white bell" stops on the upper or lower stage regardless of the operation timing.

On the middle reel 32M, "red bell" symbols, which are bell symbols, are arranged at positions 20, 2, 5, and 10, and "white bell" symbols, which are bell patterns, are arranged at position 15. ing. In this case, the interval between the “red bell” symbols in the 20th to 10th section is 4 symbols or less, and the interval between the 10th “red bell” symbol and the 15th “white bell” symbol is 4 symbols. The distance between the 15th "white bell" pattern and the 20th "red bell" pattern is 4 patterns. That is, on the middle reel 32M, the "red bell" symbols and the "white bell" symbols are arranged such that the interval between the bell symbols is four symbols or less. Therefore, when the middle stop button 43 is operated second, the "red bell" pattern or "white bell" stops in the middle stage regardless of the operation timing.

On the right reel 32R, a "red bell" pattern as a bell pattern is arranged at the 9th and 16th positions, and a "white bell" pattern as a bell pattern is arranged at the 2nd position. In this case, the distance between the 2nd "white bell" design and the 9th "red bell" design is 6 designs, and the distance between the 9th "red bell" design and the 16th "red bell" design is 6 designs. , and the interval between the 16th "red bell" pattern and the 2nd "white bell" pattern is 6 patterns. That is, on the right reel 32R, "red bell" symbols and "white bell" symbols are arranged such that the interval between the bell symbols is 6 symbols or less. Therefore, when the right stop button 44 is operated last, the "red bell" pattern or "white bell" stops on the upper or lower stage regardless of the operation timing. As a result, the "red bell" symbol or the "white bell" symbol of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R stops on the activated line, and the bell win is established.

When the stop information is set so that the bell winning is established, the bell winning is established regardless of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42 to 44, even if the winning is made at any of IV=8 to 19.

If the player wins when the IV is 8 to 19, the stop information is set so that the bell prize is established for two of the six operating orders of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and four operating orders are set. Stop information is set so that a special bell prize is established for the order of operations. As described above, when the stop information is set so that the bell winning is established, the bell winning is established regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44. On the other hand, when the stop information is set so that the special bell prize is established, the special bell prize may or may not be established depending on the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44.

In the case of winning when IV = 8 to 19, and the stop information is set so that the 5th special bell to the 12th special bell win is established, that is, the middle stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 is pressed first. is operated, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at the timing at which the corresponding special bell winning can be established, the special bell winning is established, and the corresponding special bell winning can be established. If the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at an impossible timing, not only is the special bell prize winning not established, but also the transition roll does not stop on the effective line. In this case, no medals are paid out and the game state is not changed.

The transition result is a case where the winning is made at IV=12 to 19, and the first special bell to the fourth special bell corresponding to the stop information set when the left stop button 42 is first operated. If winning cannot be established, it stops on the effective line. In this case, the gaming state shifts to the first RT state while no medals are paid out.

16, the order of operation of these stop buttons 42 to 44 is set so that the hand established differs depending on which stop button is operated first. That is, it is established depending on whether the left stop button 42 is operated first, the middle stop button 43 is operated first, or the right stop button 44 is operated first among the stop buttons 42 to 44. The winning combination is set to be different, and even if the second and third stop buttons are operated in the opposite order, the winning combination does not change.

Further, when the "replay" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L, the player presses the middle stop button 43 aiming at the "red bell" symbol or the "white bell" symbol when stopping the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R. It is assumed that the right stop button 44 is operated. In such a case, when the winning combination is not announced, the special bell wins with a probability of 1/4, and the transition rolls stop on the effective line with a probability of 3/4. By the way, if the prize is won at IV=7, the bell prize is established regardless of the operation order and operation timing.

Returning to the description of the reel control process, when it is determined in step S411 that all the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are stopped, payout determination process is performed in step S413. The payout determination process is a process of setting the number of medals to be paid out, with one of the conditions being that the combinations of winning symbols are arranged on the activated line. In the payout determination process, a combination of symbols formed on each activated line is derived from the symbol number of the stopped symbols stopped on the lower stage of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, and whether or not winning is established on the activated line is determined. judge. If a winning has been established, it is further determined whether or not the winning combination corresponds to the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a. When the winning combination corresponds to the winning flag, the winning combination and the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination are set in a payout information storage area provided in the RWM 106 . On the other hand, when the winning combination does not correspond to the winning flag, the slot machine 10 is placed in an error state and an abnormality occurrence process is performed to report the occurrence of an error. This error state is maintained until the reset button 72 is operated. When the payout determination process is completed, in step S414, a winning result response process is executed to progress the game according to the winning combination in the current game, and the reel control process ends. The winning result handling process will be described in detail later.

Next, the outline of the medal payout process in step S211 will be described.

In the medal payout process, it is determined whether or not the number of payouts set in the payout information storage area is zero. If the number of payouts is 0, it means that it has been determined in the previous payout determination process that a minor win has not been established. In such a case, it is determined whether or not any one of the first to twelfth re-game winnings has been established based on the winning combination set in the payout determination process. When none of the re-game wins have been established, the medal payout processing is terminated as it is, and when any of the re-game wins have been established, re-game setting processing is performed to change the game state to the re-game state. , to end the medal payout process. In addition, in the start waiting process S204 described above, the automatic insertion process is performed when it is determined that the current game state is the replay state.

On the other hand, if the number of payouts set in the payout information storage area is not 0, the same number of medals as the number of payouts is paid out, and the medal payout process is terminated. Specifically, when the count value of the credit counter does not reach the upper limit (the number of accumulated medals is 50), the number of payouts is added to the count value of the credit counter, and the value after the addition is added. It is displayed on the credit display section 60 . Further, when the count value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit, or when the count value reaches the upper limit while adding the number of payouts, the medal payout rotary plate is driven to eject the medals from the hopper device 51. It is paid out to the medal receiving tray 50 through the exit 49. - 特許庁In addition, in the medal payout process, a process of changing the number of payouts displayed on the payout number display section 62 in accordance with the payout of medals is also performed. Further, when the current gaming state is the BB state, the processing of subtracting the number of payouts from the value of the counter for the number of remaining payouts, which will be described later, and the remaining number of payouts displayed on the remaining number of payouts display section 61 is performed. .

Next, the RT state processing of step S212 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

In step S501, it is determined whether or not the transition roll has stopped on the activated line. When the transition roll has stopped, the process proceeds to step S502, and it is determined whether or not the current game state is the normal game state. If the current gaming state is the normal gaming state, the first RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S503, and this processing ends. Further, when it is determined in step S502 that the current game state is not the normal game state, it means that any one of the 1st RT setting flag to the 5th RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c. In such a case, the RT setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is cleared in step S504, and the first RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S503, and this process is terminated. finish.

When the first RT setting flag is set in step S503, the game state shifts to the first RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current gaming state is the first RT state based on the fact that the first RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and the lottery table for the first RT state is selected. do.

FIG. 19 is a lottery table for the first RT state selected in the first RT state of "setting 3". Twenty-six index values IV are set in the lottery table for the first RT state. For IV=1 to 19, the same winning combination and point value PV as in the lottery table for the normal game state (see FIG. 14) are set, and for IV=20 to 26, the first replay or the winning combination are set. A plurality of replays including the first replay are set and a point value PV is set. Then, when judging whether or not a role is appropriate using such a lottery table, the probability of winning at IV=1 to 19 is equal to each winning probability in the normal game state, and the probability of winning at IV=20. is about 1/36.9, and the probability of winning at IV=21 to 26 is about 1/54.6. Also, the probability of not winning any combination is about 1/1.80.

Here, as shown in FIG. 14, in the normal game state, if the game is won at IV=20, the sixth replay is won. The probability of winning an IV=20 is approximately 1 in 7.30. In the 1st RT state, if the player wins at IV=20, the player wins the first re-game, and if the player wins at IV=21, the player wins the first and second re-games. If it is won at IV=22, it will be won in the first replay, second replay, and tenth replay. Winning in the game and the 11th replay, and winning at IV=24, wins in the 1st replay, second replay, and 12th replay, and winning at IV=25 In this case, the 1st replay, 2nd replay, 10th replay and 11th replay are won. You win the game and the 12th replay. The probability of winning any of IV=20-26 is about 1/7.30. In other words, when the game state shifts to the 1st RT state, each role type of small win, replay, and BB is won with the same probability as in the normal game state, and a prize mode in which the benefit of replay is provided. changes to something different from the normal game state. More specifically, in the normal game state, only the sixth re-game winning, which does not transition to the game state, is established. A re-game win, a tenth re-game win, an eleventh re-game win, and a twelfth re-game win are established.

In addition, in the second stop information setting process (step S412) under the first RT state, in addition to the case of winning when IV = 8 to 19 as described above, when winning when IV = 21 to 26 Also, stop information is set to change the winning mode established by the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generate the stop command.

FIG. 20 is an explanation showing the correspondence relationship between the win flag that is set when a win is won when IV=20 to 26 under the 1RT state, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and the winning mode that is established. It is a diagram. On the left reel 32L, "replay" symbols and "cherry" symbols are arranged so that the interval between similar symbols is 6 or less, and on the middle reel 32M, "replay" symbols and "youth" symbols are arranged. are arranged so that the interval between similar symbols is 4 symbols or less, and on the right reel 32R, the "replay" symbol and the "watermelon" symbol are arranged so that the interval between similar symbols is 6 symbols or less. are placed. Therefore, when the stop information is set to establish at least the first re-game winning, regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the "cherry" symbol and the "replay" symbol that establish the first re-game winning symbol, "replay" symbol or combination of "replay" symbol, "young man" symbol, and "watermelon" symbol stops on the active line. Similarly, when the stop information is set to establish the second re-game winning, regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the "replay" symbol that establishes the second re-game winning, and the "replay" symbol. , the "watermelon" symbol combination stops on the active line.

Regarding the 10th re-game win, 11th re-game win, and 12th re-game win, even if the operation order is the same, the 10th re-game win, 11th re-game win, 12 re-game win, or 1st re-game win It is set so that winning is established. On the left reel 32L, a "BAR" symbol, a "red bell" symbol and a "white bell" symbol are arranged so as to form a section apart from the respective symbol intervals. The 11th re-game win and the 12th re-game win are established only when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at a predetermined timing. When the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at a timing other than the predetermined timing, the first regame win is established. More specifically, when the first re-game winning prize or the tenth re-game winning prize is established, the left reel 32L moves the "BAR" symbol on the activated line according to the operation timing of the left stop button 42. If it is possible to stop the "BAR" pattern, if the "BAR" pattern cannot be stopped, the "Cherry" pattern is stopped on the effective line, and furthermore, the middle stop button 43 and the right stop Regardless of the operation timing of the button 44, the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are caused to stop the "replay" symbols on the active line. Further, when the setting is made so that the first re-game winning prize or the eleventh re-game winning prize is established, the left reel 32L stops the "red bell" symbol on the activated line in accordance with the operation timing of the left stop button 42. When it is possible to stop the "red bell" pattern, and when the "red bell" pattern cannot be stopped, the "replay" pattern is stopped on the effective line, and furthermore, the middle stop button 43 and the right stop button are stopped. Regardless of the operation timing of 44, the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stop the "Youth" symbol and the "Watermelon" symbol on the effective line, respectively. Further, when the setting is made so that the first re-game winning prize or the 12th re-game winning prize is established, the left reel 32L stops the "white bell" symbol on the activated line according to the operation timing of the left stop button 42. When it is possible to stop the "white bell" pattern, and when the "white bell" pattern cannot be stopped, the "replay" pattern is stopped on the effective line, and furthermore, the middle stop button 43 and the right stop button are stopped. Regardless of the operation timing of 44, the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stop the "young man" symbol and the "watermelon" symbol on the effective line, respectively.

Among the winning flags "22" to "27", only one of the six operating orders is associated with the second replay, and the other operating orders are associated with other than the second replay. is associated with replay. Therefore, in a game in which the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, if any of the winning flags "22" to "27" is set, the probability of the second replay is 1/6. A prize is established, and a replay prize other than the second replay is established with a probability of 5/6.

Returning to the description of the RT state process, if it is determined in step S501 that the transitional number is not stopped on the payout line, the process proceeds to step S505, based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. Then, it is determined whether or not any one of the 1st re-game winning, 10th re-game winning, 11th re-game winning and 12th re-game winning has been established. If any of the replay wins are established, the RT setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is cleared in step S506, and this processing is terminated. As a result, when any one of the first re-game winning, tenth re-game winning, eleventh re-game winning and twelfth re-game winning is established, the game state shifts to the normal game state.

If none of the 1st re-game win, 10th re-game win, 11th re-game win, and 12th re-game win have been established, the process proceeds to step S507, and the win set in the previous payout determination process is established. Based on the combination, it is determined whether or not the second replay winning has been established. When the second regame winning has been established, the second RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S508, and this processing ends.

When the second RT setting flag is set in step S508, the game state shifts to the second RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current gaming state is the second RT state based on the fact that the second RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and the lottery table for the second RT state is selected. do.

FIG. 21 is a lottery table for the second RT state selected in the second RT state of "setting 3". Twenty-five index values IV are set in the second RT state lottery table. For IV=1 to 19, the same winning combination and point value PV as in the lottery table for the normal game state (see FIG. 14) are set, and for IV=20 to 25, the winning combination is the first replay. A plurality of replays including the third replay are set and the point value PV is set. Then, when judging whether or not a role is appropriate using such a lottery table, the probability of winning when IV = 1 to 19 is equal to each winning probability in the normal game state, and when IV = 20 to 25, it is possible to win. probability is about 1 in 24.0 respectively. Also, the probability of not winning any combination is about 1/2.30. In other words, in the case of shifting to the second RT state, the probability of losing is lower than in the normal game state, which is advantageous to the player. In the second RT state, the third re-game winning that shifts to the third RT state, the first re-game winning that shifts to the normal game state, the tenth re-game winning, the eleventh re-game winning, and the twelfth re-game winning. , holds.

In the second stop information setting process (step S412) under the second RT state, in addition to winning when IV = 8 to 19 described above, even when winning when IV = 20 to 25 , stop information is set in order to change the winning mode established by the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generate the stop command.

FIG. 22 is an explanation showing the correspondence relationship between the win flag set when a win is won when IV=20 to 25 under the second RT state, the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and the winning mode established. It is a diagram. On the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R, "replay" symbols are arranged so that the interval between similar symbols is 6 or less, and on the middle reel 32M, "youth" symbols are arranged at intervals between similar symbols. are arranged so that there are 4 symbols or less. Therefore, when the stop information is set to establish the third re-game winning, regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the "replay" symbol and the "youth" symbol that establish the third re-game winning. , the "replay" symbol combination stops on the active line. The first re-game winning prize, the tenth re-game winning prize, the eleventh re-game winning prize, and the twelfth re-game winning prize are as described above. Of the winning flags "28" to "33", only one of the six operating orders is associated with the third replay, and the other operating orders are associated with other than the third replay. is associated with replay. Therefore, in a game in which the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, if any of the winning flags "28" to "33" is set, the third replay has a probability of 1/6. Winning is established, and replay winning except for the third replay is established with a probability of 5/6.

Returning to the description of the RT state process, if the second re-game winning has not been established, the process proceeds to step S509, and the third re-game winning is established based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. determine whether or not If the third replay win is established, the third RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S510, and this process is terminated.

When the third RT setting flag is set in step S510, the game state shifts to the third RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the 3RT state based on the fact that the 3RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and the lottery table for the 3RT state is selected. do.

FIG. 23 is a lottery table for the 3rd RT state selected in the 3rd RT state of "setting 3". Twenty-five index values IV are set in the lottery table for the third RT state. For IV=1 to 19, the same winning combination and point value PV as in the lottery table for the normal game state (see FIG. 14) are set, and for IV=20 to 25, the winning combination is the first replay. A plurality of replays including the fourth replay are set and the point value PV is set. Then, when judging whether or not a role is appropriate using such a lottery table, the probability of winning when IV = 1 to 19 is equal to each winning probability in the normal game state, and when IV = 20 to 25, it is possible to win. Each has a probability of about 1 in 8.80. Also, the probability of not winning any role is about 1/423. That is, in the case of shifting to the 3rd RT state, the probability of losing is lower than in the normal game state, which is advantageous to the player. Then, in the 3rd RT state, there are a 4th regame win that shifts to the 4th RT state, a 1st regame win that shifts to the normal game state, a 10th regame win, an 11th regame win, and a 12th regame win. , holds.

In the second stop information setting process (step S412) under the 3rd RT state, in addition to winning when IV = 8 to 19 described above, even when winning when IV = 20 to 25 , stop information is set in order to change the winning mode established by the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generate the stop command.

FIG. 24 is an explanation showing the correspondence relationship between the win flag set when a win is won when IV=20-25 under the 3rd RT state, the order of operation of the stop buttons 42-44, and the winning mode established. It is a diagram. The "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R are arranged such that the interval between similar symbols is 6 symbols or less, and the "replay" symbol on the middle reel 32M is the same symbol. They are arranged so that the interval between them is 4 patterns or less. Therefore, when the stop information is set to establish the fourth re-game winning, regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the "cherry" symbol and the "replay" symbol that establish the fourth re-game winning. , the "watermelon" symbol combination stops on the active line. The first re-game winning prize, the tenth re-game winning prize, the eleventh re-game winning prize, and the twelfth re-game winning prize are as described above. Of the winning flags "34" to "39", only one of the six operating orders is associated with the fourth replay, and the other operating orders are associated with the other than the fourth replay. is associated with replay. Therefore, in a game in which the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, if any of the winning flags "34" to "39" is set, the probability of the fourth replay is 1/6. A prize is established, and a replay prize other than the fourth replay is established with a probability of 5/6.

Returning to the description of the RT state process, if the third replay winning has not been established, the process proceeds to step S511, and the fourth replay winning is established based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. determine whether or not When the fourth regame winning has been established, the fourth RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S512, and this process ends.

When the fourth RT setting flag is set in step S512, the game state shifts to the fourth RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current gaming state is the fourth RT state based on the fact that the fourth RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and the lottery table for the fourth RT state is selected. do.

FIG. 25 is a lottery table for the fourth RT state selected in the fourth RT state of "setting 3". Twenty-five index values IV are set in the lottery table for the fourth RT state. For IV=1 to 19, the same winning combination and point value PV as in the lottery table for the normal game state (see FIG. 14) are set, and for IV=20 to 25, the winning combination is the first replay. A plurality of replays including the fifth replay are set and the point value PV is set. Then, when judging whether or not a role is appropriate using such a lottery table, the probability of winning when IV = 1 to 19 is equal to each winning probability in the normal game state, and when IV = 20 to 25, it is possible to win. Each has a probability of about 1 in 8.80. Also, the probability of not winning any role is about 1/423. That is, in the case of shifting to the fourth RT state, the probability of losing is lower than in the normal game state, which is advantageous to the player. In the fourth RT state, the fifth re-game winning that shifts to the fifth RT state, the first re-game winning that shifts to the normal game state, the tenth re-game winning, the eleventh re-game winning, and the twelfth re-game winning. , holds.

In the second stop information setting process (step S412) under the fourth RT state, in addition to winning when IV = 8 to 19 described above, even when winning when IV = 20 to 25 , stop information is set in order to change the winning mode established by the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generate the stop command.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between winning flags set when winning is achieved when IV=20 to 25 in the fourth RT state and established winning modes. The "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R are arranged so that the interval between similar symbols is 6 symbols or less, and the "youth" symbol on the middle reel 32M is the same symbol. They are arranged so that the interval between them is 4 patterns or less. Therefore, when the stop information is set to establish the fifth re-game winning, regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the "cherry" symbol and the "youth" symbol that establish the fifth re-game winning. , the "watermelon" symbol combination stops on the active line. The first re-game winning prize, the tenth re-game winning prize, the eleventh re-game winning prize, and the twelfth re-game winning prize are as described above. Of the winning flags "40" to "45", only one of the six operating orders is associated with the fifth replay, and the other operating orders are associated with the other than the fifth replay. is associated with replay. Therefore, in a game in which the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, if any of the winning flags "40" to "45" is set, the probability of the fifth replay is 1/6. A prize is established, and a replay prize other than the fifth replay is established with a probability of 5/6.

Returning to the description of the RT state process, if the fourth re-game winning has not been established, the process proceeds to step S513, and the fifth re-game winning is established based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. determine whether or not If the fifth re-game winning has not been established, this processing is terminated as it is. set and terminate this processing.

When the fifth RT setting flag is set in step S514, the game state shifts to the fifth RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current gaming state is the fifth RT state based on the fact that the fifth RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and the lottery table for the fifth RT state is selected. do.

FIG. 27 is a lottery table for the fifth RT state selected in the fifth RT state of "setting 3". Twenty-nine index values IV are set in the lottery table for the fifth RT state. For IV=1 to 19, the same winning combination and point value PV as in the lottery table for the normal game state (see FIG. 14) are set, and for IV=20 to 29, the sixth replay or A plurality of replays including the sixth replay are set and the point value PV is set. Then, when judging whether or not a role is appropriate using such a lottery table, the probability of winning at IV=1 to 19 is equal to each winning probability in the normal game state, and the probability of winning at IV=20. is about 1/3.40, the probability of winning at IV=21 is about 1/51.8, the probability of winning at IV=22 is about 1/655, and the probability of winning at IV=23 The probability of winning is about 1/6550 at IV=24 to 29, and the probability of winning at IV=24 to 29 is about 1/16.4. Also, the probability of not winning any role is about 1/417. That is, in the case of shifting to the fifth RT state, the probability of losing is lower than in the normal game state, which is advantageous to the player. In the fifth RT state, the sixth re-game winning, the seventh re-game winning, the eighth re-game winning, and the ninth re-game winning are not shifted to the game state, and the first re-game winning and the third re-game winning are shifted to the normal game state. The 10th re-game win, the 11th re-game win, and the 12th re-game win are established.

In the second stop information setting process (step S412) under the fifth RT state, in addition to winning when IV = 8 to 19 described above, even when winning when IV = 21 to 29 , stop information is set in order to change the winning mode established by the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generate the stop command.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the win flag set when a win is made when IV=20 to 29 under the fifth RT state and the established winning mode. On the left reel 32L and right reel 32R, "replay" symbols are arranged so that the interval between similar symbols is 6 symbols or less, and on the middle reel 32M, the interval between similar symbols is 4 symbols or less. The "replay" pattern is arranged in such a way that it becomes. Therefore, when the stop information is set so as to establish at least the sixth re-game winning, regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the "replay" symbols and "replay" symbols that establish the sixth re-game winning ” symbol and “replay” symbol are stopped on the active line.

Regarding the 7th re-game winning, 8th re-game winning, and 9th re-game winning, even if the same operation order is used, It is set so that winning is established. On each of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R, "red 7" symbols are arranged so as to form a section spaced apart from the respective symbol intervals. For this reason, the combination of "Red 7" symbol, "Replay" symbol, and "Replay" symbol that establishes the 6th re-game win This is established only when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at a predetermined timing. However, if the respective stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at a timing at which the 7th re-game winning, 8th re-game winning, or 9th re-game winning can be established, the 7th re-game winning is not achieved. Each of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is pressed at the timing when the re-game win, the eighth re-game win and the ninth re-game win are established and the seventh re-game win, the eighth re-game win and the ninth re-game win cannot be established. is operated, the sixth regame win is established.

More specifically, when the sixth re-game winning prize or the seventh re-game winning prize is established, the left reel 32L moves the "red 7" symbol on the effective line according to the operation timing of the left stop button 42. If it is possible to stop the "Red 7" symbol on the active line, the "Red 7" symbol is stopped, and if the "Red 7" symbol cannot be stopped, the "Replay" symbol is stopped on the active line. When the middle reel 32M has the "red 7" symbol stopped on the left reel 32L and the middle stop button 43 is operated at the timing when the "red 7" symbol can be stopped on the effective line. If not, the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the active line, otherwise the "replay" symbol is stopped on the active line. The right reel 32R stops the "youth" symbol on the active line regardless of the operation timing of the right stop button 44 when the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M. To stop the "replay" symbol on the active line.

When the sixth regame winning prize, the seventh regame winning prize or the ninth regame winning prize is established, first, the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M are set to the sixth regame winning prize or the seventh regame winning prize. This is the same as when the setting is made so that a prize is established. The right stop button 44 of the right reel 32R is operated at a timing when the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the middle reel 32M and the "red 7" symbol can be stopped on the effective line. In this case, the "red 7" symbol can be stopped on the activated line, and even when the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the middle reel 32M, the "red 7" symbol can be stopped on the activated line. If the right stop button 44 is operated at a timing when it is not possible, the "youth" symbol is stopped on the effective line, and if the "red 7" symbol is not stopped on the middle reel 32M, the right stop button 44 is operated. To stop a "replay" pattern on an active line regardless of timing.

When the setting is made so that the sixth re-game winning prize or the eighth re-game winning prize is established, the left reel 32L can stop the "red 7" symbol on the activated line depending on the operation timing of the left stop button 42. If possible, the "red 7" symbol is stopped, and if the "red 7" symbol cannot be stopped, the "replay" symbol is stopped on the activated line. The right stop button 44 of the right reel 32R is operated at a timing when the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L and the "BAR" symbol can be stopped on the upper stage of the right reel 32R. In this case, the "BAR" symbol is stopped on the upper stage of the right reel 32R. In this case, the "replay" symbols are stopped at the bottom of the right reel 32R (see FIG. 6), leaving room for either the sixth replay win or the eighth replay win. On the other hand, if the right stop button 44 is operated at a timing when the "BAR" symbol cannot be stopped on the upper stage of the right reel 32R even when the "RED 7" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L. stops the "replay" symbol on the upper row of the right reel 32R. In this case, the "BAR" symbol does not stop on the active line (see FIG. 6). Further, when the "red 7" symbol is not stopped on the left reel 32L, regardless of the operation timing of the right stop button 44, the "replay" symbol is stopped on the effective line. The middle reel 32M stops the "RED 7" symbol on the effective line when the "RED 7" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L and the "BAR" symbol is stopped on the upper stage of the right reel 32R. If possible, the "red 7" symbol is stopped, and if the "red 7" symbol cannot be stopped, the "replay" symbol is stopped on the effective line. Further, when the "replay" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L, or when the "replay" symbol is stopped on the upper row of the right reel 32R, regardless of the operation timing of the middle stop button 43, "replay" is performed. Stop the symbol on the active line.

The first re-game winning prize, the tenth re-game winning prize, the eleventh re-game winning prize, and the twelfth re-game winning prize are as described above. Of the winning flags "50" to "55", only one of the six operating orders is associated with the sixth replay, and the other operating orders are associated with the other than the sixth replay. is associated with the replay of Therefore, in a game in which the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, if any of the win flags "40" to "45" is set, the probability of the sixth replay is 1/6. A prize is established, and a replay prize other than the sixth regame is established with a probability of 5/6.

Here, the game state transition regarding the normal game state and each RT state will be described with reference to FIG.

When the game state is the normal game state, the game state shifts to the first RT state when the transition result stops on the activated line. For transition rolls, stop information is set to establish any one of the 1st special bell winning to the 4th special bell winning, and if the corresponding special bell winning cannot be established, the game is stopped on the effective line. . In other words, the transition roll is won when IV=12 to 19, and when the left stop button 42 is operated first and the special bell win is not established, the game stops on the activated line. The probability of winning any of IV=12-19 is about 1/3.90. Also, when the player operates the middle stop button 43 and the right stop button 44 aiming at one of the "red bell" pattern and the "white bell" pattern in a situation where the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified. , the first to fourth special bell wins are established with a probability of 1/4, and the transition rolls stop on the effective line with a probability of 3/4. Therefore, when the game state is the normal game state and the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, the probability of transition to the first RT state is about 1/5.20. It should be noted that, in the normal game state, since the win/loss determination of the role is not performed with respect to the second replay, the third replay, the fourth replay and the fifth replay, the normal game state is changed to the second RT state, the third RT state and the fourth RT. No event occurs to transition to the 5th RT state. Also, in the normal game state, the probability of winning a replay is about 1/7.3.

When the game state is the 1st RT state, the game state shifts to the 2nd RT state by establishing the second re-game win, the 1st re-game win, the 10th re-game win, the 11th re-game win, and the 12th re-game win. When a re-game win (hereinafter, these four re-game wins are collectively referred to as "falling re-game win") is established, the game state shifts to a normal game state. As described above, in the case of winning at IV = 21 to 26, the stop information is set to establish the second re-game winning in one of the six operation orders, and the other Stop information is set so as to establish a falling replay winning prize in the order of operation. The probability of winning any of IV=21-26 is about 1/9.10. In addition, if a win is made when IV=20, the falling replay win is established regardless of the operation order of the stop buttons 42-44. The probability of winning at IV=20 is about 1 in 36.9. Therefore, when the game state is the first RT state and the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, there is a probability of about 1/54.6 that the state will shift to the second RT state, and the state will be shifted to the second RT state for about 8.48 minutes. It shifts to the normal game state with a probability of 1. That is, in the first RT state, the probability of shifting to the normal game state is higher than the probability of shifting to the second RT state. In addition, in the first RT state, the win/loss determination is not performed with respect to the third replay, the fourth replay and the fifth replay. No transition event occurs. Also, in the 1st RT state, the probability of winning one of the regames (1st regame, 2nd regame, 10th regame, 11th regame, 12th regame) is about 1/7.3. , which is the same probability as the normal game state.

When the game state is the 2nd RT state, the game state shifts to the 3rd RT state when the 3rd replay winning prize is established, and shifts to the 1st RT state when the transition result stops on the effective line, and the player falls. A game state shifts to a normal game state when a replay winning prize is established. As described above, in the case of winning at IV = 20 to 25, the stop information is set to establish the third re-game winning in one of the six operation orders, and the other Stop information is set so as to establish a falling replay winning prize in the order of operation. The probability of winning any of IV=20-25 is about 1 in 4.00. Also, the probability of a transition roll stopping on the pay line is about 1 in 5.20. Therefore, when the game state is the second RT state and the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, there is a probability of about 1/24.0 that the state will shift to the third RT state, and the state will be shifted to the third RT state for about 5.20 minutes. , the state shifts to the first RT state with a probability of 1, and shifts to the normal game state with a probability of about 1/4.80. That is, in the second RT state, the probability of shifting to the first RT state or normal game state is higher than the probability of shifting to the third RT state. In addition, in the second RT state, since the win/loss determination is not performed with respect to the fourth replay and the fifth replay, the event of shifting from the second RT state to the fourth RT state or the fifth RT state does not occur. Also, in the second RT state, the probability of winning any of the replays (first replay, third replay, tenth replay, eleventh replay, twelfth replay) is about 4.00 as described above. It is 1/1, and the probability is higher than the normal game state and the first RT state.

When the game state is the 3rd RT state, the game state shifts to the 4th RT state by establishment of the 4th re-game winning prize, shifts to the 1st RT state by the transition roll stopping on the effective line, and falls. A game state shifts to a normal game state when a replay winning prize is established. As described above, in the case of winning when the IV is 20 to 25, the stop information is set to establish the fourth regame winning in one of the six operation orders, and the other Stop information is set so as to establish a falling replay winning prize in the order of operation. The probability of winning any of IV=20-25 is about 1/1.47. Also, the probability of a transition roll stopping on the pay line is about 1 in 5.20. Therefore, when the gaming state is the 3rd RT state and the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, there is a probability of about 1/8.82 that the state will shift to the 4th RT state, and the state will be shifted to the 4th RT state for about 5.20 minutes. , the state is shifted to the first RT state with a probability of 1, and the state is shifted to the normal game state with a probability of about 1/1.77. That is, in the 3rd RT state, the probability of shifting to the 1st RT state or normal game state is higher than the probability of shifting to the 4th RT state. In addition, in the 3rd RT state, since the winning combination is not determined with respect to the 5th replay, the event of shifting from the 3rd RT state to the 5th RT state does not occur. Also, in the 3rd RT state, the probability of winning one of the regames (1st regame, 4th regame, 10th regame, 11th regame, 12th regame) is about 1.47 as described above. It is 1/1, which is a higher probability than the second RT state.

When the game state is the 4th RT state, the game state shifts to the 5th RT state by establishment of the 5th replay winning prize, shifts to the 1st RT state when the transition rolls stop on the effective line, and falls. A game state shifts to a normal game state when a replay winning prize is established. As described above, in the case of winning when the IV is 20 to 25, the stop information is set to establish the fifth regame winning in one of the six operation orders, and the other Stop information is set so as to establish a falling replay winning prize in the order of operation. The probability of winning any of IV=20-25 is about 1/1.47. Also, the probability of a transition roll stopping on the pay line is about 1 in 5.20. Therefore, when the game state is the 4th RT state and the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, there is a probability of about 1/8.82 that the state will shift to the 5th RT state, and the state will be shifted to the 5th RT state for about 5.20 minutes. , the state is shifted to the first RT state with a probability of 1, and the state is shifted to the normal game state with a probability of about 1/1.77. That is, in the 4th RT state, the probability of shifting to the 1st RT state or normal game state is higher than the probability of shifting to the 5th RT state. Also, in the 4th RT state, the probability of winning one of the regames (1st regame, 5th regame, 10th regame, 11th regame, 12th regame) is about 1.47 as described above. 1/1 and the same probability as the 3rd RT state.

When the game state is the 5th RT state, the game state shifts to the 1st RT state when the transition result stops on the effective line, and the game state shifts to the normal game state when the fall replay winning prize is established. As described above, in the case of winning at IV = 24 to 29, the stop information is set to establish the sixth regame winning in one of the six operation orders, and the other Stop information is set so as to establish a falling replay winning prize in the order of operation. The probability of winning any of IV=24-29 is about 1/2.73. Also, the probability of a transition roll stopping on the pay line is about 1 in 5.20. Therefore, when the gaming state is the 5th RT state and the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, there is a probability of about 1/5.20 that the state will shift to the 1st RT state, and the state will be shifted to the 1st RT state for about 3.28 minutes. It shifts to the normal game state with a probability of 1. Also, in the fifth RT state, any replay (first replay, sixth replay, seventh replay, eighth replay, ninth replay, tenth replay, eleventh replay, twelfth replay) The probability of winning the replay) is about 1/1.47, which is the same probability as the 3rd RT state and the 4th RT state.

In this way, in order to shift the game state from the normal game state to the fifth RT state, it is necessary to go through four RT states from the first RT state to the fourth RT state. In addition, when falling re-game winning is established in the 2nd RT state to the 4th RT state, it shifts to the normal game state instead of shifting to the previous RT state (that is, the RT state that stayed one before). , when the transition roll stops on the active line, the player does not transition to the previous RT state (that is, the RT state in which he stayed one before), but transitions to the first RT state. For this reason, if the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, it is difficult to shift to the fifth RT state. Incidentally, the probability of shifting from the normal game state to the fifth RT state in a situation where the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified is about 1/50000.

On the other hand, when making the transition to the fifth RT state (in this embodiment, in a situation where the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified), it is desirable to make the transition quickly. For example, if the normal game state is directly shifted to the 5th RT state, the probability of winning the winning combination (the 5th replay in this embodiment) that triggers the shift to the 5th RT state is inevitably set low. The game becomes monotonous until the transition role is won. In order to eliminate the monotony, if the winning probability of the transitional combination is increased and then the transitional combination is established according to the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the fifth RT will depend on whether or not the order of operation is notified. While the above-mentioned monotony is eliminated by changing the probability of transitioning to the state, the game will be delayed until the transition role is won even if the operation order is announced. Therefore, like this slot machine 10, when shifting from the normal game state to the 5th RT state, a plurality of RT states different from the 5th RT state are passed through, and each transition role (in this embodiment, the second replay) to the fourth replay), the delay in the game when the operation order is notified is eliminated.

Next, the BB state processing of step S213 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state. If it is not in the BB state, BB determination processing shown in steps S602 to S605 is performed.

In the BB determination process, it is determined whether or not the first BB winning flag or the second BB winning flag is set in step S602. If any of the BB winning flags is set, the process proceeds to step S603 to determine whether or not the 1st BB winning or the 2nd BB winning has been established based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. judge. Then, when any BB prize is established, a BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S604. Also, at this time, the BB win flag set in the win flag storage area 106a of the RWM 106 is cleared. In step S605, 442 is set in a remaining payout number counter for counting the remaining number of medals that can be paid out during the BB state provided in the state information storage area 106c, and 442 is displayed on the remaining payout number display section 61. process. By performing the processing of steps S604 and S605, the gaming state shifts to the BB state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current gaming state is the BB state based on the fact that the BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and the BB state lottery table is selected.

When the gaming state has shifted to the BB state, an affirmative determination is made in step S601, and end determination processing is performed in step S606. In the end determination process, for example, it is determined whether or not the value of the counter for the number of remaining payouts has become 0, and when it has become 0, the BB setting flag is cleared and the game state is changed to the normal game state.

If none of the BB winning flags is set (if step S602 is NO) and if none of the BB winnings have been established (if step S603 is NO), the remaining payout number counter is set at step S605. When 442 is set and when the end determination process is performed in step S606, the process advances to step S607 to execute the number of games management process. This process will be described in detail later, but unlike the lottery result of the winning combination in each game, this process is related to the progress of each game.

After executing the process of step S607, in steps S608 to S614, a signal output process for outputting a jackpot signal indicating that a jackpot has occurred to the hall management device or the like is performed. Specifically, first, in step S608, it is determined whether or not a jackpot signal is being output from the external centralized terminal board 121 to the hall management device or the like. If the jackpot signal has not been output, the process proceeds to step S609 to determine whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state. If not in the BB state, it is further determined in step S610 whether or not the current game state is in the fifth RT state. If the current game state is neither the BB state nor the 5th RT state, this processing is terminated as it is, and if the current game state is the BB state or the 5th RT state, an external concentration terminal An output start process for starting the output of a jackpot signal from the board 121 is performed, and this process ends.

In this manner, the slot machine 10 outputs the jackpot signal when the game state shifts to the BB state and when the game state shifts to the fifth RT state. Therefore, in a game arcade or the like where the slot machine 10 and a jackpot counter that displays the number of jackpots of the slot machine 10 are connected to each other, the transition to the fifth RT state, in addition to the transition to the BB state, may occur. can also be displayed on the jackpot counter. It should be noted that the jackpot signal when shifting to the BB state and the jackpot signal when shifting to the fifth RT state may be output from different output portions of the external centralized terminal plate 121 . With such a configuration, the jackpot counter can separately display the number of times of transition to the BB state and the number of times of transition to the fifth RT state.

If it is determined in step S608 that the jackpot signal is output, the process proceeds to step S612 to determine whether or not the current gaming state is the BB state. If it is not in the BB state, it is further determined in step S613 whether or not the current game state is in the fifth RT state. If the current gaming state is the BB state or the fifth RT state, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the current gaming state is neither the BB state nor the RT state, it means that the BB state or the fifth RT state has ended. and terminate this process.

In the present slot machine 10, the display control device 81 may or may not notify the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, thereby making it easier for the game state to shift from the normal game state to the fifth RT state. The state may become a situation where it is difficult to shift from the normal game state to the fifth RT state. That is, in the present slot machine 10, the probability of transition from the normal game state to the fifth RT state changes depending on whether or not the order of operation of the stop buttons 42-44 is notified. In the following, therefore, processing for causing the display control device 81 to notify the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 by the main control device 101 will be described.

First, the number-of-games management process in step S607 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S701, it is determined whether or not the current game is a game in which the BB state has ended. If the current game is a game in which the BB state has ended, the process advances to step S702 to perform standby game number lottery processing. In the standby game number lottery process, any value from 1 to 1280 is acquired from the game number lottery counter provided in the ROM 105 . In step S703, the value acquired in the waiting game number lottery process is set in the waiting game number counter provided in the RWM 106 of the main controller 101. FIG. After that, this process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S701 that the current game is not a game in which the BB state has ended, the process advances to step S704 to determine whether or not a penalty flag has been set. If the penalty flag is set, the penalty game number subtraction process shown in steps S705 to S707 is performed, and then this process ends. Also, if the penalty flag is not set, the process ends after performing the standby game number subtraction process shown in steps S708 to S711. The penalty game number subtraction process will be described later, and the standby game number subtraction process will be described.

In the waiting game number subtraction process, it is determined whether or not the value of the waiting game number counter is 0 in step S708. If the value of the waiting game number counter is 0, this process is terminated as it is, and if the value of the waiting game number counter is not 0, the value of the waiting game number counter is subtracted by 1 in step S709. In the following step S710, it is determined whether or not the value of the waiting game number counter after subtraction is zero. If the value of the standby game number counter is not 0, this process is terminated as it is, and if the value of the standby game number counter is 0, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified in step S711. notification flag is set, and this processing ends.

Thus, when the BB state ends, any value between 1 and 1280 is set as the number of waiting games. When the penalty flag is not set, the number of waiting games is decremented by 1 each time one game is completed, and when the number of waiting games becomes 0, the notification flag is set.

Next, lottery result handling processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

In step S801, it is determined whether or not any combination has been won. If no winning combination is won, this process is terminated as it is, and if any winning combination is won, it is determined in step S802 whether or not a penalty flag is set. If the penalty flag has not been set, the process advances to step S803 to determine whether or not the notification flag has been set.

If the notification flag is set, it is determined in steps S804 and S805 whether or not the bell (only simultaneous winning with the special bell) or fall replay is won. When the bell or fall replay is won, the process proceeds to step S806, and it is determined whether or not the current game state is the normal game state. If the current game state is not the normal game state, that is, if it is any of the 1st RT state to the 5th RT state, the process proceeds to step S807, and the notification command is set as an object to be transmitted to the display control device 81. The notification command is composed of a plurality of bits so that it can be grasped that it is the notification command and whether the bell or the fall replay is won. The display control device 81, which has received the notification command, assists the pressing order notification moving image data group 85a out of the RT state moving image data group 85 in the ROM 83 in order to notify the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 in the current game. It is set on the display section 65 . At this time, if the bell has been won, the motion picture data corresponding to the operation sequence that can win the bell is selected from the motion picture data group 85a for notifying the order of pushing, and is reported by the auxiliary display section 65, causing the player to fall. If the re-game is won, the video data corresponding to the operation order that can establish any of the 2nd re-game winning to the 6th re-game winning instead of the falling re-game winning is displayed as a pushing order notification video. It is selected from the data group 85a and reported on the auxiliary display section 65. FIG. On the other hand, in step S806, if the current game state is the normal game state, the processing is terminated without setting the notification command. This is for the following reasons. That is, in order to shift from the normal game state to the first RT state, it is necessary to operate the stop buttons 42 to 44 so that the transition rolls stop on the activated line. Since the transition result is to stop on the effective line when the special bell winning cannot be established, when the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that can establish the bell winning is notified, it is normal This is because the game state cannot be shifted to the first RT state. Further, when the bell is sounded regardless of the operation order of the stop buttons 42-44 (when the prize is won when IV=7), the operation order of the stop buttons 42-44 is not reported.

Here, in the notification of the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 by the display control device 81, when it is determined that the bell has been won in step S804, the operation order of only the stop button to be operated first is notified. is performed, when it is determined in step S805 that the fall replay has been won, the operation order of all the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified. As already explained, if the bell is won, the bell will stop or the special bell will stop depending on which of the stop buttons 42 to 44 should be operated first. is set (see FIG. 16), and when the fall replay is won, only one of the six operation orders is not the fall replay win, but the second replay win to the sixth replay. This is because the operation order is set so that any one of the prizes can be established (see FIGS. 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28). Therefore, the display control device 81 that has received the notification command selects different data from the moving image data group 85a for notifying the pressing order depending on whether the bell is won or the drop replay is won.

Here, the content of notification of the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 (pressing order notification effect) on the auxiliary display section 65 will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34. FIG. FIGS. 33(a) and 33(b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the state of the pressing order notification effect, and FIG. 33(a) shows the state of the pressing order notification effect when the bell is won. 33(b-1) to FIG. 33(b-3) show the state of the push-order notification effect when the fall replay is won. FIG. 33(a) shows, as an example, a case where a bell win is established when the middle stop button 43 is operated first, and FIG. 33(b) shows middle stop button 43 → right stop button 44 → An example is shown in which, when the left stop button 42 is operated in order, any one of the second to sixth regame wins is established instead of the fall regame win. 34A and 34B are timing charts for explaining the timing at which the pressing order notification effect is executed on the auxiliary display unit 65. FIG. 34A shows how the start lever 41 is operated, b) shows the rotation speed of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, and FIG. 34(c) shows how the pushing order notification effect is executed.

In the pressing order notification effect when the bell is won, as shown in FIG. The button display corresponding to the stop button to be operated (in the figure, the middle button display corresponding to the middle stop button 43) is given the number 1, and is larger than the other button displays and is yellow (in the figure) corresponding to the bell. is shown with diagonal lines). Thereby, the player can recognize that the bell has been won in the current game and that the stop button to be operated first is the middle stop button 43 .

In the pressing order notification effect when the fall replay is won, as shown in FIG. Among the button displays, the button display corresponding to the stop button to be operated first (in the figure, the middle button display corresponding to the middle stop button 43) is given the number 1 and displayed larger than the other button displays. be done. Also, the button display corresponding to the stop button to be operated second (right button display corresponding to the right stop button 44 in the figure) is given the number 2, and the button corresponding to the stop button to be operated third. The number 3 is attached to the display (the left button display corresponding to the left stop button 42 in the drawing), and the button display corresponding to the stop button to be operated second and third is the stop button to be operated first. Appears smaller than the corresponding button display. When the player operates the middle stop button 43 to finally stop the corresponding middle reel 32M, as shown in FIG. When the player operates the right stop button 44 and the corresponding right reel 32R finally stops, as shown in FIG. 33(b-3), it corresponds to the third stop button to be operated. button display is displayed larger than other button displays. As a result, the player can recognize that the fall replay has been won in the current game and the operation order of the stop buttons 42-44.

When the start lever 41 is operated at the timing t0 as shown in FIG. 34(a), the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are displayed as shown in FIG. 34(b). starts to rotate. Each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R reaches a constant rotation speed at timing t1 after an acceleration period. As described above, in the reel control process (FIG. 15), after the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating and the rotation speed reaches a constant rotation speed (after a predetermined period of time has passed), the stop button 42 to The operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid before the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R reach a constant rotation speed at the timing t1. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 34(c), the pressing order notification effect is executed on the auxiliary display section 65 at the same time or substantially at the time t0 when the start lever 41 is operated. That is, the notification command set in step S807 is transmitted to the display control device 81 in the command output processing (step S110) in the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 11), and the display control device 81 receives the notification command. , regardless of the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, the pressing order notification effect is immediately executed. Here, as a configuration for executing the pressing order notification effect, the configuration for executing the pressing order notification effect after each reel 32L, 32M, 32R reaches a constant speed rotation, that is, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is enabled. A configuration in which the pressing order notification effect is executed from the beginning is also conceivable, but with such a configuration, the player recognizes the operation order after the pressing order notification effect is executed, and operates the stop buttons 42 to 44. , it is not preferable from the viewpoint of smoothly progressing the game. On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is changed by executing the pressing order notification effect at the timing before the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes effective. If the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes valid after recognizing it, the operation can be performed quickly thereafter, and the game can proceed at a good tempo.

Returning to the description of the lottery result handling process (FIG. 32), when it is determined that the notification flag is not set in step S803, or when it is determined that the fall replay is not won in step S805, step Proceeding to S808, the win flag is checked to determine whether or not the player has won the special combination. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of cherry, first watermelon, second watermelon, seventh regame, eighth regame, and ninth regame is won. If the specific combination has not been won, this processing is terminated as it is, and if the specific combination has been won, the notification lottery process is performed in step S809.

Further, as already explained, even in the case of winning flags "47" to "49" and winning any one of the 7th re-game, 8th re-game, and 9th re-game, Depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the sixth re-game winning is established without establishing the seventh re-game winning, the eighth re-game winning and the ninth re-game winning. Even in such a case, in step S808, it is determined that the special combination has been won.

In the notification lottery process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 35, it is determined in step S901 whether or not the current gaming state is the fifth RT state. If the current gaming state is not the fifth RT state, the process proceeds to step S902, and a notification lottery is performed based on the random number obtained from the RWM106. In step S903, it is determined whether or not the player has won the announcement lottery. On the other hand, if the notification lottery is won, the value of the waiting game number counter is set to 0 in step S904, and the notification flag is set in step S905, and this processing is terminated. In the notification lottery in step S902, the probability of winning the notification lottery is set differently depending on the type of special combination. Specifically, in the case of the ninth replay, the probability of winning the notification lottery is 100%, which is the highest, and in the case of the first watermelon, the probability of winning the notification lottery is 10%, which is the lowest. The probability of winning the notification lottery is set to decrease in the order of replay, eighth replay, seventh replay, second watermelon, and first watermelon.

Also, if it is determined in step S901 that the current gaming state is the fifth RT state, a predetermined numerical value is added to the value of the accumulation counter provided in the RWM 106 in step S906, and this processing ends. The predetermined numerical value is set differently depending on the type of special combination. Specifically, it is the largest "5" in the case of the ninth replay, the smallest "1" in the case of the first watermelon, the ninth replay, the eighth replay, and the seventh replay. It is set so that the numerical value added to the value of the accumulation counter becomes smaller in the order of the game, the second watermelon, and the first watermelon.

The probability of winning the notification lottery and the predetermined numerical value to be added to the accumulation counter are arbitrary.

Next, the winning result handling process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S1001, it is determined whether or not the fifth replay winning has been established. If the fifth replay win is established, it is determined whether or not the notification flag is set in step S1002. If the notification flag is not set, the notification flag is set in step S1003 and then the process proceeds to step S1004. If the notification flag is set, the process proceeds directly to step S1004. In step S1004, based on the random number obtained from the RWM 106, notification number lottery processing for determining the number of notification times for notifying the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is performed. In step S<b>1005 , the number of times of notification determined by lottery processing for the number of times of notification is set in the number of times of notification counter provided in the RWM 106 . After that, this process is terminated. Incidentally, in the slot machine 10, any value of 16, 33, 50, and 75 is set in the notification number counter by performing the notification number lottery process.

If it is determined in step S1001 that the fifth replay winning prize has not been established, the process advances to step S1006 to determine whether or not the notification flag is set. If the notification flag is not set, this processing is terminated as it is, and if the notification flag is set, it is determined in step S1007 whether or not the fall replay win has been established, and step S1008. , it is determined whether or not the transition roll has stopped on the effective line. When the fall replay win is established and when the transition result stops on the effective line, it means that the game state has shifted to the normal game state or the first RT state. In such a case, the notification flag is cleared in step S1009, and the standby game number lottery process described above is performed in step S1010. In step S1011, the value acquired in the waiting game number lottery process is set in the waiting game number counter. After that, this process is terminated.

On the other hand, in the situation where the notification flag is set, if the fall replay winning prize is not established and the transition roll does not stop on the effective line, this processing is performed after performing the processing during notification in step S1012. exit.

In the in-notification process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 37, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the value of the notification number counter is not zero. When the value of the notification number counter is 0, this processing is terminated as it is, and when it is not 0, it is determined in step S1102 whether or not a minor winning combination has been established. If the minor winning combination has not been established, this processing is terminated as it is, and if the minor winning combination has been established, 9 medals are paid out in step S1103. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not any one of the 1st special bell winning to the 12th special bell winning has been established. If the 9-card small winning combination has not been established, this processing is terminated as it is, and if the 9-card small winning combination has been established, the value of the notification number counter is subtracted by 1 in step S1104. After that, in step S1105, it is determined whether or not the value of the notification number counter is zero. If the value of the notification number counter is not 0, this processing is terminated as it is, and if it is 0, the notification flag is cleared in step S1106. In the following step S1107, it is determined whether or not the value of the accumulation counter is 0, and if it is 0, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the accumulation counter is not 0, the value of the accumulation counter is decremented by 1 in step S1108, and the number of notification lottery process described above is performed in step S1109. Thereafter, in step S1110, the value determined by the notification number lottery process is set in the notification number counter, and in subsequent step S1111, the notification flag is set again, and this process ends.

Therefore, when the value of the accumulation counter is not 0, even if the value of the notification number counter becomes 0, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified again in the predetermined game. . As already explained, the accumulation counter is set in the notification lottery process (FIG. 35) so that the probability of winning the notification lottery and the numerical value to be added to the accumulation counter in the event of winning differ depending on the type of special hand. ing. Therefore, the player predicts whether or not notification lottery processing will be performed depending on the type of the specific combination, and predicts the value to be added to the accumulation counter in the event of winning, that is, whether the notification flag is set. A game can be played while predicting how long the state will continue.

Next, the stop command handling process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S1201, it is determined whether or not the notification flag is set. If the notification flag is set, this processing is terminated, and if the notification flag is not set, penalty decision processing shown in steps S1202 to S1206 is performed.

In the penalty determination process, in step S1202, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command, that is, whether or not the stop command is generated while all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are rotating. judge. If it is not the first stop command, this processing is terminated, and if it is the first stop command, it is determined in step S1203 whether the left stop button 42 has been operated as the first stop command. When the left stop button 42 is operated and the first stop command is generated, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the middle stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 is operated to generate the first stop command, the process advances to step S1204 to determine whether or not the penalty flag is set. If the penalty flag is not set, the penalty flag is set in step S1205. After that, or if the penalty flag has already been set, 2 is added to the value of the penalty game number counter provided in the RWM 106 in step S1206, and this processing ends.

As described above, in the slot machine 10, if the left stop button 42 is not operated first in a situation where the notification flag is not set, the penalty flag is set and 2 is added to the value of the penalty game number counter. It has become so.

When the penalty flag is set, in the number-of-games management process (see FIG. 31), an affirmative determination is made in step S704, and the number-of-penalty-games subtraction process shown in steps S705 to S707 is performed instead of the number-of-waiting-games subtraction process. . In the penalty game number subtraction process, 1 is subtracted from the value of the penalty game number counter in step S705, and it is determined whether or not the value of the penalty game number counter is 0 in step S706. If the value of the penalty game number counter is not 0, this processing is terminated as it is, and if it is 0, this processing is terminated after clearing the penalty flag in step S707. Then, in the lottery result handling process (see FIG. 32), if the penalty flag is set, an affirmative determination is made in step S802, and the lottery result handling process is terminated as it is. In other words, when the penalty flag is set, the notification lottery process is not performed even if the player wins the special combination.

That is, when the middle stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 is first operated in a state where the notification flag is not set, the value of the waiting game number counter is not decremented after the end of the game. Further, in the next game, even if the player wins the special combination, the notification lottery process is not performed and the value of the waiting game number counter is not decremented. Therefore, when the middle stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 is operated first in a situation where the notification flag is not set, a disadvantageous situation occurs for the player.

Next, the game flow of the slot machine 10 will be described. In this slot machine 10, the probability of winning the 1st BB is about 1/16400, and the probability of winning the 2nd BB is about 1/2050, which are very low. Therefore, in order to facilitate understanding, the flow of the game after the end of the BB state will be explained.

When the BB state ends, the main controller 101 shifts the game state from the BB state to the normal game state. At this time, main controller 101 performs standby game number lottery processing, and sets any value from 1 to 1280 in the standby game number counter. A notification flag for notifying the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is set when the number of waiting games becomes zero. That is, when the number of standby games is not 0, the order of operation of the stop buttons 42-44 is not notified.

When the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, the probability of transition from one game state to another game state is set low, and it is very difficult to shift from the normal game state to the fifth RT state. ing.

Therefore, the player must play each game so that the number of waiting games becomes zero. The number of standby games is decremented by 1 when a game is played by first operating the left stop button 42 in a situation where the penalty flag is not set. In addition, when the specific role is won and the information lottery is won under the condition that the penalty flag is not set, the number of standby games is set to zero. The penalty flag is set when the middle stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 is first operated in a situation where the notification flag is not set. In other words, in order to set the number of waiting games to 0, the left stop button 42 must be operated first in each game.

When the number of waiting games becomes 0, a notification flag is set. Then, when the bell or fall replay is won in the 1st RT state to the 4th RT state, the display control device 81 notifies the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 . By operating the stop buttons 42 to 44 in the notified operation order, the player can win a bell prize or win a second re-game to a fifth re-game ( Hereinafter, it is also referred to as "promoted re-game winning prize".) can be established. In addition, by establishing a bell winning prize or promotion replay winning prize, it is possible to avoid establishing a fall replay winning prize or stopping the transition roll on the effective line, and relatively quickly change the game state to the 5th RT state. It is possible to transfer.

When the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified, the probability of transition from one game state to another game state is set to be high, and the normal game state can be shifted to the fifth RT state. It becomes easier than the case where it is not notified.

When the game state shifts to the 5th RT state, the notification frequency lottery process is performed, and any value of 16, 33, 50 and 75 is set in the notification frequency counter. Then, when a bell winning prize or a special bell winning prize is established, the value of the notification number counter is decremented by 1, and when the value of the notification number counter becomes 0, the notification flag is cleared. In other words, in the fifth RT state, when the order of operation of the stop buttons 42-44 for establishing a bell winning has been notified by the number of times of notification, the order of operation of the stop buttons 42-44 is not notified.

The expected payout value of medals per game in the fifth RT state is about 4.80 when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated in the notified operation order. Since it is necessary to bet three medals to play one game, it can be expected that the number of medals will increase by about 1.80 per game in the fifth RT state. By the way, when 16 times is set as the number of notifications, the number of medals can be expected to increase by about 100 before the notification flag is cleared, and when 33 times is set as the number of notifications, the notification flag will be An increase of about 200 medals can be expected by the time the flag is cleared, and if 50 times is set as the notification count, an increase of about 300 medals can be expected before the notification flag is cleared, and the number of notifications is expected to increase. is set to 75 times, an increase of about 450 medals can be expected by the time the notification flag is cleared.

When the value of the number-of-notifications counter becomes 0 under the fifth RT state, it is determined whether the value of the accumulation counter is 0 or not. When the value of the accumulation counter is not 0, the notification flag is set again, the notification frequency lottery process is performed, and any value of 16, 33, 50, or 75 is set again in the notification frequency counter. The value of the accumulation counter is increased by a predetermined value depending on the type of the special combination when winning the notification lottery for winning the special combination under the fifth RT state. From this point of view as well, it can be said that the fifth RT state is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state.

When the value of the accumulation counter is 0, a waiting game number lottery process is performed, and any value from 1 to 1280 is set in the waiting game number counter. As a result, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not announced again until the number of standby games reaches zero. The expected medal payout value per game in the fifth RT state is approximately 3.07 medals when the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified. Since it is necessary to bet three medals to play one game, it can be expected that the number of medals will increase by about 0.07 per game in the fifth RT state. Therefore, even if the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, the fifth RT state is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. However, in such a situation, there is a probability of about 1/5.20 that the transition roll will stop on the effective line and the state will shift to the first RT state, and a fall replay win will be established with a probability of about 1/3.28. Then, it shifts to the normal game state. For this reason, when the transition result is stopped on the effective line or the fall replay win is established before the number of waiting games becomes 0, the situation advantageous to the player ends.

As described above, when the order of operation of the stop buttons 42-44 is notified, the situation is advantageous for the player. Adverse situations can arise. Specifically, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated in an order different from the reported operation order, in the case of a game in which the bell is won, depending on the operation order and operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the bell may not be a special bell or In the case of a game in which the transition roll is stopped on the effective line and the fall replay is won, depending on the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the fall replay win is established instead of the 2nd replay win to the 6th replay win. do. As already explained, when the transition rolls stop, the game state shifts to the first RT state, and when the fall replay win is established, the game state shifts to the normal game state. That is, the game state in which the player was staying shifts to a more disadvantageous game state, resulting in a disadvantageous situation for the player.

In particular, even when the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is reported on the auxiliary display section 65 and the player operates the reels 32L, 32M and 32R in accordance with the order, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R may not stop. This is because even when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, the period during which the operation is valid and the period during which the operation is invalid are set. is. Here, the relationship between these periods will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R and the valid and invalid periods of the stop buttons 42-44.

As shown in FIG. 39, after the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start rotating at timing t0, the rotational speed increases during the acceleration period. After the rotational speed reaches the predetermined speed at the timing t1, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R continue to rotate while maintaining that speed. Here, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes valid at the timing t2 set after the timing t1. That is, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is disabled until timing t2, and the period from t0 to t2 is set as the operation disabled period of the stop buttons 42 to 44. FIG. In the slot machine 10, the period from when the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start to rotate until the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes effective is basically set to 1 sec. Further, as already explained, when the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is to be notified, at the same time as the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating at the timing t0, or during the wait period, it is performed. The pressing order notification effect has been executed on the auxiliary display section 65 before.

Since operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid before timing t2, even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated before timing t2, the corresponding reel does not stop, and stop button 42 is operated after timing t2. 44 stops the corresponding reel. Further, as already explained, when the reel is stopped, the reel is controlled to stop with the slip when the slip control is set. Operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is disabled even during this reel sliding control. Therefore, it can be said that the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid during the period from when one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at timing t3 until the corresponding reel is slipped and finally stopped at timing t4. In this slot machine 10, when 4-symbol sliding control, which is the maximum set number of sliding symbols, is performed, the period from when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated until the corresponding reel finally stops. (Period from timing t3 to timing t4 when the maximum number of slip control is performed) is set to be 0.1 sec. Furthermore, before the timing t0, that is, before the reels start rotating, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid, and after the timing t4, that is, after the reels are finally stopped, Operation of the stop button corresponding to the last stopped reel is invalid.

Due to the existence of the invalid period and the valid period of these stop buttons 42 to 44, even though the player operates the stop buttons 42 to 44 according to the notified operation order, the invalid period and the valid period are extended. If a plurality of stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated by the operator, an event occurs in which one reel does not stop and the other reel stops. Therefore, it becomes a so-called erroneous operation that the reels are stopped in an unintended stopping order. As a result, a situation disadvantageous to the player occurs as described above.

In particular, in the present slot machine 10, as already explained, it is set so that depending on the stop button that is operated first when the bell is won, the bell prize or the special bell prize is different. , it is set differently depending on the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 to win a replay by falling or to win another replay. In other words, the push order notification effect is executed at the same time or before the start of rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. 39, the stop button to be operated first is operated at the timing from t0 to t2 shown in FIG. If you do, you can stop falling replay wins and transition rolls. Therefore, the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the period from when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate until the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes effective (period from timing t0 to timing t2). It can be said that there is a high possibility that an erroneous operation will occur.

On the other hand, the period during which reel slip control is performed based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is 0.1 sec, and the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated after the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start rotating. is set shorter than the period until the In particular, the period during this sliding control is shorter than the period (approximately 0.2 sec) that is assumed to be required from when the player operates one stop button to when the other stop button is operated. The possibility of an erroneous operation due to the operation of the stop button corresponding to another reel during relatively low. Further, some players may operate the same stop button a plurality of times in succession in order to stop the reels reliably. In this case, even if the stop button is operated while the operation is valid, there is a high possibility that the same stop button will be further intentionally operated during subsequent sliding control.

Therefore, in the present slot machine 10, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the period from when the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start to rotate until the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes effective, Since there is a high possibility that an erroneous operation will occur, a characteristic process is set in the rotation start process (step S401) in the reel control process (FIG. 15) performed by the main controller 101 in order to suppress the erroneous operation. . The rotation start processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1301, it is confirmed whether or not a predetermined wait time (for example, 4.1 sec) has passed since the reel started spinning in the previous game, and the process waits until the wait time has passed. If the wait time has passed, the wait time for the next game is set again in step S1302. After that, in step S1303, the bet number of medals is set. The set number of bets is output to the external centralized terminal board 121 in the counter processing (step S109) of the timer interrupt processing. In the subsequent step S1304, rotation start information is set in the motor control storage area provided in the RWM 106. FIG. By performing such processing, the acceleration processing of the stepping motors 42c to 44c is started in the stepping motor control processing (step S106) of the timer interrupt processing, and the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start rotating. Therefore, even if the player bets the specified number of medals and operates the start lever 41, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may not immediately start rotating due to the wait time being set.

In the subsequent step S1305, a process of inputting a numerical value corresponding to the operation invalid period (for example, "671" corresponding to about 1 sec) to the invalid counter MC provided in the RWM 106 is executed. The invalid counter MC is a counter that is decremented by 1 in the timer subtraction process (step S108) each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11) is executed. It is a counter for

In step S1306, it is determined whether or not the operation invalid period has elapsed by determining whether or not the invalid counter MC is "0". If the operation invalid period has not elapsed, it is determined in the following step S1307 whether or not the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated, and if not, the process returns to step S1306.

On the other hand, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated before the operation invalid period elapses, an affirmative determination is made in step S1307, operation handling processing is executed in step S1308, and the process returns to step S1306 again. That is, regardless of whether the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated or not, the reel stop control processing of steps S402 to S412 in the reel control processing (FIG. 15) does not proceed until the operation invalid period elapses. 44 does not stop the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, 32R. Here, the operation corresponding processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 41 .

In the operation corresponding process, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the game is in the normal game state. In step S1402, it is determined whether or not the notification flag is set, and in subsequent step S1403, by confirming the winning flag, it is determined whether or not the bell (only simultaneous winning with the special bell) or falling replay has been won. do. If a negative determination is made in step S1402 or step S1403, this operation handling process is terminated. That is, even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated before the operation invalid period elapses, even if the player stays in a game state other than the normal game state (first RT state to fifth RT state). , the processing after step S1404 is performed only for the game in which the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified on the auxiliary display section 65. FIG.

In step S1404, it is determined whether or not the extension number counter EC provided in the RWM 106 is "2". The extension number counter EC is a counter for the CPU 102 to specify the number of times the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated before the operation invalid period elapses in a game in which the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified.

In the subsequent step S1405, the value of the extension number counter EC is incremented by "1", and in the subsequent step S1406, the invalid counter MC is incremented by "671". As a result, the operation invalid period is extended. Specifically, in step S1406, a process of extending the operation invalid period by about 1 sec is executed.

Note that the value to be added to the invalidity counter MC in step S1406 is not limited to "671", and may be smaller or larger than this. Furthermore, the numerical value to be added may be set so as to be longer than the period from when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating until they reach constant speed rotation, or may be set so as to be shorter. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of an erroneous operation in which the reels are stopped in an unintended order when the reels are continuously stopped, at least the player can stop the reels continuously. In order to correspond to the operating speed, it is desirable to execute the addition process of the invalidity counter MC so that the period is longer than the interval between successive operations of one stop button and another stop button by the player.

In the subsequent step S1407, the extension information command is set as a transmission target for the display control device 81, and this operation corresponding processing ends. Processing of the display control device 81 that receives the extension information command will be described later.

Returning to the description of the rotation start process (FIG. 40), if it is determined that the invalid counter MC is "0" in step S1306, the extension number counter EC is set to "0" in step S1309. After lighting the stop lamps 42b to 44b in step S1310, the rotation start process is terminated.

Therefore, in the slot machine 10, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the period until the operation invalid period elapses in a predetermined game, each time the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated once up to two times The operation invalid period is extended one by one. As a result, it is possible to prevent the stop operation of the next reel even though the reel stopped by the player is not stopped, and the stop of the transition result and the falling re-game winning. It is possible.

Note that the number of extensions of the operation invalid period is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. Even in this case, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above erroneous operation.

Further, in step S1406 in the operation corresponding processing (FIG. 41), the processing for adding a predetermined numerical value to the invalid counter MC is executed, but the configuration is not limited to this, and may be updated to a predetermined numerical value. Specifically, for example, by setting the configuration to be updated again to "671" corresponding to the length of the operation invalid period before updating, at least the period from the start of rotation until the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated is increased. It is added to the operation invalid period. In this case, compared to the process of adding a predetermined value to the invalid counter MC, the length of the operation invalid period after the extension becomes shorter, and the occurrence of erroneous operations can be suppressed while the game progresses smoothly.

Next, the processing of the display control device 81 that has received the extension information command will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 42(a) is a flow chart showing the extension information command process, and FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 42(a), first, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not the extension information command received this time is the first time received in the current game. If it is the first time, step S1502 The first special notification is set in step S1503, and if it is not the first time, the second special notification is set in step S1503. In steps S1502 and S1503, of the RT state moving image data group 85 stored in the ROM 83 of the display control device 81, the special notification moving image data group 85b is set in the auxiliary display unit 65, thereby providing the corresponding special notification. set.

Specifically, when the first special notification is set, as shown in FIG. 42(b-1), the word "Wait" is displayed, sound effects are emitted from the speaker 64, and the operation is disabled. An effect is executed to teach that the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated during the period. In addition, as a background, a moving picture effect of so-called adding water (or deer threatening) is displayed, which is a device in which water is drawn into a bamboo tube, and the bamboo tube turned upside down by the weight of the accumulated water hits a stone and makes a pleasant sound. In the animation effect of adding water, water gradually accumulates in the bamboo cylinder, and as 1 second corresponding to the extended operation invalid period elapses, the bamboo cylinder tilts and water spills, as shown in FIG. 42 (b-2). It is set to make a sound when it hits a stone, and the elapse of the extended invalid operation period is taught. Furthermore, by displaying a moving image of scenery called "Sui-mizu", it can be expected to have the effect of calming the player's distracted feelings.

Further, when the second special notification is set, as shown in FIG. 42(c-1), the words "Wait, wait!" It is taught that the period has been extended. Also, as a background, a motion picture effect of sunrise at Mt. Fuji is displayed. In the animation presentation of the sunrise over Mt. Fuji, the sky gradually brightens, and after 1 second corresponding to the extended operation invalid period, the sun appears from the top of Mt. Fuji as shown in FIG. 42(c-2). to indicate the expiration of the extended operation disabled period. Furthermore, by displaying an emotional scenery video of the sunrise over Mt. In addition, since the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be stopped at sunrise, the player can restart the game with a new feeling.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 42(b) and 42(c), the order of pressing the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified (in the figure, the order is middle reel 32M → right reel 32R → left reel 32L). ) is displayed in a visually recognizable manner even if each special notification is set. Specifically, although it is displayed smaller than when each special notification is set, it is displayed in front of the background animation effect in each special notification, and the player can use the stop buttons 42 to 44 even during the operation invalid period. It is possible to recognize the operation order of Therefore, the game can be restarted immediately after the operation invalid period has passed. In the present description, an example of the pushing order notification effect in the case of winning the fall replay has been described, but the same applies to the pushing order notification effect in the case of winning the bell. Needless to say, the display contents and moving images in each special notification are not limited to these.

As described above, the present slot machine 10 is configured to notify that the operation invalid period has been extended by the auxiliary display section 65 and the speaker 64 along with the extension of the operation invalid period. As a result, the player recognizes that the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated during the operation invalid period, and can be expected to carefully operate the stop buttons 42 to 44 in the current game and subsequent games. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a disadvantageous situation for the player.

Next, how the operation invalid period is extended will be described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 43(a) to 43(d) are timing charts showing changes in the effective and ineffective periods of the stop buttons 42 to 44 based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44. FIG. ), (b-1), (c-1), and (d-1) indicate valid and invalid periods of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and FIG. 43 (a-2), (b-2), ( c-2) and (d-2) show the operation status of the stop buttons 42-44.

As shown in FIG. 43(a), at timing t0, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating. When an operation invalid period of a period Ta (in this embodiment, 1 sec) elapses at the timing, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes valid. Further, when one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at timing t3 during the effective period, the corresponding reel slides and stops at timing t4. As already explained, the period (period from t3 to t4) during which the reels are rotating with sliding after the stop button is operated is also an operation invalid period. Furthermore, before the timing t0, all the stop buttons 42-44 are disabled, and after the timing t4, the stop button corresponding to the finally stopped reel is disabled.

In a game in which the operation order is notified, as shown in FIG. 43B, when one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at the timing t5 during the operation disabled period, the operation disabled period is Tb ( In this embodiment, an extension of 1 sec) is performed. As a result, the operation invalid period becomes a period of Ta+Tb. Also, the first special notification is performed on the auxiliary display section 65 and the speaker 64 . When the extended operation invalid period elapses at timing t6, the operation of the stop button becomes valid, and the corresponding reel can be stopped based on the operation.

As shown in FIG. 43(c), when one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at timing t5, one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is further operated at timing t7 during the operation invalid period. is performed, the extended operation invalid period is further extended by a period of Tc (1 sec in this embodiment). As a result, the operation invalid period becomes a period of Ta+Tb+Tc. Also, the second special notification is performed on the auxiliary display section 65 and the speaker 64 . When the extended operation invalid period elapses at the timing of t8, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes effective, and the corresponding reel can be stopped based on the operation.

On the other hand, although the operation invalid period can be extended up to two times, as shown in FIG. Even if the operation is disabled, the operation invalid period is not extended, and at the timing of t8, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes valid, and the corresponding reel can be stopped based on the operation, as in FIG. 43(c). becomes.

In this slot machine 10, the stop buttons 42 to 44 can be operated in any order after the operation invalid period has elapsed, while suppressing the occurrence of situations in which the operations are not performed in accordance with the notified operation order. That is, even if the operation invalid period is extended, the stop buttons 42 to 44 can be operated in an operation order different from the notified operation order after the operation invalid period has elapsed.

As a configuration for suppressing operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 in an operation order other than the notified operation order, a configuration that allows operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 only in the notified operation order is also conceivable. However, the reason why the stop buttons 42 to 44 can be operated in an operation order other than the notified operation order is as follows. That is, in the slot machine 10 in which the player operates the start lever 41 to start the game and the player operates the stop buttons 42 to 44 to end the game, the player starts the game by his or her own operation. This is because it is significant that the game is started and ended, and it should be possible for the player to perform the operation for starting and ending the game as he likes. In other words, even if the operation sequence that gives the highest profit at the end of the game is notified, the player is free to disobey the notification. This is because it is considered that there should be a margin for performing an operation that does not follow the notification when it is desired to shift to the game state. In this regard, in the case of a configuration in which the game end operation can be performed only in accordance with the notified operation order, it is not only possible to intentionally perform an operation different from the notification, but also the progress of the game can be controlled by the player's operation. In view of the above significance, it is considered inappropriate to use such a configuration, as it would spoil the real thrill of the slot machine 10.

Also, if the wait time (4.1 sec) has not elapsed since the previous game was started, it is configured to wait in step S1301. Specifically, when the credit input buttons 56 to 58 and the start lever 41 are operated in the current game within the wait time after the reels 32L, 32M, 32R have started rotating in the previous game, It waits in step S1301. If the player wants to finish each game quickly, it is assumed that each game is played continuously with a so-called full wait so that a situation of waiting in step S1301 occurs in each game.

As described above, the slot machine 10 is configured to extend the operation invalid period when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period. is set so as not to interfere with such full-weight digestion. Specifically, even if the operation invalid period after the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating is extended to the maximum, it is 3 seconds. In addition, the total period required for subsequent stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and payout of medals is set to be within 1 sec. Therefore, if the player quickly operates the stop buttons 42 to 44, the credit insertion buttons 56 to 58 in the next game, and the start lever 41, even if the operation invalid period is extended to the maximum, the wait time is reduced. It fits within a certain 4.1 sec, making it possible to perform the above-mentioned full-weight digestion. In particular, the erroneous operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is likely to occur in situations where the player is trying to finish each game at high speed, for example, because the closing time of the game hall is approaching. In other words, if a configuration is adopted in which execution of full wait execution is disabled when the operation invalid period is extended, the configuration for suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operations may hinder the smooth completion of the game. On the other hand, as described above, the slot machine 10 suppresses the occurrence of erroneous operations and does not hinder the smooth progress of the game.

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

When the player operates the start lever 41, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating, and the player operates the stop buttons 42 to 44 at the timing after the operation invalid period has passed. In the slot machine 10 in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop rotating based on, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated before the operation invalid period elapses, the operation invalid period is extended as operation corresponding processing. It was configured to As a result, the player operates the stop buttons 42 to 44 a plurality of times before and after the operation invalid period has passed, causing an erroneous operation in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped in an unintended stopping order or timing. can be suppressed.

Along with the extension of the operation invalid period, the auxiliary display section 65 and the speaker 64 are configured to notify that the operation invalid period has been extended. As a result, the player recognizes that the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated during the operation invalid period, and it can be expected that the player will carefully confirm the order of operations in the current game and subsequent games.

The upper limit of extension of the operation invalid period was two times. As a result, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are continuously operated during the operation invalid period, it is possible to prevent the operation invalid period from being extended indefinitely.

Even if the winning combination is the same as the winning combination, different game results are obtained depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42-44. Specifically, when the bell is won, the winning of the bell may be established, or the number may stop on the active line depending on the order of operation. When the winning of the bell is established, 9 medals are paid out, while when the transitional number stops, the game state can be shifted. Further, when a fall replay winning prize is won, a fall replay is established or another replay is established depending on the order of operations. While the game state shifts when the fall replay winning prize is established, the game state does not shift when another replay is established. By applying the above configuration for suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operations to a gaming machine in which the game results may differ depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the gaming of the gaming machine can be improved. can.

As the above-described different game results, one of them is advantageous to the player, and the other is disadvantageous to the player. Specifically, when a plurality of game states with different degrees of advantage for the player are set, and the bell is won as the different game result, nine medals can be obtained when the bell win is established. On the other hand, when the transition result stops on the effective line, the game state shifts to the first RT state, which is a game state more disadvantageous than the game state currently staying (if staying in the first RT state, shift not). In addition, in the case of winning the fall replay prize, if the fall replay is established, the next game can be played free of charge, but the game state is higher than the current game state. When the player shifts to a normal game state, which is a disadvantageous game state, and other replays are established, a privilege of allowing the next game to be played free of charge is obtained, and the game state does not shift. By applying the configuration for suppressing the occurrence of the above-described erroneous operation to a gaming machine in which either an advantageous situation or a disadvantageous situation occurs depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the game of the gaming machine can be improved. can be made better.

The operation corresponding processing is configured to be performed when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated within a predetermined period of time after the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start rotating. Specifically, after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the operation of the stop buttons is disabled even during the slip control based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 (hereinafter, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating. It is also called a sliding period to distinguish it from the operation invalid period until the predetermined period elapses), but during this sliding period, even if the stop button is operated, the operation invalid period is not extended as described above. bottom. This is for the following reasons. That is, the period from the start of rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R to the elapse of the predetermined period is 1 sec, whereas the slip period is as short as 0.1 sec. The possibility of an erroneous operation due to the operation of the stop button corresponding to is relatively low compared to the period from the start of rotation of the reel to the effective operation of the stop button. Further, some players may operate the same stop button a plurality of times in succession in order to stop the reels reliably. In this case, even if the stop button is operated while the operation is valid, there is a high possibility that the same stop button will be further intentionally operated during subsequent sliding control. In other words, the reason why the operation response process is not executed during the sliding period is that the period is short and the possibility of erroneous operation occurring is low, and the possibility that the stop button is intentionally operated is high. This is because the operation corresponding process should not be executed during the sliding period from both sides.

All of the stop buttons 42 to 44 are targeted for extending the operation invalid period by the operation corresponding processing. This makes it possible to reduce the processing load compared to a configuration in which the operation invalid period of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is individually extended.

In particular, when only the operation invalid period of the stop button operated during the operation invalid period is extended, the operation invalid period of the other stop button elapses before the stop button whose operation invalid period is extended. Therefore, this configuration is not effective from the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operations due to the operation of a plurality of stop buttons before and after the operation invalid period has elapsed. On the other hand, if the operation invalid period of buttons other than the stop button operated during the operation invalid period is extended, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-described erroneous operation, while managing the validity and invalidity of the operation of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. There is concern about an increase in processing load due to individual monitoring. Therefore, by extending the operation invalid period of all the stop buttons 42 to 44 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations while reducing the processing load.

In a game in which a winning combination results in a different game result depending on the stop order, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified, and the game in which the operation invalid period can be extended is limited. In the games other than the games in which the player wins the above-mentioned role, the operation invalid period is not extended, and the game can be played smoothly. It is possible to increase the significance of recommending

As described above, the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is configured to be operable as intended by the player while suppressing erroneous operations by the player. Specifically, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are stopped in a player's free order not only when the operation invalid period is not extended but also when the operation invalid period is extended. It is possible. Therefore, the slot machine 10 allows the player to intentionally stop the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in an operation order different from the notified operation order, so that the game progresses by the player's own operation. It prevents spoiling the real pleasure.

<Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, the operation invalid period is extended as the operation handling process. , a process for invalidating a predetermined number of operations after the operation invalid period has elapsed is executed.

The configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described below. Other than the different configuration, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing reel control processing in this embodiment.

In the reel control processing in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, first, rotation start processing is executed in step S1601. However, the rotation start processing in this embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment in the processing configuration. A different configuration will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing rotation start processing in this embodiment.

In the rotation start process in this embodiment, the processes in steps S1701 to S1705 are executed in the same way as the processes in steps S1301 to S1305 in the first embodiment. In step S1706, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period (operation invalid period) has passed since the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R started to rotate. It is determined by whether or not If the predetermined period has not elapsed in step S1706, it is determined in step S1707 whether or not the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated. If any of the buttons 42 to 44 has been operated, operation corresponding processing is executed in step S1708. After executing the operation handling process, the process returns to step S1706 as in the first embodiment. If the invalid counter MC is "0" in step S1706, this rotation start processing is terminated.

Here, the operation corresponding processing in this embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

In the operation corresponding process in this embodiment, the processes in steps S1801 to S1803 are executed in the same way as the processes in steps S1401 to S1403 in the first embodiment. In step S1804, it is determined whether or not the stop limit counter SC provided in the RWM 106 is "0". In a game in which the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified, the stop limit counter SC is set when any one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated during the operation invalid period. This is a counter for the CPU 102 to specify the number of operations 42-44. If the stop limit counter SC is "0" at step S1804, the process advances to step S1805 to input "2" to the stop limit counter SC. On the other hand, if the stop limit counter SC is not "0" in step S1804, that is, if the process of step S1805 has already been executed in the current game, the operation corresponding process is terminated.

After executing the process of step S1805, the stop restriction command is set as a transmission target to the display control device 81 in step S1806, and this operation corresponding process is terminated. The display control device 81 that has received the stop limit command displays on the auxiliary display unit 65 and the speaker 64 that the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated during the operation invalid period of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and the stop limit counter SC A notification is made to teach the value of In this case, in the auxiliary display unit 65, similarly to the first special notification effect and the second special notification effect in the first embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously recognize the pressing order notification effect for notifying the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44. is notified in a suitable manner.

Returning to the description of the reel control process (FIG. 44), after executing the rotation start process in step S1601, it is determined in step S1602 whether or not any of the credit insertion buttons 56 to 58 has been operated. If none of the credit insertion buttons 56 to 58 have been operated, the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated in steps S1603 and S1604 in the same manner as in steps S402 and S403 in the first embodiment. It is determined whether or not a stop command has been issued. In the subsequent step S1605, it is determined whether or not the stop limit counter SC is "0". If the determination in step S1602 is affirmative, or if the determination in step S1605 is negative, the process advances to step S1606. In step S1606, a process of subtracting "1" from the stop limit counter SC is executed, and in subsequent step S1607, the SC subtraction command is set as an object to be transmitted to the display control device 81, and then the process returns to step S1602. Upon receiving the SC subtraction command, the display control device 81 executes processing to change the value of the stop limit counter SC displayed on the auxiliary display section 65 to a value obtained by subtracting "1" from the value as described above. This allows the player to recognize that the value of the stop limit counter SC has been decremented.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1605 that the stop limit counter SC is "0", the process proceeds to step S1608, the stop lamps 42b to 44b are lit and displayed, and in subsequent step S1609, the first embodiment described above is executed. In the same manner as in , the process for stopping the reel is executed, the process for stopping the reels in steps S1610 to S1619 and the process based on the win of the winning combination are executed, and this reel control process ends.

That is, in this embodiment, in a game in which the operation order is notified, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, "2" is input to the stop limit counter SC, and the operation invalid period Even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated after the lapse of, the corresponding reels are not stopped until the second operation, and the corresponding reels are stopped when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated for the third time. It is configured to execute a process to cause

Further, subtraction of the stop limit counter SC is performed by operating any of the credit insertion buttons 56 to 58 in addition to operating the stop buttons 42 to 44 after the operation invalid period has elapsed.

Here, operations of the stop buttons 42 to 44 and stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R by executing the operation corresponding processing will be described with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 47(a) to 47(c) are timing charts showing the states of operations of the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44. FIGS. 47(a-2), (b-2) and (c-2) show the stop button 42 44 shows the situation of the operation.

As shown in FIG. 47(a), the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating at the timing t0, and the operation invalid period elapses at the timing t2, which is the timing after reaching constant speed rotation at the timing t1. Then, the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 becomes effective. When one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at timing t3 during the effective period, the corresponding reel slides and stops at timing t4.

In the game in which the operation order is notified, as shown in FIG. 47(b), when one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at the timing t5 during the operation invalid period, the stop limit counter SC is set in the operation handling process. Enter "2" in In addition, the speaker 64 and the auxiliary display section 65 execute special notification, and the auxiliary display section 65 displays the value of the stop limit counter SC. After that, even if one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at timing t6 and timing t7 during the valid period, the value of the stop limit counter SC is simply decremented by "1", and the corresponding reel is stopped. Do not stop. However, the display of the value of the stop limit counter SC on the auxiliary display section 65 is decremented by "1". By operating the stop buttons 42 to 44 at timings t6 and t7, the stop limit counter SC becomes "0". ), the corresponding reel slides and stops at the timing t4.

Further, as shown in FIG. 47(c), even if one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated multiple times at timings t5 and t8 during the operation invalid period, the stop limit counter A predetermined numerical value (“2” in this embodiment) is not input to SC again. Therefore, when one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at the timing of t3, which is the third operation after the valid period is reached, the corresponding reel slides and the corresponding reel moves at the timing of t4. stop at .

Further, although not shown, while suppressing erroneous operation due to operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 before and after the operation invalid period as described above, the subtraction process of the stop limit counter SC can be performed by any of the credit insertion buttons 56. . . 58 can also be performed. In other words, it is necessary for the player to set the value of the stop limit counter SC to "0" as an operation to restart the game after recognizing the erroneous operation by the player. In this case, even though the stop limit counter SC has already reached "0", the stop buttons 42 to 44 are further operated, causing a so-called secondary erroneous operation in which the reels are stopped at an unintended timing. However, this configuration is a device for suppressing the occurrence of the secondary erroneous operation. That is, when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes invalid after the operation invalid period has elapsed, the player can restart the game by operating any of the credit insertion buttons 56 to 58. configuration.

According to this embodiment detailed above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

When the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated from the start of rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R until the operation invalid period elapses, the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated after the operation invalid period elapses. Also, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is disabled up to a predetermined number of times (twice in this embodiment), and the stop control of the corresponding reel is not performed. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations caused by operating the stop buttons 42 to 44 multiple times before and after the operation invalid period has elapsed.

Even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated after the operation invalid period has elapsed, the number of times the operation is invalidated is set to a predetermined number of times (two times) as an upper limit. This is set in correspondence with the number of stop buttons 42 to 44 provided on the slot machine 10 . In other words, the number of stop buttons corresponding to the reel other than the reel intended to be stopped first is two. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations for

However, if the two stop buttons are operated before and after the operation invalid period, the reel that was operated before the operation invalid period did not stop and the reel that was operated after the operation invalid period passed From the viewpoint of suppressing an erroneous operation of stopping, the operation may be invalidated once after the operation invalidation period has elapsed. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reliably invalidating the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 after the operation invalid period has elapsed, the number of operations invalidated after the operation invalid period has elapsed may be three or more times.

Further, in addition to the configuration for decrementing the stop limit counter SC by "1" when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated after the operation invalid period has elapsed, other switches (in this embodiment, credit insertion buttons 56 to 57 ) is also operated, the stop limit counter SC is decremented. As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of stopping the reels at an unintended timing or order by operating the stop buttons 42 to 44 only to decrease the stop limit counter SC. That is, when "2" is input to the stop limit counter SC, it is necessary for the player to decrement the stop limit counter SC as an operation after recognizing it. If this configuration is not provided, the stop button corresponding to the reel that is not intended to be stopped first is operated without noticing that the value of the stop limit counter SC has become "0", or the reel is stopped. There is a possibility that the stop button is operated at a timing other than the intended timing. On the other hand, as in this configuration, the value of the stop limit counter SC is also subtracted by operating an operation unit (credit insertion buttons 56-58) separate from the operation unit (stop buttons 42-44) for stopping the reels. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of such secondary erroneous operations.

<Third Embodiment>
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the operation response process is executed when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period. The reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are controlled so that the timings at which the operation invalid period elapses are different.

Configurations different from those of the first and second embodiments will be described below. It should be noted that the configurations other than the different configuration are the same as those of the first and second embodiments. FIG. 48 is a flow chart showing normal processing in this embodiment.

In the normal processing in this embodiment, steps S1901 to S1909 are executed in the same manner as steps S201 to S209 in the first and second embodiments. In step S1910, it is determined whether or not it is in the normal game state, and if it is not in the normal game state, that is, if it is in the 1st RT state to the 5th RT state, the process proceeds to step S1911. In step S1911, it is determined whether or not the notification flag is set, and in subsequent step S1912, it is determined whether or not the bell (only simultaneous winning with the special bell) or fall replay has been won. If the determinations in both steps S1911 and S1912 are affirmative, the process advances to step S1913 to execute special reel control processing.

Here, the special reel control processing in step S1913 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

In the special reel control process, similarly to the rotation start process in the first and second embodiments, it is determined whether or not the wait time has elapsed in step S2001, the wait time is reset in step S2002, and step S2003 is performed. to set the number of bets. In the subsequent step S2004, the rotation start order of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R is determined. Here, the rotation start order determination processing in step S2004 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

In the rotation start order determination process, first, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not the game is a game in which the bell is won. If it is a game in which the bell is won, it is checked in step S2102 whether the winning flag is "8" to "11". As already explained, when the winning flag is "8" to "11", as shown in FIG. 16, when the left reel 32L is stopped first, a bell ("red bell" or " white bell” combination) is set to stop on the active line. Therefore, when the determination in step S2102 is affirmative, in step S2103, the left reel 32L is set as the first reel to start rotating first, and this rotation start order determination processing ends.

If a negative determination is made in step S2102, it is checked in step S2104 whether the winning flag is "12" to "15". When the winning flag is "12" to "15", as shown in FIG. 16, when the middle reel 32M is stopped first, a bell (a combination of "red bell" or "white bell") is played instead of the special bell. ) is set to stop on the valid line. Therefore, when the determination in step S2104 is affirmative, in step S2105, the middle reel 32M is set as the first reel to start rotating first, and this rotation start order determination processing ends.

A negative determination in step S2104 means that the winning flag is "16" to "19". When the winning flag is "16" to "19", as shown in FIG. 16, when the right reel 32R is stopped first, a bell (a combination of "red bell" or "white bell") is played instead of the special bell. ) is set to stop on the valid line. Therefore, when a negative determination is made in step S2104, in step S2106, the right reel 32R is set as the first reel to start rotating first, and this rotation start order determination processing ends.

If a negative determination is made in step S2101, that is, if the game is a game in which one of the falling replays has been won, then in step S2107 the winning flags are set to "22", "28", "34", and "40". ” and “50”. In the game in which the win flag is one of "22", "28", "34", "40" and "50", as shown in FIGS. 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28, When the reel 32R→middle reel 32M→left reel 32L is stopped in this order, it is not a fall replay (first replay) but a promotion replay (second replay to fifth replay), or the game state does not shift. It is set so that a replay (sixth replay) is established. Therefore, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2107, in step S2108, the reel that starts rotating first is the first reel, the reel that starts rotating next is the second reel, and the reel that finally starts rotating is the third reel. The right reel 32R is set as the first reel, the middle reel 32M is set as the second reel, and the left reel 32L is set as the third reel.

If a negative determination is made in step S2107, it is checked in step S2109 whether the winning flag is one of "23", "29", "35", "41" and "51". In the game in which the winning flag is one of "23", "29", "35", "41" and "51", as shown in FIGS. 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28, When the reel 32R→left reel 32L→middle reel 32M is stopped in this order, promotion replay (second replay to fifth replay) instead of fall replay (first replay or tenth replay) or It is set so that a replay (sixth replay) in which the game state does not change is established. Therefore, when an affirmative determination is made in step S2109, in step S2110, the right reel 32R is set as the first reel, the left reel 32L is set as the second reel, and the middle reel 32M is set as the third reel. finish.

If a negative determination is made in step S2109, it is checked in step S2111 whether the winning flag is one of "24", "30", "36", "42" and "52". In the game in which the winning flag is one of "24", "30", "36", "42" and "52", as shown in FIGS. 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28, When the reel 32M→right reel 32R→left reel 32L is stopped in this order, promotion replay (second replay to fifth replay) instead of falling replay (first replay or eleventh replay) or It is set so that a replay (sixth replay) in which the game state does not change is established. Therefore, when an affirmative determination is made in step S2111, in step S2112, the middle reel 32M is set as the first reel, the right reel 32R is set as the second reel, and the left reel 32L is set as the third reel, and the main rotation start order determination process is executed. finish.

If a negative determination is made in step S2111, it is checked in step S2113 whether the winning flag is one of "25", "31", "37", "43" and "53". In the game in which the win flag is one of "25", "31", "37", "43" and "53", as shown in FIGS. 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28, When the reel 32M→left reel 32L→right reel 32R is stopped in this order, promotion replay (second replay to fifth replay) instead of falling replay (first replay or twelfth replay) or It is set so that a replay (sixth replay) in which the game state does not change is established. Therefore, when the determination in step S2113 is affirmative, in step S2114, the middle reel 32M is set as the first reel, the left reel 32L is set as the second reel, and the right reel 32R is set as the third reel, and the main rotation start order determination process is performed. finish.

If a negative determination is made in step S2113, it is checked in step S2115 whether the winning flag is one of "26", "32", "38", "44" and "54". In the game in which the winning flag is one of "26", "32", "38", "44" and "54", as shown in FIGS. When the reel 32L, right reel 32R, and middle reel 32M are stopped in this order, promotion replay (second replay to second 5 replay) or a replay (6th replay) in which the game state does not change is established. Therefore, when an affirmative determination is made in step S2115, in step S2116, the left reel 32L is set as the first reel, the right reel 32R is set as the second reel, and the middle reel 32M is set as the third reel, and the main rotation start order determination process is performed. finish.

A negative determination in step S2115 means that the win flag is one of "27", "33", "39", "45" and "55". 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28, the left When the reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R are stopped in this order, promotion replays (second replays to second 5 replay) or a replay (6th replay) in which the game state does not change. Therefore, when a negative determination is made in step S2115, in step S2117, the left reel 32L is set as the first reel, the middle reel 32M is set as the second reel, and the right reel 32R is set as the third reel. finish.

Therefore, in the rotation start order determination process, the reel to be stopped first is set as the first reel in accordance with the operation order in which the bell is won instead of the special bell when the bell is won, and the falling replay is won. If so, the rotation start order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is changed according to the operation order of promotion regame winning (2nd regame winning to 5th regame winning) or 6th regame winning instead of falling replay. Set as the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel.

Returning to the description of the special reel control process (FIG. 49), after executing the rotation start order determination process in step S2004, the process advances to step S2005 to execute the special rotation start process. Here, the special rotation start processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S2201, in the rotation start order determined in the rotation start order determination process, the reel (first reel) to start rotating first is processed to start rotation. Specifically, the rotation start information of the stepping motor (one of the stepping motors 42c to 44c) corresponding to the first reel is set in the motor control storage area provided in the RWM 106. FIG. By performing such processing, acceleration processing of the stepping motor corresponding to the first reel is started in the stepping motor control processing (step S106) of the timer interrupt processing, and the first reel starts rotating. In the subsequent step S2202, a process of inputting "671" to the first invalidity counter MC1 provided in the RWM 106 is executed. The first invalid counter MC1 is a counter for the CPU 102 to specify that it is an operation invalid period in which the stop control of the first reel cannot be performed, and timer subtraction processing ( This is a counter that is decremented by "1" in step S108). Also, the period until the value input to the first invalid counter MC1 in step S2202 becomes "0" is the period from when the first reel starts rotating, as in the first and second embodiments. It is set to be a longer period (1 sec in this embodiment) than the period required to reach constant speed rotation.

In the subsequent step S2203, a process of inputting "168" to the first delay counter TC1 provided in the RWM 106 is executed. The first delay counter TC1 indicates that the CPU 102 indicates that it is the timing to start rotating the second reel (reels other than the first reel in the case of Bell) determined in the rotation start order determining process (FIG. 50). This is a counter for identification, and is a counter that is decremented by "1" in the timer subtraction process (step S108) each time the timer interrupt process is executed.

After executing the process of step S2203, it is determined whether the first delay counter TC1 is "0" in step S2204, and the process waits until it becomes "0". That is, the timer interrupt processing is configured to be executed once every 1.49 msec. It is configured to take about 0.25 sec.

After an affirmative determination is made in step S2204, it is determined whether or not the bell is won in the following step S2205. If the determination in step S2205 is affirmative, that is, if the game is a game in which the bell is won and only the first reel is determined in the rotation start order determination process (FIG. 50), the remaining reels are determined in subsequent step S2206. Executes reel rotation start processing. Specifically, by storing in the motor control storage area the rotation start information of the stepping motors corresponding to the reels other than the reel that started rotating in step S2201, in the stepping motor control processing (step S106) of the timer interrupt processing, Acceleration processing of the stepping motors corresponding to the reels other than the first reel is started, and the corresponding reels start rotating.

In the subsequent step S2207, a process of inputting "671" to the second invalid counter MC2 provided in the RWM 106 is executed. The second invalid counter MC2 is a counter for the CPU 102 to specify that it is an operation invalid period in which the stop control of reels other than the first reel cannot be performed. This is a counter that is decremented by "1" in the process (step S108). Also, similarly to the first invalid counter MC1, the period until the value input to the second invalid counter MC2 in step S2207 becomes "0" is the period after the reels other than the first reel start rotating. is set to be a longer period (1 sec in the present embodiment as in the case of the first reel) than the period required to reach constant speed rotation. After executing the process of step S2207, the special rotation start process ends.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2205, that is, it is a game in which a fall replay has been won, and the rotation start order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has been determined in the rotation start order determination process (FIG. 50). If it is a game, the process advances to step S2208. In step S2208, the process of starting rotation of the second reel determined in the rotation start order determination process is executed. Specifically, the rotation start information of the stepping motor (one of the stepping motors 42c to 44c) corresponding to the second reel is set in the motor control storage area provided in the RWM 106. FIG. By performing such processing, the acceleration processing of the stepping motor corresponding to the second reel is started in the stepping motor control processing (step S106) of the timer interrupt processing, and the second reel starts rotating. In the subsequent step S2209, a process of inputting "671" to the second invalidity counter MC2 provided in the RWM 106 is executed.

In the subsequent step S2210, a process of inputting "168" to the second delay counter TC2 provided in the RWM 106 is executed. The second delay counter TC2 is a counter for the CPU 102 to identify the timing for starting rotation of the third reel determined in the rotation start order determination process (FIG. 50). This is a counter that is decremented by "1" in the timer subtraction process (step S108) each time the process is executed.

After executing the process of step S2210, it is determined whether the second delay counter TC2 is "0" in step S2211, and the process waits until it becomes "0". That is, the timer interrupt processing is configured to be executed once every 1.49 msec. It is configured to take about 0.25 sec.

In the subsequent step S2212, a process for starting rotation of the third reel is executed. Specifically, by storing the rotation start information of the stepping motor corresponding to the third reel in the motor control storage area, the stepping motor control process (step S106) of the timer interrupt process can be performed for the stepping motor corresponding to the third reel. Acceleration processing of the motor is started, and the rotation of the third reel is started.

In the subsequent step S2213, a process of inputting "671" to the third invalidity counter MC3 provided in the RWM 106 is executed. The third invalid counter MC3 is a counter for the CPU 102 to specify that it is an operation invalid period during which the stop control of the third reel cannot be performed. This is a counter that is decremented by "1" in S108). Further, similarly to the first invalid counter MC1 and the second invalid counter MC2, the period until the value input to the third invalid counter MC3 in step S2213 becomes "0" is from the start of rotation of the third reel. The period is set to be longer than the period required to reach constant speed rotation (in this embodiment, 1 sec like the first and second reels). After executing the process of step S2213, the special rotation start process is terminated.

Therefore, in the case of winning the bell, the time difference between the start of rotation of the first reel and the other reels is about 0.25 sec. Since the time difference between the start of rotation is about 0.25 sec, the player can recognize that the reels 32L, 32M and 32R have started to rotate separately. It is possible to recognize that the operation order of is notified from the rotation mode of the reels. Furthermore, it is possible to recognize the operation order from the rotation order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

Returning to the description of the special reel control process (FIG. 49), after executing the special rotation start process in step S2005, the special stop enabling process is executed in step S2006. Here, the special stop validating process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S2301, it is determined whether or not the first reel is rotating. If it is rotating, the process advances to step S2302 to determine whether the first invalid counter MC1 is "0" or not. do. When the first invalid counter MC1 is "0", the first reel stop valid flag is set in the reel stop valid flag storage area provided in the RWM 106 in the subsequent step S2303. This enables the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel. In the subsequent step S2304, a process of turning on the corresponding stop lamp is executed. Thereby, the player can recognize that the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel is effective. After executing the process of step S2304, the special stop enabling process ends.

If it is determined in step S2301 that the first reel is not rotating, the process proceeds to step S2305. In step S2305, it is determined whether or not the game is a game in which the bell is won. If the determination in step S2305 is affirmative, it is determined in step S2306 whether or not the remaining reels other than the first reel are rotating. If the remaining reels are not rotating, the special stop enabling process is terminated. When the remaining reels are rotating, the process advances to step S2307 to determine whether or not the second invalid counter MC2 is "0", and if the second invalid counter MC2 is not "0", the special stop is validated as it is. End the process. When the second invalid counter MC2 is "0", in the following step S2308, the stop valid flags corresponding to the remaining reels are set in the reel stop valid flag storage area. As a result, the operation of the stop buttons corresponding to the remaining reels other than the first reel becomes valid. In the subsequent step S2309, processing for lighting and displaying the corresponding stop lamp is executed. This allows the player to recognize that the operation of the stop buttons corresponding to the remaining reels has been validated. After executing the process of step S2309, this special stop enabling process is terminated.

If a negative determination is made in step S2305, that is, if the game wins the fall replay, the process proceeds to step S2310. In step S2310, it is determined whether or not the second reel is rotating. When the second reel is rotating, the process advances to step S2311 to determine whether or not the second invalid counter MC2 is "0", and if the second invalid counter MC2 is not "0", the special stop is validated as it is. End the process. When the second invalid counter MC2 is "0", the second reel stop valid flag is set in the reel stop valid flag storage area in the subsequent step S2312. This enables the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel. In the subsequent step S2313, a process of turning on the corresponding stop lamp is executed. Thereby, the player can recognize that the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel is effective. After executing the process of step S2313, the special stop enabling process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S2310 that the second reel is not rotating, the process proceeds to step S2314. In step S2314, it is determined whether or not the third reel is rotating, and if not rotating, this special stop enabling process is terminated. When the third reel is rotating, the process advances to step S2315 to determine whether or not the third invalid counter MC3 is "0", and if the third invalid counter MC3 is not "0", the special stop is directly validated. End the process. When the third invalid counter MC3 is "0", the third reel stop valid flag is set in the reel stop valid flag storage area in the subsequent step S2316. This enables the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel. In subsequent step S2317, a process of lighting and displaying the corresponding stop lamp is executed. Thereby, the player can recognize that the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel is valid. After executing the process of step S2317, the special stop enabling process is terminated.

Returning to the description of the special reel control process (FIG. 49), after performing the special stop enabling process in step S2006, the process proceeds to step S2007.

In step S2007, it is determined whether or not any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated, and if it has been operated, in subsequent step S2008 each reel stop valid flag corresponding to the stop button operated this time is set. Determine whether it is set.

More specifically, in a game in which Bell is won, if the first reel is the left reel 32L, it is determined in step S2007 that the left stop button 42 has been operated, and in step S2008 the first reel is selected. If the stop valid flag is set, or if it is determined in step S2007 that the middle stop button 43 or right stop button 44 has been operated and the stop valid flags of the remaining reels are set in step S2008 , the process proceeds to step S2009. If the first reel is the middle reel 32M, it is determined in step S2007 that the middle stop button 43 has been operated and the first reel stop effective flag is set in step S2008, or if step S2007 If it is determined that the left stop button 42 or the right stop button 44 has been operated in step S2008 and the stop valid flags of the remaining reels are set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009. If the first reel is the right reel 32R, it is determined in step S2007 that the right stop button 44 has been operated and the first reel stop enable flag is set in step S2008, or if step S2007 If it is determined that the left stop button 42 or the middle stop button 43 has been operated in step S2008 and the stop effective flags of the remaining reels are set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009.

First, the relationship between the reel set to the first reel, the stop button, and the first reel stop valid flag is the same as in the game in which the bell is won. is. If the second reel is the left reel 32L, it is determined in step S2007 that the left stop button 42 has been operated, and if the second reel stop valid flag is set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009. , if the second reel is the middle reel 32M, it is determined in step S2007 that the middle stop button 43 has been operated, and if the second reel stop valid flag is set in step S2208, the process proceeds to step S2009, If the second reel is the right reel 32R, it is determined in step S2007 that the right stop button 44 has been operated, and if the second reel stop valid flag is set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009. If the third reel is the left reel 32L, it is determined in step S2007 that the left stop button 42 has been operated, and if the third reel stop valid flag is set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009. If the third reel is the middle reel 32M, it is determined in step S2007 that the middle stop button 43 has been operated, and if the third reel stop valid flag is set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009, If the third reel is the right reel 32R, it is determined in step S2007 that the right stop button 44 has been operated, and if the third reel stop valid flag is set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009.

If a negative determination is made in step S2007 or step S2008, the process returns to step S2006.

The processing from step S2009 to step S2019 is the same as the processing from step S404 to step S414 in the first embodiment. However, if it is determined in step S2016 that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have not stopped, the second stop information setting process is executed in step S2017, and then the process returns to step S2006.

Returning to the description of the normal processing (FIG. 48), when the determination in step S1910 is affirmative, and when the determination in step S1911 or step S1912 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1914 and reel control processing is executed.

The reel control processing in this embodiment is generally the same as in the first embodiment, but the processing configuration of the rotation start processing (FIG. 40) is different. That is, as described above, in the game in which the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified, the special reel control processing is performed. It is determined whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the rotation of 32M and 32R was started (whether or not the invalidity counter MC is "0"), and if the predetermined period of time has not elapsed, it stands by as it is, When a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the stop lamps 42b to 44b are turned on and the rotation start process is terminated. Further, the display control device 81 is also configured not to perform the extension information command processing (FIG. 42).

After executing the special reel control process in step S1913 or after executing the reel control process in step S1914, steps S1915 to S1917 are performed in the same manner as in steps S211 to S213 in the first embodiment. , and returns to step S1903.

Note that the operation invalid period of the first reel to the third reel is not limited to the above, and may be longer or shorter than the above length. Specifically, any value is input to the first invalid counter MC1, the second invalid counter MC2, and the third invalid counter MC3. However, from the viewpoint of stably performing the stop control of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, each invalid counter MC1 is set so that the operation invalid period elapses after the rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R reaches a constant speed rotation. , MC2 and MC3 should be set. Also, although the first to third reels have the same operation invalid period, different numerical values are input to the respective invalid counters MC1, MC2 and MC3 so that the operation invalid periods have different lengths. may be configured. Also, the numerical values to be input to the respective invalid counters MC1, MC2, MC3 may be changed so that the operation invalid period of one reel is different from the operation invalid period of the other reels.

In addition, the waiting period (first delay counter TC1) for the start of rotation of the first reel and other reels in winning the bell, and the time between the first reel and the second reel and the second reel and the third reel in falling replay winning The waiting time for starting rotation (the first delay counter TC1 and the second delay counter TC2) is not limited to the above, and may be longer or shorter than the above. Specifically, any value is input to the first delay counter TC1 and the second delay counter TC2. Also, although the delay counters TC1 and TC2 have the same waiting period, different numerical values may be input to the delay counters TC1 and TC2 so that the waiting periods have different lengths.

By varying the values input to each of the invalid counters MC1, MC2, MC3 and each of the delay counters TC1, TC2, it is possible to wait until the corresponding stop button becomes effective after one reel starts rotating. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the rotation of the reels is not started. For example, by setting the value input to the first invalid counter MC1 to be smaller than the values input to the respective delay counters TC1 and TC2, at the timing when the stop button corresponding to the first reel is activated, the second reel and the second reel are still activated. A configuration can be adopted in which rotation of the three reels is not started.

Here, the relationship between the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R and the valid and invalid periods of the stop buttons 42-44 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 53(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the rotation of the reel set as the first reel in the rotation start order determination process and the valid and invalid periods of the corresponding stop button, and FIG. FIG. 53C is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the rotation of the reel set as the second reel in the start order determination process and the valid and invalid periods of the corresponding stop button, and FIG. It is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the rotation of the set reel and the valid and invalid periods of the corresponding stop button. In this description, a game in which the falling replay is won, that is, a game in which the rotation start order of all the reels is set to be different will be described. , the rotation of the reels other than the first reel and the activation of the corresponding stop button are controlled.

As shown in FIG. 53(a), rotation of the reel set as the first reel is started at timing ta. After that, the first reel undergoes an acceleration period, and at the timing td, which is the timing after reaching constant speed rotation, the first reel stop enable flag is stored, and the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel is disabled. switch to valid.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 53(b), the second reel starts rotating at the timing tb when the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel is invalid, and after an acceleration period similar to the first reel, At the timing te, which is the timing after the constant speed rotation is reached, the second reel stop enable flag is stored, and the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel is switched from disabled to enabled.

Further, as shown in FIG. 53(c), the third reel starts rotating at the timing tc when the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel and the second reel is invalid, and the first reel and the second reel start rotating. Similarly, after the acceleration period, the 3rd reel stop enable flag is stored at the timing tf, which is the timing after reaching the constant speed rotation, and the operation of the stop button corresponding to the 3rd reel is switched from disabled to enabled. be replaced.

To explain the relationship with each counter set in the special rotation start process (FIG. 51), the period from the timing ta to the timing td corresponds to the period corresponding to the first invalid counter MC1, and the period from the timing tb to the timing te corresponds to the period corresponding to the second invalid counter MC2, and the period from the timing tc to the timing tf corresponds to the period corresponding to the third invalid counter MC3. The period from timing ta to timing tb corresponds to the period corresponding to the first delay counter TC1, and the period from timing tb to timing tc corresponds to the period corresponding to the second delay counter TC2.

Therefore, even if the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel becomes effective at the timing td, until the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel becomes effective at the timing te, the The reel does not stop even if the stop button is operated. During this period (period from td to timing te), the reel does not stop even if the stop button corresponding to the third reel is operated. Furthermore, even if the stop button corresponding to the second reel becomes effective at the timing te, the stop button corresponding to the third reel is not activated until the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel becomes effective at the timing tf. The reel does not stop even if is operated.

After the operation of the stop button corresponding to the 3rd reel becomes valid at the timing of tf, the operation of the stop button corresponding to any of the 1st to 3rd reels becomes valid.

According to this embodiment detailed above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

In a game in which a combination (bell or fall replay) is won with different game results depending on the order of stopping, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are rotated separately at different timings under predetermined conditions. This makes it possible to differentiate the timing at which the stop operation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R becomes effective. Therefore, when the player performs the stop operation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, even if the stop operation of one reel and the other reel is continuously performed, the stop operation of one reel is effective. However, an event occurs in which the stopping operation is not effective on the other side, and in this case, the stopping operation of the reel that has not been effective is performed again after waiting for the stopping operation of the reel to be effective. That is, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped according to the order in which the stopping operations of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R become effective, so that it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation of stopping the reels in an unintended order.

Even if winning a winning combination that results in different game results depending on the stop order, the timing at which the reel stop operation becomes effective is varied as described above in the case of the normal game state or when the notification flag is not set. The configuration was such that no control was performed. When the reel control described above is performed, even in a game in which the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not indicated on the auxiliary display unit 65, the order of operation that gives an advantageous game result is identified by the order of rotation of the reels. This is because it becomes possible and the payout rate rises extremely. On the other hand, by restricting the reel control as in the present configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the payout rate and achieve the above effects.

However, from the viewpoint of preventing the player from operating the stop buttons 42 to 44 in an unintended order by varying the timing at which the stop operation of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R becomes effective, the above reels The control is not limited to being executed only in the game in which the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is indicated by the auxiliary display section 65, but is executed in each game in which the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is indicated by the auxiliary display section 65. In the game, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 may be notified according to the rotation start order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, instead of notifying part or all of them on the auxiliary display section 65. FIG. Even in this case, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations in the game.

Further, as described above, in the slot machine 10, when the notification flag is not set, if the reel (the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R) other than the left reel 32L is stopped first, the penalty flag is stored. However, in such a situation, the left reel 32L may be configured to start rotating first as the first reel. In this case, at least the timing of the lapse of the operation invalid period of the stop button 42 and the timing of the lapse of the operation invalid period of the stop buttons 43 and 44 are different, so that the reels other than the left reel 32L are unintentionally stopped first. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of an erroneous operation that causes

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the above-described third embodiment, the rotation start timings of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are made different to make the elapsed timings of the operation invalid periods different. By making the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R different, the timing at which the operation invalid period elapses is made different.

The configuration different from that of the third embodiment will be described below. It should be noted that the configuration other than the different configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment. FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing special rotation start processing in this embodiment.

In the special rotation start process of this embodiment, the process of starting rotation of all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is executed in step S2401. Specifically, the rotation start information of all the stepping motors 42c to 44c is stored in the motor control storage area. As a result, in stepping motor control processing (step S106) of timer interrupt processing, acceleration processing of stepping motors 42c to 44c corresponding to all reels is started, and all reels 32L, 32M, 32R start rotating. That is, both reels are configured to start rotating at the same time as in the first and second embodiments described above.

In the subsequent step S2402, the process of inputting "671" to the first invalid counter MC1 is executed, and in the subsequent step S2403, the process of inputting "839" to the second invalid counter MC2 is executed. After that, in step S2404, it is determined whether or not the game is the game in which the bell is won, and if the game is the game in which the bell is won, the special rotation start processing is terminated. If the game is not the game in which the bell is won, that is, in the case of the game in which the fall replay is won, the process of inputting "1007" to the third invalid counter MC3 is executed in step S2405, and the special rotation start process is terminated. .

That is, in the present embodiment, instead of the configuration in which the rotation control of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is executed separately, only the length of the operation invalid period of the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is set. By making them different, as in the third embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a shift occurs in the timing at which the operation disabled period elapses. Therefore, the rotation start order determination process (FIG. 50) in the present embodiment can be said to be a process of determining the order of timings when the operation invalid period of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R elapses.

More specifically, the operation invalid period of the first reel is set to about 1 sec, and the operation invalid period of the second reel is set to about 1.25 sec. That is, in the third embodiment, about 0.25 sec provided as the deviation between the rotation start timings of the first reel and the second reel corresponds to the stop corresponding to the first reel and the second reel in the present embodiment. It is set as a shift in the timing of the lapse of the button operation invalid period. Further, while the operation invalid period of the second reel is approximately 1.25 sec, the operation invalid period of the third reel is set to approximately 1.5 sec. That is, in the third embodiment, the difference of about 0.25 sec provided as the deviation between the rotation start timings of the second reel and the third reel is the stop button corresponding to the second reel and the third reel in this embodiment. is set as a shift in the timing of the lapse of the operation invalid period.

It goes without saying that in this configuration as well, the numerical values input to the first invalid counter MC1, the second invalid counter MC2, and the third invalid counter MC3 are not limited to those described above.

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing a situation in which the operations of the stop buttons 42 to 44 are switched from invalid to valid after the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start rotating. In this description, a game in which a drop replay is won, that is, a game in which the corresponding stop button operation invalid period elapse timings are set differently for the first to third reels will be described. In the game played, the operation invalid period of each stop button corresponding to the reel other than the first reel passes at the timing when the operation invalid period of the stop button corresponding to the second reel elapses.

As shown in FIG. 55, rotation of all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is started at timing ta, and operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel is switched from invalid to valid at timing td after an acceleration period. After that, the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel is switched from invalid to valid at the timing te, and furthermore, the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel is switched from invalid to valid at the timing tf.

The relationship between the invalid counters MC1, MC2, and MC3 set in the special rotation start process (FIG. 54) will be explained. The period from timing ta to timing td corresponds to the period corresponding to the first invalid counter MC1. , the period from the timing ta to the timing te corresponds to the period corresponding to the second invalid counter MC2, and the period from the timing ta to the timing tf corresponds to the period corresponding to the third invalid counter MC3.

Therefore, as in the third embodiment, even if the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel becomes effective at the timing td, the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel becomes effective at the timing te. Until then, the reel does not stop even if the stop button corresponding to the second reel is operated. During this period (period from td to timing te), the reel does not stop even if the stop button corresponding to the third reel is operated. Furthermore, even if the stop button corresponding to the second reel becomes effective at the timing te, the stop button corresponding to the third reel is not activated until the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel becomes effective at the timing tf. The reel does not stop even if is operated.

After the operation of the stop button corresponding to the 3rd reel becomes valid at the timing of tf, the operation of the stop button corresponding to any of the 1st to 3rd reels becomes valid.

According to this embodiment detailed above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

In the special rotation start process (FIG. 54), the rotation control of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is executed simultaneously, and the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is valid. It is configured such that each timing is different. As a result, the effects described in the third embodiment can be obtained without complicating the processing related to rotation control.

<Other embodiments>
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in each of the embodiments described above, and may be carried out as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be applied singly to the configuration of each of the above embodiments, or may be applied in a predetermined combination to the configuration of each of the above embodiments.

(1) In the first embodiment, the operation invalid period is extended, and in the second embodiment, a predetermined value is set in the stop limit counter SC as the operation handling process. Therefore, the configuration is not limited to these configurations, and at least a configuration that executes a predetermined process in response to the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 during the operation invalid period may be used. For example, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, a loud warning sound is emitted from the speaker 64 so that the player does not continue to operate the other stop buttons 42 to 44, The backlight of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is extinguished (or lit, blinking, etc.), the reciprocating operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is stiffer than normal operation, and the stop buttons 42 to 44 are vibrated. A configuration, a configuration in which a warning is displayed on the auxiliary display section 65, and the like are conceivable. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing the player from performing the stop operation of other reels other than the reel that the player intended to stop first, that is, the reel corresponding to the stop button operated during the operation invalid period, the other reel It may be structured such that the forward operation of the stop button corresponding to the reel is disabled. In any case, the player normally performs the stop operation of each reel continuously, but when the reel stop operation is performed during the operation invalid period, the player moves to the next reel stop operation. In order to prevent the continuous stop operation from occurring, it is possible to reflexively stop the continuous stop operation, or to make it possible to remedy the situation even if the stop operation is continuously performed. Even in these configurations, it is possible to suppress at least erroneous operations unintended by the player.

(2) As the operation handling process, the first embodiment performs the process of extending the operation invalid period, and the second embodiment performs the process of setting the stop limit counter SC to a predetermined value. From the viewpoint of executing a predetermined process when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the period, it is specified that the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period of the stop buttons 42 to 44 at least. The configuration is not limited to the one that executes each of the above processes, as long as it includes means. For example, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, the auxiliary display section 65 may perform a special effect. In particular, when the lottery result of each game is that a predetermined special role is won, in a gaming machine equipped with an effect (so-called freeze effect) for extending the operation invalid period to teach the winning special role, during the operation invalid period When the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated, the auxiliary display part 65 executes a special performance that is not executed or is difficult to be executed in other games, thereby further emphasizing the rarity value of the special role. can be done.

Further, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, the auxiliary display section 65 or the like may be configured to execute an effect for teaching the winning combination in the game. In this case, it is possible to diversify the effect configuration for teaching the winning combination in each game.

Furthermore, it is also possible to arrange that the contents of the effect during the operation invalid period or after that in the game differ depending on the number of times the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period and the period during which the stop buttons 42 to 44 are pressed. good. For example, a gauge indicating the length of the operation invalid period is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65, and the gauge gradually accumulates according to the number of times the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated and the pressing operation period during the operation invalid period. , the content of the effect on the auxiliary display section 65 thereafter may be changed depending on the degree of accumulation of the gauge. In these cases, active participation in the game can be expected because the content of the presentation changes based on the operation even during the operation invalid period.

Therefore, by executing each of the above processes, it is possible to favorably increase the degree of attention during the operation invalid period.

(3) In each of the above embodiments, the game in which the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified is configured to perform the operation corresponding processing or the configuration to perform the special reel control processing. are not limited to those of For example, the above process may be executed when the bell or fall replay is won in a game after a predetermined number of games have been executed from a predetermined start game or determined by lottery. It is good also as a structure which carries out.

In particular, even in a game in which the operation order is not notified, even if the left stop button 42 is intended to be operated first, the left stop button 42 does not stop the left reel 32L during the operation invalid period, and the middle stop is made without noticing it. If the button 43 or the right stop button 44 is operated, the corresponding middle reel 32M or right reel 32R will be stopped, a penalty flag will be set, and a situation disadvantageous to the player will occur.

Furthermore, even if the player operates the stop buttons 42 to 44 at the timing intended to stop a specific combination (watermelon, cherry, etc.), the first stop button operated during the operation invalid period will be stopped next time. If the stop button is operated after the operation invalid period has elapsed, the reels may not stop as intended, and a situation may arise in which the special combination cannot be stopped. From the viewpoint of suppressing these erroneous operations, it is effective to implement the configuration in any game.

Also, the operation corresponding process or the special reel control process may be configured to be executed only when staying in a predetermined game state. For example, it may be configured to execute a game in which the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified while staying in the fifth RT state. In particular, from the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operations, the game is played in order to complete the number of times of notification once set to the fifth RT state rather than the stage of shifting the game state to the fifth RT state. In this case, the concentration of the player tends to be interrupted, and the erroneous operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is likely to occur. Therefore, by limiting the game in which the above process is executed to the fifth RT state, it is possible to reduce the processing load of other games and more accurately suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations.

(4) In the first and second embodiments, the start of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and the activation of the stop operation after the operation invalid period has elapsed are performed collectively for all reels. Alternatively, the rotation start and stop operations may be validated separately as in the third embodiment.

(5) In the above-described first and second embodiments, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated within a predetermined period of time after the reels 32L, 32M, 32R start rotating, the operation corresponding processing is performed. However, the configuration is not limited to the above as long as the operation corresponding processing is executed when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is performed during a period in which the operation is invalid. That is, as shown in FIG. 39, the period from when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated until the corresponding reel comes to a final stop with sliding (period from timing t3 to timing t4) also corresponds to other reels. The operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid, and the operation corresponding processing may be executed even when the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to other reels are operated during the period. In this case, if the stopping order intended by the player is first stop reel→second stop reel→third stop reel, for example, the second stop is performed while the stop control involving slippage is being performed on the first stop reel. The third stop reel is stopped earlier than the second stop reel, which occurs when the stop operation of the reels is performed and subsequently the stop operation of the third stop reel is performed after the first stop reel is finally stopped. , it is possible to suppress the erroneous operation.

Further, even after one of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated forward and the corresponding reel is finally stopped, operation of the other stop buttons 42 to 44 is disabled until the stop button is operated backward. , the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is generally disabled even when other operation units such as the start lever 41 are being operated. may also be configured to execute the above-described operation corresponding processing.

(6) In the above-described second embodiment, the subtraction processing of the stop limit counter SC is performed by operating the credit insertion buttons 56-58 in addition to the operation of the stop buttons 42-44. You may apply to embodiment of this. In other words, the invalid operation period extended by the operation corresponding process may be canceled (the invalid counter MC may be set to "0") when one of the credit insertion buttons 56 to 58 is operated.

(7) In the above-described first embodiment, in addition to extending the operation invalid period as the operation response process, the stop limit counter SC in the above-described second embodiment may be set. In this case, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is disabled until the stop limit counter SC becomes "0" even after the extended operation disable period has passed, and erroneous operations can be suppressed more reliably. In addition, in this configuration, when the stop limit counter SC becomes "0" based on the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 and the credit insertion buttons 56-58, the invalid counter MC is also set to "0". Thus, even if the operation invalid period is extended, the player can cancel it, and the game can be played smoothly.

(8) In each of the above embodiments, the player may be allowed to select whether or not to execute the operation corresponding process or the special reel control process in a predetermined game. For example, a player or a game hall manager may operate an operable operation unit to determine whether or not to execute the operation corresponding process or the special reel control process.

(9) In each of the above embodiments, the game state is set to the normal game state and the 1st RT state to the 5th RT state, and each game state is changed by the transition roll, promotion replay, and fall replay. Needless to say, the types and number of game states and transition modes thereof are not limited to those described above and are arbitrary.

In particular, from the viewpoint of suppressing an erroneous operation to stop the reels unintentionally by the player, a configuration that may cause a disadvantageous situation for the player due to the erroneous operation, for example, a pattern arrangement of the reels that misses the established combination due to the stop timing. As long as there is a certain configuration or a configuration in which the penalty flag in each of the above embodiments is set depending on the order in which the reels are stopped, the number of game states may be one.

(10) In each of the above embodiments, the auxiliary display unit 65 is configured to notify the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, but the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. Any configuration that the player can recognize and suggest is acceptable. For example, the operation order may be notified by outputting a sound from the speaker 64, and the operation order may be indicated by lighting the lamp of the stop button to be operated next in a different emission color from that of the other stop buttons. Alternatively, the backlight of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R may be turned on or off to suggest the next reel to be stopped. It is good also as a structure which alert|reports.

(11) In the first and second embodiments, the auxiliary display unit 65 is configured to display each special notification and the numerical value of the stop limit counter SC. A configuration may be adopted in which a display section provided to cover the entire display windows 26L, 26M and 26R displays information corresponding to each special notification while making the reels 32L, 32M and 32R visible. It is assumed that the player concentrates on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R during the game. By displaying information corresponding to the information, it is considered that the effect of making the player recognize the content of the special information is further improved.

(12) In each of the above-described embodiments, if at least the main controller 101 can identify the game in which the operation corresponding process or the special reel control process should be executed, each process executed by the main controller 101 is displayed and controlled. The configuration may be such that the device 81 executes it. In this case, in order for the main control device 101 to be able to specify that the game should execute the above-described operation corresponding processing or special reel control processing, the order of operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 must be notified. That is, it is sufficient if main controller 101 can identify that the notification flag is set. Specifically, at least, the notification lottery process (FIG. 35), the process of steps S1001 to S1003 in the winning result handling process (FIG. 36), and the process during notification (FIG. 37) are executed by the main controller 101. and the result of each process of the main control device 101 is sequentially transmitted to the display control device 81 as a command.

(13) In each of the above embodiments, slot machines with BB status have been described, but the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and slot machines without BB status, RB status, and SB status may be used. It may be a slot machine with other game states such as.

(14) In each of the above embodiments, it is determined whether or not a start command has been generated after three medals have been betted. Needless to say, the configuration may be such that it is determined whether or not an error has occurred.

(15) In each of the above-described embodiments, in addition to the privilege of changing the game state and the privilege of replaying, the privilege of paying out medals is provided as the privilege to be granted, but the configuration is limited to such a configuration. Instead, it is sufficient that the player is provided with some kind of privilege. For example, instead of paying out medals, prizes other than medals may be paid out. In addition, in a slot machine that does not have actual medal insertion and medal payout functions and that manages the medals owned by the player as credits, an increase in the number of credited medals corresponds to the granting of benefits.

(16) In each of the above embodiments, the slot machine is provided with three reels and corresponding stop buttons arranged side by side, and has four effective lines. A slot machine having 5 stop buttons corresponding to them in parallel, or a slot machine having 7 active lines may be used. From the viewpoint of suppressing erroneous operations in stopping the reels, at least two reels and corresponding stop buttons are sufficient.

(17) In each of the above-described embodiments, a specific example of the slot machine 10 has been shown, but the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are combined. That is, the slot machine may be a game machine having a ball-inserting and ball-paying function like a pachinko machine instead of the medal-inserting and medal-paying functions. If such a game machine is used instead of a slot machine, only the balls can be treated as game value in the game hall. It is possible to solve the problems such as the burden on the equipment and the restrictions on the installation location of the game machine due to separate handling of medals and balls.

<Invention groups extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the group of inventions extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described, showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following description, for ease of understanding, configurations corresponding to the above-described embodiments are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but are not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses or the like.

<Characteristic group A>
Feature A1. A plurality of revolving bodies (each reel 32L, 32M, 32R) that revolves in the circumferential direction and in which a plurality of types of patterns are arranged in the circumferential direction;
a display window portion (display windows 26L, 26M, 26R) that allows visual recognition of a part of the patterns of each of the circular bodies;
starting operation means (start lever 41) operated to start the circulation of each of the winding bodies;
Driving means (stepping motors 42c to 44c) provided in each of the revolving bodies for rotating the respective revolving bodies;
start drive control means (function for executing rotation start processing in the CPU 102 of the main control unit 101) for starting drive control of the drive means so as to start orbiting each of the orbiting bodies based on the operation of the start operation means;
a plurality of stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to individually stop the circulation of each of the circulation bodies;
Stop drive control means (in the first embodiment, , a function of executing the processing of steps S402 to S412 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101, and in the second embodiment, the function of executing the processing of steps S1603 to S1617 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101);
A specifying means (second In the first embodiment, it is a function of executing the processing of step S1307 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101, and in the second embodiment, the function of executing the processing of step S1707);
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to the feature A1, it is possible for the identification means to identify that the stop operation means has been operated during a predetermined invalid period while the orbiting body is circulating. Accordingly, even if the stop operation means is operated during the invalid period, other processing can be executed based on the operation.

As other processing, based on the operation of the stop operation means during the invalid period, a process of executing a special effect by a notification means or the like provided in the game machine, and a stop control of the corresponding loop body are performed. A process for suppressing the occurrence of an erroneous operation based on the fact that the user is not able to do so may be considered. By providing the specifying means, it becomes possible to execute these processes.

Feature A2. When the identification means identifies that the stop operation means has been operated during the predetermined invalid period, the operation of at least one stop operation means corresponding to the orbiting body is disabled. or special control means for executing special control for preventing the stop drive control from being executed when the stop operation means is operated after that (execution of operation corresponding processing in CPU 102 of main control device 101 The gaming machine according to feature A1, characterized in that it has a function to play.

According to feature A2, when the stop operation means is operated during the predetermined invalid period, special control prevents the player from operating the stop operation means after that, or does not stop the revolving body even if the operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an erroneous operation caused by operating the stop operation means over a period in which the operation of the stop operation means is invalid and a period in which the operation of the stop operation means is valid.

Feature A3. Characteristic feature A2, characterized in that the special control means executes the special control at least for the revolving body different from the revolving body corresponding to the stop operation means operated during the predetermined invalid period. game machine.

According to the feature A3, by operating different stop operation means over the period in which the operation of the stop operation means is invalid and the period in which the operation of the stop operation means is valid, an erroneous operation in which the rotating body stops at an unintended timing or stop order It is possible to suppress the occurrence of

Feature A4. The special control means is characterized in that the special control is executed for all the orbiting bodies including the orbital bodies corresponding to the stop operation means operated during the predetermined invalid period. A gaming machine described in A3.

According to the feature A4, since the special control is executed for all the orbiting bodies while making it possible to suppress the occurrence of the erroneous operation described in the feature A3, the processing load is lower than that of the configuration in which the special control is individually executed for each orbiting body. can be reduced.

Feature A5. The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A4, wherein the special control means extends the predetermined invalid period as the special control.

According to feature A5, the invalid state continues even after the predetermined invalid period, and the invalid period during which the stop drive control is not executed substantially becomes longer even if the stop operation means is operated. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations. In particular, in this configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations with a simple processing configuration, compared to a configuration in which other determination elements are added to suppress erroneous operations.

Feature A6. The special control means, as the special control, does not execute the stop drive control for a predetermined number of times even if the stop operation means is operated after the predetermined invalid period has elapsed. The gaming machine according to any one of A5.

According to the feature A6, when the stop operation means is operated during the predetermined invalid period, even if the stop operation means is operated after the predetermined invalid period has passed, the stop drive control of the orbiting body is performed for a predetermined number of times. By not doing so, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations. Particularly, in this configuration, even when the specific control is being performed, the player can operate the stopping operation means for a predetermined number of times to stop the rotating body. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly progress the game while suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operations.

Feature A7. Any one of features A2 to A6, wherein the predetermined invalid period includes at least a period from when each orbiting body starts to circulate until the circulating speed of each orbiting body reaches a constant speed. 1. The gaming machine according to 1.

According to feature A7, it is possible to suppress erroneous operations caused by operating a plurality of stop operation means before and after the revolving speed of each revolving body reaches a constant speed after the revolving of each revolving body is started. In particular, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an erroneous operation in which, among a plurality of orbiting bodies, a orbiting body different from the orbiting body intended to be stopped first is stopped.

Feature A8. The special control means executes the stop drive control of the circulating body corresponding to the operated stop operating means after the stop operation means is operated and until the circulating body finally stops, The game machine according to feature A7, wherein the special control is not executed even if the stop operation means is operated.

According to feature A8, the period during which special control is executed becomes more limited. In particular, the period from when the stop operation means is operated to when the orbiting body finally stops is shorter than the period from when the orbiting body starts rotating until it reaches a constant speed, and there is a possibility of an erroneous operation occurring. It is low, and executing special control during such a period may lead to an increase in processing load. Furthermore, there is a possibility that one stop operation means will continue to be operated even after starting the stop drive control of the corresponding looping body. It is not preferable from the viewpoint of the smooth progress of the game to execute the special control based on the operation, although it is intended to cause the control to be performed. Therefore, by adopting a configuration in which special control is not executed during this period, the effect of feature A7 can be favorably exhibited.

Feature A9. The special control means is configured to execute the special control for a predetermined specific number of operations among the operations of the stop operation means during the predetermined invalid period (in the first embodiment, the operation The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A8, wherein the invalid period is extended up to two times, and the stop limit counter SC is set only once in the second embodiment.

According to feature A9, since the special control is performed only a specific number of times, the player can stop the corresponding looping body by operating the stop operation means after canceling the special control. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the stop drive control is not infinitely executed, and the game can be played smoothly.

Feature A10. Characteristic features A2 to A9 characterized by comprising a specific cancellation means for canceling the special control (a function of executing the processing of steps S1602 and S1606 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101 in the second embodiment) 1. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

According to feature A10, after the player recognizes that the special control has been set by the special control means, the special control can be canceled by the specific cancellation means and the game can be restarted. Therefore, it is possible to play the game smoothly while suppressing erroneous operations.

Feature A11. The gaming machine according to feature A10, wherein the specific release means is provided separately from the stop operation means and can be operated by the player.

According to feature A11, it is not necessary to operate the stop operation means when canceling the special control. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of a secondary erroneous operation in which the player does not notice that the special control has already been canceled and further operates the stop operation means.

Feature A12. A notification means (speaker 64 or auxiliary display unit 65) is provided,
The apparatus is characterized by comprising a special notification means for executing a special notification by the notification means when the identification means identifies that the stop operation means has been operated during the predetermined invalid period. The game machine according to any one of A1 to A11.

According to feature A12, special notification is executed when the stop operation means is operated during the predetermined invalid period. As a result, even during a period in which the operation of the stop operation means is invalid, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the degree of attention paid to the game.

In particular, since the player can recognize that the stop operation means has been operated during the invalid period by the special notification, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an erroneous operation of continuously operating the stop operation means. is.

Feature A13. A lottery means (a function of executing a lottery process in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) that performs a lottery for a winning combination based on the operation of the starting operation means;
A prize is given to the player as winning is established based on the fact that the winning combination won in the lottery of the said combination and the corresponding winning pattern form a predetermined combination and stop at an effective position visible from the display window. privilege giving means (function for executing the process of step S211 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101);
with
When the lottery result of the winning combination is a specific result (bell or fall replay) and the respective stop operation means are operated in a first specific order, the stop drive control means places a first specific pattern on the effective position. While executing the stop drive control of each revolving body in order to stop (bell winning or sixth replay winning), the lottery result of the winning combination is the specified result and the stop operation means receives the second specified result. Special stop drive control means (main control means) for executing the stop drive control of each orbiting body to stop the second specific pattern (transition result or fall replay prize) at the effective position when the operations are performed in order. function of executing the process of step S412 in the CPU 102 of the device 101),
The privilege granting means provides a first special privilege (payout of nine medals or right to play the next game free of charge) advantageous to the player based on the fact that the first specific pattern has stopped at the valid position. On the other hand, a second special privilege that is more disadvantageous to the player than the first special privilege based on the fact that the second specific pattern has stopped at the effective position (the game state is the first RT state or the normal game state a special privilege giving means (a function of executing RT state processing in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) that gives a transition),
When the identification means identifies that the stop operation means has been operated during the predetermined invalid period, the operation of at least one stop operation means corresponding to the orbiting body is disabled. a special control means for executing special control to prevent the stop drive control from being executed when the stop operation means is operated after that,
When the lottery result of the lottery means is the specified result, an operation informing means for recognizably informing the player of the first specific order (assisted based on receipt of a notification command in the CPU 82 of the display control device 81) a function of causing the display unit 65 to execute a push-order notification effect);
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A12, characterized by comprising:

According to the feature A13, when the specified result is obtained, different benefits are given depending on the operation of the stop operation means. Specifically, when the operations are performed in the first specific order, the first special privilege is given, and when the operations are performed in the second specific order, the second special privilege is given. Since the second special privilege is more disadvantageous to the player than the first special privilege, it is advantageous for the player to perform the operations in the first specified order when the specified result is obtained. Then, when the winning lottery result is the specified result, the first specified order is notified by the operation notification means. As a result, although the player operates the stop operation means in the first specific order based on the information, the special control means suppresses erroneous operations, so that the player can more reliably perform the operations in the first specific order. It becomes possible.

Feature A14. Special game state transition means ( A function of executing the processing of steps S507 to S514 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101);
Special game state ending means for ending the special game state based on the fact that the second specific pattern has stopped at the effective position (function for executing the processing of steps S501 to S506 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) The gaming machine according to feature A13, characterized by comprising:

According to feature A14, if the operation is performed in the first specific order in which the first specific pattern is stopped, the player shifts to a special game state, while if the operation is performed in the second specific order in which the second specific pattern is stopped. The special game state ends. Therefore, in the case of the specified result, the subsequent game state differs depending on whether the operation is performed in the first specified order or the second specified order, and a more careful operation of the stop operation means is required. Since the occurrence of erroneous operations is suppressed, the game can be favorably progressed.

Feature A15. The special game state includes at least a plurality of shift special game states (each RT state) that are more advantageous to the player than the normal game state and have different degrees of advantage,
The special game state ending means stays in the most advantageous transition special game state (fifth RT state) among the transition special game states based on the fact that the second specific pattern has stopped at the valid position. The gaming machine according to feature A14, wherein the transition special game state is terminated and the game state is shifted to the normal game state.

According to the feature A15, even when staying in the transition special game state with the highest degree of advantage, the state shifts to the normal game state when the second specific pattern stops. Thereby, it becomes possible to exhibit the effect of characteristic A14 more.

It is effective to apply the feature group A to the following problems.

A slot machine is an example of a gaming machine that rotates and then stops a plurality of reels. In the slot machine, a plurality of symbols are provided on the outer peripheral portion of each reel, and a part of the symbols provided to each reel can be visually recognized through a display window. When the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, the reels start rotating, and after the reels start rotating, the reels are sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that medals are inserted and a start lever is operated, and the symbols in which the lottery result is winning and the player wins on the preset effective line are stopped. On the condition that the game is played, a predetermined number of medals are paid out, or a predetermined game (special game state) advantageous to the player is generated.

In this slot machine, a stop button is operated from the start of rotation of each reel until the rotation speed reaches a constant speed rotation, or a stop corresponding to another reel is performed during a period in which stop control is performed for one reel. Even if a button is operated, it is common that reel stop control is not performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This is because the stop control of each reel or other reels cannot be stably performed during the period until the reels reach a constant rotation speed or during the period when the stop control of one reel is being performed.

However, in such a configuration, for example, if the stop button is operated during an invalid period, the corresponding reel does not stop, so the game does not progress, and the player's attention may decrease. be. Also, for example, when a plurality of stop buttons are operated over an invalid period and an effective period of stop button operation, the reel operated during the invalid period does not stop, while the reel operated during the effective period Side reels stop. In this case, a so-called erroneous operation may occur in which the reels cannot be stopped in the order or timing intended by the player.

The above problem is not limited to the slot machine as exemplified above, but also applies to other game machines that cyclically display a plurality of patterns and then terminate the cyclical display based on the operation of the stop operation means. It is a problem.

<Characteristic group B>
Feature B1. A plurality of revolving bodies (each reel 32L, 32M, 32R) that revolves in the circumferential direction and in which a plurality of types of patterns are arranged in the circumferential direction;
a display window portion (display windows 26L, 26M, 26R) that allows visual recognition of a part of the patterns of each of the circular bodies;
starting operation means (start lever 41) operated to start the circulation of each of the winding bodies;
Lottery means (function for executing lottery processing in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for performing a lottery for a winning combination based on the operation of the starting operation means;
driving means (stepping motors 42c to 44c) provided for each of the revolving bodies and rotating the respective revolving bodies;
start drive control means (function for executing rotation start processing in the CPU 102 of the main control unit 101) for starting drive control of the drive means so as to start orbiting each of the orbiting bodies based on the operation of the start operation means;
a plurality of stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to individually stop the circulation of each of the circulation bodies;
Stop drive control means (CPU 102 of main control unit 101) for stopping drive control of each drive means so as to stop the circulation of the rotating body corresponding to the operated stop operation means based on the operation of each stop operation means. a function of executing the processes of steps S1913 and S1914 in
A prize is given to the player as winning is established based on the fact that the winning combination won in the lottery of the said combination and the corresponding winning pattern form a predetermined combination and stop at an effective position visible from the display window. privilege giving means (function for executing the process of step S1915 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101);
with
When the lottery result of the winning combination is a specific result (bell or fall replay) and the respective stop operation means are operated in a first specific order, the stop drive control means places a first specific pattern on the effective position. While executing the stop drive control of each revolving body in order to stop (bell winning or sixth replay winning), the lottery result of the winning combination is the specified result and the stop operation means receives the second specified result. Special stop drive control means (main control means) for executing the stop drive control of each orbiting body to stop the second specific pattern (transition result or fall replay prize) at the effective position when the operations are performed in order. function of executing the process of step S2017 in the CPU 102 of the device 101),
The privilege granting means provides a first special privilege (payout of nine medals or right to play the next game free of charge) advantageous to the player based on the fact that the first specific pattern has stopped at the valid position. On the other hand, a second special privilege that is more disadvantageous to the player than the first special privilege based on the fact that the second specific pattern has stopped at the effective position (the game state is the first RT state or the normal game state a special privilege giving means (a function of executing RT state processing in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) that gives a transition),
After the orbiting body starts to circulate, an invalid period is set for invalidating the operation of the stop operation means corresponding thereto,
The gaming machine performs special control so that the timing of the expiration of the invalid period is different from the timing corresponding to the first specific order, under at least one condition that the lottery result of the winning combination is the specific result. A gaming machine characterized by comprising a special control means (function for executing special reel control processing in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101).

According to feature B1, when the lottery result of the winning combination is a specific result, the first special privilege is granted when the stop operation means is operated in the first specific order, while the second specific order is provided. , the second special privilege, which is more disadvantageous to the player than the first special privilege, is given, but the special control means controls the invalid period to pass in correspondence with the first specific order. be done. In other words, if each stop operation means is operated in an order other than the first specific order, an event occurs in which the invalid period of the operated stop operation means has not passed at that timing. Stop drive control is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations in which the player performs operations in the second specific order.

Feature B2. Informing means (display control device 81) for recognizably informing the player of the first specific order when the lottery result of the lottery means is the specific result,
The gaming machine according to feature B1, wherein the special control means executes the special control under at least one condition that the first specific order is notified by the notification means.

According to feature B2, the player can operate each stop operation means in the first specific order according to the notification, and erroneous operations are suppressed as described in feature B1. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since the first specific order is notified as a condition, special control by the special control means is not performed even if the lottery result of the combination is the specific result. can also occur. As a result, it is possible to make the game suitable without unreasonably increasing the degree of advantage for the player.

Feature B3. The gaming machine according to feature B1 or feature B2, wherein the special control means executes the special control so as to start the orbiting of the orbiting bodies at the same timing based on the operation of the starting operation means.

According to the feature B3, the orbiting of each orbiting body is started at the same timing, while the invalid period of each stop operation means is made to correspond to the first specific order by the special control means and elapses at different timings. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the effect of the feature B1 by changing the setting of the invalid period without applying special control to the driving control of each orbiting body, and complicated processing is not required.

Feature B4. The special control means is characterized in that the special control means executes the special control so as to start the orbiting of the orbiting bodies at different timings corresponding to the first specific order based on the operation of the starting operation means. The gaming machine according to B1 or feature B2.

According to characteristic B4, the orbiting of each orbiting body is started corresponding to the first specific order. As a result, the player can recognize that the lottery result of the combination is the specific result and the first specific order, and can more reliably operate the stop operation means in the first specific order. .

Feature B5. The special control means is configured to cause all of the orbiting bodies to start to circulate at a timing before the predetermined invalid period of the orbiting body which starts to circulate first among the orbiting bodies. The game machine according to feature B4, characterized by executing control.

According to feature B5, all the orbiting bodies start to circulate before the invalid period of the orbiting body that starts to circulate first elapses. Therefore, the phenomenon that there is a circulating body that has not yet started to circulate after the invalid period of the circulating body that has started to circulate first has elapsed does not occur. More specifically, the ineffective period of the circulating body that first started to circulate has elapsed, and the circulating body has stopped by operating the stop operation means corresponding to the circulating body, but has not yet started to circulate. The phenomenon that there is an orbiting body that does not exist does not occur. In a game machine, depending on the stopping mode of one revolving body, it is possible to predict the result of winning a role and the privilege to be given, and if revolving bodies that have finished revolving and revolving bodies that have not started revolving are mixed at the same timing. , depending on the predicted winning result and the privilege to be given, the degree of attention of the revolving body that has not started revolving may decrease. On the other hand, according to the present configuration, since the circulating body that has finished circling and the circulating body that has not started circulating cannot coexist at the same timing, the feature B1 It is possible to achieve the effect of

Feature B6. Special game state transition means ( A function of executing the processing of steps S507 to S514 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101);
Special game state ending means for ending the special game state based on the fact that the second specific pattern has stopped at the effective position (function for executing the processing of steps S501 to S506 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B5, characterized by comprising:

According to feature B6, if the player performs the operation in the first specific order in which the first specific pattern is stopped, the game transitions to a special game state for the player, while if the operation is performed in the second specific order in which the second specific pattern is stopped. The special game state ends. Therefore, in the case of a specific result, depending on whether each stop operation means is operated in the first specific order or in the second specific order, the subsequent game state differs, and more careful operation of the stop operation means is required. However, since the occurrence of the erroneous operation described in feature B1 is suppressed, the game can be played favorably.

Feature B7. The special game state includes at least a plurality of shift special game states that are more advantageous to the player than the normal game state and have different degrees of advantage,
The special game state ending means stays in the most advantageous transition special game state (fifth RT state) among the transition special game states based on the fact that the second specific pattern has stopped at the valid position. The gaming machine according to feature B6, wherein even if there is, the transition special game state is ended and the normal game state is entered.

According to the feature B7, even when staying in the transition special game state with the highest degree of advantage, the state shifts to the normal game state when the second specific pattern stops. Thereby, it becomes possible to exhibit the effect of the feature B5 more.

It is effective to apply the characteristic group B to the following problems.

A slot machine is an example of a gaming machine that rotates and then stops a plurality of reels. In the slot machine, a plurality of symbols are provided on the outer peripheral portion of each reel, and a part of the symbols provided to each reel can be visually recognized through a display window. When the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, the reels start rotating, and after the reels start rotating, the reels are sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that medals are inserted and a start lever is operated, and the symbols in which the lottery result is winning and the player wins on the preset effective line are stopped. On the condition that the game is played, a predetermined number of medals are paid out, or a predetermined game (special game state) advantageous to the player is generated.

In this slot machine, a stop button is operated from the start of rotation of each reel until the rotation speed reaches a constant speed rotation, or a stop corresponding to another reel is performed during a period in which stop control is performed for one reel. Even if a button is operated, it is common that reel stop control is not performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This is because the stop control of each reel or other reels cannot be stably performed during the period until the reels reach a constant rotation speed or during the period when the stop control of one reel is being performed. Therefore, in the slot machine, there are periods during which the operation of the stop button is disabled and during which the operation of the stop button is enabled after each reel starts rotating.

However, in such a configuration, when a plurality of stop buttons are operated over an invalid period and an effective period of the operation of the stop button, the reel operated during the invalid period does not stop, but the effective period The reel on the side operated to stops. In this case, a so-called erroneous operation may occur in which the reels cannot be stopped in the order or timing intended by the player.

The above problem is not limited to the slot machine as exemplified above, but also applies to other game machines that cyclically display a plurality of patterns and then terminate the cyclical display based on the operation of the stop operation means. It is a problem.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10: slot machine as gaming machine, 32: reel as revolving body, 41: start lever as start operation means, 42 to 44: stop button as stop operation means, 64: speaker constituting auxiliary effect section, 65 ... Auxiliary display section constituting an auxiliary effect section, 81 ... Display control device as a sub control board, 101 ... Main control device as a main control board, 102 ... CPU constituting various control means such as lottery means and main control means .

Claims (1)

a plurality of circulating bodies that circulate in the circumferential direction and in which a plurality of types of patterns are arranged in the circumferential direction;
a display window portion that allows visual recognition of a part of the patterns of each of the circular bodies;
starting operation means operated to start orbiting each of the orbiting bodies;
Lottery means for performing a lottery for a winning combination based on the operation of the starting operation means;
a driving means provided for each of the revolving bodies, for rotating each of the revolving bodies;
start drive control means for starting drive control of the drive means to start orbiting each of the orbiting bodies based on the operation of the start operation means;
a plurality of stop operation means operated to individually stop the circulation of each of the circulation bodies;
a stop drive control means for controlling the stop drive of each of the drive means so as to stop the circulation of the rotating body corresponding to the operated stop operation means, based on the operation of each of the stop operation means;
A prize is given to the player as winning is established based on the fact that the winning combination won in the lottery of the said combination and the corresponding winning pattern form a predetermined combination and stop at an effective position visible from the display window. a privilege granting means;
with
The stop drive control means is configured to stop the first specific pattern at the effective position when the lottery result of the combination is a specific result and the stop operation means are operated in a first specific order. While executing the stop drive control of the body, when the lottery result of the winning combination is the specified result and the stop operation means are operated in the second specified order, the second specified pattern is placed at the effective position. Special stop drive control means for executing the stop drive control of each of the winding bodies to stop them,
The privilege granting means grants a first special privilege advantageous to the player based on the fact that the first specific pattern has stopped at the effective position, while the second specific pattern has stopped at the effective position. a special privilege giving means for giving a second special privilege that is more disadvantageous to the player than the first special privilege based on
After the orbiting body starts to circulate, an invalid period is set for invalidating the operation of the stop operation means corresponding thereto,
The gaming machine performs special control so that the timing of the expiration of the invalid period is different from the timing corresponding to the first specific order, under at least one condition that the lottery result of the winning combination is the specific result. A game machine characterized by comprising special control means for execution.

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