JP2024049173A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can suppress the decline in an operation rate.SOLUTION: Performance control means causes a reference lighting mode of second lighting means (lower panel 91) to be a first lighting mode (for example, turning on) when a first set value is set, and causes the reference lighting mode of the second lighting means to be a second lighting mode (for example, turning off) different from the first lighting mode when a specific set value is set. The performance control means causes first lighting means (outer lamp 38) to be dimmed or turned off without changing the lighting mode of the second lighting means when a predetermined condition is satisfied while a game is not played.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, slot machines equipped with multiple reels with multiple symbols arranged on the outer periphery are known as gaming machines. In a slot machine, the reels start to spin when play begins, and an internal lottery is held using a lottery table. When the reels stop, a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on the multiple reels, and if this winning combination wins, a process corresponding to the winning combination is performed, such as a medal payout process that pays out medals (game value) or a replay process that allows the player to play again without consuming any more medals.

Some slot machines are also equipped with lighting means (perimeter lamps) on the front door as an effect device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2021-065400 A

However, there is a demand for preventing declines in operating rates of gaming machines.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can suppress a decline in operating rate.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
A front door (e.g. 12),
A lighting means provided on the front door;
A performance control means (e.g., the performance control means 100) for controlling the execution of the performance;
A setting change unit (e.g., a setting change unit 47) capable of executing a setting change process for changing a setting value among a plurality of setting values,
The lighting means includes a first lighting means (e.g., an outer perimeter lamp 38) and a second lighting means (e.g., a lower panel 91) different from the first lighting means,
Among the set values, the set value with the lowest expected value of the ball payout rate is designated as a specific set value (for example, setting L), and a predetermined set value other than the specific set value is designated as a first set value.
When the first setting value is set, the performance control means sets a reference lighting mode of the second lighting means to a first lighting mode (e.g., on), and when the specific setting value is set, sets a reference lighting mode of the second lighting means to a second lighting mode (e.g., off) different from the first lighting mode;
When a predetermined condition is satisfied while no game is being played, the performance control means dims or turns off the first lighting means without changing the lighting state of the second lighting means.

When a specific setting value is set and the specified condition is met, the second lighting means maintains the second lighting state (off) and the first lighting means dims or turns off. On the other hand, when a first setting value, which is a specified setting value other than the specific setting value, is set and the specified condition is met, the second lighting means maintains the first lighting state (on) and the first lighting means dims or turns off. Therefore, even when the specified condition is met when no game is being played, the lighting state of the second lighting means differs between when a specific setting value is set and when a setting value other than the specific setting value is set, and the player can determine whether or not a specific setting value is set. Therefore, in an arcade, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operating rate of gaming machines due to players avoiding playing because they mistakenly believe that a specific setting value is set.

In the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention,
The performance control means causes the second lighting means to emit light in a predetermined lighting mode when a predetermined error occurs, regardless of which setting value is set.
When a predetermined error occurs, regardless of which set value is set (even if a specific set value is set), by emitting light from the second illumination means in a predetermined lighting state, it becomes easier for the staff of the game arcade to notice the occurrence of the error, compared to when the second lighting state (lights off) is maintained. In other words, a game machine in which a specific set value is set can prevent the occurrence of the problem that it is difficult to notice the occurrence of an error.

The present invention makes it possible to suppress declines in operating rates.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a main loop process. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a setting confirmation process. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another example of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a process relating to the operation of the count button. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of symbols on the reels. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the internal lottery table. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the manner of stopping operation when each winning area is won and the winning combination. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning symbols and symbol combinations. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning symbols and symbol combinations. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game state. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game section and presentation state. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the front door of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning symbols and symbol combinations. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning symbols and symbol combinations. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the manner of stopping operation when each winning area is won and the winning combination. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the reel stop control.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the outline of the gaming machine will be described. In this embodiment, the present invention will be described by taking as an example a case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is one of the gaming machines, but the present invention may be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and medal-less gaming machines, without being limited to slot machines. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is "front" and the slot machine side is "rear", "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right".

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine X. This slot machine X has a housing 10, which has a bottom plate, left and right side plates, a top plate, and a back plate, and is formed in a box shape with a front opening that opens to the front side of the housing 10. In addition, a front door 12 that closes the front opening of the housing 10 in an openable and closable manner is provided on the front of the housing 10. The front door 12 also has an upper door 30 that closes the upper opening of the front opening of the housing 10 in an openable and closable manner, and a lower door 40 that closes the lower opening in an openable and closable manner. Note that the front door 12 may be an integrated structure that is not divided into the upper door 30 and the lower door 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lower part of the housing 10 is provided with a power supply unit 14 incorporating a power supply device (power supply means) for supplying power to each component, a hopper unit 16 that stores medals (game media, game value) and serves as a payout device (payout means) that pays out medals, and a cash box 18 from which medals are sent out from the hopper unit 16 when the amount of medals in the hopper unit 16 reaches or exceeds a predetermined amount. The power supply unit 14 also has a power switch, and when the power switch is turned ON, power is supplied from the power supply unit 14 to each component. Note that some components may be configured to receive power even when the power supply unit 14 is OFF.

In addition, the housing 10 contains a reel unit 20, a main control means (first control means, main control board) 70, a sub-control means (second control means, sub-control board) 72, etc. The reel unit 20 has three reels, a first reel 20a, a second reel 20b, and a third reel 20c, each of which has a number of symbols displayed around it, and a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 20a to 20c.

The main control means 70 is provided with a setting change key cylinder, a setting change button 26 (FIG. 3), etc. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button 26 may be provided in other parts, such as the power supply unit 14.
The setting change key cylinder (setting key switch, operating means related to the setting value) has two states, an OFF state and an ON state. In other words, it is switchable between the OFF state and the ON state. The setting change key cylinder is formed so that the setting key can be inserted. The setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state in the initial state. The position of the movable part of the setting change key cylinder and the setting key when the setting key is inserted in the OFF state is set as the initial position. When the inserted setting key is turned 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the state of the setting change key cylinder is switched from the OFF state to the ON state. When the setting key is turned 90 degrees counterclockwise so that the state of the setting change key cylinder is switched from the ON state to the initial position, it is switched from the ON state to the OFF state.
The setting change button 26 can be pressed.

As shown in FIG. 1, a display window 31 is provided in the center of the bottom of the upper door 30, and three reels 20a to 20c are arranged in a horizontal row behind this display window 31. Multiple types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c, and when the reels 20a to 20c stop, three symbols per reel are displayed through the display window 31. The display window 31 has an upper, middle, and lower row as display positions for visually checking the symbols on each of the reels 20a to 20c, and a winning line is set by combining the display positions of each of the reels 20a to 20c.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number, prescribed number) is set to three, and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line formed by the middle section of each of the reels 20a to 20c is activated. In addition, when the game starts, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts to spin and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning roles will be a win or a miss (non-win). Next, when the reels 20a to 20c come to a halt, if a symbol combination corresponding to the winning role selected in the internal lottery is displayed on the active line, this winning role will be a winning role, and a process corresponding to the winning role that has been selected (winning process) will be executed.

Below the display window 31, a game information display unit 32 is provided. The game information display unit 32 is made up of LEDs, lamps, seven-segment displays, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, and error information. The game information display unit 32 also includes a first main display 90, a second main display 92, and a sub-display 93.

A display window 33 is provided above the display window 31 in the center of the top of the upper door 30. Behind this display window 33, a liquid crystal display (display means) 34 is provided. Various videos (images) are displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 to assist in the game or to liven up the game. In addition, multiple speakers (sound output means) 36 are provided on the upper door 30 and the lower door 40. Various sounds are output from the speakers 36 to assist in the game or to liven up the game. In addition, multiple lighting devices (lighting means) 38 are provided on the front door 12 to provide notifications, effects, etc.

At the top of the lower door 40, an operation area 50 for operating the slot machine X is provided. In the operation area 50, a settlement button 52 operated when settling medals, a start lever 53 operated when starting a game, a stop button 54 (54a, 54b, 54c) operated when stopping the rotation of the reels, a medal insertion port 42 for inserting medals, a reject button (not shown) operated when clearing a medal jam that occurs in the medal passage below the medal insertion port 42, a bet button 56 operated when inserting medals (betting), a performance button 57 operated when progressing the performance (changing the mode of the performance image displayed on the liquid crystal display 34), etc. are provided. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as the bet button 56, a MAX bet button 56 (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (the specified number) and a 1 bet button 56 (second bet button) operated when betting one medal are provided.

The effect button 57 is located approximately in the center of the width (left and right) of the operation area 50. The effect button 57 is a push button with a depressible portion, and may be equipped with a jog dial or the like for selecting an effect. The effect button 57 is in a valid state for operation, for example, during the execution of an effect that gives the player the expectation of transitioning to an advantageous state, and an image instructing the operation is displayed on the LCD display 34. Then, when the effect button 57 is operated, the result of the game (whether or not a transition to an advantageous state will occur) is notified.

The basic flow of the game in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be explained. When the player presses the MAX BET button 56, the credited medals are inserted and the game can be started. Then, when the player presses the start lever 53 as an operation to start the game, the reels 20a to 20c start to rotate, and when the rotation speed of the reels 20a to 20c increases to a predetermined speed and reaches a steady rotation state, the operation of pressing the stop buttons 54a to 54c becomes valid (enabled state). After that, when the player presses each stop button 54a to 54c corresponding to each reel 20a to 20c at any timing, the rotation of each reel 20a to 20c stops. Specifically, pressing the stop button 54a stops the rotation of the first reel 20a, pressing the stop button 54b stops the rotation of the second reel 20b, and pressing the stop button 54c stops the rotation of the third reel 20c. Then, when all reels 20a to 20c have stopped spinning, depending on the outcome of the game, a process is performed to pay out medals or to make it possible to restart the game without consuming any more medals, and one round of play is completed.

At the bottom end of the front door 12, there are provided a medal payout outlet 60 for discharging medals from inside the slot machine X, and a medal tray 62 for storing medals discharged from the medal payout outlet 60. In addition, between the operation area 50 and the medal tray 62, there is provided a lower panel 64 for decorating the exterior of the slot machine X. In addition, a light source (LED) for illumination is provided on the rear side of the lower panel 64, and the lower panel 64 is illuminated from behind by light emitted from this light source.

The lower door 40 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the lower door 40 (front door 12) can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the lower door 40 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from the initial position. Also, an error can be released by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from the initial position. In addition, an engagement portion is provided at the lower end of the upper door 30, which protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower door 40 behind the front surface of the lower door 40, and the upper door 30 cannot be opened when the lower door 40 is closed. In other words, when opening the upper door 30, the lower door 40 is unlocked and opened before the upper door 30 can be opened.

Medal inserted through the medal insertion port 42 passes through the medal selector 67 (Figure 2), then enters the hopper unit 16 via the medal chute 69. However, under certain conditions, such as after the start of play, the medal blocker 68 (Figure 3) built into the medal selector 67 is activated, blocking the flow path to the medal chute 69 (Figure 2), and the inserted medal is returned from the medal payout outlet 60.

Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine (slot machine X) of this embodiment is controlled by a main control means (main board) 70 and a sub-control means (sub-board) 72. The main control means 70 receives input signals from the settlement button 52, start lever 53, stop button 54, bet button 56, setting change button 26, door opening/closing switch 74, insertion detection sensor 78, payout sensor 88, etc., and performs various calculations to set up the gaming machine, manage errors, or execute games, and controls output means such as the reels 20a to 20c and the hopper unit 16 based on the results of the calculations.

The sub-control means 72 receives information (signals) sent from the main control means 70, performs various calculations to execute the performance, and controls the devices for the performance, such as the LCD display 34, speaker 36, and lighting device 38, based on the results of the calculations.

The main control means 70 and the sub-control means 72 are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be transmitted from the main control means 70 to the sub-control means 72, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control means 72 to the main control means 70. The functions of the main control means 70 and the sub-control means 72 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

The main control means 70 includes a setting change means 101, a setting confirmation means 102, a payout control means 103, a game control means 104, a random number generation means 105, a main error detection means 106, a main error management means 107, and a main memory means 108.

The setting change means 101 performs control (setting change processing) to change the setting values stored in the main storage means 108. In this embodiment, depending on the state of the setting change key cylinder when the power is turned on, the game mode and the setting change mode can be switched. When the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the setting key is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the power switch is operated to supply power from the power supply unit 14 (i.e., when the power is turned on), the setting change means 101 starts the gaming machine in the setting change mode. In this embodiment, the setting value can be selected from six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6. The probability of winning the internal lottery is changed so that the expected value of the ball payout rate increases from setting 1 to setting 6 in order. In this embodiment, the setting values are expressed in the order of setting 1 < setting 2 < setting 3 < setting 4 < setting 5 < setting 6.

The setting change means 101 changes the setting value in the following order each time the setting change button 26 is pressed in the setting change mode: setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → setting 1 → .... When the start lever 53 is pressed, the setting value is confirmed and the confirmed setting value is stored in the main storage means 108. In addition, when the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder is returned to its initial position, the setting change mode is switched to the game mode. In this embodiment, the first main display 90 displays the selected setting value in the setting change mode.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the power is turned on with the setting key in the initial position, the gaming machine starts up in the game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, it is possible to play games but it is not possible to change the setting values, and in the setting change mode, it is possible to change the setting values but it is not possible to play games.

In the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 performs an initialization process to initialize information stored in a read/write memory (RWM), which is a readable and writable storage area in the main storage means 108. Note that in the initialization process, not all information stored in the read/write memory is initialized, but certain information (such as medal credit information) is retained without being initialized.

The setting confirmation means 102 transitions the gaming machine (slot machine X) from the gaming mode to the setting confirmation mode based on a predetermined operation (described later) being performed in the gaming mode with the power turned on, and performs a process (setting notification process) of notifying the current setting value via the liquid crystal display 34, the gaming information display unit 32, etc. The setting confirmation mode will be described in detail later.

The game control means 104 is a means for controlling the progress of the game. When a medal is inserted and a game is started, it determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved by an internal lottery, spins the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c, and when a stop operation is performed on the stop buttons 54a to 54c, it stops the spinning reels according to the results of the internal lottery, determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the symbol combination displayed on the winning line, and performs processing according to the determination result, thereby performing a main loop process that progresses the game. The details are explained below.

The game control means 104 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process to activate the game start operation on the start lever 53 based on the insertion of medals equivalent to the specified insertion number (3 medals). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first press of the start lever 53, which is activated based on the insertion of medals equivalent to the specified insertion number, is accepted as the game start operation, and serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c, as well as an opportunity to execute an internal lottery.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 42, the insertion detection sensor 78 in the medal selector 67 is activated, and the gaming control means 104 sets the inserted medal to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified insertion number. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to store (store and store) up to 50 medals as credits in the main memory means 108, and when the bet button 56 is pressed with medals stored as credits in the gaming machine, the gaming control means 104 sets the medals stored in the main memory means 108 as credits to an inserted state up to a specified insertion number. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of credits is displayed on the second main display 92. The gaming control means 104 changes the display content of the second main display 92 according to the increase or decrease in the number of credits of medals stored in the main memory means 108.

The game control means 104 performs an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination will be achieved based on the game start operation on the start lever 53 (the first pressing of the activated start lever 53), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 108 is used to perform the internal lottery. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in each internal lottery table, various roles such as replay, small role, and bonus, and miss (non-winning) are associated with each of multiple random number values (for example, 65536 random number values from 0 to 65535). In this embodiment, for six set values, an internal lottery table corresponding to the game state is prepared for each set value, and the probability of obtaining some winning modes in the internal lottery differs depending on the set value, and the correspondence between the role and the random number value is set so that the higher the set value, the higher the expected value of the ball payout rate. In addition, a small role is a role that can receive a predetermined number of medals according to the winning small role by winning. In addition, a replay is a role that can be played again without consuming new medals by winning. When a replay is won, operation of the start lever 53 is enabled without the player consuming any medals, and the player can start playing by operating the start lever 53.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to a normal state, a bonus established state, or a bonus state, and the lottery table selection process selects one of multiple types of internal lottery tables as the internal lottery table to be used in the internal lottery depending on the game state.

In the random number determination process, a random number value (random number for lottery) is obtained from the random number generating means 105 for each game based on the game start operation using the start lever 53, and the obtained random number value is used to determine whether or not it has won a winning combination by referring to the internal lottery table stored in the main memory means 108.

The random number generating means 105 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery. The random numbers can be generated, for example, by a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535 without duplication within one period. In this embodiment, the "random number" includes not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination determined to be a winning combination is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state) based on the result of the random number determination process. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are won in a overlapping manner, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more types of combinations that are won in a overlapping manner are set to a winning state. The setting information for the lottery flag is stored in the main memory means 108.

There are two types of lottery flags: a lottery flag that can carry over a winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won (carry-over flag), and a lottery flag that is reset to a non-winning state without carrying over the winning state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won (non-carry-over flag). The former carry-over flag is associated with a bonus, while the latter non-carry-over flag is associated with a small win and a replay. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, for example, when a bonus is won in an internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the winning state of the bonus lottery flag until the bonus is won. At this time, the game control means 104 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not the small win and replay have been won, even in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag has been carried over. In this way, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small win or replay is won in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over, the lottery flag corresponding to two or more types of roles consisting of the lottery flag of the already won bonus and the lottery flag of the small win or replay won in the internal lottery is set to the winning state.

The game control means 104 also starts the rotation of each of the reels 20a-20c when the enabled start lever 53 is operated (i.e., the start of a game) under the control of the main control means 70, and when the enabled stop buttons 54a-54c are operated, it performs stop control of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button (control to stop the reel in a manner according to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery)).

The game control means 104 determines the stop position of the reel from the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c that corresponds to the operated button each time one of the stop buttons 54a to 54c is operated, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the slot machine X, when the stop button 54a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, when the stop button 54b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and when the stop button 54c is operated, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c changes depending on the order in which the stop buttons 54a to 54c are operated.

In the stop control when the stop buttons 54a to 54c are operated, the game control means 104 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that the winning combination with the lottery flag set to the winning state wins. Specifically, when the lottery flag of one winning combination is set to the winning state, the game control means 104 controls the stop of each of the reels 20a to 20c so that this winning combination wins. In addition, when the lottery flags of multiple winning combinations are set to the winning state in a overlapping manner, the game control means 104 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order set for each combination. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the priority order is set in the order of "replay > small combination > bonus". Then, the game control means 104 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the winning combination with the higher priority are displayed on the pay line in priority to the symbols constituting the winning combination with the lower priority.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority order for the candidate stop positions may be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line, or according to the number of medals paid out based on the payouts that are predetermined for the small roles. When determining the priority order for the candidate stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line, the priority order for each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority order is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of symbol combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line. When determining the priority order for the candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, the priority order for each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority order is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of medals paid out based on the payouts for the small roles corresponding to the symbols displayed at the display positions on the valid line (stop positions that can win small roles with a larger payout). However, when determining the priority order for the candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, if small roles with the same payouts are won multiple times, the priority order for the candidate stop positions that can win each small role is treated as being the same. In addition, when determining the priority of candidate stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on a winning line and that show winning patterns, the priority of candidate stop positions that have the same number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on a winning line and show winning patterns is treated as being the same.

The game control means 104 performs a winning judgment process to judge whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stopped display) on the pay line by the stopping of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c is compared to a winning judgment table stored in the ROM of the main storage means 180. The winning judgment table stores the winning form (the symbol combination that will win when stopped and displayed) of each winning combination, and the above-mentioned comparison determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved and the type of winning combination that has been achieved. When a winning combination has been achieved, the game control means 104 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved. Specifically, the winning process includes a payout process when a minor combination has been achieved, a replay process (replay process) when a replay has been achieved, and a process to transition the game state (game state transition control process) when a bonus has been achieved.

The payout process is a process for paying out a number of medals determined based on the payout determined for each role when a minor winning combination is achieved. When a minor winning combination is achieved, the game control means 104 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the payout determined for each role, and causes the hopper unit 16 to pay out medals equivalent to the determined number to be paid out.

The hopper unit 16 is a device that performs the operation of paying out the number of medals instructed by the game control means 104. The hopper unit 16 is equipped with a payout sensor 88 that is activated each time a medal is paid out, and the game control means 104 is configured to be able to manage the number of medals actually paid out from the hopper unit 16 based on an input signal from the payout sensor 88. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when medals are paid out in each game, the number of medals paid out is displayed on the first main display 90. When medals are paid out as a result of a minor winning combination, the game control means 104 causes the first main display 90 to display the number of medals paid out in association with the winning of the minor winning combination.

When credit storage (accumulation storage) of medals is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper unit 16, a credit addition process is performed in which the payout number is added to the credit number (the number of medals stored as credits) stored in the main storage means 108, and medals are virtually paid out. When adding a part or all of the payout number of medals to the credit number, the game control means 104 changes the display content of the second main display 92 in accordance with the increase in the credit number.

In the replay process, when a replay wins, the machine is set to the same waiting state for the next game as the previous game, without the player having to insert any medals owned by the player. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert the same number of medals as the number set to the inserted state in the previous game (the game in which the replay won) without using any medals held by the player (including credited medals), and the machine waits for the next game start operation on the start lever 53 with a winning line set corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process. In addition, when the automatic insertion process is performed, it is not possible to insert additional medals.

The game control means 104 also controls so that in the next game following the game in which a replay was won, the medals owned by the player are not set to a newly inserted state. Specifically, if a replay was won in the previous game, even if a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 42 while the insertion of medals is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to an inserted state, and the inserted medals are credited up to the credit upper limit (e.g., 50 medals). Also, while the insertion of medals is being accepted, operation of the bet button 56 is not accepted, and the credited medals are not set to an inserted state even if the bet button 56 is pressed.

The game control means 104 also performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state, the bonus established state, and the bonus state. In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in the main memory means 108. A single game state transition condition may be defined, or multiple game state transition conditions may be defined. When multiple game state transition conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

The normal state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among the multiple game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to a bonus establishment state. Specifically, if a bonus is won in the normal state, the state transitions to the bonus establishment state. In addition, in the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which small winning combinations, replays, and bonuses are set as the selection targets, out of the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main memory means 108.

The bonus establishment state is a game state to which the player enters when a bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, the winning or losing of a minor role is determined with the same probability as in the normal state from among multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main memory means 108, and an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which bonuses are excluded from the lottery. Note that replays are also set as lottery items in the bonus establishment state, but the winning probability and winning pattern of replays may be different from or the same as in the normal state.

In the bonus winning state, the lottery flag corresponding to the bonus remains in the winning state until the bonus is won, and the winning or losing of the minor prize and replay is determined. When the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the bonus is displayed on the pay line, the game control means 104 transitions the game state from the bonus winning state to the bonus state based on the winning of the bonus.

The bonus state is a game state to which the player enters when a symbol combination indicating a bonus winning form is displayed on an active line. In the bonus state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main memory means 108, the probability of winning a small prize is set higher than in the normal state and the bonus state, and an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which replays are excluded from the lottery. In other words, the bonus state is a game state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state or the bonus state in that small prizes are won more frequently in the bonus state than in the normal state or the bonus state.

In the bonus state, whether or not the end condition is met is determined based on the total number of medals paid out through bonus play in the bonus state, and when medals exceeding a predetermined number of medals expected to be paid out at the end (e.g., 250 medals) are paid out, the game control means 104 ends the bonus state and returns the game state to the normal state. Note that in this embodiment, count information regarding the number of medals paid out in the bonus state is accumulated and stored in the main memory means 108.

The main error detection means 106 detects a main error by monitoring the signal states of various sensors such as the input detection sensor 78 and the dispensing sensor 88, determining whether the error detection conditions are met, and identifying the main error that has occurred based on whether the error detection conditions are met. Note that in this embodiment, even after detecting any of the main errors (a state in which the release operation is awaited by the error wait processing described below), the main error detection means 106 continues to periodically detect each main error by timer interrupt processing.

Based on the signal states of various sensors, the main error detection means 106 detects a backflow error, an empty error, a payout jam error, a payout abnormality error, an over error, a retention error, and an insertion abnormality error, as shown in FIG. 4. When the main error detection means 106 detects a predetermined main error, it sets a corresponding error detection flag in the main memory means 108. The backflow error is a main error caused by medals flowing backward in the flow path. The empty error is a main error caused by the medals stored in the hopper unit 16 being exhausted. The payout jam error is a main error caused by medals that should be paid out being jammed in the hopper unit 16 and not being discharged. The payout abnormality error is a main error caused by medals being paid out in a situation where medals should not be paid out. The over error is a main error caused by the surplus medals stored in the cash box 18 exceeding a predetermined amount. The retention error is a main error caused by medals being jammed in the medal selector 67. The abnormal insertion error is the main error caused by a medal being stuck near the medal insertion slot 42, etc.

When any error detection flag is set in the main memory means 108, the main error management means 107 performs an error wait process to wait for a predetermined release operation to be performed. In this error wait process, the main error detected by the main error detection means 106 is notified via the first main display 90, and a release process is performed to clear the error detection flag, etc., based on the predetermined release operation (pressing the setting change button 26). Note that in this embodiment, while the main error management means 107 is performing the error wait process, the main loop process in the game control means 104 is interrupted, and the main loop process is resumed after the release process for the main error that has occurred is completed.

During error wait processing, the main error management means 107 accepts pressing of the setting change button 26 as a cancellation operation, and performs cancellation processing to clear (erase) error-related information such as detection flags and timer timing information stored in the main storage means 108. Note that during error wait processing, after an error code is displayed on the first main display 90, timer wait processing is performed using an error wait timer provided in the main storage means 108, and a cancellation operation is accepted after the period during which the timer wait processing is performed (approximately 108 ms) has elapsed.

In this embodiment, the transmission of information from the main control means 70 to the sub-control means 72 is achieved by sending commands via serial communication, and the information contained in the commands sent from the main control means 70 to the sub-control means 72 includes setting values, game status, number of medals inserted and paid out, results of internal lotteries, signal status of various switches, contents of reel stop control, results of winning determination, and information related to main errors that have occurred.

In this embodiment, when a main error occurs, the main control means 70 transmits to the sub-control means 72 an error occurrence command corresponding to the error type for which the error detection flag is set, or an error release command indicating that the setting change button 26 has been released. In addition, when the signal state of the door opening/closing switch 74 changes, the main control means 70 transmits a door open command to the sub-control means 72 based on the change in the signal state from an OFF state (a signal state indicating that the front door 12 is closed) to an ON state (a signal state indicating that the front door 12 is open), and transmits a door close command based on the change in the signal state from an ON state to an OFF state. In this embodiment, even if the front door 12 is open, this is not treated as a main error in itself, and the main loop processing can be continued unless another main error occurs. In addition, in this embodiment, the main control means 70 also periodically transmits a disconnection monitoring command to the sub-control means 72 at predetermined intervals (for example, every 15 ms).

Next, the sub-control means 72 will be described. The sub-control means 72 includes a performance control means 131, a sub-error detection means 202, a sub-error management means 203, and a sub-storage means 132.

The performance control means 131 controls the performance using the liquid crystal display 34, the speaker 36, and the lighting device 38 based on the performance data stored in the secondary storage means 132. For example, the lighting device 38 is turned on or off in response to the insertion of a medal, the operation of the bet button 56, the start lever 53, and the stop buttons 54a to 54c, the occurrence of game events such as changes in the game state, the display content of the liquid crystal display 34 is changed, and sound is output from the speaker 36, thereby controlling the execution of performances to liven up the game or assist the game according to the progress of the game.

The content of the effects executed during play is determined using an effect lottery table stored in the sub-storage means 132 in response to commands sent from the main control means 70 in response to the game state, the effect state, and the result of the internal lottery. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM of the sub-storage means 132 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-storage means 132, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output to the liquid crystal display 34. In addition, sound data stored in the ROM of the sub-storage means 132 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-storage means 132, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 36.

The sub-error detection means 202 detects a sub-error by determining whether the error detection conditions are met based on the door open command and the disconnection monitoring command sent from the main control means 70, and identifying the sub-error that has occurred based on whether the error detection conditions are met. Note that in this embodiment, even after detecting any sub-error (waiting to receive an error release command from the main control means 70, which will be described later), the sub-error detection means 202 continues to periodically detect each sub-error by timer interrupt processing.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-error detection means 202 detects door opening/closing errors and communication errors. When the sub-error detection means 202 detects a specific sub-error, it sets a corresponding error detection flag in the sub-storage means 132. A door opening error is a sub-error caused by the front door 12 being open. A communication error is a sub-error caused by poor communication due to a broken communication cable between the main control means 70 and the sub-control means 72, for example.

When the sub-error detection means 202 receives an error occurrence command sent from the main control means 70, it sets an error detection flag in the sub-storage means 132 that corresponds to the main error identified by the error occurrence command.

When an error detection flag is set in the sub-storage means 132, the sub-error management means 203 performs an error notification process to determine the error to be notified and control the presentation device in a presentation mode corresponding to the error. In addition, the sub-error management means 203 notifies the error to be notified in the error notification process, waits for an error release command or a door close command to be sent from the main control means 70, and performs an error recovery process to clear the error detection flag, etc. set in the sub-storage means 132 based on the establishment of the error recovery condition, and restores the state of the presentation device to the original state. In this embodiment, no information is sent from the sub-control means 72 to the main control means 70, and the occurrence of a sub-error does not affect the progress of the main loop process in the game control means 104, and if a main error does not occur, the game control means 104 can continue the main loop process even in a situation where a sub-error occurs.

When an error detection flag corresponding to a sub-error is set in the sub-storage means 132, the sub-error management means 203 causes the sub-display 93 to display an error code corresponding to the type of error detection flag.

Note that communication errors can be recovered from simply by initializing the sub-storage means 132 when power is restored, and the sub-error management means 203 continues the communication error notification process and maintains the state of notifying the communication error until the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. However, even if the communication error is temporarily released when power is restored, if the disconnection condition is not resolved, the sub-error detection means 202 will detect the communication error again based on poor reception of the disconnection monitoring command from the main control means 70.

Next, the main loop process that controls the progress of the game will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. First, an insertion acceptance process is performed to accept the insertion of the number of medals required to play the game (prescribed number) (step S100), and it is determined whether the insertion of the prescribed number of medals (3 medals) set as the game start condition has been accepted (step S101). In the insertion acceptance process, the inserted medals are set to an inserted state based on the player inserting the medals into the medal insertion slot 42. Also, the medals credited to the gaming machine are set to an inserted state based on the pressing of the 1 bet button 56 or the MAX bet button 56. Also, if a replay is won in the previous game, the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game (the same number of medals inserted in the previous game) are automatically set to an inserted state.

If it is determined in step S101 that the insertion of the specified number of medals has been accepted (if it is determined that the specified number of medals has been set to the inserted state) (step S101: YES), the operation of the start lever 53 is enabled (step S102). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the insertion of the specified number of medals has not been accepted (step S101: NO), the process returns to step S100.

Next, it is determined whether the start lever 53 has been operated (step S103). If it is determined in step S103 that the start lever 53 has been operated (step S103: YES), an internal lottery is conducted (step S104) and the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c start to rotate (step S105). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the start lever 53 has not been operated (step S103: NO), the process of step S103 is repeated.

Next, it is determined whether the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed (step S106). If it is determined in step S106 that the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S106: YES), operation of the stop buttons 54a to 54c is enabled (step S107). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the rotation speed of each reel is not equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S106: NO), the processing of step S106 is repeated.

Next, it is determined whether or not a specific stop button has been operated (step S108). If it is determined in step S108 that a specific stop button has been operated (step S108: YES), the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is stopped (step S109), and it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped (step S110). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that a specific stop button has not been operated (step S108: NO), the processing of step S108 is repeated.

In step S110, if it is determined that all the reels have not stopped (step S110: NO), the process returns to step S108. On the other hand, in step S110, if it is determined that all the reels have stopped (step S110: YES), it is determined whether or not the winning combination in the internal lottery has been won based on the stopped state (stop mode) of each reel (step S111). In step S111, if it is determined that the winning combination in the internal lottery has been won (step S111: YES), a process corresponding to the winning combination (winning process) is executed (step S112), and the series of processes (one game) ends. On the other hand, in step S111, if it is determined that the winning combination in the internal lottery has not been won (or if the result of the internal lottery is a miss (non-win)) (step S111: NO), the series of processes (one game) ends with each of the reels 20a to 20c having stopped.

Here, a specific state (state in which a game can be started) is a state in which a specified number of medals required to start a game have been inserted, or a state in which medals have been automatically inserted based on winning (winning) a replay in a previous game (a state in which the replay is activated). In the specific state, the gaming machine of this embodiment is capable of executing a setting confirmation process (described later).

Here, we will explain a case where the setting confirmation process is executed in a specific state (a state where game play can be started), that is, after a YES determination is made in step S101 (after the process of step S102 is executed) and before a YES determination is made in step S103. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the setting confirmation process (setting reference process) in the main control means 70. Note that the start point of the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is the game mode.

The main control means 70 determines whether the setting key has been inserted into the setting change key cylinder and moved (rotated) from the first position (initial position) to the second position (e.g., a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position) (step S200). In this way, the operation of moving the setting key from the first position to the second position in the game mode can be said to be an operation of transitioning to the setting confirmation mode.

If it is determined in step S200 that the setting key has been inserted into the setting change key cylinder and moved from the first position to the second position (step S200: YES), the main control means 70 transitions from the game mode (first state) to the setting confirmation mode (second state, setting reference mode, setting confirmation state, setting reference state) (step S201). At this time, the main loop processing is interrupted in conjunction with the transition to the setting confirmation mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S200 that the setting key has been inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the setting key has not been moved from the first position to the second position (step S200: NO), the processing of step S200 is repeated.

In addition, in step S200, it may be determined whether the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder, the setting key is moved from the first position to the second position, and the setting change button 26 is operated (pressed). In other words, the operation of transitioning to the setting confirmation mode may be the insertion of the setting key into the setting change key cylinder, the movement of the setting key from the first position to the second position, and the operation of the setting change button 26. In that case, if it is determined in step S200 that the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder, the setting key is moved from the first position to the second position, and the setting change button 26 is operated (step S200: YES), the main control means 70 transitions from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode (step S201).

In the setting confirmation mode, an image (e.g., the text "setting reference in progress") is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 to inform the player that the setting confirmation mode is active. In the setting confirmation mode, the first main display 90 in the game information display unit 32 displays the currently set setting value. In the setting confirmation mode, the player can refer to (notify) the current setting value, but cannot play the game. In the setting confirmation mode, the player can refer to the setting value, but cannot change the setting value. Even in a specific state (a state in which game play can be started), the player can transition from the first state to the second state and execute the setting notification process, and the player can confirm the current setting value. For this reason, for example, in the case of a specific state, it is not necessary to end the game before transitioning to the second state in which the setting notification process is performed, improving the convenience of confirming the setting value.
In addition, in a specific state (a state in which game play can be started), if the start lever has not yet been turned ON, the setting key can be moved to the second position to transition to the setting confirmation mode.

Next, the main control means 70 determines whether the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder has been moved (rotated) from the second position to the first position (step S202). If it is determined in step S202 that the setting key has been moved from the second position to the first position (step S202: YES), the main control means 70 ends the setting confirmation mode and transitions from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode (step S203). The operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (returning it to its initial position) in the setting confirmation mode can be called a return operation to the game mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the setting key has not been moved from the second position to the first position (step S202: NO), the process of step S202 is repeated.

After the processing of step S203, the main control means 70 resumes the main loop processing (FIG. 6) (returns to the main loop processing). Note that the main control means 70 may resume the main loop processing after a predetermined time (predetermined wait period) has elapsed after the processing of step S203.

(Start lever)
In this embodiment, in a specific state (a state where a game can be started), an operation (transition operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position from the game mode, and in a setting confirmation mode, the start lever 53 is operated (pressed) before an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, and when an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position while the start lever 53 is being operated, a game is not started immediately after the transition (return) to the game mode. Note that, immediately after the transition (return) to the game mode is specifically the timing of return to the main loop processing (the timing of execution of the timer interrupt processing). Also, the state in which the start lever 53 is operated refers to a state in which the start lever 53 is operated to a position where it is turned ON.

In other words, in the setting check mode, the start lever 53 is in the ON state, and even if the setting check mode is switched to the game mode while the start lever 53 is in the ON state, game play will not start.

The main control means 70 monitors the state of the signal (signal state) input from the start lever 53. When the start lever 53 is not operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is OFF, and when the start lever 53 is operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is ON. When the signal state is ON based on the operation of an inactivated start lever 53, the main control means 70 does not detect this ON state. Note that the main control means 70 may be configured so that the signal state does not become ON when an inactivated start lever 53 is operated.

In the main loop processing, when the state of the signal input from the start lever 53 changes from OFF to ON, that is, when an ON edge (rising edge) is detected, the main control means 70 can determine that the start lever 53 has been operated (becomes ON). If the start lever 53 is pressed to the ON state in the setting confirmation mode and the game mode is switched to in that state, the input signal is detected to be ON at the time of returning to the main loop processing, but the rising edge from OFF to ON (ON edge) is not detected. Therefore, it is not determined that the start lever 53 has been operated at the time of returning to the main loop processing, and the game is not started. In addition, even if the ON state of the start lever 53 is maintained after switching from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode and returning to the main loop processing, the game is not started. Furthermore, even after the input signal is detected as ON when returning to the main loop processing, the start lever 53 remains in the ON state. When the start lever 53 then turns OFF, a change in the input signal from ON to OFF (OFF edge, falling edge) is detected, but since it is the OFF edge, it is not determined that the start lever 53 has been operated, and play does not begin.

In this embodiment, in a specific state (state in which game play can be started), the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value, second operation means related to the setting value) is changed from the OFF state to the ON state, and even if the start lever 53 is operated while the setting change key cylinder is in the ON state, game play does not start, and even if the setting change key cylinder is changed to the OFF state while the start lever 53 is being operated (while the operation continues), game play does not start.

In this embodiment, a specific state is a state in which a specified number of medals required to start a game have been inserted, or a state in which medals have been automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery, and in the specific state, it is possible to transition from the game mode to the setting check mode, but it may be possible to transition from the game mode to the setting check mode in either of the specific states. For example, when a specified number of medals required to start a game have been inserted, it may be possible to transition from the game mode to the setting check mode, but when medals have been automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery, it may be impossible to transition from the game mode to the setting check mode.

The operation of shifting to the setting confirmation mode and the operation of returning to the game mode are operations performed when the front door 12 is open (the signal state of the door opening/closing switch 74 (door sensor) is ON). In this embodiment, when the operation of returning to the game mode (the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position) is performed, the setting confirmation mode is shifted to the game mode and the main loop processing is returned to. However, when the operation of returning to the game mode is performed and the front door 12 is closed (i.e., when the signal state of the door opening/closing switch 74, which is ON because the front door 12 is open, is turned OFF), the setting confirmation mode may be shifted to the game mode and the main loop processing may be returned to. In other words, the condition for shifting from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode (the condition for returning to the main loop processing) may include that the front door 12 is in a closed state.
The control regarding the return from the setting check mode (setting reference state) may be as follows.
In the first example, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from OFF to ON while the front door 12 is open, the mode transitions to the setting confirmation mode. Next, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from ON to OFF while the front door 12 is open, the mode transitions to the game mode (returns from the setting confirmation mode).
In the second example, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from OFF to ON while the front door 12 is open, the setting check mode is entered. Next, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from ON to OFF while the front door 12 is closed, the setting check mode continues (the setting check mode is not returned to). Next, even if the front door 12 is opened while the setting change key cylinder is OFF, the setting check mode continues (the setting check mode is not returned to).
In a third example, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from OFF to ON while the front door 12 is open, the setting confirmation mode is entered. Next, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from ON to OFF while the front door 12 is closed, the setting confirmation mode continues (the setting confirmation mode is not returned to). Next, when the front door 12 is opened and the setting change key cylinder is turned ON (the order is not important), and the setting change key cylinder is turned OFF while the front door 12 is open, the game mode is entered (the setting confirmation mode is returned to).

In this embodiment, in a specific state (state in which game play can be started), if the front door 12 is open and the start lever 53 is operated while the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is in the OFF state, game play will start (game will progress), but if the front door 12 is open and the start lever 53 is operated while the setting change key cylinder is in the ON state (setting confirmation mode) in a specific state, game play will not start (game will not progress).

The predetermined operating means (first operating means) (button, switch) different from the start lever 53 include the stop buttons 54a-54c, the bet button 56, and the effect button 57. The predetermined operating means can be said to be the first operating means used for operations to progress the game. In this embodiment, in a specific state (a state in which a game can be started), if the start lever 53 is operated while the first operating means is being operated (turned ON), the game will start, but if the start lever 53 is operated while the setting change key cylinder (operating means related to the setting value, second operating means related to the setting value) is turned ON in the specific state, the game will not start.

Also, in a specific state (state in which a game can be started), if the start lever 53 is operated with the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value, second operation means related to the setting value) being operated (turned ON), a game is not started. Regardless of whether the setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state or the ON state, if the start lever 53 is operated with the setting change button 26 being operated (turned ON), a game is not started. Also, even if the setting change button 26 is turned OFF while the start lever 53 is being operated (while the operation continues), a game is not started.
In this embodiment, regardless of whether a specific game state is being played or not, when the setting change button 26 is operated (pressed), (1) even if the MAX BET button 56 is operated (pressed), game value is not bet (the game value is not in the inserted state, and the insertion of game value is not accepted), but (2) when the player inserts (manually inserts) game value into the medal insertion port 42, game value is bet (the game value is in the inserted state, and the insertion of game value is accepted).

(Payment button)
The settlement button 52 is provided for settling medals electronically stored in the gaming machine (slot machine X) and medals that have been bet (set to a inserted state) but not used in a game, and discharging (paying out) them to a medal tray 62 via a medal payout outlet 60. "Settling" means returning medals used in a game to the player.

The settlement button 52 is formed so that it can be pressed, and the settlement process is executed based on the operation of the settlement button 52. The settlement button 52 has a pressing part, and the pressing part is formed so that it can be pressed (pushed in). Hereinafter, the operation of the pressing part of the settlement button 52 is referred to as the settlement button 52 being operated. In the settlement process (a predetermined process related to the game value), the medals set in at least one of the accumulation (credit) or the bet are settled. In other words, the targets of the settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 52 include not only the medals set in the credit, but also the medals set in the bet. When medals are set in both the bet and the credit, there are, for example, the following two modes as the settlement mode based on the operation of the settlement button 52. In the first settlement mode, both the medals set in the bet and the medals set in the credit are settled together by one operation of the settlement button 52. In the second settlement mode, only the medals set as a bet are settled by the first operation of the settlement button 52, and the medals set as a credit are settled by the second operation of the settlement button 52 after the medals set as a bet have been settled.

Here, the process of transitioning from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode in a specific state (a state where game play can be started) and then returning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode will be described. In this embodiment, in a specific state (a state where game play can be started), an operation (transition operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position from the game mode, and in a state where the setting confirmation mode is in a state where the settlement button 52 is operated (pressed) (ON state) before an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, and settlement is executed (started) when an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position while the settlement button 52 is operated (ON state). The state where the settlement button 52 is operated refers to a state where the settlement button 52 is operated to a position where it is turned ON.

In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the settlement button 52 is turned ON, and when the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode while the settlement button 52 is ON, settlement is started. Therefore, when the game mode is switched to, there is no need to turn the settlement button 52 ON again, and settlement can be started more smoothly.

The main control means 70 monitors the state of the signal (signal state) input from the settlement button 52. When the settlement button 52 is not operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is OFF, and when the settlement button 52 is operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is ON. In the main loop process, when the state of the signal input from the settlement button 52 is detected as ON for a certain period of time or more (a predetermined number of timer interrupt processes), the main control means 70 can determine that the settlement button 52 has been operated (turned ON). Therefore, when the settlement button 52 is pressed in the setting confirmation mode to turn ON, and the game mode is entered in that state, the input signal is detected as ON at the time of returning to the main loop process, and if the detection of ON continues for a certain period of time or more, settlement is started.

In addition, when the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from a specific state (a state where play can be started) and the game mode is in progress, and the settlement button 52 is pressed (ON state) before the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed in the setting confirmation mode, and when the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed with the settlement button 52 in the ON state, settlement may not be started. In this case, it is possible to prevent settlement from being started based on an unintended operation. In addition, if settlement is started based on an unintended operation, it is necessary to insert medals into the medal insertion port 42 in order to continue playing, which is a burden on the player, but according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent such a burden from being generated. In addition, even if the ON state of the settlement button 52 is maintained (continued) after the transition from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode and the return to the main loop processing, settlement may not be started.

In a specific state (a state in which game play can be started), the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is changed from the OFF state to the ON state, and even if the settlement button 52 is operated while the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is in the ON state, processing related to the game value (settlement processing) is not started, and even if the setting change key cylinder is turned OFF while the settlement button 52 is being operated (while the operation is maintained), processing related to the game value (settlement processing) may not be started.

In addition, in the above, it is described as a specific state (a state in which a specified number of medals required to start playing have been inserted, or a state in which medals have been automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery), but in a state in which a specified number of medals required to start playing have been inserted (specified number of medals inserted state), even if the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is changed from an OFF state to an ON state and the settlement button 52 is operated with the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) in the ON state, processing related to the game value (settlement processing) may not be started, and even if the setting change key cylinder is turned OFF with the settlement button 52 being operated (while the operation is maintained), processing related to the game value (settlement processing) may not be started.

In addition, when the specified number of medals required to start playing has been inserted (specified number of medals inserted state), the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from OFF to ON, and even if the settlement button 52 is operated while the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is being operated (ON), processing related to the game value (settlement processing) is not started, and even if the setting change button 26 is turned OFF while the settlement button 52 is being operated (while the operation is maintained), processing related to the game value (settlement processing) may not be started.

In addition, in a state where the specified number of medals required to start playing have not been inserted (a state where only credits have been set), (1) when the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from OFF to ON, the setting confirmation mode is entered. (2) On the other hand, when the setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state, even if the settlement button 52 is operated with the setting change button 26 being operated (ON) and the setting change button 26 is turned OFF with the settlement button 52 being operated, processing related to the game value (settlement processing) may not be started.

(Volume change button, light intensity change button)
As the effect button 57 (see FIG. 1), in addition to (or instead of) a push button that can be pressed, a effect setting button that is operated when making settings related to effects may be provided. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the effect setting button is provided with a cross key, a decision button, and a cancel button (end button, back button). The cross key has four directional buttons, an up button on the back (rear) side, a down button on the front (forward) side, a right button on the right side, and a left button on the left side.

When a specific directional button (right button or left button) of the cross key is operated while not playing, a volume change screen (volume change image) (screen related to the setting of the performance) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, and the volume (volume) of the sound output from the speaker 36 can be adjusted (the volume can be increased or decreased (changed) by pressing the directional button). When a specific directional button (up button or down button) of the cross key is operated while not playing, a light amount change screen (light amount change image) (screen related to the setting of the performance) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, and the brightness (luminance) of the liquid crystal display 34 and/or the lighting device 38 can be adjusted (the light amount can be increased or decreased (changed) by pressing the directional button). Note that the volume (or light amount) may be increased or decreased (changed) by the first (first) pressing of the directional button. That is, the volume (or light amount) may be changed at the same time as the volume change screen (or light amount change screen) is displayed by the first pressing of the directional button. In this way, the cross key functions as a volume change button or a light amount change button. The effect setting button (cross key) can be described as a specified button used to display a screen related to effect settings, or a specified button used for operations related to effect settings.

Here, the process of transitioning from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode in a specific state (a state where game play can be started) and then returning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode will be described. In a specific state (a state where game play can be started) in the game mode, an operation (transition operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position, and in a state where the setting confirmation mode is in effect, before an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is operated (pressed) (ON state), and when an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position while the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is operated (ON state), the volume change screen (or light intensity change screen) is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, and the volume change (or light intensity change) is not possible. Although it has been described that the volume change screen (or light intensity change screen) is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 and the volume (or light intensity) cannot be changed, the volume (or light intensity) may not be changed. The state in which the volume change button is operated refers to the state in which the volume change button is operated to the ON position.

In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is set to the ON state, and even if the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode while the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is set to the ON state, a volume change (or light intensity change) will not be initiated.
In other words, in a specific state (a state in which game play can be started), even if the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to setting values) is changed from the OFF state to the ON state, and a "specific button used for operations related to setting effects" is turned to the ON state while the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to setting values) is in the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder is turned to the OFF state while the specific button is in the ON state, processing related to setting effects is not started (for example, a screen related to setting effects is not displayed on the LCD display 34).
Therefore, when the setting check mode is switched to the game mode while the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is in the ON state by mistake, it is possible to prevent the volume change screen (or light intensity change screen) from being displayed based on an unintended operation. In this case, even if the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is kept in the ON state (continued) after the setting check mode is switched to the game mode and the main loop process is returned to, the volume change (or light intensity change) will not start.
In the above, the case in the specific state (state in which a game can be started) has been described, but the following may be true regardless of whether the state is specific or not. That is, even if the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is changed from the OFF state to the ON state, and a "predetermined button used for operations related to the setting of the performance" is operated (set to the ON state) while the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is in the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder is set to the OFF state while the predetermined button is being operated, processing related to the setting of the performance may not be started.
Furthermore, regardless of whether or not it is in a specific state, when the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from OFF to ON, and when the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is operated (turned ON), a "specific button used for operations related to the setting of the performance" is operated (turned ON), and even when the setting change button 26 is turned OFF while the specific button is operated, processing related to the setting of the performance may not be started.

The volume change and light intensity change are controlled by the sub-control means 72, and may be configured to be controllable based on the return to the main loop processing as well as the elimination of the sub-error.

In addition, when the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from a specific state (a state in which a game can be started) in the game mode, and the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed in the setting confirmation mode, the volume change button (or the light intensity change button) is pressed (ON state) before the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed, and when the volume change button (or the light intensity change button) is in the ON state, the volume change screen (or the light intensity change screen) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, and the volume (or light intensity) may be changed, or the volume (or light intensity) may be changed. In this case, when the game mode is switched to, the volume change screen (or the light intensity change screen) can be displayed more smoothly.

(Performance button)
When the effect button 57 (FIG. 1) is operated while not playing, a menu screen (menu image) (a screen related to effect settings) may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 34. From the menu screen, it is possible to set the effect mode (for example, to set the character that appears mainly in the effect, or to set the notification mode for winning combinations or bonuses), to refer to the game history, to transfer the history to a user terminal (such as the player's smartphone), and to check the display mode of combinations.
It should be noted that it may be possible to determine a specific presentation mode (for example, character setting) without going through the menu screen by operating the presentation button 57 (it may be possible to transition to a character setting screen).
In addition, in the case where the above-mentioned effect setting button is provided, the menu screen may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 when the decision button is operated during non-play. In other words, the decision button may be an effect button capable of displaying the menu screen (an effect button operated as a transition trigger to the menu screen). When the menu screen is displayed, the cursor is moved with the cross key or the like to select the desired menu, and the decision button is operated to transition to a screen where the settings related to the selected content can be made. The effect button 57 (or the decision button) can be said to be a predetermined button used for an operation to display a screen related to effect settings, or a predetermined button used for an operation related to effect settings.

Here, the process of transitioning from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode in a specific state (a state where game can be started) and then returning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode will be described. In a specific state (a state where game can be started) in the game mode, an operation (transition operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position, and in the setting confirmation mode, before an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, the effect button 57 is operated (pressed) (ON state), and when an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position while the effect button 57 is operated (ON state), the menu screen is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 (does not transition to the menu screen), and a state in which a specific menu can be selected is not started. The state in which the effect button 57 is operated refers to a state in which the effect button 57 is operated to a position where it is turned ON.

In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the effect button 57 is set to the ON state, and even if the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode while the effect button 57 is set to the ON state, the state in which a specified menu can be selected is not initiated.
In other words, in a specific state (a state in which game play can be started), the setting change key cylinder (an operating means related to setting values) is changed from an OFF state to an ON state, and with the setting change key cylinder (an operating means related to setting values) in the ON state, a "specific button used for operations related to setting effects" is operated (set to the ON state), and even if the setting change key cylinder is set to the OFF state while the specific button is operated (set to the ON state), processing related to setting the effects is not started (for example, a screen related to setting the effects is not displayed on the LCD display 34).
Therefore, when returning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode while the effect button 57 is accidentally left in the ON position, it is possible to prevent the menu screen from being displayed due to an unintended operation.
In the above, the case in the specific state (state in which a game can be started) has been described, but the following may be true regardless of whether the state is specific or not. That is, even if the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is changed from the OFF state to the ON state, and a "predetermined button used for operations related to the setting of the performance" is operated (set to the ON state) while the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is in the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder is set to the OFF state while the predetermined button is being operated, processing related to the setting of the performance may not be started.
Furthermore, regardless of whether or not it is in a specific state, when the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from OFF to ON, and when the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is operated (turned ON), a "specific button used for operations related to the setting of the performance" is operated (turned ON), and even when the setting change button 26 is turned OFF while the specific button is operated, processing related to the setting of the performance may not be started.

In addition, when the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from the specific state (state where game can be started) and the game mode is in progress, and the effect button 57 is pressed (ON state) before the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed in the setting confirmation mode, and the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed with the effect button 57 in the ON state, the menu screen may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 (transition to the menu screen), and a state in which a predetermined menu can be selected may be started. In this case, the menu screen can be displayed more smoothly when transitioning to the game mode.

In addition, after the setting check mode is switched to the game mode and the main loop processing is returned to, if the ON state of the effect button 57 continues for a predetermined time or more, the menu screen may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 (a state in which a predetermined menu can be selected is started). Specifically, after the setting check mode is switched to the game mode and the main loop processing is resumed, the operation of the effect button 57 as a menu button may be enabled after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, when the effect button 57 is turned ON in the setting check mode, the game mode is returned to with the effect button 57 in the ON state, and a predetermined time has elapsed with the effect button 57 in the ON state and the operation of the effect button 57 is enabled, the menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 based on the operation of the effect button 57 being enabled, and a predetermined menu is enabled. Note that, at the timing when the operation of the effect button 57 is enabled in this way, the effect button 57 that was turned off may be turned on, and it may be notified that the operation of the effect button 57 has been enabled.

(Medalless gaming machine)
In this embodiment, a gaming machine (slot machine X) has been described in which medals (gaming media) are inserted to play a game and medals are paid out depending on winning combinations, but the gaming machine may be one that does not use gaming media but uses gaming value as electronic information, and games are played by consuming or being awarded gaming value (so-called medal-less gaming machine). In a medal-less gaming machine, gaming value is consumed instead of inserting medals, and gaming value is awarded instead of being paid out medals.

Next, we will explain the control of the medal-less gaming machine Y. Note that the explanation of the configuration that has the same or equivalent functions as the configuration explained using the slot machine X above will be omitted or simplified.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the medalless gaming machine Y as seen from the front. Although not shown, a card unit (game value lending device, gaming medal lending device, specified device) is provided on the side (right side) of the medalless gaming machine Y. The medalless gaming machine Y does not have a medal insertion port, medal payout port, medal tray, etc., or a device for controlling inserted medals such as a medal selector or hopper unit.

In the medal-less gaming machine Y, a value equivalent to a predetermined number of game values is set as credits (a value stored in the credit storage area in the main storage means 108) based on a lending operation for the card unit, etc. The value stored in the credit storage area in the main storage means 108 can be called the number of credits (amount reserved). The number of credits (the number of game medals available for play) is displayed on the game medal number display device 111.

In medalless gaming machine Y, the upper limit of the number of credits is not set to "50" as in slot machine X, and the upper limit may be set, for example, within the range of numbers that can be displayed on the gaming medal count display device 111.

The operation area 50 is provided with a game medal count display device 111. The game medal count display device 111 is composed of a seven-segment LED display, and in this embodiment, is capable of displaying five-digit numbers. The operation area 50 is also provided with a count button 112. The count button 112 is a button that is operated when transmitting (returning) information indicating a value equivalent to a predetermined number of credits (all or part of the number of credits) to the card unit. The count button 112 has a pressing portion, and the pressing portion is formed so that it can be pressed. Hereinafter, pressing the pressing portion of the count button 112 is referred to as operating the count button 112.

Although not shown in the figure, a power supply unit 14 (power supply box) is provided inside the housing 10, and a setting change key cylinder, setting change button 26, etc. are provided on the front of the power supply unit 14.

Here, we will explain the basic flow of play on the medal-less gaming machine Y. First, a predetermined number of gaming medals are awarded (the number of credits is added) based on the lending operation on the card unit. When the MAX BET button 56 is operated, gaming medals are set to an inserted state up to a specified number, and a value equivalent to the number of gaming medals set to the inserted state is subtracted from the number of credits (the number of gaming medals displayed on the gaming medal number display device 111 decreases).

When a specified number of game medals are set to the inserted state, operation of the start lever 53 is enabled, i.e., the game can be started. Next, when the enabled start lever 53 is operated, the reels 20a to 20c start to rotate. Next, when the rotation speed of the reels 20a to 20c increases to a specified speed and reaches a steady rotation state, operation of the stop buttons 54a to 54c is enabled. Next, when any of the stop buttons 54a to 54c is operated, the rotation of the corresponding reel 20a to 20c stops. Next, when the rotation of all the reels 20a to 20c stops, depending on the result of the game, a process is performed in which a specified number of game medals are awarded (added to credits), or a process is performed in which the game can be started again without consuming new game medals (replay process).

As described above, when the count button 112 is operated, a predetermined number of credits (game medals) is sent (returned) to the card unit. Then, when a card return operation is performed on the card unit, a card with a predetermined value stored therein is ejected from the card unit.

Next, the processing related to the operation of the count button 112 in the main control means 70 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 9. The main control means 70 monitors the state (signal state) of the signal (count button signal) input from the count button 112. When the count button 112 is not operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is OFF, and when the count button 112 is operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is ON.

In the main loop processing, when the main control means 70 detects a change in the counting button signal from ON to OFF (detects an OFF edge), or detects the counting button signal being ON for a predetermined period of time or longer, it transmits information indicating a value equivalent to a predetermined number of credits (all or part of the number of credits) to the card unit and performs processing (counting processing) to subtract this value from the number of credits (the value stored in the credit storage area in the main storage means 108). As the number of credits is subtracted, the number of game medals displayed on the game medal number display device 111 decreases.

The main control means 70 determines whether the count button signal is ON (step S301). If it is determined in step S301 that the count button signal is ON (step S301: YES), it determines whether a predetermined condition is met (step S302). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that the count button signal is not ON (step S301: NO), the process of step S301 is repeated. The predetermined condition is (1) a condition in which the OFF edge of the count button signal is detected and the detection time of the ON of the count button signal (ON detection time) is less than 500 ms (first condition), or (2) a condition in which the ON detection time of the count button signal is 500 ms or more (second condition).

If it is determined in step S302 that the predetermined condition is met (step S302: YES), the main control means 70 determines whether the first condition is met (step S303). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the predetermined condition is not met (step S302: NO), the process returns to step S301.

If it is determined in step S303 that the first condition is met (step S303: YES), the main control means 70 determines whether the number of credits (number of game medals) is 1 or more (step S304). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the first condition is not met (step S303: NO), the main control means 70 determines whether the number of credits is 50 or more (step S306).

If it is determined in step S304 that the number of credits is 1 or more (step S304: YES), the main control means 70 transmits information indicating the number of credits "1" (a value equivalent to a portion of the number of credits) to the card unit and subtracts 1 from the number of credits (step S305). After step S305, the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the number of credits is less than 1 (step S304: NO), the process returns to step S301.

In step S306, if it is determined that the number of credits is 50 or more (step S306: YES), the main control means 70 transmits information indicating the number of credits "50" (a value equivalent to a part of the number of credits) to the card unit and subtracts 50 from the number of credits (step S307). After step S307, the process proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, in step S306, if it is determined that the number of credits is less than 50 (step S306: NO), the main control means 70 transmits a value equivalent to the current number of credits (e.g., 30, a value equivalent to the entire number of credits) to the card unit and subtracts the value from the number of credits (step S308). After step S308, the process returns to step S301. Note that in step S308, the number of credits may be 0. In that case, information indicating the number of credits "0" may be transmitted to the card unit and a process of subtracting 0 from the number of credits may be performed, or such a process may not be performed.

The main control means 70 determines whether the count button signal is continuously detected as ON (step S309). If it is determined in step S309 that the count button signal is continuously detected as ON (step S309: YES), the main control means 70 determines whether the count button signal ON detection time after the processing of step S307 has reached 300 ms (step S310). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S309 that the count button signal is not continuously detected as ON (step S309: NO), the process returns to step S301.

If it is determined in step S310 that the ON detection time of the count button signal after the processing of step S307 has reached 300 ms (step S310: YES), proceed to step S306. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S310 that the ON detection time of the count button signal after the processing of step S307 has not reached 300 ms (step S310: NO), proceed to step S309.

(Count button)
Here, the process of transitioning from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode in a specific state (game start possible state) and then returning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode will be described. In the specific state (game start possible state), when the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from the game mode, and before the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed in the setting confirmation mode, the counting button 112 is pressed (ON state), and when the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed in the counting button 112 ON state, the counting process is not executed (started), information indicating a value equivalent to a predetermined credit number (all or part of the credit number) is not transmitted to the card unit, and the value is not subtracted from the credit number.

In other words, the counting button 112 is turned ON in the setting confirmation mode, and if the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode while the counting button 112 is ON, the counting process is not started. Therefore, if the setting confirmation mode is returned to the game mode from the mistakenly leaving the counting button 112 ON, the counting process is not started, so it is possible to prevent the counting process from being started based on an unintended operation. If the counting process were to be started based on an unintended operation, it may be necessary to lend the game value in order to continue playing, which would be a burden on the player, but according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent such a burden from occurring.

If the counting button 112 is turned ON in the setting confirmation mode and the game mode is switched to in that state, the counting button signal is detected to be ON at the timing (point) when the main loop processing is returned to, but this is not a falling edge from ON to OFF (OFF edge). Also, because it is the time of returning to the main loop processing, the ON detection time has not reached the specified time (500 ms) or more. In other words, NO is determined in step S302. Therefore, the counting process is not executed at the timing of returning to the main loop processing.

Here, the counting button 112 is set to the ON state in the setting confirmation mode, and after the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode with the counting button 112 in the ON state and the main loop processing is returned to, the ON state of the counting button 112 continues (maintains) will be described. (1) If the counting button signal is detected to be ON at the timing of returning to the main loop processing, and then the ON detection time of the counting button signal is detected to be less than 500 ms, the counting process (the process of returning the credit number "1") is not started based on that. (2) Also, if the counting button signal is detected to be ON at the timing of returning to the main loop processing, and then the ON detection time of the counting button signal is detected to be a predetermined time (500 ms) or more, the counting process (the process of returning the credit number "50" or the current credit number) is not started based on that. (3) Also, when the count button signal is detected to be ON when the main loop process is returned, and the count button signal continues to be detected as ON thereafter (for 500 ms or more), the count button 112 turns OFF, and an OFF edge is detected, the counting process (the process of returning the credit amount "1") is not started based on this. Note that (2') when the count button signal is detected to be ON when the main loop process is returned, and the count button signal continues to be detected as ON thereafter, the counting process is not started based on the fact that the ON detection time from the time the count button 112 was turned ON in the setting confirmation mode exceeds a predetermined time (500 ms).

In addition, the counting process may be started when, from a specific state (a state in which play can be started) in game mode, an operation (transition operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position, and, in a setting confirmation mode, the counting button 112 is pressed (ON state) before an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, and, with the counting button 112 in the ON state, an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position.

In other words, the counting button 112 may be set to the ON state in the setting confirmation mode, and the counting process may be started when the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode while the counting button 112 is in the ON state. In this case, the counting process can be started more quickly when the game mode is switched to.

Here, the counting button 112 is turned ON in the setting confirmation mode, and the process will be described when the counting button 112 continues to be ON after the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode and the main loop process is returned to. (1) When the counting button signal is detected to be ON at the time of returning to the main loop process, and then an OFF edge is detected and the ON detection time of the counting button signal is detected to be less than 500 ms, the counting process (processing to return the credit number "1") may be started (or may be executable). (2) Also, when the counting button signal is detected to be ON at the time of returning to the main loop process, and then the ON detection time of the counting button signal is detected to be 500 ms or more, the counting process (processing to return the credit number "50" or the current credit number) may be started based on that. In this case, the ON state of the counting button 112 is continued, not limited to one return, and if the condition (step S310) is satisfied, the return from the next time onwards is executed. (3) Also, when the counting button signal is detected as ON at the time of returning to the main loop processing, if the counting button signal continues to be detected as ON thereafter (for 500 ms or more), the counting button 112 goes to the OFF state, and an OFF edge is detected, the counting process (processing to return the credit amount "1") may be started based on that.

(Payment button)
In the medal-less gaming machine Y, the settlement button 52 is a button that is operated when returning the game medals inserted (set to inserted state) by operating the bet button 56 to credits (credit storage area in the main storage means 108). In other words, a process (insertion return process) is executed to return the game medals set to the inserted state to credits based on the operation of the settlement button 52. The insertion return process (predetermined process related to the gaming value) is a process in which the setting of the inserted state of the game medals is canceled, and a value equivalent to the number of game medals set to the inserted state is added to the number of credits (a stored value in the credit storage area in the main storage means 108). When the settlement button 52 is operated in a state in which there are game medals set to the inserted state, the game medals are returned to credits based on that, and the number of game medals displayed on the game medal number display device 111 increases.

Here, the process of transitioning from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode in a specific state (a state where game play can be started) and then returning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode will be described. In a specific state (a state where game play can be started) and in the game mode, an operation (transition operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position, and in the setting confirmation mode, before an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, the settlement button 52 is operated (pressed) (ON state), and when an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position while the settlement button 52 is operated (ON state), the insertion and return process is not started (executed), and the game medals set to the insertion state are not returned to credit. The state in which the settlement button 52 is operated refers to a state in which the settlement button 52 is operated to the position where it is turned ON.

In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the settlement button 52 is set to the ON state, and even if the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode while the settlement button 52 is set to the ON state, the deposit/return process is not started.
In other words, in a specific state (a state in which game play can be started), the setting change key cylinder (an operation means related to the setting value) is changed from an OFF state to an ON state, and even if the settlement button 52 is operated while the setting change key cylinder (an operation means related to the setting value) is in the ON state, processing related to the game value (deposit and return processing) is not started, and even if the setting change key cylinder is turned to the OFF state while the settlement button 52 is being operated (while the operation is maintained), processing related to the game value (deposit and return processing) is not started.
Therefore, when the game mode is returned from the setting confirmation mode with the settlement button 52 in the ON state by mistake, the deposit/return process is not executed, and it is possible to prevent the deposit/return process from being started based on an unintended operation. If the deposit/return process is executed based on an unintended operation, it becomes necessary to deposit game value again to play the game, which is a burden for the player, but according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent such a burden from being incurred. Note that even if the deposit/return process is maintained in the ON state after the game mode is returned to the main loop process by transitioning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode, the deposit/return process is not started.

In the above, it is described as a specific state (a state in which a specified number of medals required to start playing have been inserted, or a state in which medals have been automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery), but in a state in which a specified number of medals required to start playing have been inserted (specified number of medals inserted state), even if the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is changed from OFF to ON, and the settlement button 52 is operated with the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) in the ON state, the processing related to the game value (input/return processing) will not be started, and even if the setting change key cylinder is turned OFF with the settlement button 52 being operated (with the operation maintained), the processing related to the game value (input/return processing) may not be started.

In addition, when the specified number of medals required to start playing has been inserted (specified number of medals inserted state), even if the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from OFF to ON and the settlement button 52 is operated while the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is being operated (ON), processing related to the game value (input and return processing) will not be started, and even if the setting change button 26 is turned OFF while the settlement button 52 is being operated (while the operation is maintained), processing related to the game value (input and return processing) may not be started.

The input/return process may be started when, from a specific state (a state in which play can be started) in play mode, an operation (transition operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position, and when in setting confirmation mode, the settlement button 52 is pressed (ON state) before an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, and when the settlement button 52 is in the ON state, an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position. In this case, the input/return process can be started more smoothly when transitioning to play mode.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A plurality of reels 20a to 20c having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on their outer circumferential surfaces;
A start lever 53 used to start a game;
A switch relating to a set value;
A control means 70 for controlling the progress of a game,
The control means
A game control means 104 that performs an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is obtained based on the operation of the start lever;
A setting change unit 101 capable of executing a setting change process for changing a setting value among a plurality of setting values;
If a state in which a prescribed number of game values necessary to start a game has been inserted, or a state in which game values have been automatically inserted based on a winning replay as a result of the internal lottery, is defined as a specific state,
In the specific state, even if the operation means related to the set value is turned from OFF to ON, the start lever is operated with the operation means related to the set value being ON, and the operation means related to the set value is turned OFF with the start lever being operated, game play does not start.

Even if the start lever is operated while the operation means related to the set value is ON, and the operation means related to the set value is turned OFF while the start lever is operated, game play will not start. This makes it possible to suppress (prevent) a game from being started based on an unintended operation or an erroneous operation. This makes it possible to improve the marketability of the gaming machine. If the internal lottery results in a loss in a game that is started based on an unintended operation, a predetermined amount of game value will be consumed. With the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the risk of such game value being consumed can be reduced.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, but may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine.
In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear,""up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right."
It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or the components may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10, the slot machine (gaming machine) 10 of this embodiment includes a box-shaped housing 11 with an open front side that faces the player, and a front door (front door) 12 that opens and closes the front opening of the housing 11. The housing 11 houses a reel unit in which a rotatable first reel 20a, a second reel 20b, and a third reel 20c are unitized, a hopper device that pays out medals (game value), and the like. The front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed freely relative to the housing 11.

At the center of the top of the upper door 12a (above the display window 16) is provided a liquid crystal display (display means) 13 as a presentation device. Various images (presentation images) to assist and liven up the game are displayed on the liquid crystal display 13. In addition, the upper door 12a (and the lower door 12b) is provided with a speaker (sound output means) 14 as a presentation device. Various presentation sounds (music, sound effects, voice, etc.) to assist and liven up the game are output from the speaker 14. In addition, the front door 12 is provided with a lamp (lighting device, lighting means) 38 for providing notifications and presentations. Note that a movable role that can be operated by an actuator or the like may also be provided as a presentation device.

The upper door 12a is provided with a display window 16. A reel unit is arranged behind the display window 16 so that a part of the reel unit can be seen from outside the display window 16. The outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c is divided into 20 frames (20 areas) at regular intervals, and one of multiple types of symbols is arranged in each frame. In other words, multiple types of symbols are arranged in a row on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c. When each of the reels 20a to 20c stops, three symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 16. The display window 16 is provided with an upper row, middle row, and lower row as display positions for viewing the symbols of each of the reels 20a to 20c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of each of the reels 20a to 20c. In this embodiment, an active line is formed by the bottom of the first reel 20a, the middle of the second reel 20b, and the top of the third reel 20c. In this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to three, and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated.

As shown in Figure 11, the following symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c: white 7 symbol "white 7", purple 7 symbol A "purple 7A", purple 7 symbol B "purple 7B", purple 7 symbol C "purple 7C", purple 7 symbol D "purple 7D", yellow 7 symbol "yellow 7", red 7 symbol "red 7", black BAR symbol "black BAR", red BAR symbol "red BAR", and blank symbol "BK". Symbol numbers 0 to 19 are assigned to the symbols on each of the reels 20a to 20c.

When play begins, each reel 20a-20c starts spinning and an internal lottery is run to determine whether any of the winning combinations will be a win or a loss (non-win). Next, when the reels 20a-20c come to a halt, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on an active line, this winning combination will be a winning combination, and a process corresponding to the winning combination (winning process) will be executed.

Below the display window 16, there are provided a game information display section 17 and a favorable zone indicator 18. The game information display section 17 is made up of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, and error information. In addition, the favorable zone indicator 18 has an LED, and by turning this LED on and off, it is possible to notify whether or not the player is in a favorable zone.

The lower door 12b is provided with a medal insertion port 22 for inserting medals, a bet button 23 operated when betting credited medals, a start lever (game start operation means) 24 operated when starting a game, a top button (stop operation means) 26 (26a, 26b, 26c) operated when stopping the spinning reels, a payout outlet 27 for paying out medals sent from the hopper device, and a medal receiving tray 28 for receiving (accumulating) medals paid out from the payout outlet 27. In addition, at the back of the medal insertion port 22, a medal sensor 29 (see FIG. 12) is provided for detecting the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion port 22.
The lower door 12b is also provided with a settlement button operated when settling medals, a reject button operated when clearing medal jams that occur in the medal passage below the medal insertion port 22, a door key cylinder, and the like. The lower door 12b (front door 12) can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder. Specifically, the lower door 12b can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder clockwise from its initial position. Also, an error can be cleared by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder counterclockwise from its initial position.

The lower door 12b is also provided with an effect button (effect operation means) 25. The effect button 25 is formed to be pressable, and when pressed, it changes the state of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 13, thereby increasing the player's sense of participation in the game and enhancing the player's interest. The effect button 25 is in a valid state for operation, for example, during the execution of an effect that gives the player the expectation of transitioning to an advantageous state, and an image instructing the operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 13. When the effect button 25 is operated, the result of the game (for example, whether or not a transition to an advantageous state will occur) is notified. Note that the effect button (effect operation means) 25 is not limited to being button-shaped, and it may be anything that can detect the player's operation.

A lower panel 91 is provided above the medal tray 28 on the lower door 12b. A light source (LED) for illumination is provided on the rear side of the lower panel 91, and the light emitted from this light source illuminates the lower panel 91 from behind.

In the slot machine 10, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 or when the bet button 23 is operated and a specified number of medals are bet, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled and the machine is in a state in which play can be started. Then, when the enabled start lever 24 is operated, play begins. When play begins, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each of the reels 20a to 20c reaches a certain speed and reaches a steady rotation, the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. Then, when the enabled stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, each of the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the operated stop button 26a to 26c is stopped. Then, when the rotation of all the reels 20a to 20c stops, a process of paying out medals or a process of making it possible to start play again without consuming new medals is performed according to the result of the game, and one round of play ends.

As shown in FIG. 12, inside the slot machine 10, a main control board (main control means) 31 and a sub-control board (sub-control means) 32 are provided. The main control board 31 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button 23, start lever 24, stop buttons 26a-26c, and medal sensor 29, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls output means such as the reel unit and hopper device based on the calculation results. The sub-control board 32 receives signals sent from the main control board 31 and input signals from input means such as the performance button 25, performs various calculations to execute performance, and controls devices for performance such as the LCD display 13 and speaker 14 based on the calculation results.

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

The main control board 31 includes an input receiving means 40, a random number generating means 41, an internal lottery means 42 for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved, a reel control means 43 for controlling the rotation of the reels, a winning determination means 44 for determining whether a winning combination has been achieved when all the reels have stopped, a payout control means 45, a replay control means 46, a setting change means 47, an initialization means 48, a game state control means 49, an instruction function control means 51, a performance main control means 52, and a storage means 60. The storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM.
The sub-control board 32 also includes a sub-performance control means 70 and a sub-side storage means (sub-memory) 72. The sub-side storage means 72 also includes a ROM and a RAM.

The main performance control means 52 and the sub-performance control means 70 constitute the performance control means 100. The main performance control means 52 issues instructions to the sub-performance control means 70 based on the game state, performance state, etc. The sub-performance control means 70 controls the performance device using the performance data stored in the sub-side storage means 72 based on the game state, information on the performance state, or information on whether or not to perform a performance instruction sent from the main performance control means 52. The control performed by the main performance control means 52 described in this embodiment may be performed by the sub-performance control means 70, and the control performed by the sub-performance control means 70 may be performed by the main performance control means 52. The control performed by the performance control means 100 described in this embodiment may be performed by the instruction function control means 51, and the control performed by the instruction function control means 51 may be performed by the performance control means 100.

The insertion acceptance means 40 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating a game start operation on the start lever 24 based on the insertion of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22, the medal sensor 29 detects the medals, and the insertion acceptance means 40 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified number. Furthermore, when the bet button 23 is pressed with medals credited, the insertion acceptance means 40 sets the credited medals to an inserted state up to a specified number. In this embodiment, the first press operation of the start lever 24, which is valid based on the insertion of a specified number of medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and this operation triggers the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c and a lottery such as an internal lottery is performed.

The insertion acceptance means 40 also controls so that medals owned by the player are not set to a newly inserted state in the next game after the game in which the replay was won. Specifically, if a replay was won in the previous game, even if medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 while the insertion of medals is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to an inserted state, and the inserted medals are credited up to the credit upper limit (e.g., 50 medals). Also, while the insertion of medals is being accepted, operation of the bet button 23 is not accepted, so that the credited medals are not set to an inserted state even if the bet button 23 is pressed.

The random number generating means 41 generates random numbers for the lottery. The random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate through a specified count range). In this embodiment, the "random numbers" include not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing, etc. is irregular and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table based on the operation of the activated start lever 24 (i.e., the start of a game).
In the internal lottery table, various winning roles including small wins, replays and bonuses and losing roles (non-winning roles) are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535), and a plurality of internal lottery tables are stored in the internal lottery table storage area 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. In this embodiment, as described later, a normal state, an RBB internal state and an RBB operating state can be set as the game state, and six setting values, setting L, setting 1, setting 2, setting 3, setting 5 and setting 6, can be set as the setting value, and the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and the setting value to perform an internal lottery.
A minor win is a win that allows a player to receive a payout of a predetermined number of medals according to the minor win. A replay is a win (activation) that allows a player to play again without consuming any more medals. When a replay is won, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled without the player using any medals, and the player can start playing by operating the start lever 24.

In the internal lottery, a random number value for lottery is obtained from the random number generating means 41, and this random number value is compared with the internal lottery table to determine whether or not a winning role has been won, and the winning role associated with the random number value is the winning role. Specifically, the internal lottery table is provided with a plurality of winning areas as shown in FIG. 13, and each random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 is associated with one of the winning areas. In addition, the winning areas include winning areas that include one or more winning roles (are associated with winning roles), and winning areas that do not include any winning roles (are associated with losses). In addition, the combinations of winning roles included in each winning area are different. All winning roles that belong to the winning areas that are associated with the random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 are the winning roles as a result of the internal lottery. In the following, when a role that belongs to a winning area is won in the internal lottery, it is also referred to as "the winning area is won". In addition, when no role is won, it is also referred to as "the winning area 'unwinning' is won".

As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, small prizes 1 to 33 are prepared as small prizes. In addition, as winning areas including small prizes, "small prize ALL", "8 coins ALL", "3 coins ALL", "1 coin ALL", "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H", "4-choice 3 coins A" to "4-choice 3 coins D", "eye-pressing batting order A" to "eye-pressing batting order D", "common 3 coins A", "common 3 coins B", "chance eye A", "chance eye B", "right-rising yellow 7", "middle yellow 7", "black BAR alignment", and "common 1 coin" are prepared. In addition, small prizes 1 to 3 are 15 coin prizes in which 15 medals are paid out when winning. In addition, small prizes 4 to 8 are 8 coin prizes in which 8 medals are paid out when winning. In addition, small prizes 9 to 14 are 3 coin prizes in which 3 medals are paid out when winning. In addition, small prizes 15 to 33 are 1 coin prizes in which 1 medal is paid out when winning.
In the following, the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H" may be collectively referred to as "4-choice yellow 7". In addition, the winning areas "4-choice 3-piece A" to "4-choice 3-piece D" may be collectively referred to as "4-choice 3-piece role". In addition, the winning areas "eye-pressing batting order A" to "eye-pressing batting order D" may be collectively referred to as "eye-pressing batting order role". In this embodiment, the batting order bell basically refers to the winning area of the 4-choice yellow 7, but the batting order bell may also refer to the winning area of the 4-choice 3-piece role, etc.

The winning area "small prize ALL" is a winning area where all small prizes (small prize 1 to small prize 33) overlap and win. The winning area "8 coins ALL" is a winning area where small prizes 4 to 33 overlap and win. The winning area "3 coins ALL" is a winning area where small prizes 9 to 33 overlap and win. The winning area "1 coin ALL" is a winning area where small prizes 15 to 33 overlap and win. The winning areas "4 choice yellow 7A" to "4 choice yellow 7H" are winning areas where one type of 8 coin role and multiple types of 1 coin roles overlap and win. The winning areas "4 choice 3 coins A" to "4 choice 3 coins D" are winning areas where one type of 3 coin role and multiple types of 1 coin roles overlap and win. The winning areas "Memoir Batting Order A" to "Memoir Batting Order D" are winning areas where 15-coin roles and multiple types of 1-coin roles overlap and win. The winning area "Common 3-coin A" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-coin roles overlap and win. The winning area "Common 3-coin B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-coin roles and one type of 1-coin role (small role 25) overlap and win. The winning area "Chance Eye A" is a winning area where 3-coin roles (small role 11) are won alone. The winning area "Chance Eye B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-coin roles overlap and win. The winning area "Right-up Yellow 7" is a winning area where 8-coin roles (small role 6) are won alone. The winning area "Middle Yellow 7" is a winning area where 8-coin roles (small role 4) are won alone. The winning area "Black BAR Alignment" is a winning area where multiple types of 8-coin roles overlap and win. In addition, the "Common 1-Coin" winning area is a winning area where multiple types of 1-coin roles can overlap and be won.

In this embodiment, replays are available in the form of Replay 1 to Replay 6. The winning areas that contain replays are "Replay A", "Replay B", "7 in batting order replay", "middle row replay", "fake red 7 replay", "7 in red", and "BAR replay".

The winning areas "Replay A", "Replay B", "7 in batting order replay", "Red 7" and "BAR replay" are areas where multiple types of replays can be won by overlapping. In addition, the winning areas "Middle row replay" and "Red 7 fake replay" are areas where only one type of replay can be won by itself.

In addition, in this embodiment, a big bonus (RBB: special role) is prepared as a bonus. In addition, as a winning area associated with the bonus, a winning area "RBB" in which the big bonus is won alone is prepared, and the winning areas "red 7 line up", "BAR line up", "black BAR line up" and "common one coin" are set so that the big bonus is won in duplicate. In addition, when the game state is in the normal state, the winning areas "red 7 line up", "BAR line up", "black BAR line up" and "common one coin" are set so that the big bonus is won in duplicate, while when the game state is in the RBB inside state, the big bonus is not won in duplicate.
In this embodiment, the bonus is assumed to be a continuous operation device related to a so-called first-class special bonus, but other bonuses may be used. In addition, other bonuses may also be installed. In addition, the installed bonuses may be set to win independently, or may be set to win in combination with replays or small prizes.

There is also a "No Win" area that corresponds to a losing prize.

Each winning area is set to be winable or non-winable depending on the game state. In other words, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery, thereby changing the winning combination that can be won. In other words, in each game state, an internal lottery is performed using an internal lottery table in which the winning areas that can be won in each game state are included in the lottery objects.
In FIG. 13, whether each winning area can be won in each game state is indicated by a "circle". That is, the winning areas "No Win", "Small Role ALL", "8 Coins ALL", "3 Coins ALL" and "1 Coin ALL" are won when the game state is in the RBB operation state, and are not won in the normal state or the RBB inside state. Also, the winning areas "Replay A", "Replay B", "7 Batting Order Replay", "Middle Row Replay", "Red 7 Fake Replay", "4 Choice Yellow 7A" to "4 Choice Yellow 7H", "4 Choice 3 Coins A" to "4 Choice 3 Coins D", "Battle Order A" to "Battle Order D", "Common 3 Coins A", "Common 3 Coins B", "Chance Eye A", "Chance Eye B", "Right Up Yellow 7", "Middle Row Yellow 7", "Red 7 Align", "BAR Align", "Black BAR Align" and "Common 1 Coin" are won when the game state is in the normal state or the RBB inside state, and are not won when the RBB is in operation. In addition, the winning area "RBB" is won when the game state is in the normal state, and cannot be won when the RBB is inside the state or the RBB is operating state.

In addition, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small prize is the same in the normal state and the RBB internal state. Also, replays cannot be won when the RBB is in operation. In other words, the probability of winning a replay is higher in the normal state and the RBB internal state than in the RBB operation state.

The internal lottery means 42 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the internal lottery from a non-winning state (off state) to a winning state (on state). In addition, when multiple winning combinations are won at the same time, the winning flag corresponding to each of the overlapping winning combinations is set from a non-winning state to a winning state. In addition, the setting information of the winning flag is stored in the winning flag memory area 62 provided in the RAM of the memory means 60.

Furthermore, there are two types of winning flags: a winning flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over the winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a winning flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state without carrying over the winning state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won. A big bonus is a role that can be associated with a carry-over flag. A small role and a replay are roles that can be associated with a non-carry-over flag. For example, when a big bonus is won in an internal lottery, the internal lottery means 42 carries over the winning state of the big bonus winning flag until the big bonus is won. At this time, even in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over, the internal lottery means 42 carries out an internal lottery to determine whether or not the small role and the replay are won. In other words, in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over, if a small role or a replay is won, the winning flags corresponding to two or more roles, the winning flag of the big bonus already won and the winning flag of the small role or the replay won in the internal lottery, are set to a winning state.

In addition, the slot machine 10 has six setting values, setting L, setting 1, setting 2, setting 3, setting 5, and setting 6, and the probability of winning a winning combination varies depending on the setting value. Specifically, when the setting is changed, the internal lottery table group consisting of multiple internal lottery tables selected according to the game state is changed to an internal lottery table group associated with each setting, and the internal lottery table group changes to one with a different probability of winning a small winning combination, replay, or bonus depending on the setting.

The setting change means 47 controls to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage area 63 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder provided inside the slot machine 10 and the power supply of the slot machine 10 is turned on with the setting change key (setting change key cylinder) rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the setting change means 47 starts the slot machine 10 in the setting change mode. The setting value can be selected from six setting values from setting L to setting 6. In this embodiment, the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed so that the expected value of the ball payout rate increases in order from setting L to setting 6. The expected value of the ball payout rate of setting L is lower than that of setting 1. The setting change means 47 changes the setting value in the order of setting L → setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → setting L → ... each time the setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed in the setting change mode, and when the start lever 24 is pressed, the setting value is confirmed and the confirmed setting value is stored in the setting value storage area 63. In addition, it is possible to switch from the setting change mode to the game mode by returning the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to its initial position.
In this embodiment, the setting values are expressed in the order of setting L<setting 1<setting 2<setting 3<setting 5<setting 6.
In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that among settings 1 to 6, setting 4 is not provided and setting L is provided, but this is not limiting, and any one of settings 1 to 6 may not be provided and setting L may be provided. For example, setting 3 may not be provided, and six setting values of setting L, setting 1, setting 2, setting 4, setting 5, and setting 6 may be settable.

When the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 is started in the game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, it is possible to play games but it is not possible to change the setting values, and in the setting change mode, it is possible to change the setting values but it is not possible to play games.

When the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs an initialization process to initialize at least a part of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs a process to return the game state, game zone, and presentation state to their initial states, which will be described later. That is, when the setting value is changed, the game state becomes a normal state, the game zone becomes a non-advantageous zone, and the presentation state becomes a non-advantageous zone presentation state, and these states become the same as when the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory. In addition, the initialization means 48 initializes other information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 in the initialization process. In addition, the sub-control board 32 also has an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal notifying that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub-control board 32 initializes information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 72.
In addition, even if the setting value is changed, the game state, game section, and presentation state may not return to their initial states.

The reel control means 43 starts the rotation of each of the reels 20a-20c when the enabled start lever 24 is operated (i.e., the start of a game) under the control of the main control board 31, and when the enabled stop buttons 26a-26c are operated, it controls the stopping of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button.

That is, each time one of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is operated, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel from the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c that corresponds to the operated button, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, when the stop button 26b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and when the stop button 26c is operated, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c changes depending on the operation order (play order) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c.

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

In the following, the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 1," the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the third reel 20c, and the second reel 20b is referred to as "batting order 2," and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the first reel 20a, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 3." " Batting order 4" refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the third reel 20c, and the first reel 20a. Batting order 5 refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the first reel 20a, and the second reel 20b. Batting order 6 refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the second reel 20b, and the first reel 20a. Batting order 1 and 2 are collectively referred to as "left push", batting order 3 and 4 are collectively referred to as "center push", and batting order 5 and 6 are collectively referred to as "right push". Center push and right push are sometimes collectively referred to as "irregular push".

In this embodiment, the reel that is rotating corresponding to the pressed stop button of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c is stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 26a to 26c is operated. In addition, the reel can rotate a maximum of four frames (four patterns) from the time when each stop button 26a to 26c is operated until each reel 20a to 20c stops. Then, the reel control means 43 controls the reel 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop button 26a to 26c that has been stopped to stop the pattern corresponding to the role that has the winning flag set to a winning state, so that the pattern corresponding to the role that has the winning state is displayed on the winning line when the pattern corresponding to the role that has the winning flag set to a winning state is located within a range of 0 frames to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range) on the outer peripheral surface of the reel 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop button 26a to 26c that has been stopped, so that the pattern corresponding to the role that has the winning state is displayed on the winning line. In other words, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop button 26a to 26c for which the stop operation was performed so that any one of the symbols from the symbol on the pay line at the time the stop operation was performed up to the symbol four symbols away is displayed on the pay line.

In addition, in the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that a winning combination with a winning flag set to a winning state wins. Specifically, when the winning flag of one winning combination is set to a winning state, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that this winning combination wins. In addition, when the winning flags of multiple winning combinations are set to a winning state in a overlapping manner, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order set for each combination. In this embodiment, the priority order is set in the order of "replay > minor combination > bonus". Then, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the combination with a higher priority are displayed on the pay line in priority to the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the combination with a lower priority.

In addition, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority order of the candidate stop positions can be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line (number priority control), or according to the number of medals paid out (number priority control). When executing number priority control, which determines the priority order of the candidate stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line, the priority order of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority order is higher for the stop positions (symbols) that have a larger number of symbol combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line. When executing number priority control, which determines the priority order of the candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, the priority order of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority order is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of medals paid out based on the payout of the small roles corresponding to the symbols displayed at the display positions on the valid line (stop positions that can win small roles with a larger payout). Note that when determining the priority order of the candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, if small roles with the same payout are won multiple times, the priority order of the candidate stop positions that can win each small role is treated as being the same.

FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the manner of stopping operation and winning combinations when each winning area is won in the RBB internal state.
As shown in FIG. 14, the four-choice yellow 7 has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order set for each. When each winning area of the four-choice yellow 7 is won in the RBB inside state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, an 8-coin role (correct role) can be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin role (incorrect role) can be won. In other words, when any of the four-choice yellow 7 is won in the RBB inside state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the priority of the candidate stop position that can win the small role 4 to the small role 7 is the highest, and if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the priority of the candidate stop position that can win the small role 15, the small role 17 to the small role 28, and the small role 31 is the highest.

There is only one correct batting order for each of the four-choice yellow 7s, and the other five batting orders are considered to be incorrect batting orders. In addition, the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7A" to "four-choice yellow 7D" have different correct batting orders set, and the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7E" to "four-choice yellow 7H" have different correct batting orders set. In addition, the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7A" to "four-choice yellow 7D" have any of batting orders 3 to 6 set as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as the incorrect batting order. In addition, the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7E" to "four-choice yellow 7H" have any of batting orders 3 to 6 set as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as the incorrect batting order.

The contents in parentheses in FIG. 14 indicate the winning rate of a 1-piece role when a stopping operation is performed in that batting order. For example, the notation "1 piece (1/2)" indicates that there is a 1/2 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 1/2 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win). Also, the notation "1 piece (1/4)" indicates that there is a 1/4 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 3/4 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win).

When the winning areas "4-choice Yellow 7A" through "4-choice Yellow 7H" are operated in the correct batting order, an 8-coin winning combination will be awarded. When the winning areas "4-choice Yellow 7A" through "4-choice Yellow 7H" are operated in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin winning combination or no winning combination will be awarded.

In addition, when each of the four-choice yellow 7 winning areas is selected in the normal middle state, if the RBB is in the middle state and the stopping operation is performed in a batting order in which an 8-coin role will win (the correct batting order), the 8-coin role will not win, and there is a 1/2 probability that a 1-coin role will win, and a 1/2 probability that a 1-coin role will be missed (the 1-coin role will not win).

As shown in FIG. 14, each of the four-choice three-coin roles has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order. When each winning area of the four-choice three-coin role is won in the RBB internal state, if the player operates in the correct batting order, a three-coin role (correct role) will be won, and if the player operates in the incorrect batting order, a one-coin role (incorrect role) will be won. In other words, when any of the four-choice three-coin roles is won in the RBB internal state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 9 to 10 have the highest priority, and if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 15 to 28 and small roles 31 have the highest priority.

There is only one correct batting order for each 4-choice 3-card role, and the other five batting orders are considered incorrect. Also, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" through "4-choice 3-card D" have different correct batting orders. Also, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" through "4-choice 3-card D" have any of batting orders 3 through 6 set as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as incorrect batting orders.

In the winning areas "4 Choice 3 Cards A" through "4 Choice 3 Cards D," if the players play in the correct batting order, a 3-card role will be awarded. In addition, in the winning areas "4 Choice 3 Cards A" through "4 Choice 3 Cards D," if the players play in the incorrect batting order, a 1-card role will be awarded.

In addition, when the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" are won in the normal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, a 3-card role will be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-card role will be won. In the normal state, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" have two correct batting orders, and the other four batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In addition, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" in the normal state, any two of batting orders 3 to 6 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as incorrect batting orders. Specifically, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" and "4-choice 3-card B" in the normal state, batting orders 3 and 4 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1, 2, 5, and 6 are set as incorrect batting orders. In addition, in the winning areas "4 Choice 3 C" and "4 Choice 3 D" in the normal middle state, batting order 5 and batting order 6 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 to 4 are set as incorrect batting orders. In other words, the winning areas "4 Choice 3 A" to "4 Choice 3 D" are set with a higher number of correct batting orders in the normal middle state than in the RBB inside middle state, and the probability of winning a 3-coin role (expected value for winning medals) is higher if you win.

As shown in FIG. 14, each of the eye-pressing batting order roles has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order. When each winning area of the eye-pressing batting order role is won in the RBB internal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, a 15-coin role (correct role) can be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin role (incorrect role) can be won. In other words, when any of the eye-pressing batting order roles is won in the RBB internal state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct stop operation mode, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 1 to 3 have the highest priority, and if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect stop operation mode, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 15 to 20, small role 22, and small roles 31 to 33 have the highest priority.

There is only one correct batting order for each button press batting order role, and the other five batting orders are considered incorrect. Also, different batting orders are set as the correct batting orders for the winning areas "Button Press Batting Order A" to "Button Press Batting Order D". Also, any of batting orders 3 to 6 are set as the correct batting order for the winning areas "Button Press Batting Order A" to "Button Press Batting Order D", and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as incorrect batting orders.

The winning areas "eye-pressing batting order A" to "eye-pressing batting order D" are designed to win a 15-coin prize when the reels are operated in the correct batting order and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (first predetermined timing). When a predetermined stop operation is performed at the first predetermined timing, for example, the first stop operation may be performed when a pattern within a predetermined range including a specific pattern (for example, a red BAR pattern "red BAR") on the reels 20a to 20c that are stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (for example, on an effective line). In other words, it is possible to win a 15-coin prize by operating in the correct batting order and performing the first stop operation aiming at the specific pattern.
In addition, the winning areas "Striking Order A" to "Striking Order D" are designed to win a one-coin combination when an incorrect batting order is operated, and when a correct batting order is operated and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (second predetermined timing). When a predetermined stop operation is performed at a second predetermined timing, for example, the first stop operation may be performed when a pattern within a predetermined range that does not include the specific pattern on the reels 20a to 20c that are stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (for example, on an active line).

The four-choice yellow 7 is a winning area where an 8-coin role will be awarded if the player operates in the correct batting order when the player wins, and the eye-pressing batting order role is a winning area where a 15-coin role will be awarded if the player operates in the correct batting order when the player wins and a specified stop operation is performed at a specified timing (first specified timing). In this embodiment, the eye-pressing batting order role is provided as a winning area where the number of medals that can be paid out when the player wins is greater than that of the four-choice yellow 7.

In addition, when the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" are won in the normal middle state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order and the specified stop operation is performed at the specified timing (first specified timing), a 15-coin role will be won. In addition, when the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" are won in the normal middle state, if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, or if the operation is performed in the correct batting order and the specified stop operation is performed at the specified timing (second specified timing), a 1-coin role will be won. In the normal middle state, the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" have two correct batting orders, and the other four batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In the normal middle state, the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" have any two of batting orders 3 to 6 set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as incorrect batting orders. Specifically, in the winning areas "Battle Order A" and "Battle Order B," batting orders 3 and 4 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1, 2, 5, and 6 are set as incorrect batting orders. In the winning areas "Battle Order C" and "Battle Order D," batting orders 5 and 6 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 to 4 are set as incorrect batting orders. In other words, the winning areas "Battle Order A" to "Battle Order D" are set with a higher number of correct batting orders in the normal middle state than in the RBB internal middle state, and the probability of winning a 15-coin role (expected value for winning medals) is higher if a win is made.

The winning determination means 44 is activated when the reels 20a to 20c stop spinning, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the reels 20a to 20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stopped display) on the pay line by the stopping of the reels 20a to 20c is compared to the winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. The winning form (the symbol combination that will win when stopped and displayed) of each winning combination is stored in the winning determination table, and the above-mentioned comparison determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved and the type of winning combination that has been achieved. The correspondence between the symbol combination displayed on the pay line and the winning combination in this embodiment is shown in Figures 15 and 16. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, for example, if the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" stops on the bottom of the first reel 20a, the red 7 symbol "RED 7" or the white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" stops on the middle of the second reel 20b, and the yellow 7 symbol "YELLOW 7" stops on the top of the third reel 20c, then minor win 1 will be won.

When a winning combination is achieved, the main control board 31 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved. Specifically, the winning process involves a payout process when a minor combination is achieved, a replay process (replay process) when a replay is achieved (activated), and a process to transition the game state (game state transition control process) when a bonus is achieved (activated).

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

In this embodiment, 15 medals are paid out when small prizes 1 to 3 are won, 8 medals are paid out when small prizes 4 to 8 are won, 3 medals are paid out when small prizes 9 to 14 are won, and 1 medal is paid out when small prizes 15 to 33 are won.

In addition, the replay process is a process in which, when a replay wins, the next game is set to the same game start waiting state as the previous game without the player having to insert any medals owned by the player, and is performed by the replay control means 46. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the number set to the insertion state in the previous game (the game in which the replay won) are automatically inserted without using the player's medals (including credited medals), and the game waits for the next game start operation on the start lever 24 with a winning line set corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process. In addition, when the automatic insertion process is performed, it is not possible to insert additional medals.

As shown in FIG. 17, the game state control means 49 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the general state, the RBB internal state (bonus established state), and the RBB operating state (bonus state). A single condition may be set as the game state transition condition, or multiple conditions may be set. When multiple conditions are set, the game state may be transitioned based on one of the multiple predefined conditions being established, or the game state may be transitioned based on multiple or all of the multiple predefined conditions being established.

As described above, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the normal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is set as a lottery target. In the RBB internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery target. In the RBB operation state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery target.

The game state is initially in the general middle state. In the general middle state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which all winning areas except for the winning areas "No Win", "Small Win ALL", "8 Coins ALL", "3 Coins ALL" and "1 Coin ALL" are set as lottery targets. In addition, it is possible to transition from the general middle state to the RBB internal middle state. The game state control means 49 transitions the game state to the RBB internal middle state when a big bonus is won in the general middle state.

The RBB internal state (first game state) is a game state to which the game state is entered when a big bonus (special role) is won in an internal lottery. In the RBB internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which all winning areas except for the winning areas "No Win", "Small Role ALL", "8 Coins ALL", "3 Coins ALL", "1 Coin ALL" and "RBB" are set as lottery targets. In the RBB internal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus is displayed on the pay line, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state from the RBB internal state to the RBB operating state.

The RBB operating state (second gaming state) is a gaming state to which the game state is switched when a symbol combination indicating a winning form of a big bonus is displayed on an active line. In the RBB operating state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "no win", "small win ALL", "8 coins ALL", "3 coins ALL" and "1 coin ALL" are set as the lottery targets. In the RBB operating state, the game state control means 49 judges whether or not the termination condition is established based on the total number of medals paid out in the RBB operating state, and when the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number, the game state control means 49 terminates the RBB operating state and switches the game state to the normal state.
In this embodiment, the end condition of the RBB operating state is determined by the total number of medals paid out, but the end condition may be determined by the number of games played in the RBB operating state, the number of times a small win has been won, etc. Also, the end condition of the RBB operating state may be determined so that the state ends after one game.

As shown in FIG. 12, the instruction function control means 51 includes a game zone control means 80, a presentation state control means 81, and a bonus granting means 82. The instruction function control means 51 performs processing related to the operation of an instruction function that assists the winning of a specific role in an advantageous zone. Specifically, when a specific role is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction presentation that assists the winning of this role. More specifically, when, for example, a four-choice yellow 7 is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction presentation (batting order navigation presentation) that notifies the player of the correct batting order and assists the winning of an 8-piece role. When the instruction function control means 51 determines to perform a batting order navigation presentation, the presentation control means 100 causes the presentation devices such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute the batting order navigation presentation. Note that when the batting order navigation presentation is performed, information indicating the correct batting order is also displayed on the 7-segment display of the game information display unit 17.

As shown in FIG. 18, the game zone control means 80 performs a game zone transition control process that transitions the game zone between a non-advantageous zone and an advantageous zone according to the progress of the game. The non-advantageous zone is a game zone that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of game zones. In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, and when the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone to an advantageous zone. The advantageous zone is also a game zone in which an upper limit (1500 times in this example) is set for the number of times that the game can be played. In addition, when the game zone is set to a non-advantageous zone, the instruction presentation cannot be performed, and the instruction presentation can be performed only when the game zone is set to an advantageous zone. When the number of times that the game zone has been played in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit of 1500 times, the game zone control means 80 ends the advantageous zone and transitions the game zone to a non-advantageous zone.

In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus granting means 82 conducts a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the advantageous zone at a predetermined trigger. Specifically, the bonus granting means 82 conducts a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the advantageous zone based on the result of the internal lottery (winning a predetermined role (winning area)). Then, when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone.

In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an increment process, which adds "1" to the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 as a value corresponding to one play, triggered by the game start operation on the start lever 24 each time one play is performed in the advantageous zone. Note that the game zone control means 80 does not add to the advantageous zone play count counter 65 in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 is "0". Then, when the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 reaches a threshold value (upper limit value) "1500", the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone, assuming that the end condition of the advantageous zone is established. In other words, the upper limit value of the number of plays in the advantageous zone is set to 1500 times, and it is so arranged that more than 1500 plays are not played consecutively in the advantageous zone.

In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an update process in which the storage value of the first difference number counter 64 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 is updated by the difference number of medals in the advantageous zone, subtracting a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted in the game (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "8" if eight medals are paid out, and "0" if no combination is won and no payout is made) to obtain a calculation result of the difference number in the game, and adding this calculation result to the storage value of the first difference number counter 64. Note that the game zone control means 80 does not perform addition to the first difference number counter 64 in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the storage value of the first difference number counter 64 is "0". Then, when the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 exceeds a threshold value (for example, "2400"), the game zone control means 80 determines that the end condition of the advantageous zone is met and shifts the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. The stored value of the first difference number counter 64 is controlled so as not to fall below the initial value "0". For example, when the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 at the start of the game is "2" and as a result of playing the game, no winning combination is won and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference number in that game becomes "-3", and when the calculation result of the difference number is added to the stored value of the first difference number counter 64, it falls below the initial value "0". However, the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 after updating is counted and stopped with the initial value "0" as the lower limit. In other words, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be acquired in the advantageous zone, and the advantageous zone ends when the number of medals that has decreased the most in the advantageous zone exceeds 2400 medals from the reference "0". Also, if a replay is won in a game, the game in which the replay was won may be treated as having had a payout of medals equivalent to the specified number of medals inserted for that game, and the difference in the number of medals may be calculated, and for the next game that is provided free of charge as a result of the replay being won, even if no actual medals are inserted, the difference in the number of medals may be calculated as if a medal equivalent to the specified number of medals has been inserted for that game.

The advantageous zone indicator 18 is turned off in a non-advantageous zone and turned on in an advantageous zone. The advantageous zone indicator 18 does not need to be turned on as soon as the player moves to the advantageous zone, but only needs to be turned on before the first instruction performance is performed. Once turned on, it will not be turned off until the advantageous zone ends.

As shown in FIG. 18, the presentation state control means 81 performs a presentation state transition control process that transitions the presentation state between multiple types of presentation states, including a non-advantageous zone presentation state, a normal presentation state, a special presentation state, a chance presentation state, and an AT presentation state (instruction presentation state). The AT presentation state also includes a normal AT presentation state and a special AT presentation state. The presentation state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the presentation state may be transitioned when one of the multiple predefined conditions is met, or the presentation state may be transitioned based on multiple or all of the multiple predefined conditions being met.

The non-advantageous zone presentation state is a presentation state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of presentation states. In a non-advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 sets the presentation state to the non-advantageous zone presentation state. In a non-advantageous zone presentation state (non-advantageous zone), the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone as described above, and when a transition to an advantageous zone is determined in the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state.

The normal presentation state is a presentation state that is basically transitioned to when the advantageous zone starts, and at the start of the advantageous zone, the probability of transitioning to the normal presentation state is set higher than the probability of transitioning to other presentation states. In addition, in the normal presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is executed less frequently than in the special presentation state and the AT presentation state, and the batting order navigation presentation is executed almost never or not at all. In this embodiment, the normal presentation state is a period during which the batting order navigation presentation is not executed. In the normal presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 executes a lottery (special lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the special presentation state depending on the result of the internal lottery (for example, winning a specified role (winning area)). In the normal presentation state, if the special lottery is won, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the special presentation state.

Hereinafter, the normal presentation state may be referred to as the first presentation state. Note that the first presentation state may also include the non-advantageous zone presentation state described above.

In the special presentation state (pseudo bonus presentation state), a predetermined number of games (for example, 25 games) are played. In other words, the presentation state control means 81 ends the special presentation state when a predetermined number of games are played in the special presentation state. The special presentation state is a section in which the batting order navigation presentation can be executed. In other words, in the special presentation state, when the batting order bell (predetermined role (winning area): 4-choice yellow 7) is won, the instruction function control means 51 decides to execute the batting order navigation presentation that notifies the player of the correct batting order. When the execution of the batting order navigation presentation is decided, the presentation control means 100 causes the presentation devices such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute the batting order navigation presentation that notifies the player of the correct batting order and assists in the winning of the 8-coin role. When the batting order bell is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed according to the correct batting order notified in the batting order navigation presentation, the 8-coin role is won and the player can win 8 medals. The special presentation state in which the batting order navigation presentation is executed is a state that is more advantageous to the player than the first presentation state. The presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to a chance presentation state based on the end of the special presentation state.
In this embodiment, a transition to a special presentation state occurs based on winning a special lottery in the normal presentation state, and then a transition to a chance presentation state occurs via the special presentation state; however, it is also possible to transition directly from the normal presentation state to the chance presentation state.

In the chance presentation state, a predetermined number of plays (e.g., 10 plays) are played. In other words, the presentation state control means 81 ends the chance presentation state when a predetermined number of plays are played in the chance presentation state. In the chance presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is executed less frequently than in the special presentation state or the AT presentation state, and the batting order navigation presentation is executed almost infrequently or not at all. In this embodiment, the chance presentation state is a period during which the batting order navigation presentation is not executed.

In the chance presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 conducts a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the AT presentation state. Specifically, in the chance presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 conducts an AT lottery depending on the result of the internal lottery (for example, winning a specified role (winning area)). If this AT lottery is won, the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted as a bonus that is advantageous to the player. Note that in the chance presentation state, multiple rights to transition to the AT presentation state may be granted.

The chance presentation state is a period during which an AT lottery may be executed, and the expectation level for determining a transition to the AT presentation state (expectation level for the provision of a predetermined benefit related to the instruction presentation) is set higher than that of the first presentation state. In other words, if the chance presentation state is the second presentation state, the second presentation state is more advantageous to the player than the first presentation state.
In addition, in the first presentation state, an AT lottery may be executed based on the results of an internal lottery, but even in that case, the chance presentation state (second presentation state) has a higher expectation of determining a transition to the AT presentation state than the first presentation state, making it an advantageous state for the player.

The presentation state control means 81 determines whether or not the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted at the end of the chance presentation state, and if the right is granted, transitions the presentation state to the AT presentation state (special AT presentation state). On the other hand, if the right is not granted, transitions the presentation state to a non-advantageous zone presentation state. At this time, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. Note that if the end condition of the advantageous zone is not met at the end of the chance presentation state, the presentation state may transition to the normal presentation state, and the advantageous zone may continue (without transitioning to the non-advantageous zone).

In the AT presentation state, when the batting order bell (predetermined role (winning area): 4-choice yellow 7) is won, the instruction function control means 51 decides to execute a batting order navigation presentation (instruction presentation) that notifies the player of the correct batting order. When it is decided to execute the batting order navigation presentation, the presentation control means 100 executes a batting order navigation presentation that notifies the player of the correct batting order. The AT presentation state in which the batting order navigation presentation is executed is more advantageous to the player than the first presentation state.
In this embodiment, in both the normal AT presentation state and the special AT presentation state, when the batting order bell is won, the batting order navigation presentation is executed, but the occurrence frequency of the batting order navigation presentation in the special AT presentation state may be lower or higher than that in the normal AT presentation state. Here, low frequency includes the case where the batting order navigation presentation is not performed at all.

In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed by the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state. Specifically, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed based on the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. The bonus granting means 82 determines the value to be set in the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state to which the transition is made at the start of the AT performance state. In other words, the bonus granting means 82 performs an addition to increase the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state to which the transition is made at the start of the AT performance state. In this embodiment, the bonus granting means 82 determines a value (initial value) equivalent to a predetermined difference number to be set in the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state to which the transition is made at the start of the AT performance state. In other words, the bonus granting means 82 increases the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state. Note that there may be cases where the special AT performance state is not passed through at the start of the AT performance state, and in that case, a value equivalent to a predetermined difference number may be set in the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 at the start of the AT performance state. The value may also be determined by lottery or other means.

The special AT presentation state is a presentation state that determines the initial value of the value related to the continuation of the AT presentation state (the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67). The presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state based on the end of the special AT presentation state. In the special AT presentation state, a predetermined number of games (e.g., three games) are played, and the value to be added to the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is determined by lottery (addition lottery) for each game. In the addition lottery, it may be determined that the value to be added to the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is "0". In this embodiment, in the special AT presentation state, the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is increased by a predetermined value (e.g., 30) or more.
In addition, the transition to the special AT performance state is not limited to the start of the AT performance state. For example, in the AT performance state, a lottery is held based on the winning of a predetermined role (winning area), and the right to transition to the special AT performance state as a privilege is granted by winning the lottery, and the transition to the special AT performance state may be based on that. In addition, in a performance state other than the special AT performance state, an addition (addition lottery) that increases the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 as a privilege may be executed based on the winning of a predetermined role (winning area).

The presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state based on the end of the special AT presentation state. In other words, when a predetermined number of plays (e.g., three times) have been played in the special AT presentation state, the normal AT presentation state begins.

The presentation state control means 81 performs a process of subtracting a value corresponding to the difference in the number of medals used in the game from the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 each time a game is played in the normal AT presentation state. The difference in the number of medals used in the game (one game) is obtained by subtracting a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "8" if eight medals are paid out, and "0" if no combination is won and no payout is made). Then, when the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0" in the normal AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 81 terminates the AT presentation state (normal AT presentation state) as the end condition (one of the end conditions) of the AT presentation state is established, and transitions the presentation state to a non-advantageous zone presentation state. At this time, the play zone control means 80 transitions the play zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. If the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are not met at the end of the AT presentation state, the presentation state may transition to the normal presentation state, and the advantageous zone may continue (without transitioning to the non-advantageous zone). In this embodiment, the AT presentation state ends when the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT presentation state (normal AT presentation state) reaches a predetermined difference (the difference set in the special AT presentation state).

In addition, when the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0" in the normal AT presentation state, if there is a right to transition to the AT presentation state (or the right to transition to the special AT presentation state), the presentation state control means 81 may start the AT presentation state (or the special AT presentation state).

In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed by the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state, but it may be managed based on the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state, or the continuation of the AT performance state may be managed based on the number of games played in the AT performance state, the number of batting order navigation effects executed in the AT performance state, etc. The stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 may represent, for example, the number of games that can be executed in the AT performance state, or the number of batting order navigation effects that can be executed in the AT performance state (batting order navigation number of times). In other words, a value equivalent to the number of games that can be executed in the special AT performance state or the number of batting order navigations that can be executed, etc., is set in the AT end judgment counter 67, and the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is updated every time a game or batting order navigation effect is executed in the normal AT performance state, and the AT performance state may be terminated based on the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 reaching a threshold value.

In addition, in this embodiment, the non-advantageous zone presentation state may be directly transitioned to the AT presentation state. For example, in the advantageous zone transition lottery, instead of simply determining whether or not to transition to the advantageous zone (normal presentation state), a lottery may be held to determine whether the presentation state is to be transitioned to the AT presentation state, the normal presentation state, or the non-advantageous zone presentation state. In other words, the AT lottery may be held in the non-advantageous zone presentation state.
Also, the normal presentation state may be directly transitioned to the AT presentation state. For example, in the special lottery, instead of simply deciding whether or not to transition to the special presentation state, a lottery may be held to determine whether the presentation state is to be transitioned to the AT presentation state, the special presentation state, or the normal presentation state. In other words, the AT lottery may be held in the normal presentation state.

The AT presentation state may also be set according to the game state to which a transition occurs based on winning a bonus or winning a prize. For example, a transition to the AT presentation state may be possible when the game state is in the RBB internal state, and transition to the AT presentation state may not be possible in the general state or the RBB operating state. In other words, in the general state or the RBB operating state, for example, a transition to the AT presentation state may not be allowed even if an AT lottery is won, and an AT lottery may not be held.

In addition, if a bonus is won when the presentation state is the AT presentation state and the game state is in the RBB internal state, the AT presentation state may be interrupted until the state transitions back to the RBB internal state via the general internal state after the RBB operating state, which is transitioned to by winning the bonus, ends. In other words, the batting order navigation presentation may be stopped when a bonus is won, and resumed when the state transitions back to the RBB internal state.

When the advantageous zone ends and the play zone transitions to a non-advantageous zone, the instruction function control means 51 performs an instruction function information initialization process to initialize information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as information related to the instruction function. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 initializes the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65, the stored value of the first difference number counter 64, the flag (lottery result) related to the lottery related to the instruction function, and the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67. In other words, information related to the instruction function is not carried over across multiple advantageous zones. In addition, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization process when the setting value is changed, the information related to the instruction function (instruction performance) shown here is also initialized.

In this embodiment, when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the instruction function control means 51 (presentation control means 100) performs lotteries related to instruction functions (e.g., lotteries related to transition to the AT presentation state), granting of benefits related to the batting order navigation presentation (e.g., benefits that increase the probability of transitioning to the AT presentation state), and processing related to instruction functions such as the batting order navigation presentation, but when the game state is in the general state or the RBB operating state, it does not perform lotteries related to instruction functions, granting of benefits related to the batting order navigation presentation, or processing related to instruction functions such as the batting order navigation presentation. In this embodiment, the player is basically designed to play when in the RBB internal state, so the following explanation will be given assuming that the game state is basically in the RBB internal state.

The gaming machine must be designed so that the payout rate (the ratio of the number of medals paid out to the number of medals inserted), which is an index of medal acquisition performance, falls within a predetermined range. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the expected value of the payout rate when playing with left push is set lower than that when playing with irregular push (middle push or right push), thereby making the payout rate (ball-out performance) appropriate. Specifically, in this embodiment, for the RBB internal state, a batting order bell with the correct batting order when the middle push is made and a batting order bell with the correct batting order when the right push is made are prepared, and a batting order bell with the correct batting order when the left push is not prepared. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of winning the batting order bell and receiving the payout of eight medals is lower when playing always with the left push than when playing always with the middle push or always with the right push. In other words, the probability of winning an 8-coin role (specific role) is higher when playing by operating in the first operation mode (irregular push) than when playing by operating in the second operation mode (left push). The 8-coin role can be said to be a role that, when won, allows a player to acquire more game value than the medals (game value) bet for one game. It can also be said to be a role that pays out more medals when won than the number of medals (game value) inserted to start a game. With the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is basically recommended to play by pressing left (second operation mode).

Note that, by using other methods, the expected value of the payout rate when playing with a specific operation sequence (pushing left) may be set to be lower than that when playing with other operation sequences (pushing in the middle or pushing right). For example, a batting order bell with the correct batting order indicated by a left push may also be prepared, and the probability of hitting the batting order bell with the correct batting order by a left push in the internal lottery may be set to be lower than the probability of hitting the batting order bell with the correct batting order by a middle push, and lower than the probability of hitting the batting order bell with the correct batting order by a right push.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the batting order bell (winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H"), any of batting orders 3 to 6 are set as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as the incorrect batting order. In other words, when looking at the batting order bell (winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H") as a whole, there is a bias in the setting of the correct batting order. In the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H", if the left button is pressed (second operation mode), a 1-coin role (incorrect role) is always won, and if the center button is pressed or the right button is pressed (first operation mode), an 8-coin role (correct role) is won if the correct batting order is selected, and if the incorrect batting order is selected, a 1-coin role or no role is won. In this way, the winning areas "4-Choice Yellow 7A" to "4-Choice Yellow 7H" are winning areas in which the number of medals paid out varies (changes) depending on the batting order (the operation manner (operation sequence) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c).
In addition, when the winning area where the number of medals paid out varies depending on the batting order is mentioned, it is not limited to the four-choice yellow 7 (batting order bell), but may also refer to a four-choice three-coin role or a push-and-reach batting order role. In other words, when the batting order bell is mentioned, it is not limited to the four-choice yellow 7, but may also refer to a four-choice three-coin role or a push-and-reach batting order role.

In this embodiment, the non-advantageous zone presentation state, normal presentation state, and chance presentation state are periods (sections) in which the execution of the batting order navigation presentation is not decided and playing by pressing left is recommended, even if the batting order bell is won. Hereinafter, this period will be referred to as the left press recommended period. As described above, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if play is continued by pressing the irregular buttons (first operation mode), the probability of winning an 8-coin role is higher than if play is continued by pressing the left button (second operation mode). For this reason, if play is continued by pressing the irregular buttons, there is a risk that the ball output performance of the gaming machine will be excessive.

In this embodiment, if a game is played by pressing the buttons in an irregular manner during a left-push recommended period (a period during which the batting order navigation display is not executed), a display (left-push recommended display) encouraging the player to press the buttons in an irregular manner may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 90. In addition, if a game is played by pressing the buttons in an irregular manner during a left-push recommended period, a predetermined disadvantage (penalty) may be given (imposed) on the player. The disadvantage may be that the value "1", which is the value corresponding to the number of times the game is played, is not added (subtracted) from the stored value of the predetermined counter. The predetermined counter is a counter whose value is added (subtracted) to (is advantageous for) the player. For example, the predetermined counter may be a counter that adds a value "1" each time a game is played in a normal display state, and when the stored value reaches a predetermined value, a transition to an advantageous state (special display state, chance display state, or AT display state) is determined. In addition, when a predetermined lottery (e.g., an AT lottery) is executed based on the result of an internal lottery during the recommended left press period to determine whether or not a special benefit that is advantageous to the player will be awarded, the disadvantage may be that the predetermined lottery is not executed in the game (play with irregular presses). Also, if the game is played in the second operation mode (left press), no disadvantage (penalty) may be received. In other words, when an operation is performed in the second operation mode (left press) that is different from the first operation mode (irregular press), the probability of a predetermined advantage being awarded in relation to the instruction performance may be higher than when the operation is performed in the first operation mode. The predetermined advantage may include adding a value to the stored value of a predetermined counter, executing a predetermined lottery, etc.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the sub-control board 32 includes a performance sub-control means 70 and a sub-memory 72 .
The effect sub-control means 70 controls the effects performed using the liquid crystal display 13, the speaker 14, and the lighting device 38, based on the effect data stored in the sub-memory 72. For example, the lighting device 38 is turned on or off in response to the insertion of medals, the operation of the bet button 23, the start lever 24, and the stop buttons 26a to 26c, the occurrence of game events such as changes in the game state, changes in the display content of the liquid crystal display 13, and sounds are output from the speaker 14, thereby controlling the execution of effects to liven up the game or to assist the game, depending on the progress of the game.

The content of the effects executed during play is determined using an effect lottery table stored in the sub-memory 72 in response to commands sent from the main control board 31 in response to the game state, the effect state, and the result of the internal lottery. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-memory 72, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output (displayed) on the liquid crystal display 13. In addition, sound data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-memory 72, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 14.

In the following, as shown in FIG. 19, the front door 12 of the gaming machine will be described as having a lower panel 91, an upper panel 92, and an outer perimeter lamp 38. Like the lower panel 91, the upper panel 92 has a light source (LED) on the back side, and light is emitted from the light source to illuminate from behind. In this embodiment, the outer perimeter lamp 38 provided on the front door 12 constitutes the first lighting means. Also, the lower panel 91 and the upper panel 92 provided on the front door 12 constitute the second lighting means (specific lighting means). Note that the second lighting means does not necessarily have to be composed of both the lower panel 91 and the upper panel 92, but may be composed of at least one of them (for example, the lower panel 91).

The gaming machine of this embodiment can be set to setting L, which has a lower expected ball payout rate than setting 1. Therefore, if a game is played on a gaming machine set to setting L in an amusement parlor (hall), the player may become dissatisfied. In this embodiment, the appearance (look) of the gaming machine after powering on is different depending on whether the setting is set to "L" or a setting other than "L," making it possible to distinguish between the two.

In this embodiment, the performance control means 100 can determine the lighting mode (whether or not to light) of the second lighting means (lower panel 91 and upper panel 92) based on a setting value (a setting value stored in the storage means 60). When the setting value is other than "L", the performance control means 100 sets the standard lighting mode of the second lighting means to the first lighting mode. The first lighting mode refers to lighting, and in this embodiment, when the setting value is other than "L", the second lighting means is basically turned on.
In addition, the standard lighting mode of the second lighting means being the first lighting mode (on) includes cases where the second lighting means is turned off or flashes during a specific game (such as when a specific result is obtained in a specific game).
On the other hand, when the setting value is "L", the performance control means 100 sets the standard lighting mode of the second lighting means to a second lighting mode different from the first lighting mode. The second lighting mode refers to any one of turning off, blinking, or lighting in a state where the light is dimmer than the first lighting mode. Note that when referring to the second lighting mode, it is sufficient that at least one of these is configured to be configurable. In this embodiment, when the setting value is "L", the second lighting means is basically turned off.
Although details will be described later, even when the set value is "L", the second lighting means is set to be lit when a specified notification (performance) is to be performed.

When the set value is other than "L", the second lighting means (e.g., the lower panel 91) is basically turned on, and when the set value is "L", the second lighting means (e.g., the lower panel 91) is basically turned off. For this reason, it can be said that a gaming machine in which the second lighting means is turned off suggests that the set value is "L". Players (users) and gaming facility staff can determine whether the set value is "L" or not by looking at the lighting state of the second lighting means.
The first lighting means (periphery lamp 38) is basically lit regardless of the setting value. The term "lit" includes a case where the lamp blinks when a specific result is obtained in a specific game.

The gaming machine of this embodiment may execute a demo presentation based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (when the state where the player is not playing continues for a predetermined time). A demo presentation may be a presentation executed during standby, or a presentation that notifies the player that a game is waiting to be played, etc. For example, when the presentation control means 100 determines that no operation has been performed on the operation means of the gaming machine for a certain period of time (e.g., 60 seconds) (a certain period of time has passed without any operation being performed on the operation means of the gaming machine), it determines that a demo transition condition has been established and executes a demo presentation (causes the presentation device to execute a demo presentation). Note that the presentation control means 100 may decide not to execute a demo presentation in a predetermined state (a predetermined presentation state or a predetermined game state) even if a demo transition condition has been established.

The sub-control board 32 is equipped with a timing means (timer). The timing means is capable of measuring the time during which no game is being played on the gaming machine (the time during which no specified operations are input to the gaming machine). The performance control means 100 operates the timing means at all times while the gaming machine is powered on, and upon input of a specified signal (such as a signal from the main control means 70), initializes (resets) the measurement value of the operating timing means to an initial value of "0" and resumes (restarts) timing. When the timing means has timed a specified time (e.g., 60 seconds), the performance control means 100 determines that the demo transition condition has been met and executes a demo performance.

The performance control means 100 displays a predetermined display (a display related to a demo performance: demo display) on the liquid crystal display 13 as a demo performance, lights up the outer perimeter lamps 38 in a predetermined lighting mode (a lighting mode related to a demo performance: demo performance pattern) as a demo performance, and outputs a predetermined performance sound (demo performance sound) from the speaker 14 as a demo performance, etc.

(Eco-mode)
The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured to set an eco mode for reducing the power consumption of the gaming machine based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (eco mode setting condition). Here, if the second lighting means is configured to be dimmed (or turned off) when the eco mode is set, that is, if the second lighting means is configured to be dimmed (or turned off) in the eco mode even if the set value is other than "L", a problem occurs in that it becomes difficult to determine whether the set value is "L" or not based on the lighting state of the second lighting means. In this case, for example, a problem may occur in which a player mistakenly believes that the setting L is set even though the setting L is not set, avoids playing with the gaming machine, and the operating rate of the gaming machine decreases. Therefore, the gaming machine of this embodiment is configured as follows.

When the performance control means 100 determines that a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) has elapsed after the start of the demo performance (i.e., when the eco mode setting condition is met), it sets the eco mode (low power mode) and dims or turns off the first lighting means (peripheral lamp 38) that is lit in the demo performance pattern. Note that dimming or turning off the first lighting means only requires that at least one of dimming or turning off can be set. Dimming may also include turning off the light. Dimming may also be referred to as reducing (darkening) the brightness (luminance). In this embodiment, the first lighting means is dimmed during the eco mode. Note that the performance control means 100 may set the eco mode and reduce or mute the volume of the sound output from the speaker 14. Note that reducing the volume may include mute.

In this embodiment, when the eco mode is set, the first lighting means is subject to dimming, but the second lighting means is not subject to dimming. In other words, the second lighting means is excluded from the dimming targets in the eco mode. When setting the eco mode, the performance control means 100 does not change the lighting state of the second lighting means, but changes the lighting state of the first lighting means.

When the eco mode is set in a gaming machine in which the setting L is set, the second lighting means is kept turned off (the second lighting mode is kept), and the first lighting means is dimmed. Note that the second lighting means is dimmed even more than the first lighting means.
When the eco mode is set in a gaming machine in which a setting other than setting L is set, the second lighting means is kept on (the second lighting mode is maintained) and the first lighting means is dimmed. This prevents the problem of it becoming difficult to determine whether setting L is set during the eco mode.

In this embodiment, the eco mode is set when a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) has elapsed after the start of the demo performance, but the eco mode may be set when the demo performance starts (at the same time as the demo performance starts). In other words, the eco mode setting condition may be met when the demo transition condition is met.

When the presentation control means 100 determines that a specific signal has been input, it cancels eco mode. The specific signal may include a signal sent from the main control board 31 as well as a signal received by the sub-control board 32. An example of a signal received by the sub-control board 32 is a signal based on the operation of the presentation button 25. The presentation control means 100 cancels eco mode, reads out information about the presentation that was being executed when the demo presentation started (when the demo transition condition was met) (i.e., the presentation corresponding to the original presentation state or the presentation corresponding to the original game state), and executes that presentation.

Although not shown in FIG. 19, each of the reels 20a to 20c is equipped with a reel backlight. The reel backlight is provided so that it can irradiate light from the back side (rear side) to the stopped symbols (symbols visible through the display window 16). The reel backlight is, for example, configured by LEDs arranged on a board as light sources. Also, although not shown in the figure, the gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with reel illumination that is provided outside the reels 20a to 20c (for example, above and below the reels) and can irradiate light toward the reels 20a to 20c. The reel illumination irradiates light toward the reels 20a to 20c from, for example, the above and below. The reel illumination is, for example, configured by LEDs arranged on a board as light sources. In this embodiment, the reel backlight and the reel illumination constitute the third illumination means. Note that the third illumination means does not necessarily have to be composed of both the reel backlight and the reel illumination, and may be composed of at least one of them.

In this embodiment, the lighting state of the third lighting means when a demo performance is executed (eco mode is set) differs between when setting L is set and when a setting other than L is set. When the demo transition condition is met, if the setting value is other than "L", the performance control means 100 keeps the third lighting means on. On the other hand, when the demo transition condition is met, if the setting value is "L", the performance control means 100 turns off the third lighting means.

When the eco mode is set on a gaming machine with setting L, the second lighting means is turned off, the third lighting means is turned off, and the first lighting means is dimmed. On the other hand, when the eco mode is set on a gaming machine with a setting other than L, the second lighting means is kept on, the third lighting means is kept on, and the first lighting means is dimmed. Therefore, the difference in appearance when the eco mode is set between setting L and settings other than L is larger, and it is easier to determine whether setting L is set or not. In this embodiment, when comparing the number of devices that are dimmed (turned off) during eco mode between a gaming machine with setting L and a gaming machine with a setting other than L, the number of devices is greater on the gaming machine with setting L. Therefore, the player may get the impression that the gaming machine looks darker.

In this embodiment, the second lighting means may be configured to include a specified lighting means other than the lower panel 91 and the upper panel 92. Also, the third lighting means may be configured to include a specified lighting means other than the reel backlight and the reel illumination.

Even if the set value is "L", the performance control means 100 turns on the second lighting means (makes the second lighting means brighter) if a specified error occurs. Note that turning on the second lighting means includes blinking, etc. If a specified error occurs, the performance control means 100 causes the second lighting means to emit light in a specified lighting mode regardless of the set value (no matter what set value is set). The specified errors include errors detected by the sub-control board 32 (sub-errors) and errors detected by the main control board 31 (main errors).

First, a case where a specific sub-error is detected will be described. When the sub-control board 32 determines that the reels have continued to spin for a specific period of time (e.g., 60 seconds), that is, when it determines that the stop button (enabled stop button) has not been operated to stop the reel (operation of the stop button corresponding to the spinning reel) for a specific period of time while the reels are spinning, it detects a "reel spinning warning," which is one type of error. Note that the reel spinning warning need not be a sub-error detected by the sub-control board 32, but may be a main error detected by the main control board 31.

The performance control means 100 executes a reel spinning warning performance as an error notification based on the detection of the reel spinning warning. The reel spinning warning performance can be said to be a performance that prompts (notifies) the player to stop the reel that is spinning. The performance control means 100 displays, for example, a display (reel spinning warning display) including a predetermined character ("Please stop the reel") on the liquid crystal display 13 as the reel spinning warning performance. In addition, the performance control means 100 causes the outer periphery lamp 38 (first illumination means) to blink, for example, as the reel spinning warning performance. Furthermore, when the performance control means 100 executes the reel spinning warning performance (as the reel spinning warning performance), it turns on the second illumination means (upper panel 92 and lower panel 91) regardless of the setting value. Therefore, even if the setting L is set, when the reel spinning warning performance is executed, the upper panel 92 and lower panel 91 that are in the unlit state are turned on.
The reel spinning warning is an error in which no error information is displayed on the seven-segment display of the game information display unit 17.

Next, we will explain what happens when a specific main error is detected. The main control board 31 manages whether or not to execute a process related to stopping play (activate the complete function) based on the difference in the number of medals acquired after the setting is changed (after the power is turned on). The main control board 31 is equipped with a game stop control means (not shown), and when the game stop control means executes a process related to stopping play, the gaming machine transitions to a state in which play cannot be performed (error state, game stopped state). The game stop control means manages whether or not to execute a process related to stopping play based on the stored value of a second number difference counter 68 (Figure 12) provided in the RAM of the storage means 60.

After the setting is changed (after the power is turned on), the game stop control means updates the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 with the difference number of medals each time a game is played. Specifically, the game stop control means subtracts a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted in the game (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "8" if eight medals are paid out, and "0" if no combination is won and no payout is made) to obtain the difference number in the game. Then, an update process is performed to add the value corresponding to the difference number to the stored value of the second difference number counter 68. Note that the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 is "0" after the setting is changed (after the power is turned on). The update (processing) of the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 may be controlled in the same way as the first difference number counter 64.

When the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a threshold value (e.g., 19,000), the game stop control means determines that the execution condition for the process related to the game stop is met, and transitions the gaming machine to a state in which play cannot be performed (game stop state, error state). In other words, the game stop control means detects "complete function in operation", which is one type of error. Note that when in the game stop state, if a setting change is made as an operation to cancel the game stop (operation of the complete function), the state transitions to a state in which play can be performed. At this time, the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 is reset to "0" based on that operation.

When the complete function is detected to be in operation, the presentation control means 100 executes a presentation (complete function in operation presentation) that notifies the player that the game is stopped (the complete function is in operation). The presentation control means 100 displays, for example, a display including the words "complete function in operation" on the liquid crystal display 13 as the complete function in operation presentation. The presentation control means 100 also outputs, for example, a sound such as "The maximum payout amount for one day has been reached. Today's game is over" through the speaker 14 as the complete function in operation presentation. The presentation control means 100 also blinks, for example, the outer perimeter lamp 38 (first lighting means) as the complete function in operation presentation. Furthermore, when the presentation control means 100 executes the complete function in operation presentation (as the complete function in operation presentation), it turns on the second lighting means (upper panel 92 and lower panel 91) regardless of the set value. Therefore, even if setting L is set, when the complete function activation effect is executed, the upper panel 92 and lower panel 91, which are off, will light up.

The second lighting means may be turned on based on the detection of other sub-errors or main errors, not limited to the above-mentioned sub-errors and main errors. The second lighting means may also be turned on based on a specified trigger other than the detection of an error. Here, we will explain the case where the second lighting means is turned on based on the execution of a specified effect (complete function advance notification effect).

As described above, the game stop control means updates the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 each time a game is played after the setting is changed (after the power is turned on). When the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 17,900), the presentation control means 100 executes a presentation (complete function advance notification presentation) that notifies the player of the number of medals remaining until the game is stopped (complete function activation). The complete function advance notification presentation can be said to be a presentation that notifies the player of how many more medals need to be acquired before the game is stopped. The presentation control means 100 displays a display (remaining number display) including the text "1100 medals until the complete function is activated" on the liquid crystal display 13 as the complete function advance notification presentation. The presentation control means 100 also outputs a sound, for example, "1100 medals remaining until the complete function is activated" via the speaker 14 as the complete function advance notification presentation.

At this time, when the performance control means 100 executes the complete function advance notification performance (as a complete function advance notification performance), it may light up the second lighting means (upper panel 92 and lower panel 91) regardless of the set value. The complete function advance notification performance may be executed only in a game in which the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value (17900), or may be executed continuously from that game until the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 reaches a threshold value (19000). For example, when it is executed continuously, the above-mentioned remaining number display is updated each time a game is played and the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 is updated. Also, if the second lighting means is lit at the timing when the complete function advance notification performance is executed and the lighting continues until the complete function is activated, the lighting will be maintained based on the execution (start) of the complete function activation performance.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A front door (e.g. 12),
A lighting means provided on the front door;
A performance control means (e.g., the performance control means 100) for controlling the execution of the performance;
A setting change unit (e.g., a setting change unit 47) capable of executing a setting change process for changing a setting value among a plurality of setting values,
The lighting means includes a first lighting means (e.g., an outer perimeter lamp 38) and a second lighting means (e.g., a lower panel 91) different from the first lighting means,
Among the set values, the set value with the lowest expected value of the ball payout rate is designated as a specific set value (for example, setting L), and a predetermined set value other than the specific set value is designated as a first set value.
When the first setting value is set, the performance control means sets a reference lighting mode of the second lighting means to a first lighting mode (e.g., on), and when the specific setting value is set, sets a reference lighting mode of the second lighting means to a second lighting mode (e.g., off) different from the first lighting mode;
When a predetermined condition is satisfied while no game is being played, the performance control means dims or turns off the first lighting means without changing the lighting state of the second lighting means.

When a specific setting value is set and the specified condition is met, the second lighting means maintains the second lighting state (off) and the first lighting means dims or turns off. On the other hand, when a first setting value, which is a specified setting value other than the specific setting value, is set and the specified condition is met, the second lighting means maintains the first lighting state (on) and the first lighting means dims or turns off. Therefore, even when the specified condition is met when no game is being played, the lighting state of the second lighting means differs between when a specific setting value is set and when a setting value other than the specific setting value is set, and the player can determine whether or not a specific setting value is set. Therefore, in an arcade, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operating rate of gaming machines due to players avoiding playing because they mistakenly believe that a specific setting value is set.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment,
The performance control means causes the second lighting means to emit light in a predetermined lighting mode when a predetermined error occurs, regardless of which setting value is set.

When a specified error occurs, regardless of which setting value is set (even if a specific setting value is set), by illuminating the second lighting means in a specified lighting state, it becomes easier for arcade staff and the like to notice the occurrence of an error compared to when the second lighting state (off) is maintained. In other words, a gaming machine in which a specific setting value is set can prevent the occurrence of the problem of it being difficult to notice the occurrence of an error.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the presentation control means 100 can execute a presentation (setting suggestion presentation) that suggests a setting value stored in the storage means 60 at a specified trigger. The presentation control means 100 can execute a setting suggestion presentation, for example, at the trigger of the end of a specified state (specified presentation state or specified game state) (the establishment of the end condition of the specified state). The presentation control means 100 can execute a setting suggestion presentation, for example, at the trigger of the end of an AT presentation state (specified advantageous state).

The performance control means 100 causes a display suggesting a setting value (a setting suggestion display) to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 as a setting suggestion performance. This setting suggestion display may be referred to as a "setting suggestion screen." The performance control means 100 may also cause a sound suggesting a setting value (a setting suggestion sound, voice, or lines) to be output via the speaker 14 as a setting suggestion performance.

In this embodiment, multiple types of setting suggestion effects with different presentation modes are prepared, and when the presentation control means 100 executes a setting suggestion effect, it determines the type of setting suggestion effect to be executed by lottery (a setting suggestion effect determination lottery). In this embodiment, the winning probability of each setting suggestion effect differs depending on the setting value. In other words, multiple tables in which the winning probability of each setting suggestion effect differs are prepared, and the presentation control means 100 selects a table according to the setting value and executes the setting suggestion effect determination lottery.

Setting L (a specific setting value) is the setting value with the lowest expected ball payout rate among the six setting values. Hereinafter, a predetermined setting value other than setting L (any of setting 1, setting 2, setting 3, setting 5, or setting 6) is referred to as a first setting value. The setting suggestion effect includes a first setting suggestion effect that suggests that the first setting value is set. In this embodiment, when the first setting value is set, the effect control means 100 can execute the first setting suggestion effect at the predetermined trigger. In other words, when the first setting value is set, the first setting suggestion effect can be executed. The first setting suggestion effect may be executed when all setting values other than setting L are set (at each setting value other than setting L).

The first setting suggestion effect suggesting that the first setting value is set is not limited to an effect suggesting that one (specific) setting value other than setting L is set, but may be an effect suggesting that one (any) of a plurality of setting values other than setting L is set. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of first setting suggestion effects are provided, and when the first setting suggestion effect is executed, which of the first setting suggestion effects is to be executed is determined by lottery.
The first setting suggestion effect does not include an effect that definitively indicates that the first setting value has been set (that any of a plurality of setting values other than setting L has been set). For example, it does not include an effect that definitively indicates that setting value 6 has been set. In other words, the first setting suggestion effect does not include an effect that completely denies the possibility that a specific setting value other than setting L has been set (for example, an effect that completely denies the possibility that setting 1 has been set, i.e., an effect that confirms that setting 2 or higher has been set).

As the first setting suggestion effect, for example, a setting suggestion effect (setting 6 suggestion) that suggests that the setting is 6 may be provided. Note that the setting 6 suggestion may be set to have a higher probability of being executed, for example, the higher the setting value.

Also, as the first setting suggestion effect, for example, a setting suggestion effect (odd number suggestion) that suggests that the setting value is either Setting 1, Setting 3, or Setting 5 may be provided. Also, as the first setting suggestion effect, for example, a setting suggestion effect (even number suggestion) that suggests that the setting value is either Setting 2 or Setting 6 may be provided.
In addition, when the setting 1, the setting 3, or the setting 5 is set, the probability of the odd number suggestion being executed may be set higher than when the setting 2 or the setting 6 is set. Also, for example, when the setting 2 or the setting 6 is set, the probability of the even number suggestion being executed may be set higher than when the setting 1, the setting 3, or the setting 5 is set.

Also, as the first setting suggestion effect, for example, a setting suggestion effect (setting 2 or higher suggestion) that suggests that the setting is 2 or higher (i.e., any of setting 2, setting 3, setting 5, or setting 6) may be provided. Note that when the setting is 2 or higher, the probability that the setting 2 or higher suggestion is executed may be set higher than when the setting is 1.
Also, as the first setting suggestion effect, for example, a setting suggestion effect (setting 3 or higher suggestion) that suggests that the setting is 3 or higher (i.e., any of setting 3, setting 5, or setting 6) may be provided. Note that when the setting is 3 or higher, the probability that the setting 3 or higher suggestion is executed may be set higher than when the setting is 1 or setting 2.
Also, as the first setting suggestion effect, for example, a setting suggestion effect (suggestion of setting 5 or more) that suggests that the setting is 5 or more (i.e., setting 5 or setting 6) may be provided. Note that when the setting is 5 or more, the probability that the suggestion of setting 5 or more is executed may be set higher than when the setting is 1, 2, or 3.
In addition, as the first setting suggestion effect, for example, a setting suggestion effect (setting L negation suggestion) that suggests that the setting is not L (suggests the negation of setting L) may be provided. The setting L negation suggestion may be set to be executed with the same probability for each setting value of setting 1 or more, for example.

The setting suggestion display corresponding to the first setting suggestion effect may, for example, have different displayed objects (e.g., characters), different numbers of displayed objects (e.g., characters), or different colors of displayed objects (e.g., characters) depending on the type of the first setting suggestion effect. In addition, among the first setting suggestion effects, the effect that suggests a high setting may have, for example, a larger number of displayed characters, which makes it easier for the player to feel hopeful. In addition, the setting suggestion display corresponding to a specific first setting suggestion effect may be a stamp (or may include a stamp). For example, a stamp including the character "good" may be displayed to suggest a setting of 3 or higher, a stamp including the character "excellent" may be displayed to suggest a setting of 5 or higher, and a stamp including the character "extreme" may be displayed to suggest a setting of 6. In addition, when a setting suggestion sound corresponding to the first setting suggestion effect can be output, the content and length of the dialogue output may differ depending on the type of the first setting suggestion effect.

(In the case of setting L)
In this embodiment, when the setting L is set, the performance control means 100 does not execute the first setting suggestion performance at the predetermined trigger. When the setting L is set, the performance control means 100 can execute the second setting suggestion performance at the predetermined trigger. In other words, when the setting L is set, the first setting suggestion performance is not executed, and the second setting suggestion performance can be executed. The second setting suggestion performance is a performance different from the first setting suggestion performance, and can be said to be a basic performance (basic pattern). The second setting suggestion performance is a performance that can be executed regardless of whether any setting value including the setting L is set. Note that the probability of the second setting suggestion performance being executed may be 0% when a setting value other than the setting L is set.

The second setting suggestion effect may be less likely to create a sense of expectation in the player than the first setting suggestion effect. For example, the setting suggestion display for the second setting suggestion effect may not include characters, but may be a display showing scenery, etc. (a relatively simple display), making it less likely to create a sense of expectation in the player. The second setting suggestion effect may also be referred to as an effect that does not suggest that the first setting value has been set.

In this embodiment, the higher the setting value, the lower the probability that the second setting suggestion effect will be executed. In other words, the lower the setting value, the higher the probability that the second setting suggestion effect will be executed. Therefore, if the frequency at which the second setting suggestion effect is executed is relatively high (high), it can be said that there is a high possibility that the setting is low.

In this embodiment, when setting L is set and the setting suggestion effect is executed at the specified trigger, the probability that the second setting suggestion effect will be executed is 100%. Specifically, in a table selected in the setting suggestion effect determination lottery when setting L is set, the probability of the second setting suggestion effect being won is 100%. For this reason, for example, specified setting suggestion effects that suggest that the setting value is "2" or more (setting 2 suggestion, setting 2 or more suggestion, setting 3 suggestion, setting 3 or more suggestion, setting 5 suggestion, setting 5 or more suggestion, setting 6 suggestion) are not executed.
In addition, when the setting L is set, even the second setting suggestion effect may not be executed at the predetermined trigger. In other words, when the setting L is set, none of the setting suggestion effects may be executed at the predetermined trigger.

In this embodiment, when the first setting value is set, the performance control means 100 sets the reference lighting mode of a specific lighting means (e.g., the lower panel 91) to a first lighting mode (on), and when setting L is set, the performance control means 100 sets the reference lighting mode of a specific lighting means (e.g., the lower panel 91) to a second lighting mode (off) that is different from the first lighting mode.

If setting L is set and the first setting suggestion effect is executed at the specified trigger, an effect that may create a sense of expectation in the player is executed even though a specific lighting means (second lighting means: for example, the lower panel 91) is in the second lighting state (off), which may cause the player to feel uncomfortable. According to this embodiment, when setting L is set, the first setting suggestion effect is not executed at the specified trigger, thereby reducing the risk of the player feeling uncomfortable.

In addition, in this embodiment, when setting L is set, only the second setting suggestion effect (basic pattern) can be executed at the specified trigger. When setting L is set, the second setting suggestion effect is executed every time, thereby suggesting to the player that it is a low setting (setting L). This prevents the player from getting excited, and prevents the player from feeling a sense of loss caused by disappointing expectations.

Here, the setting value with the lowest expected value of the ball output rate among the setting values other than setting L is set as the second setting value. In this embodiment, the second setting value is "setting 1". It can be said that the second setting value (setting 1) has a higher expected value of the ball output rate than setting L and a lower expected value of the ball output rate than the first setting value (for example, setting 6). The second setting suggestion effect (basic pattern) is the effect with the highest probability of being executed when the second setting value (setting 1) is set. In other words, when the second setting value (setting 1) is set, the second setting suggestion effect (basic pattern) is most likely to be executed among the multiple setting suggestion effects. In addition, the second setting suggestion effect (basic pattern) is the effect with the highest probability of being executed when the second setting value (setting 1) is set, when compared with setting values other than setting L.

The second setting suggestion effect (basic pattern) is not limited to one type, and multiple types may be provided. In that case, when executing the second setting suggestion effect, which setting suggestion effect is to be executed may be determined by lottery.

In addition, in this embodiment, if setting L is set, the probability that the second setting suggestion effect will be executed when the setting suggestion effect is executed at the specified trigger is 100%. However, it may be configured so that a third setting suggestion effect (setting L suggestion) that suggests that setting L is set can be executed when setting L is set. In this case, it may be configured so that the third setting suggestion effect can be executed even when a setting value other than setting L is set. Furthermore, the setting suggestion display related to the third setting suggestion effect may be less likely to generate expectations from the player than the setting suggestion display related to the first setting suggestion effect and the setting suggestion display related to the second setting suggestion effect.

In addition, in this embodiment, a table corresponding to setting L (a table dedicated to setting L) is prepared, and in this table, the probability of winning the second setting suggestion effect is 100%. However, it is not necessary to have a table dedicated to setting L, and for example, a table corresponding to setting 1 (second setting value) may be selected (reused) in the lottery to determine the setting suggestion effect when setting L is set. In that case, in the table corresponding to setting 1, only the second setting suggestion effect is a winner, and the first setting suggestion effect is not a winner. By not providing a table dedicated to setting L and configuring it to reuse the table for setting 1, processing is simplified and pressure on the capacity of the storage means can be suppressed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the specified trigger is the end of a specified state (a specified presentation state or a specified game state), but the specified trigger is not limited to the end of the specified state, and may be a specified timing during the specified state. For example, the "specified trigger" may be when the bonus granting means 82 conducts a bonus granting lottery in a specified game during the specified state, and the bonus granting lottery is won and a specific grant is determined. Also, for example, the "specified trigger" may be when the presentation button 25 is operated in a specified game during the specified state.

In this embodiment, when the first setting value is set and a transition to an advantageous state (advantageous presentation state or advantageous game state) occurs, the presentation control means 100 maintains the specific lighting means (e.g., the lower panel 91) in the first lighting mode. The presentation control means 100 may also light the specific lighting means in a lighting mode corresponding to the advantageous state. On the other hand, when the setting L is set and a transition to an advantageous state (advantageous presentation state or advantageous game state) occurs, the presentation control means 100 maintains the specific lighting means (e.g., the lower panel 91) in the second lighting mode (off).
Furthermore, when the first setting value is set and a transition to the advantageous state occurs, the performance control means 100 may execute the first setting suggestion performance at the predetermined opportunity. On the other hand, when the setting L is set and a transition to the advantageous state occurs, the performance control means 100 does not execute the first setting suggestion performance at the predetermined opportunity.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A front door (e.g., front door 12),
A specific lighting means (e.g., lower panel 91) provided on the front door;
A performance control means (e.g., the performance control means 100) for controlling the execution of the performance;
A setting change unit (e.g., a setting change unit 47) capable of executing a setting change process for changing a setting value among a plurality of setting values,
Among the set values, the set value with the lowest expected value of the ball payout rate is designated as a specific set value (for example, setting L), and a predetermined set value other than the specific set value is designated as a first set value.
When the first setting value is set, the performance control means sets the reference lighting mode of the specific lighting means to a first lighting mode (e.g., turned on), and when the specific setting value is set, sets the reference lighting mode of the specific lighting means to a second lighting mode (e.g., turned off) different from the first lighting mode;
The performance control means, when the first setting value is set, is capable of executing a first setting suggestion performance, which suggests that the first setting value is set, at a predetermined trigger, and is not a performance that definitely notifies that the first setting value is set;
When the specific setting value is set, the performance control means does not execute the first setting suggestion performance at the specified trigger.

When the first setting value is set, the standard lighting state of the specific lighting means is the first lighting state (on), and the first setting suggestion effect may be executed at a specific trigger. On the other hand, when a specific setting value is set, the standard lighting state of the specific lighting means is the second lighting state (off), and the first setting suggestion effect is not executed at the specific trigger. If the first setting suggestion effect that may create a sense of expectation in the player is executed even though the specific setting value with the lowest expected value of the payout rate is set and the specific lighting means is in the second lighting state (off), the player may feel uncomfortable, but according to this embodiment, the risk of the player feeling uncomfortable can be reduced.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment,
The performance control means is capable of executing a second setting suggestion performance different from the first setting suggestion performance at the predetermined trigger when the specific setting value is set,
If the expected value of the payout rate is higher than the specific set value and the set value lower than the first set value is set as the second set value,
The second setting suggestion effect is an effect that is most likely to be executed when the second setting value is set.
When a specific setting value is set, the second setting suggestion effect, which is most likely to be executed when a second setting value with a relatively low expected value of the payout rate is set, can be executed. Therefore, even when the second setting suggestion effect is executed, it is difficult for the player to have expectations, and it is possible to suppress the player from feeling a sense of loss due to disappointment of expectations.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine according to this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine according to the second embodiment, so the description of the same configuration as the gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the winning line is formed by the middle row of reel 20a, the middle row of reel 20b, and the middle row of reel 20c.

The reel control means 43 starts the rotational drive of the reels 20a to 20c by the stepping motor based on a start signal from the start switch operated by the player's game start operation on the start lever 24, and controls the reel control means 43 to activate the stop operation by pressing the stop buttons 26a to 26c (stop operation means) corresponding to the reels rotating steadily at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotation speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute), and controls the reels 20a to 20c rotated and driven by the stepping motor to stop in a mode (stop mode) according to the setting state of the winning flag (result of the internal lottery). When the stop operation for the stop buttons 26a to 26c is activated by the player pressing the stop buttons 26a to 26c, the reel control means 43 controls the reels 20a to 20c to stop (stop control) by stopping the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signals) to the stepping motor based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch.

The reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel 20a to 20c corresponding to the pressed button each time one of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is pressed, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, pressing the stop button 26a corresponds to an operation (stop operation) for stopping the reel 20a, pressing the stop button 26b corresponds to an operation (stop operation) for stopping the reel 20b, and pressing the stop button 26c corresponds to an operation (stop operation) for stopping the reel 20c. If the order in which the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed changes, the stop order of the reels 20a to 20c changes.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in principle, for the reels 20a to 20c, the reel that corresponds to the pressed stop button 26a to 26c is stopped within 190 ms from the time the stop button is pressed. When the reel that is rotating is stopped within 190 ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stop position of each rotating reel is determined by the number of frames required from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops within a range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). When the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery is located within a range of 0 to 4 frames (when stopping within 190 ms) from the display position on the pay line at the time the stop button is pressed on the outer periphery of the rotating reel that corresponds to the stop button that was pressed among the stop buttons 26a to 26c, the reel control means 43 performs control to stop the reel that is rotating corresponding to the pressed stop button so that the symbol corresponding to the combination with the winning flag set to the winning state is displayed at the display position on the pay line.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, multiple types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of reels 20a to 20c, and when a symbol located within four frames from the press detection position is drawn onto an active line, the symbols arranged at intervals of four frames or less on the outer periphery of each reel can be displayed in any display position, regardless of the press detection position.

The reel control means 43 performs a process of determining the stop position of the reel during rotation by logic calculation (logic calculation process) and a process of determining the stop position of the reel during rotation by referring to the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage means of the storage means 60 (table reference process).

In the logic calculation process, priorities are determined for five candidate stop positions within a range of 0 to 4 frames from the push detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch is activated (the time the push of the stop button is detected), according to priority data defined for each role. Then, the candidate stop position with the highest priority among the priorities of each candidate stop position is determined as the actual stop position. However, in the logic calculation process, the same priority may be determined for multiple candidate stop positions depending on the results of the internal lottery or the push detection position, and if there are multiple candidates with the highest priority, the actual stop position is determined by table reference processing (described later).

The reel control means 43 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that the winning combination with the winning flag set to the winning state wins. Specifically, when the winning flag of one winning combination is set to the winning state, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that this winning combination wins. When the winning flags of multiple winning combinations are overlappingly set to the winning state, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order set for each combination. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the priority order is set in the order of "replay > small combination > bonus". The reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the winning combination of the combination with the higher priority are displayed on the pay line in priority to the symbols constituting the winning combination of the combination with the lower priority. Specifically, in the logic calculation process, when the winning flags for two or more types of roles are set to an internal winning state, the priority is determined according to the priority associated with each role, so that the candidate stop positions including the symbols that make up the winning form of a role with a higher priority are given a higher priority than the candidate stop positions including the symbols that make up the winning form of a role with a lower priority.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority of the candidate stop positions is determined according to the number of pattern combinations that can be displayed on the active line (number priority control), and the priority is determined according to the number of medals paid out based on the payouts that are predetermined for the small roles (number priority control). When the priority of the candidate stop positions is determined according to the number of pattern combinations that can be displayed on the active line, the priority of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of pattern combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the active line. When the priority of the candidate stop positions is determined according to the number of medals paid out, the priority of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of medals paid out based on the payouts of the small roles corresponding to the patterns displayed at the display positions on the active line (stop positions that can win small roles with a larger payout). However, when the priority of the candidate stop positions is determined according to the number of medals paid out, if small roles with the same payouts are won multiple times, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win each small role is treated as being the same.

In addition, in the logic calculation process, the so-called pull-in process and kick-off process are performed as processes for determining candidates for the reel stop positions. The pull-in process is a process for determining candidates for the reel stop positions so that a combination with a winning flag set to a winning state can win as much as possible. On the other hand, the kick-off process is a process for determining candidates for the reel stop positions so that a combination with a winning flag set to a non-winning state cannot win. In this way, the reel control means 43 performs logic calculation process for determining candidates for the reel stop positions so that the symbols of a combination with a winning flag set to a winning state can stop in a winning form, while preventing the symbols of a combination with a lottery flag set to a non-winning state from stopping in a winning form.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is equipped with a reel index consisting of a photosensor, and the reel control means 43 is able to monitor the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index) based on the reference position signal detected by the reel index each time the reel rotates once. In other words, the reel control means 43 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch is activated by determining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

In the table reference process, when multiple candidates for the highest priority stop position are obtained as a result of the logic calculation process, the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage area of the storage means 60 is referenced to determine which position should be the stop position.

In the stop control table, a correspondence is set between the push detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch is activated (the time when the press of the stop button is detected), and the stop position, depending on the setting state of the winning flag. Note that in the stop control table, a correspondence may also be set between the push detection position and the number of sliding frames, which indicates the amount of rotation from the push detection position to the stop position, depending on the setting state of the winning flag.

The winning determination means 44 determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the reels 20a to 20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stopped display) on the pay line by the stopping of the reels 20a to 20c is compared to a winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. The winning determination table stores the winning form of each winning combination (the symbol combination that will be a winning combination when stopped and displayed), and this comparison determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved and the type of winning combination that has been achieved.

Figure 20 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels. The following symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c: replay symbol A "RPA", replay symbol B "RPB", red BAR symbol "RED BAR", watermelon symbol "WM", bell symbol "BE", white 7 symbol "WHITE 7", cherry symbol "CH", blank symbol "BL", green BAR symbol "GREEN BAR", and blue BAR symbol "BLUE BAR". Symbol numbers 0 to 19 are assigned to each of the symbols on each of the reels 20a to 20c.

21 and 22 are diagrams for explaining the correspondence between the small prize and the symbol combination displayed on the pay line. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, small prizes 1 to 36 are prepared as small prizes. Small prizes 31 to 36 are 9-principal prizes in which 9 medals are paid out when winning, and small prizes 1 to 30 are 1-principal prizes in which 1 medal is paid out when winning. If the 9-principal prize is a prize with a predetermined payout, the 1-principal prize can be said to be a prize with a lower payout than the predetermined payout. The 9-principal prize can be said to be a prize with a higher payout than the 1-principal prize. The 9-principal prize (specific small prize) can be said to be a prize that can win more medals than the medals bet for one game if it wins (a prize in which the number of medals paid out when it wins is greater than the number of medals inserted required to start the game). The 1-principal prize can be said to be a prize that can win a number of medals equal to or less than the number of medals bet for one game if it wins.

Figure 23 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the manner of stopping operation when the batting order bell is won and the winning combination. Note that Figure 23 shows the relationship between the manner of stopping operation and the winning combination when each winning area is won in the RBB internal state. In this embodiment, the explanation is basically based on the premise that the game state is in the RBB internal state.

In this embodiment, "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" are prepared as winning areas that contain minor roles. The winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" are winning areas in which any one of the nine-coin roles and multiple types of one-coin roles overlap and are won. The winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" are won when the game state is in the normal state or the RBB inside state, and are not won when the RBB is in operation. Hereinafter, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" may be simply referred to as the batting order bell.

In addition, in this embodiment, a winning area "1 piece ALL" is provided where all 1 piece roles overlap and win. The winning area "1 piece ALL" is won when the game state is in the RBB operating state, and is not won in the normal state or the RBB internal state.

Each batting order bell is set to a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order. Each winning area of the batting order bell is designed so that when the correct batting order is operated, a 9-coin role will be awarded, and when the incorrect batting order is operated, a 1-coin role or no role will be awarded. When any of the batting order bells is won, if the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop position that can win a 9-coin role has the highest priority, and if the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop position that can win a 1-coin role has the highest priority.

The correct batting order for each batting order bell is determined to be one way, and the other five ways are considered to be incorrect batting orders. In addition, in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 6", different batting orders are set as the correct batting order, and in the winning areas "batting order bell 7" to "batting order bell 12", different batting orders are set as the correct batting order. The contents in parentheses in FIG. 23 indicate the winning rate of a 1-piece role when a stop operation is performed in that batting order. For example, the notation "1 piece (1/2)" indicates that, assuming that the timing of the stop operation is random, there is a 1/2 probability that a 1-piece role will win and a 1/2 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win). The correct batting order can be said to be an operation mode (first operation mode, correct stop operation mode) that can win a 9-piece role. In addition, an incorrect batting order (failed batting order) can be said to be an operation mode that makes it impossible to win a 9-coin role, or an operation mode that can win a 1-coin role (second operation mode, incorrect answer stop operation mode).

As shown in FIG. 20, in this embodiment, on the reel 20a, replay pattern A "RPA" is set to pattern number 0, replay pattern B "RPB" is set to pattern number 5, replay pattern B "RPB" is set to pattern number 10, and replay pattern A "RPA" is set to pattern number 15. In other words, either replay pattern A "RPA" or replay pattern B "RPB" is set every four frames (with four frames in between). Therefore, when the stop button 26a is pressed while the reel 20a is spinning, the reel control means 43 is able to pull in either replay pattern A "RPA" or replay pattern B "RPB" and stop them on the active line (middle row).

In this embodiment, on reel 20b, the watermelon symbol "WM" is set to symbol number 2, the watermelon symbol "WM" is set to symbol number 7, the blank symbol "BL" is set to symbol number 12, and the blank symbol "BL" is set to symbol number 17. In other words, either the watermelon symbol "WM" or the blank symbol "BL" is set every four frames (with four frames in between). Therefore, when the stop button 26b is pressed while reel 20b is spinning, the reel control means 43 is able to pull in either the watermelon symbol "WM" or the blank symbol "BL" and stop them on the active line (middle row).

In this embodiment, replay pattern A "RPA" is set to pattern number 3 on reel 20c, replay pattern A "RPA" is set to pattern number 8, replay pattern B "RPB" is set to pattern number 13, and replay pattern B "RPB" is set to pattern number 18. In other words, either replay pattern A "RPA" or replay pattern B "RPB" is set every four frames (with four frames in between). Therefore, when the stop button 26c is pressed while reel 20c is spinning, reel control means 43 can pull in either replay pattern A "RPA" or replay pattern B "RPB" and stop them on the active line (middle row).

On the reel 20c, the white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" with symbol number 6 and the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" with symbol number 7 are set between the replay A symbol "RPA" with symbol number 3 and the replay A symbol "RPA" with symbol number 8. When the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when the white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" with symbol number 6 (or the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" with symbol number 7) can be stopped on the active line while the reel 20c is spinning, the replay A symbol "RPA" with symbol number 3 and the replay A symbol "RPA" with symbol number 8 are set within a range where they can be stopped (displayed) on the active line.

On the reel 20c, the blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR" with symbol number 16 and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" with symbol number 17 are set between the replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 13 and the replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 18. When the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when the blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR" with symbol number 16 (or the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" with symbol number 17) can be stopped on the active line while the reel 20c is spinning, the replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 13 and the replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 18 are set within a range where they can be stopped (displayed) on the active line.

Here, we will explain the stop control when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 6" (Figure 23) where the correct batting order is batting order 6 is won and the stop operation is performed with the incorrect batting order (batting order 1). As shown in Figure 23, the small roles included in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 6" are small role 1, small role 2, small role 7, small role 8, small role 9, small role 10, small role 15, small role 16, small role 25 and small role 35. When the winning area "Batting Order Bell 6" is won, small role 1, small role 2, small role 7, small role 8, small role 9, small role 10, small role 15, small role 16, small role 25 and small role 35 are won in duplicate and set to the winning state.

In a game in which the winning area "Bell 6" is won, while reels 20a to 20c are spinning, if the stop button 26a is pressed on reel 20a when, for example, the white 7 symbol "White 7" with symbol number 6 is located in the middle (on the active line), the candidates for symbols to stop on the active line (symbols within the reel-in range of 5 frames) are as shown in FIG. 20: the white 7 symbol "White 7" with symbol number 6, the replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 5, the bell symbol "BE" with symbol number 4, the watermelon symbol "WM" with symbol number 3, and the watermelon symbol "WM" with symbol number 2.

Using FIG. 24(a), the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and show winning forms when each of the candidate symbols is stopped on an active line on the reel 20a will be described.
On the reel 20a, when the white 7 symbol "white 7" with symbol number 6 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 0. On the reel 20a, when the replay B symbol "RPB" with symbol number 5 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 14. On the reel 20a, when the bell symbol "BE" with symbol number 4 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 4. On the reel 20a, when the watermelon symbol "WM" with symbol number 3 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 0. When the watermelon symbol "WM" of symbol number 2 is stopped on an active line on the reel 20a, the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms of minor prizes that can be displayed on the active line will be zero.

In this embodiment, when the stop button 26a is pressed in the first stop operation upon winning the winning area "Battle Order Bell 6", the reel control means 43 determines the stop position so as to maximize the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line and show winning forms (number priority control). In FIG. 24(a), when the replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 5 is stopped on the pay line for the reel 20a, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line and show winning forms becomes 14, which is the largest number. The reel control means 43 determines the position where the replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 5 stops on the pay line as the stop position for the reel 20a.

As shown in FIG. 24(b), when reel 20a is stopped so that replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 5 is positioned on the pay line, the winning combinations (combinations that can win a prize) are small combination 1, small combination 2, small combination 9, small combination 10, or small combination 35.

When reel 20a has stopped so that replay symbol B "RPB" (symbol number 5) is located on the active line and reels 20b and 20c are spinning, if stop button 26b is pressed on reel 20b when, for example, white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" (symbol number 6) is located in the middle (on the active line), there are five possible symbols to stop on the active line (symbols within the five-frame pull-in range), as shown in FIG. 20: white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" (symbol number 6), replay symbol B "RPB" (symbol number 5), cherry symbol "CH" (symbol number 4), bell symbol "BE" (symbol number 3), and watermelon symbol "WM" (symbol number 2).

Using FIG. 24(b), the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and show winning forms when each of the candidate symbols is stopped on an active line on the reel 20b will be described.
On the reel 20b, when the white 7 symbol "white 7" with symbol number 6 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 3. On the reel 20b, when the replay B symbol "RPB" with symbol number 5 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 0. On the reel 20b, when the cherry symbol "CH" with symbol number 4 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 0. On the reel 20b, when the bell symbol "BE" with symbol number 3 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 2. On the reel 20b, when the watermelon symbol "WM" of symbol number 2 is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations showing the winning form of the minor winning combination that can be displayed on the active line is three.

In this embodiment, when the stop button 26b is pressed in the second stop operation when the winning area "batting order bell 6" is won, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position so as to maximize the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line and show winning forms (number priority control). In FIG. 24(b), for the reel 20b, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line and show winning forms is the same (3) when the white 7 symbol "white 7" of symbol number 6 is stopped on the pay line and the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line and show winning forms are the same (3). In this case, when the number is the same, the reel control means 43 may be set to determine the position where either (either) symbol stops on the pay line as the stop position of the reel 20b. Here, it is assumed that the position where the watermelon symbol "WM" of symbol number 2 stops on the pay line is set as the stop position of the reel 20b.

When reel 20a stops so that replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 5 is located on the winning line, and reel 20b stops so that watermelon symbol "WM" with symbol number 2 is located on the winning line, the winning combination (winning combination) will be small symbol 1 or small symbol 2, as shown in FIG. 24(c). Because of the incorrect hitting sequence, i.e., the stopping operation is related to a stopping operation mode that is not a correct stopping operation mode (correct hitting sequence), the stopping positions are determined so that the symbol combination showing the winning form of a 9-coin role does not line up on the winning line (so that small symbol 35 does not win).

In a situation where reel 20a has stopped so that replay pattern B "RPB" number 5 is located on the active line, and reel 20b has stopped so that watermelon pattern "WM" number 2 is located on the active line, and reel 20c is rotating, if stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when reel 20c has white 7 pattern number 6 "WHITE 7" (or red BAR pattern number 7 "RED BAR") located in the middle row (on the active line), the reel control means 43 will not stop white 7 pattern number 6 "WHITE 7" (or red BAR pattern number 7 "RED BAR") in the middle row (on the active line), but will pull in replay pattern A "RPA" number 3 and stop it in the middle row (on the active line). In other words, the reel control means 43 determines the position where the replay symbol A "RPA" with symbol number 3 stops on the pay line as the stop position of the reel 20c.
In addition, when the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when the reel 20c is rotating and the white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" (or the red BAR symbol "RED BAR") with the symbol number 6 can be stopped on the middle row (on the effective line) (for example, when the watermelon symbol "WM" with the symbol number 10 is located on the middle row (on the effective line)), the reel control means 43 does not stop the white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" with the symbol number 6 (or the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" with the symbol number 7) on the middle row (on the effective line) but stops the replay symbol A "RPA" with the symbol number 8 on the middle row (on the effective line). In other words, the reel control means 43 determines the position where the replay symbol A "RPA" with the symbol number 8 stops on the effective line as the stop position of the reel 20c.

When reel 20c stops so that replay pattern A "RPA" with pattern number 3 (or replay pattern A "RPA" with pattern number 8) stops on the winning line, as shown in FIG. 24(d), a pattern combination indicating the winning form of minor win 1 is displayed on the winning line, and minor win 1 is won (one medal is paid out).

In this embodiment, even if the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor win 2 can be displayed on the winning line, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor win 2 is not displayed on the winning line, and the symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor win 1 is displayed on the winning line.

If the minor prize 2 is not provided, in the above description of FIG. 24(b), when the white 7 symbol "white 7" of symbol number 6 is stopped on the winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing the winning form of the minor prize that can be displayed on the winning line will be 1, when the watermelon symbol "WM" of symbol number 2 is stopped on the winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing the winning form of the minor prize that can be displayed on the winning line will be 1, and when the bell symbol "BE" of symbol number 3 is stopped on the winning line, the number of symbol combinations showing the winning form of the minor prize that can be displayed on the winning line (2) will be the largest. If the position where the bell symbol "BE" of symbol number 3 stops on the winning line is determined as the stopping position of the reel 20b, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the minor prize 35 can be displayed on the winning line. In other words, even if the stopping operation is performed in an incorrect hitting order, the minor prize 35 (9-piece role) can be won.

In this embodiment, by providing not only minor prize 1 but also minor prize 2 and increasing the "number of symbol combinations that indicate the winning form of minor prizes that can be displayed on the active line" used in the number priority control, as described above, when the winning area "batting order bell 6" is won and the stopping operation is performed in an incorrect batting order (batting order 1), the symbol combination that indicates the winning form of a 1-coin role (minor prize 1) can be displayed on the active line.

In this embodiment, when in the RBB inside state, if the winning area "batting order bell 6" is won and the stop operation is performed with an incorrect batting order (batting order 1), the symbol combination showing the winning form of minor prize 2 is not displayed on the active line (minor prize 2 is not allowed to win). On the other hand, when in the RBB operating state, if the winning area "1 piece ALL" is won, the symbol combination showing the winning form of minor prize 2 may be displayed on the active line (minor prize 2 may win).

To simplify the explanation, if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 12" (Figure 23) is selected, where the correct batting order is batting order 6, and the stopping operation is performed with the incorrect batting order (batting order 1), and reel 20a stops so that replay pattern B "RPB" (number 5) is positioned on the winning line, and reel 20b stops so that watermelon pattern "WM" (number 2) is positioned on the winning line, the winning combination (the combination that can win a prize) will be small combination 3 or small combination 4.

Then, when the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when the reel 20c is rotating and the blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR" (or the green BAR symbol "Green BAR") with the symbol number 16 is located in the middle (on the effective line), the reel control means 43 does not stop the blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR" with the symbol number 16 (or the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" with the symbol number 17) in the middle (on the effective line), but pulls in the replay symbol B "RPB" with the symbol number 13 and stops it in the middle (on the effective line). In other words, the reel control means 43 determines the position where the replay symbol B "RPB" with the symbol number 13 stops on the effective line as the stop position of the reel 20c.
In addition, when the reel 20c is rotating and the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when it is possible to stop the blue BAR pattern "Blue BAR" with pattern number 16 (or the green BAR pattern "Green BAR" with pattern number 17) on the middle row (on the effective line) of the reel 20c (for example, when the blank pattern "BL" with pattern number 1 is located on the middle row (on the effective line)), the reel control means 43 does not stop the blue BAR pattern "Blue BAR" with pattern number 16 (or the green BAR pattern "Green BAR" with pattern number 17) on the middle row (on the effective line) but stops the replay pattern B "RPB" with pattern number 18 on the middle row (on the effective line). In other words, the reel control means 43 determines the position where the replay symbol B "RPB" of symbol number 18 stops on the pay line as the stop position of the reel 20c.

When reel 20c stops so that replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 13 (or replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 18) stops on an active line, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor win 3 is displayed on the active line, and minor win 3 is won (one medal is paid out).

In this embodiment, even if the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor win 4 can be displayed on the winning line, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor win 4 is not displayed on the winning line, and the symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor win 3 is displayed on the winning line.

In this embodiment, by providing a minor prize 4 in addition to the minor prize 3 and increasing the "number of symbol combinations that indicate the winning form of the minor prize that can be displayed on the active line" used in the number priority control, if the winning area "batting order bell 12" is won and the stopping operation is performed in an incorrect batting order (batting order 1), the symbol combination that indicates the winning form of the 1-coin role (minor prize 3) can be displayed on the active line.

In this embodiment, when in the RBB inside state, if the winning area "batting order bell 12" is won and the stop operation is performed with an incorrect batting order (batting order 1), the symbol combination showing the winning form of minor win 4 is not displayed on the active line (minor win 4 is not allowed to win). On the other hand, when the RBB is in operation state, if the winning area "1 piece ALL" is won, the symbol combination showing the winning form of minor win 4 may be displayed on the active line (minor win 4 may win).

Next, we will explain the stop control when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 6" (Figure 23) where the correct batting order is batting order 6 is won and the stop operation is performed with the incorrect batting order (batting order 3). As shown in Figure 23, the small roles included in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 6" are small role 1, small role 2, small role 7, small role 8, small role 9, small role 10, small role 15, small role 16, small role 25, and small role 35.

In a game in which the winning area "Bell 6" is won, while reels 20a to 20c are spinning, if stop button 26b is pressed on reel 20b when, for example, the white 7 symbol "White 7" with symbol number 6 is located in the middle (on the active line), the candidates for symbols to stop on the active line (symbols within the reel-in range of 5 frames) are as shown in FIG. 20: the white 7 symbol "White 7" with symbol number 6, the replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 5, the cherry symbol "CH" with symbol number 4, the bell symbol "BE" with symbol number 3, and the watermelon symbol "WM" with symbol number 2.

On reel 20b, when the white 7 symbol "white 7" with symbol number 6 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 6. On reel 20b, when the replay B symbol "RPB" with symbol number 5 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 0. On reel 20b, when the cherry symbol "CH" with symbol number 4 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 0. On reel 20b, when the bell symbol "BE" with symbol number 3 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 2. On reel 20b, if the watermelon symbol "WM" (symbol number 2) stops on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line to indicate winning combinations of minor prizes is six.

For reel 20b, the case where symbol number 6, the white 7 symbol "white 7", stops on a winning line and the case where symbol number 2, the watermelon symbol "WM", stops on a winning line have the same number of symbol combinations (6) that can be displayed on a winning line to show winning forms. Here, it is assumed that the reel control means 43 is set to determine the position where symbol number 2, the watermelon symbol "WM", stops on a winning line as the stopping position of reel 20b.

If reel 20b is stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" (symbol number 2) is positioned on the winning line, the winning combinations (combinations that can win a prize) are small combination 1, small combination 2, small combination 7, or small combination 8.

When reel 20b has stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" (symbol number 2) is located on the active line and reels 20a and 20c are spinning, if stop button 26a is pressed on reel 20a when, for example, the white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" (symbol number 6) is located in the middle (on the active line), there are five possible symbols to stop on the active line (symbols within the five-frame pull-in range), as shown in FIG. 20: the white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" (symbol number 6), the replay symbol B "RPB" (symbol number 5), the bell symbol "BE" (symbol number 4), the watermelon symbol "WM" (symbol number 3), and the watermelon symbol "WM" (symbol number 2), as shown in FIG.

On the reel 20a, when the white 7 symbol "white 7" with symbol number 6 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 0. On the reel 20a, when the replay B symbol "RPB" with symbol number 5 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 3. On the reel 20a, when the bell symbol "BE" with symbol number 4 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 0. On the reel 20a, when the watermelon symbol "WM" with symbol number 3 is stopped on a winning line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor roles that can be displayed on the winning line is 0. On reel 20a, if the watermelon symbol "WM" (symbol number 2) stops on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate winning minor combinations will be 0.

The reel control means 43 determines the position where the replay pattern B "RPB" with pattern number 5 stops on the pay line as the stopping position of the reel 20b.

When reel 20b stops so that the watermelon symbol "WM" of symbol number 2 is located on the winning line, and reel 20a stops so that the replay symbol B "RPB" of symbol number 5 is located on the winning line, the winning combination (the combination that can win a prize) is small combination 1 or small combination 2. Then, for example, when stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when it is possible to stop the white 7 symbol "white 7" of symbol number 6 (or the red BAR symbol "red BAR" of symbol number 7) on reel 20c in the middle row (on the winning line), reel control means 43 stops the replay symbol A "RPA" of symbol number 3 or the replay symbol A "RPA" of symbol number 8 on the middle row (on the winning line). In other words, the reel control means 43 determines the position where the replay pattern A "RPA" with the pattern number 3 or the replay pattern A "RPA" with the pattern number 8 stops on the pay line as the stop position of the reel 20c.

When reel 20c stops so that replay pattern A "RPA" with pattern number 3 or replay pattern A "RPA" with pattern number 8 stops on the winning line, a pattern combination indicating the winning form of minor win 1 is displayed on the winning line, and minor win 1 is won (one medal is paid out).

We will not go into detail here, but like minor prize 1 and minor prize 3, minor prize 5, minor prize 7, minor prize 9, minor prize 11, minor prize 13, and minor prize 15 will win in a specified winning area of the batting order bell when in the RBB internal state, and when the stopping operation is performed with an incorrect batting order, the symbol combinations that show these winning forms can be displayed on the active line.

In this embodiment, each of small win 1, small win 3, small win 5, small win 7, small win 9, small win 11, small win 13, and small win 15 may be a "first condition device" (first small win).

Also, like minor prize 2 and minor prize 4, minor prize 6, minor prize 8, minor prize 10, minor prize 12, minor prize 14 and minor prize 16 win in a predetermined winning area of the batting order bell when in the RBB internal state, and if the stop operation is performed with an incorrect batting order, the symbol combinations that indicate those winning forms will not be displayed on the active line. The symbol combinations that indicate those winning forms can be displayed on the active line if they win in the winning area "1 piece ALL" when the RBB is in operation.

In this embodiment, each of small win 2, small win 4, small win 6, small win 8, small win 10, small win 12, small win 14 and small win 16 may be a "second condition device" (second small win).

As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the first condition device (first minor prize) is set as a first symbol (replay symbol A "RPA" or replay symbol B "RPB") as the symbol displayed on the pay line of reel 20a (first reel), and a (multiple types of) second symbol (replay symbol A "RPA" or replay symbol B "RPB") as the symbol displayed on the pay line of reel 20c (second reel).
In addition, when the first reel is reel 20b, the first symbol (watermelon symbol "WM" or blank symbol "BL") is set as the symbol to be displayed on the pay line of reel 20b (first reel).

As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second condition device (second minor role) is set as the symbol displayed on the pay line of the reel 20a (first reel) with the first symbol (replay symbol A "RPA" or replay symbol B "RPB"), and set as the symbol displayed on the pay line of the reel 20c (second reel). When the first reel is the reel 20b, the first symbol (watermelon symbol "WM" or blank symbol "BL") is set as the symbol displayed on the pay line of the reel 20b (first reel). The third symbol is the white 7 symbol "white 7", the red BAR symbol "red BAR", the blue BAR symbol "blue BAR", or the green BAR symbol "green BAR". On the reel 20c, the third symbol is provided between two adjacent second symbols (replay symbol A "RPA" or replay symbol B "RPB") among a plurality of second symbols provided at a predetermined interval (four frames). On the reel 20c, the interval between adjacent second symbols is always within four frames.
In addition, on the reel 20c, the second symbol is set at a position where it can be stopped (displayed) (pulled in) on the pay line when the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing where the third symbol can be stopped on the pay line. In this embodiment, when the reel 20c is rotating, the second symbol can always be stopped (pulled in) on the pay line regardless of the timing at which the stop button 26c is pressed.

In this embodiment, as a winning mode obtained in the internal lottery, in which the first minor role (incorrect minor role), the second minor role (incorrect minor role), and a specific minor role (correct minor role) overlap and win (first winning mode), a winning area "batting order bell 6" and a winning area "batting order bell 12" are provided. In this embodiment, in the number priority control executed when the first winning mode is won in the internal lottery and a stop operation is performed in an incorrect batting order, the stop position of a predetermined reel is determined based on the fact that the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role and the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor role are symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line.
In other words, in the number priority control, when a specific symbol is stopped on a pay line for a specific reel, the position where the specific symbol stops on the pay line is determined as the stop position of the specific reel based on the fact that the number of symbol combinations showing the winning form of the first minor role and the winning form of the second minor role that can be displayed on the pay line including the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role and the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor role is maximized.In other words, in the number priority control, the stop position of a specific reel (for example, the reel that stops second) is determined so that the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role and the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor role have a possibility of being displayed on the pay line (so that they can be aligned on the pay line).

In the RBB internal state, i.e., the first gaming state (when the first winning pattern (batting order bell) is won in the first gaming state), the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor prize can be displayed on the winning line, but the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor prize cannot be displayed on the winning line. Also, in the RBB operating state, i.e., the second gaming state, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor prize can be displayed on the winning line.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A plurality of reels (e.g., reels 20a to 20c) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged,
An internal lottery means (e.g., the internal lottery means 42) for performing an internal lottery to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved;
A reel control means (e.g., a reel control means 43) that spins the plurality of reels for each game and controls the reels to stop in response to a stop operation so that a symbol that exists within a predetermined pull-in range and corresponds to the result of the internal lottery is displayed on an active line;
A winning determination means (e.g., winning determination means 44) that determines whether a winning combination has been achieved based on a symbol combination that indicates a winning form that is predetermined for each winning combination being displayed on an active line while the plurality of reels are stopped;
A game state control means (e.g., a game state control means 49) is provided for transitioning the game state between a plurality of game states including a first game state in which a state in which a special role is won is maintained, and a second game state to which the game state is transitioned when the special role is won;
The winning combination includes a first small win, a second small win, and a specific small win.
The specific small win is a small win that can win a game value that is greater than the game value bet for one game,
The first small win and the second small win are small wins that can acquire a smaller number of game values than the specific small win when the first small win and the second small win are won,
The symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor win has a first symbol set as a symbol displayed on an active line of a first reel, and a second symbol (of a plurality of types) set as a symbol displayed on an active line of a second reel;
The symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor winning combination is set such that the first symbol is set as a symbol to be displayed on the pay line of the first reel, and a third symbol is set as a symbol to be displayed on the pay line of the second reel,
on the second reel, the third symbol is provided between two adjacent second symbols among the plurality of second symbols provided at a predetermined interval,
the second reel is provided with the second symbol at a position where it can be pulled onto the pay line when a stop operation is performed at a timing where the third symbol can be stopped on the pay line;
As a winning mode obtained in the internal lottery, there is a first winning mode in which the first small prize, the second small prize, and the specific small prize are won in an overlapping manner,
the reel control means is capable of executing control for determining a stop position of the reel based on the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and that indicate a winning form;
In the control executed when the first winning mode is won in the internal lottery and a stop operation is performed in an operation mode in which the specific minor role cannot be won, the stop position of a predetermined reel is determined based on the fact that the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role and the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor role are symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line,
In the first gaming state (when the first winning mode is won in the internal lottery in the first gaming state), a symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role may be displayed on an active line, but a symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor role is not displayed on an active line;
In the second gaming state, a symbol combination showing a winning form of the second minor combination may be displayed on an active line.

The first symbol is set as the symbol displayed on the pay line of the first reel for both the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor prize and the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor prize. Therefore, when the first symbol is stopped on the pay line of the first reel, the number of symbol combinations showing the winning form that can be displayed on the pay line is relatively large. In the control executed when the first winning form is selected in the internal lottery and the stopping operation is performed in an incorrect hitting order, the stopping position of the specified reel is determined based on the fact that the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor prize and the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor prize are symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line. In other words, in this control, when a specific symbol is stopped on a pay line for a specific reel, the position where the specific symbol stops on the pay line is determined as the stop position of the specific reel based on the fact that the number of symbol combinations showing winning patterns that can be displayed on the pay line, including the symbol combination showing the winning pattern of the first minor win and the symbol combination showing the winning pattern of the second minor win, is maximized. This makes it possible to prevent the symbol combination showing the winning pattern of the specific minor win from being displayed on the pay line.

In addition, in the first gaming state (internal RBB state), if the first winning pattern is selected in the internal lottery and a stop operation is performed with an incorrect hitting sequence, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor prize is displayed on the active line, but the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor prize is not displayed on the active line. Therefore, in the first gaming state, it is possible to limit the types of symbol combinations that are displayed when a stop operation is performed with the incorrect hitting sequence. This prevents the types from becoming too diverse and cumbersome, and makes it easy for the player to understand.

In the above-described embodiment, the game is played using medals as the game value, but the game value may be electrical information (it may be so-called medalless). In this case, when a winning combination is achieved, the amount of value corresponding to the winning combination may be given to the player in the form of electrical information.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the game control form and configuration of the slot machine are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described control operation can be applied not only to slot machines, but also to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and medal-less gaming machines. The present invention can be applied to gaming machines, and gaming machines include slot machines, pachinko gaming machines, medal-less gaming machines, etc.

In addition, within the scope of the present invention, it is possible to freely combine the various embodiments, modify any of the components of each embodiment, or omit any of the components of each embodiment.

12 Front door 38 Periphery lamp (first lighting means)
47 Setting change means 91 Lower panel (second lighting means) (specific lighting means)
92 Upper panel (second lighting means) (specific lighting means)
100 Production control means

Claims (2)

The front door and
A lighting means provided on the front door;
A performance control means for controlling the execution of the performance;
A setting change means capable of executing a setting change process for changing a setting value among a plurality of setting values,
The illumination means includes a first illumination means and a second illumination means different from the first illumination means,
Among the set values, the set value with the lowest expected value of the ball payout rate is defined as a specific set value, and a predetermined set value other than the specific set value is defined as a first set value.
the performance control means sets a reference lighting mode of the second lighting means to a first lighting mode when the first set value is set, and sets a reference lighting mode of the second lighting means to a second lighting mode different from the first lighting mode when the specific set value is set;
The performance control means, when a predetermined condition is satisfied while no game is being played, dims or turns off the first lighting means without changing the lighting state of the second lighting means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the performance control means causes the second lighting means to emit light in a predetermined lighting mode when a predetermined error occurs, regardless of which setting value is set.

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